Ninja DG551 vs FG551 Indoor Grill: Key Differences Explained

Ninja DG551 vs FG551 Differences

Hold onto your spatulas, folks, because the indoor grill scene has never been hotter! Thanks to game-changers like Ninja Kitchen, we’ve entered a new age of indoor grilling that feels like something out of a culinary sci-fi movie. The two big kahunas in this sizzling saga are none other than the Ninja DG551 and the Ninja FG551. Talk about a showdown, right?

You see, when it comes to Ninja grills, or should I say, Ninja Foodi grills, you’re not just getting an indoor grill. You’re getting a Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 culinary Swiss Army knife that can grill, air fry, and do a whole lot more! The burning question is: In the clash of Ninja DG551 vs FG551, who takes home the golden steak?

Each of these indoor grilling beasts packs a punch with unique features and nifty advancements. Whether you’re a Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill aficionado or someone who just loves a good Ninja grill air fryer combo, we’re going to break down these grilling titans side-by-side. We’ll highlight their strengths and differences so you can choose the right grillmaster tool for your kitchen arsenal. So, are you ready to dive into this sizzling face-off? Let’s get grilling!

FeatureDG551FG551
Special FeatureDishwasher Safe Parts, XL CapacityProgrammable
ColorBlack/SilverBlack & Silver
BrandNinjaNinja
Dimensions11.1"D x 15.7"W x 16"H15.75"D x 16.54"W x 11.1"H
Generation2nd1st
Wattage825 watts1760 watts
Smart Cook System & ThermometerYesYes
Cyclonic Grilling TechnologyYesYes
XL CapacityYesYes
Cooking FunctionsGrill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, and DehydrateGrill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil and Dehydrate
Reduced FatUp to 75% less fat than deep fryingUp to 75% less fat than deep frying
Smoke Control SystemYesYes
Frozen to GrilledCan transform foods from frozen to grilled in under 25 minutesCan transform foods from frozen to grilled in under 25 minutes
Dual-Sensor Foodi Smart ThermometerNoYes
PriceBuy on AmazonBuy on Amazon

Unveiling the Key Differences: Ninja DG551 vs FG551 Indoor Grill

The main difference between the Ninja FG551 and the Ninja DG551 is that DG551 is the 2nd generation of the Smart XL Grill, while the FG551 is the 1st generation. While they share several core features, including wattage and six versatile cooking functions, they differ in key areas, particularly in design, included components, and special features.

Design:

The Ninja DG551 has a sleek, updated design compared to its older counterpart, the FG551. The DG551 comes in a sophisticated black/silver combination, making it not just a functional but also an aesthetically pleasing addition to your kitchen. The FG551, on the other hand, has a more conventional design with a black & silver color scheme.

Wattage:

The DG551 has a wattage of 825 watts, while the FG551 has a wattage of 1760 watts. This means that the DG551 is less powerful than the FG551.

Included Components:

The Ninja DG551 has a richer set of components compared to the FG551. The DG551 includes a 9″ x 12″ Grill Grate, 4-qt. Crisper Basket, 4-qt. Cooking Pot, Foodi Smart Thermometer, Cleaning Brush, and a chef-curated 15 Recipe Book. Additionally, it features a Splatter shield and an extra Cooking Pot. Conversely, the FG551’s package includes a 1760-Watt Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill, 4-Quart Crisper Basket with Nonstick, PTFE/PFOA-Free, Ceramic Coating, 4-Quart Cooking Pot with Nonstick, PTFE/PFOA-Free, Ceramic Coating, Cleaning Brush, Chef-Created 15-Recipe Book, 9″ x 12″ High-Density Grill Grate with Nonstick, PTFE/PTFOA-Free, Ceramic Coating, Foodi Smart Thermometer.

Special Features:

The Ninja DG551 and FG551 share several special features, such as the Smart Cook System & Thermometer, Cyclonic Grilling Technology, XL Capacity, Smoke Control System, and Dehydration function. However, the DG551 goes a step further with the second-generation enhancements, such as its Smart Cook System & Thermometer, which allows you to achieve the perfect doneness from rare to well-done with four protein settings and nine customizable doneness levels.

Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill Key Features

The Ninja DG551 is more than just an indoor grill; it’s an innovation in the realm of cooking. As part of the Ninja’s 2nd Generation line, it radiates an aura of sleek, modern design and offers an upgrade in features compared to the previous model. One key element that sets the Ninja DG551 apart in the Ninja DG551 vs FG551 debate is its Smart Cook System & Thermometer. This feature allows for hassle-free cooking, eliminating guesswork by achieving the perfect doneness from rare to well-done, with four protein settings and nine customizable doneness levels.

A standout feature of the Ninja DG551 is the Cyclonic Grilling Technology. It combines 500°F of hot cyclonic air with a 500°F grill grate, enabling the grill to perfectly cook or char your food, producing char-grilled marks and flavors that you would typically associate with outdoor grilling. This technology can be a game-changer for those who love grilling but live in areas with restricted outdoor spaces.

The XL capacity of the Ninja DG551 is impressive, making it a great option for larger families or gatherings. It can fit up to 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs at the same time, meaning you won’t have to cook in batches. Furthermore, it has the versatility of six different cooking functions: Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate. This indoor grill is not only about grilling; it’s about exploring various cooking styles with one appliance.

In terms of cleaning and maintenance, the Ninja DG551 shines with its dishwasher safe parts. Its ceramic-coated, removable grill grate, crisper basket, and cooking pot are easy to clean, which can be a significant time saver in the kitchen. The DG551 is not just about cooking; it’s about providing an enjoyable cooking experience, which includes an effortless cleanup.

Pros:

  • Versatile Cooking Options
  • Extra-Large Capacity
  • Easy to Clean

Cons:

  • Slightly Heavier
  • Higher Price Point

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Ninja FG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill Key Features

The Ninja FG551, a 1st Generation model in the Ninja line, has successfully set the bar for indoor grills. In the ongoing Ninja DG551 vs FG551 debate, the FG551 holds its ground with an array of compelling features and solid performance. It combines the functionality of an indoor countertop Grill and Air Fryer with a Smart Cook System & Thermometer, enabling you to grill, air crisp, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate all with a single appliance.

One of the critical highlights of the Ninja FG551 is its Cyclonic Grilling Technology. With this technology, it delivers 500°F cyclonic air, allowing your food to cook perfectly or char grill to your desired doneness on the grill grate. This ensures the food is imbued with delicious, char-grilled marks and flavors reminiscent of outdoor grilling.

The Ninja FG551 also offers XL capacity, which means it can handle grilling up to 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs simultaneously, making it a convenient choice for hosting gatherings or cooking for larger families. When comparing Ninja DG551 vs FG551, one might argue that the FG551’s less elaborate design allows for easier storage and handling, given its lighter weight and smaller dimensions.

As for cleaning, the Ninja FG551 ensures an easy-to-clean experience with its dishwasher-safe parts. All components, such as the grill grate, crisper basket, and cooking pot, feature non-stick, PTFE/PFOA-Free, Ceramic Coating, making the cleaning process a breeze. In the long run, the Ninja FG551 promises not just a varied cooking experience, but also a hassle-free clean-up, proving it to be a practical addition to any kitchen.

Pros:

  • Multifunctional
  • Compact Design
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • Fewer Accessories
  • First Generation Model

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What We Do and Don't Do with an Ninja Indoor Grill

Conclusion

when comparing the Ninja DG551 vs FG551, it’s evident that both grills bring impressive capabilities to your kitchen, however, each one is designed to meet different consumer needs. Both models boast the Smart Cook System & Thermometer, offering a broad range of cooking options from grilling to dehydrating, ensuring a versatile cooking experience.

While the Ninja DG551 stands out with its 2nd Generation style, dishwasher-safe parts, and larger capacity, the Ninja FG551 counters with its compact design, affordability, and slightly lighter weight. So, the choice ultimately boils down to personal preference and specific kitchen needs. If you prefer a more modern design, slightly larger cooking capacity, and are willing to invest a bit more, the Ninja DG551 is the clear winner for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more compact, lightweight, and slightly more affordable grill, the Ninja FG551 would be a better choice. No matter which one you choose in the Ninja DG551 vs FG551 contest, both grills promise to enhance your cooking experience with their innovative features.

In the realm of Ninja appliances, one can observe interesting competitions  such as Ninja OG701 Vs OG751Ninja Foodi Grill 6-in-1 Vs 5-in-1 and Ninja Foodi Grill 4 in-1 vs 5-in-1, each model offering different functionalities to spice up your grilling experience.

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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