Ninja BG500A vs FG551: Uncovering the Best Indoor Grill & Air Fryer

Are you struggling to decide between the Ninja BG500A and FG551 indoor grills and air fryers? Worry not! In this comprehensive comparison, we will explore the similarities and differences between these two powerful kitchen appliances. The Ninja BG500A, a 5-in-1 indoor grill and air fryer, boasts surround searing, a removable grill gate, crisper basket, cooking pot, and a smoke control system. On the other hand, the Ninja FG551 Foodi Smart XL is a 6-in-1 indoor grill that comes with air fry, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate functions, as well as a smart thermometer. Let’s dive into the main differences between the Ninja BG500A vs FG551 and help you make an informed decision.

NINJA BG500A VS FG551

Key Differences Between Ninja BG500A and FG551 indoor grills and air fryers

The primary difference between the Ninja BG500A vs FG551 is that The BG500A offers 5 cooking functions: grilling, roasting, baking, dehydrating, and air frying, while the FG551 features 6 functions: grilling, air frying, roasting, baking, broiling, and dehydrating. Furthermore, the FG551 comes with a Smart Cook System and thermometer, allowing you to achieve the perfect doneness for your food with no guesswork.

Cooking Functions

The Ninja BG500A provides 5 cooking functions, including grilling, roasting, baking, dehydrating, and air frying, making it a versatile appliance for a variety of dishes. In contrast, the Ninja FG551 offers an additional broiling function, expanding its range of cooking capabilities.

Smart Cook System and Thermometer

The Ninja FG551 is equipped with a Smart Cook System and a dual-sensor Foodi Smart Thermometer, enabling you to cook your food to the perfect level of doneness. The appliance offers 4 smart protein settings and 9 customizable doneness levels, which simplifies the cooking process and eliminates the need for guesswork. The Ninja BG500A, however, does not include a smart thermometer or a smart cook system.

 Wattage and Dimensions

The Ninja BG500A operates at 1500 watts, while the FG551 has a higher wattage of 1760 watts. This difference in power output can affect cooking times and performance. Additionally, the dimensions of the appliances vary, with the BG500A measuring 12″D x 12″W x 12″H, and the FG551 at 15.75″D x 16.54″W x 11.1″H. The FG551’s larger size allows for a greater cooking capacity, but it may also take up more counter space.

Design and Color

In terms of aesthetics, the Ninja BG500A has a sleek black design, while the FG551 features a black and silver color combination. The choice between the two appliances may come down to personal preference and how well they match with your kitchen’s decor.

FeatureNinja BG500ANinja FG551
Special FeatureProgrammableProgrammable
Product Dimensions12"D x 12"W x 12"H15.75"D x 16.54"W x 11.1"H
ColorBlackBlack & Silver
Capacity4 Quarts4 Quarts (Crisper Basket)
MaterialStainless SteelStainless Steel
Output Wattage1500 Watts1760 Watts
FunctionsGrill, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate, Air FryGrill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate
Max Temperature500°F500°F
Nonstick CoatingYesYes
Dishwasher SafeYesYes
Smoke Control SystemYesYes
Smart Cook SystemNoYes
Smart ThermometerNoYes
PriceBuy on AmazonBuy on Amazon

Overview of Ninja Foodi 5 In 1 Indoor Grill and Air Fryer with Surround Searing

The Ninja BG500A is a versatile and powerful kitchen appliance designed to meet your diverse cooking needs. This 5-in-1 indoor grill and air fryer boasts a range of features, allowing you to grill, roast, bake, dehydrate, and air fry your favorite dishes with ease. Its programmable design, combined with the Surround Searing technology and 1500 watts of power, ensures that your meals are cooked to perfection every time. In this overview, we will delve deeper into the features and capabilities of the Ninja BG500A, and how it fares in comparison to the Ninja FG551.

One of the standout features of the Ninja BG500A is its ability to reach high temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, enabling rapid cyclonic air circulation and surround searing. This ensures that your food is cooked evenly, with delicious char-grilled marks and flavors. The appliance comes with a variable fan speed and a digital display, featuring GrillControl settings at low, medium, high, and max, ranging from 105 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. When comparing the Ninja BG500A vs FG551, it’s worth noting that both appliances can achieve the same maximum temperature, offering a similar level of cooking performance.

