Ninja Indoor Grills: Sizzle vs Foodi, Explained for Beginners
As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click through and make a purchase.
Ninja has become one of the most popular names in countertop cooking, and its indoor grills are a big reason why. They promise real char marks and grilled flavor in an apartment kitchen, with lids and grease catches designed to keep smoke and splatter under control. That makes a Ninja indoor grill a practical choice for renters without a balcony and a well-loved gift for anyone who misses backyard cooking in winter.
These six models fall into two families: the Sizzle griddles (GR101, a renewed GR101 and the larger Sizzle Pro XL) are flat, open cooking surfaces with swappable grill and griddle plates, while the Foodi models (AG301, FG551 and DG551) are closed hood grills that also air fry, roast and bake.
Ninja Indoor Grills Compared
| Model | Type | Cooking area or capacity | Max heat | Functions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja Sizzle Indoor Grill & Griddle (GR101) | Flat grill and griddle | 14-inch plates, 4-6 people | 500°F | Grill, griddle |
| Ninja Sizzle Pro XL 20” Indoor (GX101) | Flat griddle and grill | 20-inch plates, 8-10 people | 250°F–500°F dial | Grill, griddle, keep warm |
| Ninja FG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 | Hood grill and air fryer | 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs; 4 qt | 500°F | 6 functions, smart thermometer |
| Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 XL Indoor Grill (AG301) | Hood grill and air fryer | 10×10 grate, 4 qt basket, 6 qt pot | 500°F | 5 functions |
| Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor (DG551) | Hood grill and air fryer | 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs; 4 qt basket | 500°F | 6 functions, smart thermometer |
| Ninja GR101 Sizzle Smokeless Indoor Grill (Renewed) | Flat grill and griddle | 14-inch plates, 4-6 people | 500°F | Grill, griddle |
Here is what the key terms mean. A griddle is a flat cooking surface, perfect for pancakes, eggs and fajita veggies. A grill plate has raised ridges that leave char marks on steaks and burgers. Air frying uses fast-moving hot air in a closed chamber to crisp food with little or no oil. Ninja’s cyclonic grilling on the Foodi models combines a hot grill grate with circulating hot air so food is seared from all sides. “Smokeless” and “low smoke” are marketing terms: these grills are designed to reduce smoke, but fatty foods can still make some, so a kitchen fan helps.
Ninja Sizzle Indoor Grill & Griddle for Everyday Grilling and Breakfasts
Ninja
Ninja® Sizzle™ Indoor Grill & Griddle, 14'', 500°F, Grey/Silver, GR101
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Ninja Sizzle Indoor Grill & Griddle
Best for: Apartment cooks wanting grill and griddle
Pros
- Grill and griddle plates included
- Up to 500F
- Dishwasher-safe mesh lid
- Feeds 4-6 people
Cons
- No air frying
The Ninja Sizzle Indoor Grill & Griddle, model GR101, is a flat countertop cooker with interchangeable 14-inch nonstick grill and griddle plates. It reaches up to 500°F for searing and promises even, edge-to-edge heating with no hot or cold spots. The plates fit about half a dozen burgers or pancakes, enough for a family of 4 to 6.
A perforated mesh lid helps control smoke and reduce splatter, and the plates have high walls and grease catches. You can cook hood up for concentrated high heat, or drop the lid to hold heat and melt cheese. The plates are nonstick and removable, and the mesh lid is dishwasher-safe. It runs at 1450 watts and includes a quick start guide with 10 recipes.
This is the best starting point for apartment dwellers who want burgers on Tuesday and pancakes on Sunday. It does not air fry, so if crispy wings are on your wish list, look at the Foodi models.
Ninja Sizzle Pro XL 20” Indoor for Big Family Meals
Ninja
Ninja® Sizzle™ Pro XL 20'' Indoor Griddle & Grill, Silver, GX101
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Ninja Sizzle Pro XL 20” Indoor
Best for: Big families cooking breakfast spreads
Pros
- 20-inch plates, 10+ burgers
- ProTemp IQ 250-500F dial
- PFAS-free ceramic nonstick
- Keep warm setting
Cons
- Takes lots of counter depth
The Ninja Sizzle Pro XL 20” Indoor Griddle & Grill, model GX101, is the larger sibling of the Sizzle, with 40% more capacity than the GR101, according to Ninja. Its 20-inch griddle and grill plates fit 10 or more burgers or a full breakfast spread for 8 to 10 people.
ProTemp IQ lets you dial in temperatures from 250°F to 500°F, which Ninja says gives more accurate readouts and better heat management than the GR101. The plates use a ceramic nonstick surface made 100% PFAS free. It includes a detachable ventilated lid, a removable grease catch, a keep warm setting and a guide with 5 chef-developed recipes. It draws 1790 watts and measures 20.85 inches deep.
Choose this for large households, hibachi nights or weekend meal prep. In a small apartment, the standard 14-inch Sizzle is easier to store.
Ninja FG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 for Precise Doneness
Ninja
Ninja FG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill and Air Fryer, 4 Qt Capacity, Black/Silver
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Ninja FG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1
Best for: Cooks who want perfect doneness
Pros
- Smart thermometer, 9 doneness levels
- 6 cooking functions
- Fits 6 steaks
Cons
- Heavy at 22.4 pounds
- Older design than DG551
The Ninja FG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 is a closed hood indoor grill and air fryer. It grills with 500°F cyclonic air and a hot grate, and also air crisps, roasts, bakes, broils and dehydrates. Its grill grate fits up to 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs, and the listing gives a 4 quart capacity.
