Choosing between the Ninja DG551 and the FG551 is a classic case of choosing between a perfected original and a modernized redesign. Having put both through their paces with a steady diet of thick-cut steaks and frozen snacks, I’ve realized that while they share the same impressive “XL” DNA, they cater to very different kitchen lifestyles.
The FG551 is the wide, low-profile powerhouse that established Ninja’s dominance in the indoor grill market. Meanwhile, the DG551 is the “2nd Generation” update that trades horizontal bulk for a sleek, vertical design. If you’ve ever felt like your air fryer was taking up half your prep space, the subtle differences between these two models will be the deciding factor for your countertop.
The Key Difference: Form Factor and Control Logic – Ninja DG551 vs. FG551 Foodi Grill
The most significant key difference between the Ninja DG551 and the FG551 is the physical footprint and the user interface. The DG551 (2nd Generation) features a “vertical-oriented” design that is significantly taller and narrower than the original. Ninja also pivoted away from the touch-capacitive screen of the FG551 in favor of tactile push-buttons on the DG551, which provides a more durable, “clicky” response when your hands are busy in the kitchen.
The FG551, by contrast, is a wide-set machine with a deeper horizontal reach. While both units utilize the same 1760-watt heating element and provide the exact same 9″ x 12″ cooking capacity, the DG551 is built to save on side-to-side counter space, whereas the FG551 is built to fit underneath standard-height cabinetry where vertical clearance is limited.
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Comparison Table: Ninja DG551 vs. FG551 Foodi Grill
| Feature | Ninja DG551 (2nd Gen) | Ninja FG551 (Original XL) |
| Profile | Tall & Narrow | Wide & Low |
| Dimensions | 15.7″W x 11.1″D x 16″H | 16.5″W x 15.7″D x 11.1″H |
| Interface | Tactile Push-Buttons | Digital Touchscreen |
| Weight | 25 lbs | 22.4 lbs |
| Thermometer | Included Smart Probe | Included Smart Probe |
| Cooking Space | 9″ x 12″ Grate | 9″ x 12″ Grate |
| Capacity | 6 Steaks | 6 Steaks |
| Material | Ceramic Nonstick | Ceramic Nonstick |
| BUY on AMAZON | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review: My Experience
In this section, we will review the performance of both grills in detailed manner and by the end, we will be able to figure out which Ninja foodi grill will be suitable for our household.
Design: The Battle of Height vs. Width
When I first placed the FG551 on my counter, it felt like a heavy-duty piece of machinery. It’s wide enough that I had to move my cutting board to another section of the kitchen. However, because it’s only 11 inches tall, I could easily open the lid even when it was tucked under my upper cabinets.
The DG551 changed the vibe entirely. It takes up much less width, which I loved because it meant I could finally fit my toaster next to it again. The trade-off is the height. At 16 inches, the lid needs a lot of room to swing open. If you have low cabinets, you’ll likely find yourself pulling the DG551 out toward the edge of the counter every time you want to flip a burger.
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Performance: Smart Thermometer Accuracy
Both of these machines come with the Smart Cook System, which I consider Ninja’s “secret weapon.” I tested a batch of pork chops in each.
- The FG551: The touchscreen is very slick and modern. I tapped “Pork,” set it to 145°F, and let the dual-sensor probe do the work. The logic is flawless; it accurately predicts when to pull the meat so it finishes cooking perfectly while resting.
- The DG551: The 2nd Gen model uses physical buttons for the same process. While it looks a bit more “old school,” I found the buttons to be much more reliable when my hands were covered in dry rub. The grilling results were identical to the FG551—beautiful char marks and zero smoke in the air.
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Versatility: Air Crisping and Roasting
Both models are 6-in-1 machines (Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate).
- Air Frying: I found that the DG551 seemed to circulate air slightly better for large batches of wings. The taller internal chamber seems to create a more efficient vortex.
- Roasting: The FG551 has a slight advantage for long, flat items. Since the internal pot is wider and shallower, it’s easier to lay out a whole row of asparagus or a flat flank steak without them overlapping. In the DG551, the pot feels more like a deep bucket, which is great for “stacking” wings but slightly more cramped for flat items.
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Cleanup: The Ceramic Advantage
Both units feature the same PTFE/PFOA-free ceramic coating. I’ve cooked messy, honey-glazed salmon in both, and the cleanup was surprisingly painless. The DG551’s splatter shield feels a bit more refined and easier to pop out for a quick scrub. One minor thing to note: the DG551 is nearly 3 pounds heavier than the FG551. If you aren’t leaving this on your counter and plan to move it in and out of a pantry, your back will definitely prefer the FG551.
Ninja DG551 (2nd Gen) Foodi Smart Grill / Air Fryer
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Pros:
- Width Efficient: Saves valuable counter space for other appliances.
- Durable Buttons: No “ghost touches” or issues with greasy fingers on the screen.
- Improved Airflow: Taller chamber provides exceptional air crisping results.
- Modern Look: Updated 2026 aesthetics with a cleaner finish.
Cons:
- Very Tall: May not clear or open fully under low cabinets.
- Heavier: The heaviest model in the Foodi Grill lineup.
Ninja FG551 (Original XL) Indoor Grill & Air Fryer
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Pros:
- Low Profile: Easily fits and operates under almost any cabinetry.
- Large Prep Area: Wide-set pot is better for flat items and roasting.
- Lighter: Easier to carry and store if not kept on the counter.
- Sleek Screen: The touchscreen is very intuitive and looks high-end.
Cons:
- Horizontal Bulk: Takes up a lot of room side-to-side.
- Screen Maintenance: Needs frequent wiping to stay responsive and clean.
The Verdict: My Recommendation
I recommend the Ninja DG551 if you have a narrow kitchen or limited counter width. The 2nd Generation design is a smart evolution that prioritizes space-saving without sacrificing the massive 6-steak capacity. The physical buttons are a welcome upgrade for those who want a “buy it for life” feel.
I recommend the Ninja FG551 if your kitchen has low-hanging cabinets. It is the gold standard for wide-profile indoor grilling, and its lower height ensures you won’t be constantly pulling it away from the wall just to open the lid. It remains the best “all-around” XL grill for traditional kitchen setups.
Personally, I’ve made the switch to the DG551. The narrower footprint allowed me to reclaim my kitchen prep area, and I’ve found the air frying performance to be slightly more consistent for the large batches of fries my family demands.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does the 2nd Gen DG551 cook faster than the FG551?
A: Not significantly. Both use 1760 watts and reach 500°F. However, the DG551 may feel faster for air frying because the vertical airflow is slightly more concentrated.
Q: Can I use the same thermometer for both?
A: No. While the technology is similar, the connectors are specific to their respective generations. Always use the probe that came with your specific model.
Q: Is the smoke control really effective in an apartment?
A: Yes. Both models are exceptional at smoke management. As long as you aren’t using low-smoke-point oils like olive oil or butter at the “Max” grill setting, you won’t trigger your smoke detector.
Q: How many chicken breasts can fit on the XL grate?
A: You can comfortably fit 5 to 6 large chicken breasts on the 9″ x 12″ grate of either model, making them both excellent for weekly meal prepping.