The Ninja BG500A also features a temperature-controlled grill gate, splatter shield, and cool-air zone, all of which work together to reduce smoke and make the appliance more suitable for indoor use. Furthermore, the 4-quart crisper basket, grill gate, and cooking pot are all dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze. In terms of capacity, both the Ninja BG500A and FG551 have a 4-quart crisper basket, but the FG551 has a larger overall cooking area due to its bigger dimensions. As a result, the Ninja BG500A may be more suitable for those with limited kitchen space or smaller families, while the FG551 might be a better option for those who require a larger cooking capacity.

Pros √

  • Versatile 5-in-1 functions
  • Temperature control
  • Smoke control system

Cons ×

  • Limited capacity
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Overview of Ninja FG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fry, Roast

Introducing the Ninja FG551, a smart and efficient kitchen appliance that is perfect for those who love to cook a variety of dishes. This 6-in-1 indoor grill offers several cooking functions, such as air frying, roasting, baking, broiling, and dehydrating, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen. With its unique Smart Cook System and Smart Thermometer, this appliance takes the guesswork out of cooking and ensures your meals are cooked to your desired doneness. In this review, we will explore the innovative features of the Ninja FG551 and compare it with its counterpart, the Ninja BG500A.

The Ninja FG551 is equipped with Cyclonic Grilling Technology, which utilizes 500°F cyclonic air to cook or char-grill food evenly, resulting in delicious flavors and char-grilled marks. This technology, combined with a 1760-watt power output, ensures that your food is cooked efficiently and quickly. When comparing the Ninja BG500A vs FG551, both models offer similar temperature capabilities, but the FG551 has a higher wattage, making it more powerful and efficient.

Another major advantage of the Ninja FG551 is its Smart Cook System and dual-sensor Foodi Smart Thermometer, which continuously monitors the temperature in two places for more accurate results. With four smart protein settings and nine customizable doneness levels, the FG551 allows you to achieve the perfect level of cooking for your dishes. Additionally, the appliance’s XL capacity can accommodate up to six steaks or 24 hot dogs, making it suitable for larger families or gatherings. When comparing the Ninja BG500A vs FG551 in terms of capacity, the FG551 has a larger overall cooking area, making it a better option for those who need more space to cook their meals.

Pros √

  • Smart Cook System
  • Foodi Smart Thermometer
  • Multiple cooking functions
  • XL capacity
  • Higher wattage

Cons ×

  • Larger footprint
  • Higher price
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Conclusion

After a thorough examination of the Ninja BG500A vs FG551, it becomes evident that both appliances have their strengths and appeal to different types of users. The Ninja BG500A stands out with its compact design, making it an ideal choice for those with limited kitchen space or smaller families. The BG500A offers versatile cooking options, such as grilling, roasting, baking, dehydrating, and air frying, while its Surround Searing technology and variable fan speed ensure that your food is cooked evenly and with delicious flavors.

On the other hand, the Ninja FG551 shines with its Smart Cook System, Foodi Smart Thermometer, and a larger overall cooking area. These features make it an excellent choice for individuals who value precision and convenience in their cooking experience. The FG551 also boasts a higher power output, making it more efficient in cooking various dishes. Furthermore, the appliance’s XL capacity allows for cooking larger meals, making it suitable for bigger families or those who frequently entertain guests.

Considering the features and capabilities of both appliances, the Ninja FG551 emerges as the clear winner for those who prioritize precision, convenience, and a larger cooking capacity. However, the Ninja BG500A remains a strong contender for users who seek a compact and versatile appliance that can efficiently perform multiple cooking functions. Ultimately, the decision between the Ninja BG500A vs FG551 should be based on your individual needs, preferences, and available kitchen space.

About the author

Olivia

Olivia is a Ninja and Kitchen Product Tester and has been writing about her findings on various sites like something-shop.com, chilangorestaurantsf.com, lemusecoffeeandwine.com, and gamingkornor.com for over 5 years now. She loves using Ninja products as they are very efficient and user-friendly. Olivia has tested many products from Ninja, and she has always been impressed with the results. She loves how Ninja products make her life easier, and she enjoys sharing her findings with others. Olivia is a strong advocate for Ninja products, and she believes that they are some of the best on the market.

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