Some kitchen appliances feel like they immediately change the way you cook, and both the Ninja DG551 and IG651 fall exactly into that category. I’ve spent a lot of time using indoor grills, and these two models quickly stood out for how close they come to outdoor-style results without smoke taking over the kitchen. Their powerful heating, smart thermometer technology, and air frying abilities make them extremely appealing — but they aren’t identical.
While the DG551 delivers dependable performance with classic grill-focused features, the IG651 introduces a more advanced design with a flat-top griddle, stronger heating elements, and expanded versatility. If you’re torn between the two, this comparison will help you decide which one fits your cooking style better.
Key Difference Between Ninja DG551 vs IG651 Foodi Smart Grill Comparison
The biggest difference between the Ninja DG551 and the Ninja IG651 is cooking versatility and power.
- The DG551 is a 6-in-1 smart XL grill with strong performance and essential functions.
- The IG651 is a 7-in-1 smart grill + griddle combo with more powerful direct heating, better searing, and a large 12-inch flat-top griddle that the DG551 doesn’t have.
If you want stronger searing and more flexibility (like pancakes, sandwiches, smash burgers, and breakfast cooking), the IG651 feels more premium. If you want reliable grilling with smart thermometer support at a slightly more approachable price, the DG551 gets the job done efficiently.
- 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...
- NINJA'S MOST POWERFUL GRILL: 500F independently powered grill grate creates direct, edge-to-edge high-heat...
- 12” BBQ GRIDDLE: flat top bbq griddle cooks foods grills can't and interlocks with the grate to harness its...
Comparison Table: Ninja DG551 vs IG651 Foodi Smart Grill Comparison
| Feature | Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL Grill | Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro Grill/Griddle |
| Cooking Functions | 6-in-1 (Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate) | 7-in-1 (Grill, Griddle, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate) |
| Griddle Plate | ❌ No | ✔️ Yes (12-inch flat top BBQ griddle) |
| Direct Heating Power | 500°F top + cyclonic air | 500°F independently powered pro grate |
| Smart Thermometer | ✔️ Included | ✔️ Included |
| Smoke Control | ✔️ Yes | ✔️ Enhanced system |
| Capacity | Fits 6 burgers | Fits 6 steaks + sides |
| Best For | Char grilling, air frying, roasting | High-heat grilling, griddle cooking, larger meals |
| Wattage | 1760W | 1750W |
| Dishwasher-Safe Parts | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 25 lbs | Slightly lighter |
| Latest Price, Deals & Offers | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
Before diving into each aspect, I want to explain why this review matters: both of these grills are incredibly capable. But the way they behave when cooking real meals — steaks, vegetables, pancakes, wings, and sandwiches — is what separates them. Now let’s break down how each model felt in actual day-to-day use.
1. Design & Build Quality
Both units carry Ninja’s sturdy, modern aesthetic, but they give off different vibes once you start using them.
Ninja DG551
The DG551 has a more traditional closed-lid indoor grill design. It feels robust and solidly built, with heavy ceramic-coated parts that hold heat well. On the countertop, it takes up a fair amount of space, but for an indoor grill/air fryer combo, that’s expected.
Ninja IG651
The IG651 has a sleeker, more refined look — but what really stood out for me is the upgraded Pro Power Grill Grate. The direct heating element underneath gives it more of a restaurant-style feel. It also includes a 12-inch flat-top griddle, which instantly expands what you can cook. Build quality feels a little more premium compared to the DG551.
Verdict: IG651 wins for versatility and more premium heating design.
- 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...
- NINJA'S MOST POWERFUL GRILL: 500F independently powered grill grate creates direct, edge-to-edge high-heat...
- 12” BBQ GRIDDLE: flat top bbq griddle cooks foods grills can't and interlocks with the grate to harness its...
2. Ease of Use
DG551 Experience
Using the DG551 is straightforward. The controls are direct, the smart thermometer is accurate, and the smoke control system does a nice job keeping the kitchen comfortable. Switching between Air Crisp and Grill modes feels natural. Cleanup is also simple since all ceramic parts go straight in the dishwasher.
