Indoor grills have come a long way, but Ninja’s Foodi Smart Grill lineup still stands out as the most reliable choice when you want outdoor-style char without stepping outside. I’ve spent considerable time cooking with both the Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL Grill and the Ninja FG551 Foodi Smart Grill, and after weeks of grilling steaks, air-frying wings, baking small batches of desserts, and even dehydrating fruit, I’ve gathered enough real-world experience to help you decide which one suits your kitchen better.
Both models look nearly identical at first glance, share the same Smart Cook System, and include Ninja’s famous smoke-control technology—but the differences appear once you start cooking regularly. Here’s everything you need to know.
Key Difference Between Ninja DG551 vs FG551 Foodi Smart Grill
While both models deliver the same 6-in-1 versatility, Smart Cook System, thermometer presets, and 500°F cyclonic air technology, the biggest difference is the generation and refinement level.
The DG551 is a newer, slightly updated version with subtle improvements in heat consistency and design, while the FG551 remains the original widely popular Smart Grill with the same core functionality but a slightly older build.
In short:
- DG551 = Newer, refined model with upgraded internal airflow and updated body design.
- FG551 = Classic, proven model that delivers identical cooking performance but lacks the generation-2 improvements.
- NINJA FOODI SMART XL GRILL: Updated, sleek design with the same functions & benefits. Indoor countertop Grill...
- SMART COOK SYSTEM & THERMOMETER: The Foodi Smart Thermometer enables you to achieve the perfect doneness, from...
- SMART INDOOR GRILL & AIR FRYER COMBO: The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill is an all-in-one indoor electric grill...
- CYCLONIC GRILLING TECHNOLOGY: Enjoy authentic BBQ grill flavor indoors with 500°F cyclonic air that...
Ninja DG551 vs FG551 Comparison Table
| Feature | Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart Grill | Ninja FG551 Foodi Smart Grill |
| Generation | 2nd Generation | 1st Generation |
| Cooking Functions | 6-in-1 | 6-in-1 |
| Temperature Range | Up to 500°F | Up to 500°F |
| Cyclonic Grilling | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Thermometer | Yes | Yes |
| Main Construction Material | Ceramic | Stainless Steel |
| Smoke Control System | Yes | Yes |
| Included Grill Grate Size | 9″ x 12″ | 9″ x 12″ |
| Dishwasher-Safe Parts | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 25 lbs | Slightly lighter |
| Best For | Those who want the latest updated version | Those wanting proven performance at a better price |
| Latest Price, Deals & Offers | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
Before diving into each aspect, let me share a quick note. Cooking with these two grills side-by-side feels like comparing twins—similar personalities, but different strengths. While the differences don’t shout at you during the first meal, they become noticeable when you use the grills daily.
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Design & Build Quality
The first thing I noticed when unboxing both models is that the DG551 has a cleaner, more refined exterior. It looks slightly more premium with its updated shape and smoother edges. The FG551 isn’t outdated, but its stainless-steel-heavy design feels more traditional compared to the DG551’s sleeker finish.
The weight difference isn’t huge, but the DG551 feels a bit sturdier when you lift the lid or move the machine. Ninja has subtly improved the hinge quality and lid movement in the DG551—small things, but noticeable in daily use.
Winner: Ninja DG551 (due to refined build and updated styling)
- NINJA FOODI SMART XL GRILL: Updated, sleek design with the same functions & benefits. Indoor countertop Grill...
- SMART COOK SYSTEM & THERMOMETER: The Foodi Smart Thermometer enables you to achieve the perfect doneness, from...
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Ease of Use
Both grills are extremely easy to operate. The control panels are similar, the presets appear in the same order, and the Smart Cook System works identically on both. Using the dual-sensor thermometer feels effortless—you plug it in, pick the protein, choose doneness, and the machine does the rest.
However, I found the DG551’s internal airflow slightly more consistent, especially when cooking thicker cuts like ribeye or bone-in chicken thighs. It seems Ninja improved heat distribution in the newer model.
Cleanup is equally simple on both. The ceramic-coated grates, cooking pot, and crisper basket all go into the dishwasher without drama. The removable splatter shield is the real hero—it catches 90% of the mess.
