5 Cheapest Ninja Grills of 2026

If you’re hunting for a no-frills, budget-friendly indoor grill that still delivers restaurant-style sizzle, the Ninja Sizzle Indoor Griddle steps up with surprising confidence. With 500°F max heat, this compact powerhouse locks in juices and creates mouthwatering sear marks on burgers, bacon, or pancakes—without the smoke show that plagues cheaper models. Its edge-to-edge heating eliminates cold spots, ensuring every inch of the 14-inch surface cooks evenly, which is a game-changer for family breakfasts where half a dozen pancakes need to land hot and golden at once.

In real-world use, the griddle shines brightest when multitasking—think eggs frying beside bacon while pancakes bubble gently under the hood. The removable nonstick plate wipes clean easily, and the grease catch system keeps drips contained, though heavy grease producers like sausage might require mid-cook bailing. While it lacks air frying or smart features, its hood-up or hood-down versatility adds surprising depth: open for aggressive searing, closed to melt cheese or speed up cooking. Just don’t expect precision temperature control—it’s manual dials only, so fine-tuning takes a practiced hand.

Compared to the pricier Ninja DG551 Smart XL, this model strips away tech to focus on one thing: solid, sizzling performance at a fraction of the cost. It’s the ideal pick for students, small households, or anyone who wants consistent griddle results without the clutter of multi-function gadgets. While it doesn’t air fry or dehydrate, it outperforms similarly priced combo units when it comes to pure griddle cooking—offering more surface reliability than the PowerXL Smokeless Grill Elite at nearly half the price point.

The Ninja EG201 Foodi 6-in-1 Indoor Grill isn’t just a grill—it’s a countertop powerhouse that redefines what budget-smart cooking can be. Armed with cyclonic grilling technology and a 500°F grill grate, it delivers true char-grilled flavor with visible sear marks, while the air crisp function slashes fat by up to 75% compared to deep frying—making crispy wings without the guilt. Its smoke control system, featuring a splatter shield and cool-air zone, keeps kitchens clean and air breathable, even during intense sear sessions.

Put it to work on frozen chicken breasts, and you’ll pull out juicy, evenly cooked results in under 25 minutes—no thawing required. The 4-qt crisper basket handles side dishes with ease, and the intuitive digital display lets you dial in precise settings from “Low” to “Max” grill, though it lacks a meat probe for doneness assurance. It handles steaks, salmon, and roasted veggies like a pro, but when dehydrating or baking, the smaller capacity shows—large batches need rotation, and multi-rack cooking isn’t an option.

Stacked against the GR100GDL, the EG201 is a quantum leap in versatility, swapping griddle space for six cooking functions in one sleek unit. It’s perfect for health-conscious families or small-space cooks who want air frying, roasting, and grilling without multiple appliances. While it doesn’t include a smart thermometer like the DG551, it delivers 90% of the performance at 70% of the price, making it the sweet spot between capability and cost.

Meet the gold standard of smart indoor grilling—the Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL doesn’t just cook, it thinks. With the Smart Cook System and built-in Foodi Thermometer, you can nail perfect doneness from rare to well-done with a single tap, eliminating guesswork for steaks, pork chops, or chicken breasts. That 1760-watt cyclonic engine blasts 500°F air across a massive 9” x 12” grill grate, delivering deep char marks and smoky flavor that rivals outdoor grills—without stepping outside.

In testing, the thermometer proved scarily accurate, pulling the unit out of cook mode the moment internal meat temps hit target—no overcooked disasters. The 4-qt cooking pot and crisper basket handle sides beautifully, and the dehydrate function runs for hours without overheating, ideal for jerky or dried fruit. However, the sheer size demands counter space, and while the smoke control system works well, high-fat foods still trigger minor smoke alarms if the grease tray isn’t monitored.

When compared to the EG201, the DG551 justifies its premium with smarter automation and larger capacity, especially for protein-focused households. It’s the go-to for tech lovers, meal preppers, or anyone who values precision over simplicity. While the EG201 offers great value, the DG551 delivers a luxury-grade experience with measurable performance gains, making it the best overall investment for serious indoor grilling.

The Ninja GR101 isn’t just a grill—it’s a dual-role cooking arena that flips between char-grill intensity and flat-top griddle ease with a simple plate swap. Whether you’re searing skirt steak with deep char lines or whipping up a pancake feast for Sunday brunch, the interchangeable 14-inch plates deliver professional results without the kitchen chaos. With 500°F max heat and edge-to-edge heating, there’s no sacrifice in performance—each plate heats uniformly, avoiding the patchy cook that plagues budget models.

Real-world testing shows the grill plate locks in moisture on thick-cut salmon, while the griddle plate handles batter spread flawlessly for diner-style pancakes. The low-smoke design, complete with perforated mesh lid and grease catch, keeps the air clear—though butter-heavy dishes will still test its limits. It’s a dream for families who want versatility without complexity, but you’ll miss out on air frying or dehydrating, which the EG201 offers in a single unit.

Against the Sizzle GR100, the GR101 wins on flexibility and included accessories, giving you both grill and griddle plates out of the box. It’s the ultimate pick for households that cook diverse meals daily but don’t want the learning curve of a smart grill. While it doesn’t have the automated precision of the DG551, it offers broader surface utility at a mid-tier price, making it the best value for grill-and-griddle lovers.

For those who crave char-grilled flavor without the kitchen chaos, the Ninja Sizzle GR100 Smokeless Indoor Grill is a revelation. It hits 500°F max heat with authority, creating perfect sear marks on steaks and burgers while the perforated mesh lid and grease catcher work in tandem to minimize smoke—making it ideal for apartments or smoke-sensitive homes. The 14-inch nonstick plate offers family-sized capacity, easily fitting six burgers or chicken breasts, and the edge-to-edge heating ensures no cold corners, so every bite cooks evenly.

In daily use, it excels at quick protein sears—salmon fillets come out crisp-skinned and tender, while veggies caramelize beautifully without drying. Cleanup is a breeze: the plate and lid are dishwasher-safe, and the nonstick surface rarely needs scrubbing. But when cooking fatty meats like ribeye, the grease tray fills fast—requiring mid-meal attention to avoid overflow. It’s a dedicated griller, so don’t expect air frying or roasting, but what it does, it does well.

Next to the GR100GDL, this model offers a cleaner, more focused grilling experience with better smoke management and a sleeker design. It’s the top choice for urban dwellers or anyone prioritizing low-smoke performance and ease of use over multi-functionality. While the EG201 offers more modes, the GR100 delivers purer grilling satisfaction at a lower price, making it the best budget pick for smoke-conscious sizzlers.