IG651 Experience
The IG651 has very similar controls but adds more flexibility. The ability to grill with the hood up or down is surprisingly useful. Searing smash burgers with the hood open genuinely feels like outdoor grilling. The bigger cooking area is noticeable, especially if you like cooking mains and sides together.
Verdict: Both are very user-friendly, but IG651 offers more cooking styles without adding complexity.
3. Cooking Performance & Functions
This is where the differences quickly become clear.
DG551 Cooking Performance
The DG551 handles everyday grilling extremely well. Steaks get great grill marks, chicken cooks evenly, and air-fried foods come out crispy. The smart thermometer virtually eliminates guesswork — medium and medium-rare come out exactly as expected.
Cyclonic grilling at 500°F works as advertised, but the heat doesn’t feel quite as aggressive as the IG651’s direct sear.
IG651 Cooking Performance
This is the star of the comparison. The IG651’s independently powered 500°F grill grate brings a level of heat intensity that the DG551 can’t fully match. Searing is sharper, faster, and more consistent across the surface.
And then there’s the flat-top griddle.
The 12-inch griddle plate cooks:
- Pancakes
- Eggs
- Smash burgers
- Stir-fry vegetables
- Sandwich melts
- Breakfast platters
…all of which the DG551 simply isn’t built for.
If cooking variety is important, the IG651 feels like two high-performance appliances fused into one.
Verdict: IG651 delivers stronger searing and more cooking flexibility.
- 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...
- NINJA'S MOST POWERFUL GRILL: 500F independently powered grill grate creates direct, edge-to-edge high-heat...
- 12” BBQ GRIDDLE: flat top bbq griddle cooks foods grills can't and interlocks with the grate to harness its...
4. Smoke Control
Both models feature Ninja’s smoke control system, and both perform better than most indoor grills.
DG551
Produces very little smoke when used correctly, even at high temperatures.
IG651
I found the IG651 to be slightly better at managing smoke during hood-up cooking. The improved cool-air zone seems to make a difference.
Verdict: IG651 wins slightly.
5. Capacity
- DG551: Plenty for 4–5 people.
- IG651: Larger surface allows full meals (steaks + sides) at once.
The IG651 flat-top griddle can cook 6 pancakes or 4 sandwiches, which is great for families.
Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart Indoor 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:
- Strong grilling performance with 500°F cyclonic heat
- Excellent Smart Thermometer
- Reliable air frying results
- Dishwasher-safe parts
- Great balance between features and price
Cons:
- No griddle option
- Slightly less powerful sear compared to IG651
- Smaller cooking versatility
Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart Indoor Grill
- NINJA'S MOST POWERFUL GRILL: 500F independently powered grill grate creates direct, edge-to-edge high-heat...
- 12” BBQ GRIDDLE: flat top bbq griddle cooks foods grills can't and interlocks with the grate to harness its...
Pros:
- Most powerful Ninja grill grate with direct heating
- Includes a 12-inch flat-top griddle
- Truly restaurant-style searing
- Large cooking area fits meals in one go
- Hood-up or hood-down cooking adds versatility
Cons:
- Pricier
- Slight learning curve with dual cooking modes
- Slightly larger footprint
Conclusion & My Recommendation
After cooking multiple types of meals — steaks, chicken thighs, breakfast spreads, vegetables, and air-fried sides — I found that both models cater to different types of cooks.
Choose the Ninja DG551 if:
- You mainly want a high-quality indoor grill + air fryer
- You want reliable performance at a lower price
- Smart thermometer accuracy is a priority
- You don’t need a griddle surface
Choose the Ninja IG651 if:
- You want the most powerful searing Ninja offers
- You love the idea of a griddle + grill in one unit
- You cook for a family and need more space
- You enjoy hood-up searing and restaurant-style results
My Recommendation:
If your primary goal is great grilling and easy air frying, the DG551 is fantastic and more budget-friendly.
But if you want the most versatile, powerful indoor grill Ninja makes — one that truly replaces multiple appliances — the Ninja IG651 is the clear winner.
