Ninja fg551 vs dg551: Which One Should You Buy?

After using a handful of indoor grills and air fryer combos over the years, I was curious when I came across the Ninja FG551 and the newer Ninja DG551. These aren't your average countertop grills; they aim to bring real grilling performance indoors with innovative features and high-heat cooking.

Both models offer a 6-in-1 setup with grill, air fry, bake, roast, broil, and dehydrate functions. But the DG551 steps things up slightly with design tweaks, improved airflow, and a quieter fan system. It also refines the Smart Cook System to make your cooking experience smoother.

Still, both appliances offer impressive results for meats, veggies, and frozen foods. Here's a comprehensive guide to the Ninja FG551 vs. DG551, helping you decide which smart grill deserves a spot on your kitchen counter.

Ninja fg551 Review

What I Like

• Delivers even and consistent cooking every time
• The built-in smart thermometer takes the guesswork out of grilling.
• Super easy to use with a clear, intuitive control panel
• Versatile functions: I use it to air fry, grill, and even roast.
• Searing power is impressive, especially for steaks and burgers.

What I Don't Like

• It's bulky and takes up a considerable amount of counter space.
• The fan gets a little loud during air frying.

After using the Ninja FG551 for the past few months, I can confidently say it's one of the most reliable kitchen appliances I own. From the first time I grilled chicken breasts on it, I was impressed by how evenly it cooked and how perfectly the built-in thermometer nailed the doneness. I just selected "medium," inserted the probe, and let it do its thing; no flipping or hovering was required.

While it's marketed as a 6-in-1 appliance, I mainly use it for grilling and air frying, which it does incredibly well. The roast and bake settings are nice to have, but I still prefer using my oven for those tasks.

That said, the air-frying results are outstanding, with crispy Brussels sprouts, golden fries, and juicy wings that require very little oil. It honestly competes with my standalone air fryer in terms of performance.

It's worth noting that the FG551 is pretty big; I had to make space on my counter to accommodate it. But for me, the size is a tradeoff I'm willing to accept because I can cook up to 6 steaks or several servings of veggies at once, which is great when I'm meal-prepping or cooking for friends.

Cleanup is manageable. While not everything can be washed in the dishwasher, the nonstick grill plate and crisper basket wipe clean easily. I usually let them soak for a few minutes, and that's enough to lift off anything stuck.

Type: Indoor Grill + Air Fryer | Capacity: Fits 6 steaks or 4-quart crisp basket | Dimensions: 15.75 x 16.54 x 11.1 inches | Maximum Temperature: 510°F

Ninja dg551 Review

What I Like

• Even and consistent results, especially for grilled meats and air-fried veggies
• Incredibly simple to operate, even easier than I expected
• The built-in thermometer is accurate and super convenient.
• Easy to clean, most parts go straight into the dishwasher.
• Slightly quieter than the FG551, which I appreciated

What I Don't Like

• Still takes up a good amount of space.
• Doesn't feel drastically faster or more potent than the FG551

After spending a few weeks cooking with the Ninja DG551, I can confidently say it's one of the most user-friendly indoor grills I've ever used. It's technically the newer version of the FG551, but with a few thoughtful updates that made my everyday cooking experience just a bit smoother.

What stood out for me was the Smart Cook System with the built-in thermometer. I've used it to cook medium-rare steaks and salmon fillets to absolute perfection, with no need to cut into the food to check if it's done. Simply select your desired doneness level, insert the probe, and let the DG551 take care of the rest. It's surprisingly hands-off for something that feels so "manual."

As someone who airs fries a lot, I also loved how evenly this model crisped up Brussels sprouts, potatoes, and even tofu. The results were golden and crispy, and cleanup was painless. Most parts, such as the grill plate and crisper basket, are dishwasher-safe, which is a big plus on busy weeknights.