Its highlight is the Smart Cook System with the Foodi Smart Thermometer: choose from 4 protein presets and 9 doneness levels, and the grill tells you when food is ready. That takes the guesswork out of steak and chicken for new cooks. It uses touch controls, draws 1760 watts and weighs 22.4 pounds.
This suits anyone who wants grilled meat cooked exactly right. The DG551 below is the updated version with a sleeker design and the same functions, so compare the two on availability.
Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 XL Indoor Grill for a Simple Grill and Air Fryer Combo
Ninja
Ninja® Foodi® 5-in-1 XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer, Black/Grey, AG301
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 XL Indoor Grill
Best for: First-time buyers wanting grill plus air fryer
Pros
- 5 functions in one
- Cooks from frozen under 25 minutes
- Dishwasher-safe parts
Cons
- Smaller 10×10 grill grate
- No smart thermometer
The Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 XL Indoor Grill, model AG301, grills, air fries, roasts, bakes and dehydrates. It uses 500°F cyclonic air and a 500°F grill grate for what Ninja calls Surround Searing. It can take frozen steaks, chicken breasts, burgers and fish to char-grilled in under 25 minutes with no thawing.
It includes a 10 by 10 inch char-grill grate, a 4 quart crisper basket, a 6 quart cooking pot, a 15-recipe book and a cleaning brush. The ceramic-coated grate, basket and pot are nonstick, PTFE/PFOA-free and dishwasher safe. Ninja says the basket air fries with up to 75% less fat than deep frying. It carries a 1-year limited warranty.
This is a friendly first Foodi for couples and small households. It lacks the smart thermometer and broil function of the Smart XL models. For a deeper look at combo cookers, see our Ninja air fry grill guide.
Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor for the Updated Design
Best for: Families wanting the latest Foodi Smart XL
Pros
- Updated 2nd generation design
- Smart thermometer included
- Smoke control system
- 6 functions
Cons
- Bulky countertop footprint
The Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor grill, model DG551, is the 2nd generation of the Smart XL with an updated, sleek design and the same functions. It grills, air crisps, roasts, bakes, broils and dehydrates, and includes the Foodi Smart Thermometer with 4 protein settings and 9 doneness levels.
The grate fits up to 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs, the 4 quart crisper basket air fries with up to 75% less fat than deep frying, and it cooks from frozen in under 25 minutes. A smoke control system combines a temperature-controlled grate, splatter shield and cool-air zone. Included are the cooking pot, crisper basket, thermometer and grill grate, with a 1-year limited warranty.
Pick this for family cooks who want the smartest Foodi here in its newest form. If you mainly want to air fry rather than grill, our Ninja air fryer roundup may suit you better.
Ninja GR101 Sizzle Smokeless Indoor Grill (Renewed) for Value Seekers
Best for: Value-minded buyers comfortable with renewed
Pros
- Same 14-inch plates as GR101
- Up to 500F
- Dishwasher-safe mesh lid
Cons
- Renewed, not new
- Renewed warranty terms not listed
The Ninja GR101 Sizzle Smokeless Indoor Grill in this listing is a renewed unit, sold under the Amazon Renewed program rather than new from Ninja. Renewed means the product was previously returned or used and then inspected and restored for resale. The features match the new GR101: 14-inch interchangeable nonstick grill and griddle plates, up to 500°F, edge-to-edge heating, a dishwasher-safe mesh lid and a guide with 10 recipes.
One difference is wording: this listing says the mesh lid “eliminates” smoke, while the new GR101 listing says it “helps to control” smoke. Expect the same hardware and the same performance as the new model. The listing does not specify the renewed warranty terms, so check them on the product page. It weighs 7.8 pounds.
This is a sensible choice if you are comfortable buying renewed. If it is a gift, the new GR101 is the safer choice for presentation and full warranty.
How to Choose the Right Ninja Indoor Grill
Flat surface or closed hood. Choose a Sizzle if you love pancakes, eggs, smash burgers and fajitas. Choose a Foodi if you want grilled meat plus air frying, roasting and baking in one appliance.
How many people you feed. The 14-inch Sizzle serves 4 to 6. The Sizzle Pro XL serves 8 to 10. The Smart XL Foodi models fit 6 steaks at once.
Doneness help. New cooks will appreciate the smart thermometer on the FG551 and DG551.
Storage space. The Sizzle is only about 6 inches tall. The Foodi Smart XL models are around 11 inches tall and much heavier. If you have outdoor space too, our Ninja pellet smoker guide covers the backyard option.
New or renewed. The renewed GR101 offers the same design, but check the return and warranty terms before buying.
FAQ
Can I use a Ninja indoor grill inside an apartment?
Yes. All six are countertop electric appliances designed for indoor use, with lids, grease catches or smoke control features to reduce smoke.
What is the difference between the Ninja Sizzle and the Foodi?
The Sizzle is a flat grill and griddle with swappable plates. The Foodi is a closed hood grill that also air fries, roasts and bakes.
Is the Ninja Sizzle truly smokeless?
The new GR101 listing describes it as low smoke, with a mesh lid that helps control smoke. Some smoke is still possible with fatty foods.
What is the difference between the FG551 and DG551?
The DG551 is the 2nd generation with an updated design and the same functions, including the smart thermometer.
Can the Foodi grills cook frozen food?
The AG301 and DG551 listings say they can take frozen food to char-grilled in under 25 minutes.
Which Ninja indoor grill should I buy as a gift?
The new Sizzle GR101 is compact and versatile. For someone who loves gadgets, the DG551 Foodi Smart XL adds air frying and a smart thermometer.
