When it comes to indoor grills, Ninja has carved out a reputation for combining performance, versatility, and convenience into a single countertop appliance. Two of their most popular models, the Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL Grill and the Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro Grill & Griddle Combo, often leave shoppers wondering which one best fits their cooking style.
Both appliances promise restaurant-style grilling results indoors, complete with Ninja’s advanced Smart Cook System that helps achieve precise doneness without guesswork. However, while they share many similarities like smoke control, dishwasher-safe parts, and air fry functionality they also come with distinct differences in design, power, and cooking versatility that can sway your decision.
In this detailed comparison, we’ll cover the key differences, specs, and features of the Ninja DG551 vs IG651, so you can confidently pick the right indoor grill for your kitchen.
Key Differences Between Ninja DG551 and IG651 Smart Grill
While both models deliver excellent grilling results, there are a few critical differences that set them apart:
- Cooking Functions
- The DG551 is a 6-in-1 grill that offers Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate.
- The IG651 expands this to a 7-in-1 combo, adding a BBQ Griddle function that allows flat-top cooking for foods like pancakes, sandwiches, or stir-fry.
- Heating Technology & Power
- The DG551 uses Cyclonic Grilling Technology with 500°F hot air circulation plus a heated grill grate.
- The IG651 takes it further with independently powered direct heating on the grill grate for more intense searing and includes a 12” flat top griddle.
- Cooking Capacity
- Both grills are family-sized, but the IG651’s design offers more flexibility with griddle-style cooking, making it ideal for larger meals or entertaining.
- Design & Versatility
- The DG551 is focused on indoor grilling with air frying and baking versatility.
- The IG651 is more of a multi-surface grill/griddle combo, offering both hood-up (direct searing) and hood-down (cyclonic convection) cooking.
- Size & Dimensions
- The DG551 measures 1″D x 15.7″W x 16″H and weighs about 25 lbs.
- The IG651 is wider and more compact in height at 7″D x 17.4″W x 7″H, with added griddle functionality, making it slightly bulkier overall.
- Price Point
- Generally, the DG551 is priced higher due to its enhanced heating power and added griddle feature, while the IG651 is a more budget-friendly option for those who only need core grilling functions.
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Quick Specification Comparison Table: Ninja DG551 vs IG651
Here’s a side-by-side look at the Ninja DG551 vs IG651 to help you compare at a glance:
| Feature | Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL Grill | Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro Grill & Griddle |
| Functions | 6-in-1: Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate | 7-in-1: Grill, BBQ Griddle, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate |
| Cooking Technology | Cyclonic Grilling (500°F hot air + grill grate) | Direct-powered 500°F grill grate + 12” BBQ Griddle + Cyclonic air |
| Smart Thermometer | Yes, 4 protein settings & 9 doneness levels | Yes, 4 protein settings & 9 doneness levels |
| Grill Capacity | XL capacity (fits multiple steaks, burgers, chicken, etc.) | XL family-sized capacity (6 steaks, sandwiches, nachos, pancakes, etc.) |
| Air Frying | Yes, with up to 75% less fat | Yes, with up to 75% less fat |
| Smoke Control | Yes | Yes (enhanced system) |
| Dimensions | 11.1″D x 15.7″W x 16″H | 15.7″D x 17.4″W x 7″H |
| Weight | 25 lbs | ~28 lbs |
| Included Accessories | Grill grate, 4-qt crisper basket, cooking pot, Smart Thermometer, cleaning brush, recipe book | Grill grate, 12” BBQ Griddle, 4-qt crisper basket, Smart Thermometer, quick start guide |
| Best For | Indoor grilling & air frying with easy doneness control | Indoor grilling + griddle cooking for maximum versatility |
| Buy On Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose the Ninja DG551 if:
– You want a straightforward indoor grill with air fry and roasting options.
– You prefer a slightly more compact unit.
– You don’t need a griddle and want to save a bit on cost. - Choose the Ninja IG651 if:
– You want the most powerful Ninja grill with direct high-heat searing.
– You like the flexibility of a flat-top BBQ griddle for pancakes, stir-fry, or sandwiches.
– You often cook for family gatherings and need larger, more versatile cooking space.
Detailed Analysis: Ninja DG551 vs IG651 Smart Outdoor Grill
Design & Build
In my kitchen, the DG551 looks and feels like a classic indoor grill: a deep hood with a tall profile that lives more like a compact oven. The IG651, by contrast, spreads its footprint wider and sits much lower. That slimmer height makes it easier to slide under cabinets, and the included flat-top griddle plate gives it a “pro station” vibe.