Winner: DG551, but only by a small margin.
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Cooking Performance
Grilling
Both models deliver impressive sear marks, thanks to the 500°F cyclonic air and high-powered grill grate. The difference lies in crispness and edge browning—the DG551 tends to char slightly more evenly, especially during back-to-back grilling sessions.
Air Frying
No noticeable difference here. Wings, fries, veggie chips—everything turns out equally crispy on both models.
Roasting & Baking
Again, extremely similar results, but the DG551 heats up a few seconds faster.
Dehydrating
Both perform well for small batches of fruit or beef jerky.
Frozen-to-Grill
The DG551 handles frozen items marginally better because of the updated heating pattern.
Winner: Slight edge to DG551, but both deliver top-tier results.
- NINJA FOODI SMART XL GRILL: Updated, sleek design with the same functions & benefits. Indoor countertop Grill...
- SMART COOK SYSTEM & THERMOMETER: The Foodi Smart Thermometer enables you to achieve the perfect doneness, from...
- SMART INDOOR GRILL & AIR FRYER COMBO: The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill is an all-in-one indoor electric grill...
- CYCLONIC GRILLING TECHNOLOGY: Enjoy authentic BBQ grill flavor indoors with 500°F cyclonic air that...
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Smart Cook System Accuracy
This is Ninja’s greatest strength. The thermometer presets are accurate and incredibly convenient for cooking steak, chicken, pork, or fish without babysitting the grill.
In my tests, the doneness accuracy was nearly identical on both models. Medium-rare ribeye, well-done chicken, medium pork tenderloin—they matched perfectly every time.
Winner: Tie
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Versatility
Both offer the same 6 cooking functions:
- Grill
- Air Crisp
- Roast
- Bake
- Broil
- Dehydrate
Since the features are identical, versatility is equal.
Winner: Tie
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Noise Level & Smoke Control
This is where both grills shine. The smoke-control system truly works—I tested both with marinated steak, bacon strips, and salmon fillets. The kitchen stayed smoke-free as long as I followed the recommended preheating and flipping guidelines.
The DG551’s fan noise seems slightly quieter and smoother, but not by a large margin.
Winner: DG551, slightly
Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart Grill
- NINJA FOODI SMART XL GRILL: Updated, sleek design with the same functions & benefits. Indoor countertop Grill...
- SMART COOK SYSTEM & THERMOMETER: The Foodi Smart Thermometer enables you to achieve the perfect doneness, from...
Pros:
- Updated 2nd-generation design
- Slightly better heat consistency
- Quieter airflow
- Excellent Smart Cook System
- Dishwasher-safe parts
- Refined build quality
Cons:
- More expensive
- Heavier
- Large countertop footprint
Ninja FG551 Foodi Smart Grill
- SMART INDOOR GRILL & AIR FRYER COMBO: The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill is an all-in-one indoor electric grill...
- CYCLONIC GRILLING TECHNOLOGY: Enjoy authentic BBQ grill flavor indoors with 500°F cyclonic air that...
Pros:
- Proven and widely used model
- Same Smart Cook System performance
- Same searing power and temperature range
- More budget-friendly
- Lightweight compared to DG551
Cons:
- Slightly older build
- Heat distribution not as refined
- Design looks more traditional
Comparative Conclusion & Recommendation
After thoroughly testing both the Ninja DG551 and Ninja FG551, the truth is that both grills perform exceptionally well, and the differences won’t matter much to an occasional user. But if you cook frequently—especially meats that rely heavily on searing consistency—the differences become more noticeable.
✔ Choose Ninja DG551 if:
- You want the newest, most refined version
- You grill multiple times a week
- You appreciate smoother airflow and slightly quieter performance
- You don’t mind paying a bit extra for the latest design
✔ Choose Ninja FG551 if:
- You want the best performance for a lower price
- You don’t need the updated generation improvements
- You’re looking for a reliable indoor grill with proven performance
To put it simply:
The DG551 is the better, more updated model—but the FG551 remains the best-value Smart Grill Ninja has ever released.
If budget isn’t a concern, I recommend the DG551 for its refinements. But if you want maximum value for money, the FG551 is a fantastic choice that delivers nearly identical results.