The design is also slightly sleeker and more refined than the FG551, featuring a quieter fan and improved airflow. It's still a large appliance, though, so I had to reorganize a bit of my kitchen counter to make room. However, if you have the space, it's worth it for the capabilities it offers.

It's called a 6-in-1, but I mostly used it for grilling and air frying. That's where it shines. I didn't bother with baking or broiling much. This isn't meant to replace an oven, in my opinion, but as a grill and air fryer hybrid, it's excellent.

Type: Indoor Grill + Air Fryer | Capacity: Fits up to 6 steaks or a 4-quart crisp basket | Dimensions: 15.75 x 16.54 x 11.1 inches | Maximum Temperature: 510°F

Ninja fg551 vs dg551: Detail Comparison

Capacity

FG551: This model comes with a 4-quart air frying basket and a grill grate that fits up to 6 steaks at once. I found it perfect for meal prepping or cooking for two to four people. It handled a weeknight dinner of grilled chicken and veggies efficiently without crowding.

DG551: The DG551 offers the same overall capacity, but it felt slightly more efficient during air frying. I think it's due to the updated airflow system. The cooking surface area is identical, but the performance feels smoother when I batch cook.

Quality of Build

FG551: The original Smart XL Grill features a solid, industrial design, available in black with silver accents. It's built like a tank, and everything locks into place securely. That said, it's heavy and a little clunky on the counter. I've had mine for over a year, and it still feels like new.

DG551: The DG551 refines the same design. It's still sturdy, but the lid has a slightly softer close, and the buttons respond quicker. It's subtle, but if you've used both, you'll notice the difference. It also runs a bit quieter during grilling, which makes the experience feel more polished.

Ease of Use

FG551: The interface is straightforward: select your cooking function, insert the thermometer, and let it do its job. It took me one try to feel comfortable with it. The smart thermometer helps; it tells you when to flip and when it's done.

DG551: Even easier. The updated, innovative cooking system guides you through each step with greater clarity. I never needed the manual. Also, I appreciated that the thermometer storage is better integrated; no more digging around drawers to find it.

Cooking Performance

FG551: Whether I was grilling salmon or air-frying fries, the results were reliable. I loved the searing power; it gave me legit grill marks indoors. Sometimes, the air fryer fan was a bit loud, but not enough to be annoying.

DG551: Here's where the DG551 starts to shine. Everything is cooked just a bit more evenly, especially thicker cuts of meat. I tested both with boneless thighs, and the DG551 hit the temperature faster and browned the skin more evenly. If you cook proteins a lot, you'll notice the improvement.

Cleanup and Storage

FG551: Cleanup is pretty straightforward, but I did find myself scrubbing the grill plate a bit more. It's dishwasher-safe, but I often just soak it in the sink. Storage is tricky; the unit is large, and I had to give it a dedicated counter corner.

DG551: Same size, but slightly easier to clean. I think the nonstick coating on the newer model resists grime better. The updated basket design is also easier to rinse. Still bulky, but the improved design makes cleanup a little less of a chore.

Value for Money

FG551: If you find it at a discount, it's still an excellent value. It has all the key functions: grill, air fry, roast, bake, and performs well across the board. A great pick if you're not fussed about having the “latest” version.

DG551: You're paying for minor but meaningful upgrades. Better airflow, quieter fan, faster cook times, and improved ease of use. If you cook often and want the most refined experience, it's worth the extra cost.

Overall Rating: Ninja DG551 – 9.2/10 | Ninja FG551 – 8.2/10

Final Verdict: DG551 vs FG551

If you already own the FG551, you don't need to rush out and upgrade, but if you're choosing between them for the first time, I'd recommend the Ninja DG551(Check pricing). It improves on everything the Ninja FG551 does well: it's easier to use, slightly faster, and a bit more polished. The differences are subtle, but if you cook often or care about performance details, they add up.

So, at last, Ninja DG551. It's the smarter, smoother evolution of an already great appliance.

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