Both use nonstick, dishwasher-safe parts and feel sturdy, but the IG651’s direct-heated grate and swappable griddle plate make the overall build feel more performance-driven.
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Ease of Use & Controls
Both are straightforward: choose a function, set temp/time, insert the Foodi Smart Thermometer (when you want auto-doneness), and press start. Preheat times were quick on each model. Day-to-day, I found the DG551 wonderfully set-and-forget for steaks, burgers, and air-crisp sides.
The IG651 adds the option to cook hood up for intense bottom heat or hood down for cyclonic air, one extra decision, but it pays off when I want a hard sear or faster melt. The thermometer workflows feel identical and equally confidence-boosting.
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Cooking Functions & Versatility
Functionally, the DG551 is a 6-in-1 workhorse (Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate). The IG651 is a 7-in-1 that adds a BBQ Griddle mode. That extra surface changes what I make on weeknights: smash burgers, pancakes, fried rice, quesadillas, and grilled cheese all come out better on the flat top. If you mostly grill proteins and air-crisp fries or veggies, the DG551 covers it. If you want both grill marks and diner-style griddle results, the IG651 clearly wins on versatility.
Heating & Performance
Both hit 500°F and deliver deep char with the hood down, but the IG651’s independently powered grill grate gives me a punchier sear and faster color. With the hood up, the IG651 behaves like a true high-heat searing station; I can crust a steak or smash a burger without blasting the topside. The DG551 still browns beautifully especially with the cyclonic air, but when I want restaurant-level crust or to griddle onions next to a steak, the IG651 pulls ahead.
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Capacity & Footprint
Each model handles family meals (multiple steaks or a mains-plus-sides setup). The DG551’s taller body feels a bit more “oven-like.” The IG651’s low, wide stance plus the 12″ griddle plate gives me better use of horizontal space for batch cooking (nachos, pancakes, sandwich runs). If vertical clearance is tight in your kitchen, the IG651’s lower height is easier to live with; if you prefer a slightly smaller countertop footprint front-to-back, the DG551’s depth may fit better.
Smoke Control & Indoor Friendliness
Both include Ninja’s smoke-reduction system, and with reasonable fat management (trimmed proteins, preheated surfaces, splatter shield in place), I kept smoke to a minimum. The IG651’s hood-up searing can generate more sizzle when I’m cooking fatty items, but its system still kept the kitchen comfortable. For ultra-lean cooking or frequent air-crisp sessions, the experience is essentially the same on both.
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Cleanup & Maintenance
Cleanup is easy either way: nonstick, ceramic-coated parts and dishwasher-safe baskets/plates. The DG551 is slightly simpler because there’s one primary grate plus the crisper basket and pot. The IG651 adds the griddle, which I wipe while warm and then pop into the dishwasher. If you’ll griddle often, expect an extra piece to clean but it’s worth it for the expanded menu.
Accessories & Value
Out of the box, both include the Foodi Smart Thermometer, which is a huge win for worry-free doneness. The IG651 also includes the 12″ BBQ griddle, effectively giving you two cooking personalities in one body. If you’ll use that plate weekly, the IG651’s higher price makes sense. If not, the DG551 gives you premium indoor grilling and air-crisping for less.
Bottom Line: Hands-On Take
- Pick DG551 if you want a fantastic, straightforward indoor grill/air fryer that nails steaks, chops, veggies, and crispy sides with minimal fuss.
- Pick IG651 if you crave next-level searing and the ability to griddle, smash burgers, pancakes, stir-fries, melted sandwiches without buying a separate appliance.
Final Thoughts: Ninja DG551 vs IG651 Grill
Both the Ninja DG551 and IG651 deliver exceptional indoor grilling performance with Ninja’s hallmark Smart Cook System and smoke control technology. The DG551 is a fantastic choice for those who want reliable grilling, air frying, and roasting functions without extra bells and whistles. Meanwhile, the IG651 stands out as the premium option, offering direct searing power and a flat-top griddle that expands your cooking creativity.
Ultimately, your choice comes down to whether you value simplicity and budget-friendliness (DG551) or maximum cooking versatility and performance (IG651). Either way, you’ll get a powerful indoor grill that makes it easy to cook delicious, perfectly done meals all year round.
