5 Best Ninja Indoor Grill XLs of 2026

The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro isn’t just another indoor grill—it’s a culinary powerhouse engineered for home chefs who demand restaurant-grade searing without the smoke or space of an outdoor setup. With 500°F independently powered grill grates, it delivers edge-to-edge high-heat searing that locks in juices and creates picture-perfect char marks, while the 12” flat-top griddle unlocks new cooking dimensions—think smash burgers, stir-fries, or pancakes—right alongside grilled proteins. The Pro Power Grate and Smart Thermometer integration eliminate guesswork, making it a top-tier solution for those tired of undercooked chicken or dried-out steaks.

In real-world testing, the 7-in-1 functionality shines across diverse meals: air-crisping wings to golden perfection, dehydrating homemade jerky, or roasting a full chicken with even browning thanks to cyclonic air technology. The XL capacity easily handles six steaks or a family-sized nacho platter, and the 4-qt crisper basket achieves that deep-fried crunch with up to 75% less fat—a win for health-conscious households. However, while the smoke control system does a commendable job, high-fat foods like bacon can still trigger minor smoke, especially with the hood down. It’s best used near a range hood or with kitchen ventilation.

Compared to the FG551 and DG551 models, the IG651 stands as the most versatile and powerful—it’s the only model with a dedicated griddle plate that interlocks with the grate, maximizing heat transfer for authentic BBQ-style cooking. While it’s the priciest in the lineup, its dual cooking surfaces and expanded function set justify the investment for serious home cooks. If you want maximum flexibility and pro-level results, this is the undisputed flagship—outperforming even the Sizzle Pro griddles in sear intensity and multi-function precision.

The Ninja Foodi Smart XL (FG551) strikes a perfect balance between smart tech and sizzling performance, making it a standout for users who want precision cooking without complexity. Its cyclonic grilling technology unleashes 500°F of high-speed air over a temperature-controlled grate, delivering authentic char-grilled flavor indoors—ideal for apartment dwellers or anyone craving BBQ year-round. The star of the show is the Foodi Smart Thermometer, which uses dual sensors and 9 doneness levels to nail everything from medium-rare ribeye to juicy, safe-to-eat chicken breasts—no more cutting into meat to check.

During testing, the XL grill grate consistently cooked 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs with even results, and the 4-qt crisper basket handled frozen fries and homemade mozzarella sticks with crisp, even browning. The air crisp function rivals standalone air fryers, producing wings with a crackling skin that belies their 75% less fat claim. However, while the smoke control system reduces indoor smoke significantly, searing fatty meats can still create a slight odor—best used with kitchen ventilation. It’s not the fastest grill on the market, but consistency and accuracy make up for it.

When stacked against the DG551, the FG551 offers earlier-gen tech but more robust build quality and a recipe book, giving it an edge for beginners. It lacks the griddle of the IG651 but excels as a smart, all-in-one grill and air fryer with fewer moving parts. For those prioritizing reliable doneness control and family-sized meals, this model hits the sweet spot—delivering premium features at a mid-tier cost, without the clutter of extra accessories.

If your kitchen needs a high-capacity, no-frills griddle that cooks like a diner flat-top, the Ninja Sizzle Pro XL (GX100) is a game-changer for breakfast lovers and big families. Its 20-inch ceramic nonstick surface offers edge-to-edge heating, ensuring pancakes, eggs, and bacon cook evenly—even when the surface is packed. The ProTemp IQ technology gives you precise 250°F–500°F control, so you can sear burgers hard or gently warm delicate foods without hot spots. It’s the ideal appliance for holiday mornings, Sunday brunch, or meal prepping for the week.

In practice, the large cooking zone handles 10+ burgers or a full breakfast for eight with ease, and the detachable ventilated lid helps contain splatter while melting cheese or steaming sandwiches. The grease catch tray works efficiently, pulling excess oil away from food for cleaner, healthier results. While it doesn’t offer air frying or roasting, its single-function focus pays off in performance and simplicity. That said, without a grill plate option, it’s limited to flat-top cooking, making it less versatile than dual-plate models.

Compared to the GX101, the GX100 lacks interchangeable plates, so you’re locked into griddle-only use. But for those who live for smash burgers or morning pancakes, this is a focused, reliable performer that outshines basic electric griddles. It’s not a multi-cooker, but as a dedicated indoor griddle, it delivers consistent heat and easy cleanup at a budget-friendly price—making it a smart pick over larger combo units if griddle cooking is your main goal.

The Ninja Foodi Smart XL DG551 is the smartest value play in the lineup—delivering next-gen performance at an entry-level price without sacrificing core features. It packs the same 500°F cyclonic grilling technology and Foodi Smart Thermometer as its pricier siblings, meaning you still get perfectly cooked proteins with zero guesswork, from rare steak to well-done chicken. The 6-in-1 versatility—grill, air crisp, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate—lets you replace multiple appliances, and the 4-qt crisper basket delivers 75% less fat results that rival deep frying.

Real-world use proves it’s fast, efficient, and surprisingly powerful for its class. It transforms frozen chicken wings to char-grilled perfection in under 25 minutes, and the smoke control system keeps indoor grilling mess-free—ideal for small kitchens or renters. The ceramic-coated, dishwasher-safe parts wipe clean effortlessly, and the updated sleek design blends well on any countertop. However, while it matches the FG551 in function, the build feels slightly lighter, and the preheat time is marginally slower under heavy loads.

Against the FG551, the DG551 is the clear budget winner—offering nearly identical tech at a lower cost. It lacks the recipe book and slightly upgraded materials of the older model, but for first-time buyers or those wanting smart grilling on a budget, it’s a no-brainer. You get premium features like smart doneness control and multi-function cooking in a compact, easy-to-use package—making it the best bang for your buck in the Ninja grill ecosystem.

For families that cook big and cook often, the Ninja Sizzle Pro XL (GX101) is the undisputed king of capacity and flexibility—a true 20-inch dual-surface powerhouse that swaps between griddle and grill plates with ease. With 40% more cooking space than previous models, it handles a full breakfast for 8–10 or 10+ burgers at once, making it perfect for weekend feasts or meal prepping. The ProTemp IQ system offers precise 250°F–500°F control, ensuring even browning even on crowded surfaces, while the interchangeable ceramic nonstick plates make switching from pancakes to grilled chicken effortless.

Testing revealed exceptional heat consistency across the entire surface—no cold spots, even when loaded. The ventilated lid locks in heat for melting cheese or steaming veggies, while lifting it delivers direct high-heat searing for authentic char. The PFAS-free coating wipes clean with ease, and the removable grease catch keeps mess contained. That said, while it’s incredibly capable, it’s purely a griddle/grill unit—no air frying, roasting, or baking—so it won’t replace a multi-function oven.

Compared to the GX100, the GX101 wins with dual plates and greater versatility, letting you go from Hibachi-style stir-fry to grilled steak in minutes. It’s not as tech-forward as the Foodi Smart models, but for raw cooking power and family-sized meals, it’s unmatched. If you want maximum surface area and the ability to grill or griddle, this is the best choice for large households—offering pro-level capacity without the premium price of smart grills.