Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL Review: Is It Better Than Cuisinart?
Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill Review
The Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill is one of those kitchen tools that quickly becomes part of your routine. It grills fast, cooks evenly, and removes the stress from indoor cooking. After using it regularly, I can say it delivers strong results with very little effort. If you want outdoor-style grilling without smoke or guesswork, this grill is worth your time.
What I Like
In short: this grill makes indoor cooking easy, clean, and reliable.
- Smart cooking takes the pressure off
The built-in thermometer tells me exactly when food is done. I no longer cut meat to check it. This saves time and avoids dry results. - Real grill taste without outdoor hassle
Steaks and burgers get real grill marks. Smoke stays low, which is perfect for U.S. apartments and condos with strict smoke rules. - Large size works for families
The XL surface fits meals for 4–6 people. I can cook chicken and veggies together, which helps on busy weeknights.
What Could Be Better
Summary: it’s great, but not perfect for every kitchen.
- It takes up counter space
The size is helpful, but small kitchens may struggle. Storage can be tricky if space is tight. - Preheating takes patience
It needs a few minutes to heat fully. This is not instant cooking. - Price may feel high at first
The cost is more than basic grills, but the smart features do justify it over time.
My Personal Experience with Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill
Bottom line: it made my daily cooking easier and more consistent.
I use this grill several times a week. It handles steak, salmon, chicken, and even frozen foods well. Cleanup is simple, which matters after long workdays. The thermometer changed how I cook meat. I feel more confident every time.
Real results I noticed:
- Chicken stays juicy, not dry
- Burgers cook evenly every time
- Less oil needed for good texture
- Smoke stays low indoors
- Cooking feels more relaxed and predictable
Comparing With Other Brand
I’ve also used the Cuisinart GR-4NNAS Indoor Grill. It works well for basic grilling, but it feels more manual. The Ninja adds smart control and more cooking modes, which I noticed right away.
Ninja DG551 vs Cuisinart GR-4NNAS: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL | Cuisinart GR-4NNAS |
| Cooking Modes | 6-in-1 functions | Limited |
| Smart Thermometer | Yes | No |
| Grill Surface | Extra-large | Medium |
| Ease of Use | High | Moderate |
| Best For | Families & meal prep | Simple grilling |
Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill
Pros and Cons
Pros
Summary: this is a powerful, smart indoor grill built for serious home cooking.
- Smart Thermometer removes guesswork
I don’t need to check food manually. It tells me when meat hits the right doneness, from rare to well-done. - Real grill flavor indoors
The 500°F grill grate and cyclonic air give clear grill marks and smoky taste without outdoor grilling. - True 6-in-1 versatility
I grill, air fry, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate using one machine. This replaces multiple appliances. - XL capacity fits families
The large surface works well for U.S. family meals and weekend batch cooking. - Strong smoke control
Smoke stays low, which is ideal for apartments, condos, and winter cooking indoors. - Easy cleanup
Dishwasher-safe ceramic parts save time after cooking.
Cons
Summary: performance is strong, but size and price may not suit everyone.
- Large and heavy
At 25 pounds, it needs a permanent counter spot. Small kitchens may struggle. - Higher price point
It costs more than basic indoor grills, which may not fit all budgets. - Longer preheat time
It needs a few minutes to reach full heat, unlike simple contact grills.
Cuisinart GR-4NNAS Griddler
Pros and Cons
Pros
Summary: this is a simple, flexible grill for everyday meals.
- Compact and counter-friendly
It fits well in small kitchens, dorms, or apartments. - 5-in-1 plate design
I can use it as a panini press, full grill, griddle, or combo setup. - Dual temperature controls
Separate controls help when cooking different foods at once. - Lower cost
It’s more affordable than smart grills, which is helpful for budget buyers. - Reliable brand warranty
The 3-year warranty adds peace of mind for long-term use.
Cons
Summary: it works well, but lacks advanced control and power.
- No smart thermometer
I must check doneness manually, which can lead to overcooking. - Lower max heat
It doesn’t reach the same searing level as the Ninja grill. - Smaller cooking area
Cooking for more than 2–3 people takes multiple batches. - Less grill-like flavor
Results are good, but not as close to outdoor grilling.
Recommendation
Quick advice: this grill suits serious home cooks best.
I recommend the Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill if you cook often and want consistent results. It’s ideal for U.S. homes where outdoor grilling is not always an option. If you cook rarely or have very limited space, you may want to research smaller models first.
FAQs
Is the Ninja DG551 worth the price?
Yes, if you cook often. The smart thermometer and 6-in-1 functions replace several appliances, which adds long-term value.
Does the Ninja DG551 really reduce smoke?
Yes. The smoke control system works well indoors. It’s suitable for U.S. apartments with smoke-sensitive alarms.
Can the Ninja DG551 replace an air fryer?
Yes. The air crisp mode works well for fries, wings, and frozen foods with less oil.
Is the Cuisinart GR-4NNAS good for beginners?
Yes. It’s simple to use, easy to clean, and doesn’t require learning smart settings.
Which grill is better for small kitchens?
The Cuisinart GR-4NNAS is better. It’s lighter, smaller, and easier to store.
Which grill is better for families?
The Ninja DG551 is better. Its XL size and faster cooking handle family meals more easily.
Can both grills cook frozen food?
Yes. The Ninja handles frozen food faster. The Cuisinart can cook frozen items but may take longer.
Do both grills have dishwasher-safe parts?
Yes. Both include removable, dishwasher-safe cooking plates or baskets.