5 Best Ninja Smokeless Grill XL of 2026

The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro isn’t just another indoor grill—it’s a full-scale countertop kitchen powerhouse. With a 500°F independently powered grill grate and a 12” flat-top BBQ griddle, this unit delivers edge-to-edge searing that rivals outdoor grills, while the Smart Thermometer eliminates guesswork for perfectly cooked proteins every time. Whether you’re reverse-searing a thick ribeye or whipping up pancakes and bacon simultaneously, its 7-in-1 functionality—from air crisp to dehydrate—solves the common pain point of cluttered kitchens with single-purpose appliances.

In real-world testing, the cyclonic air system shines when air crisping fries or roasting vegetables, achieving golden crunch with up to 75% less fat than deep frying. The XL capacity handles six steaks or a mountain of nachos with ease, and the hood-up/hood-down versatility lets you choose between intense direct searing and even convection-style cooking. However, the sheer size demands significant counter space, and while the smoke control system works well, high-fat foods can still produce some smoke if the grease tray overflows—so vigilance is key.

Compared to the more basic Ninja AG301, the Smart XL Pro is in a different league—offering griddle integration, a smart thermometer, and broader cooking modes. It’s ideal for families or meal preppers who want one appliance to replace multiple cookware, though it’s overkill for singles or minimalists. With more features, flexibility, and precision than the budget models, it justifies its premium status by being the most versatile Ninja grill in the lineup.

The Ninja Foodi AG301 brings outdoor-style grilling power indoors without breaking the bank—making it a standout for budget-conscious cooks who still crave char-grilled flavor. Its 500°F cyclonic grilling technology delivers impressive sear marks and smoky taste, while the air fry function crisps wings and fries with up to 75% less fat than traditional frying. The no-defrost-needed feature is a game-changer, turning frozen chicken breasts into juicy, evenly cooked meals in under 25 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.

During testing, the 4-qt crisper basket handled portions for 2–4 people with ease, and the 6-qt cooking pot added unexpected versatility for roasting or slow-cooking sides. The cyclonic air flow ensured even cooking, though dense foods like thick pork chops required rotation for uniform doneness. While it handles most tasks well, the lack of a griddle plate limits breakfast flexibility, and the smaller grill grate (10” x 10”) means you’ll cook in batches for larger families.

When stacked against the Ninja IG651, the AG301 sacrifices versatility and capacity but wins on affordability and simplicity. It’s a smarter choice than the basic GR100 for those who want air frying and grilling in one without the premium price tag. For singles, couples, or anyone who values reliable performance over bells and whistles, this model offers the best balance of function and value in the mid-tier range.

The Ninja Sizzle Pro XL redefines what a countertop grill can do—offering a massive 20-inch cooking surface that’s 40% larger than standard models, making it a true contender for family-sized meals. Its edge-to-edge heating outperforms even popular outdoor griddles like the Blackstone, delivering consistent browning whether you’re searing steaks or flipping pancakes. With ProTemp IQ technology, temperature readings are more accurate than older Ninja models, giving you precise control from 250°F to 500°F—a huge win for delicate tasks like buttery scrambled eggs or low-and-slow bacon.

In practice, the interchangeable grill and griddle plates offer unmatched versatility: go from Korean BBQ night to diner-style breakfasts with a simple swap. The detachable ventilated lid is a standout—locking in heat for melting cheese or crisping skin, while minimizing splatter and grease mess. Real-world use shows it handles high-heat searing beautifully, though the grease management system requires monitoring during fatty cookouts to avoid overflow. Still, cleanup is a breeze thanks to the PFAS-free ceramic nonstick coating on all plates.

Against the Ninja IG651, the Sizzle Pro XL trades smart thermometers and air frying for sheer cooking real estate and griddle dominance. It’s the best overall pick for those who grill and griddle often and want professional-level results without outdoor space. With broader surface coverage, better heat distribution, and easier plate swaps than any other Ninja grill, it delivers maximum utility for serious home cooks.

The Ninja Sizzle GR100 is a no-frills powerhouse that delivers restaurant-quality searing at an unbeatable price—making it the top pick for value seekers. With 500°F max heat, it locks in juices and creates bold char-grilled marks on steaks, burgers, and veggies, all while the perforated mesh lid and grease catcher keep smoke and splatter to a minimum. The 14-inch nonstick plate fits up to six chicken breasts, making it ideal for meal prep or feeding a small family—without the mess or odors of traditional grilling.

In daily use, the edge-to-edge heating performs impressively, eliminating cold spots that plague cheaper models. Whether you’re cooking lid-up for aggressive searing or lid-down to melt cheese, the results are consistently solid. The dishwasher-safe components make cleanup effortless, and the compact footprint fits neatly on most countertops. That said, it lacks advanced features like temperature presets or air frying, and high-fat foods can still trigger minor smoke if the grease tray fills too quickly.

Compared to the pricier Sizzle GR100 (B0DX5PQPKD), this model offers nearly identical performance at a lower cost—making it the smarter buy for budget-focused users. It doesn’t have smart tech or extra functions, but for those who want reliable, smoke-controlled grilling without overspending, it’s the best bang for the buck in the Ninja lineup.

The Ninja Sizzle GR100 (B0DX5PQPKD) is a mid-range upgrade that strikes a sweet spot between performance and price, offering pro-level searing power with modern convenience. With 500°F max heat and edge-to-edge cooking, it ensures every inch of the 14-inch plate delivers even browning—no more flipping food to avoid cold zones. The perforated mesh lid and high-walled design work together to tame smoke and contain grease, making indoor grilling a clean, enjoyable experience even in small kitchens.

Real-world testing shows it excels at quick weeknight meals—burgers, salmon fillets, and grilled veggies all come out with deep sear marks and juicy interiors. The hood-up/hood-down flexibility lets you choose between intense direct heat and gentle convection-style cooking, adding a layer of control missing in basic models. While it lacks air frying or smart thermometers, its removable nonstick plate and dishwasher-safe lid make cleanup a breeze. Still, the lack of temperature presets means you’ll need to monitor doneness manually.

When compared to the Sizzle Pro XL, this model is less versatile but more compact and affordable—ideal for couples or small families. It outperforms the budget GR100 (B0F1KXLFM3) with slightly better build and included recipes, though the core tech is nearly identical. For those who want better-than-basic grilling without splurging, it’s the best mid-range smokeless grill Ninja offers.