Which Ninja Grill Fits Your Kitchen?
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 is best known in this category for countertop appliances that bring high heat and real char marks indoors, without the charcoal, the propane tank or the smoky kitchen that people often expect from indoor grilling. The brand has grown that idea into several families: flat griddle-and-grill units, grill and air fryer combos with a lid that circulates hot air, and even a full propane grill and smoker for the backyard. If you are shopping for yourself or picking a gift, the hardest part is simply knowing which family you need.
In one sentence: the two Sizzle models are open-plate grills and griddles, the three Foodi models are closed-lid grills that also air fry, and the FlexFlame is an outdoor propane grill and smoker you can control from your phone.
Ninja Kitchen Grills Compared
| Model | Type | Max temperature | Cooking surface or capacity | Wattage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja Sizzle Pro XL 20” Indoor | Indoor grill and griddle | 500°F | 20-inch grill and griddle plates | 1790 watts |
| Ninja Sizzle Indoor Grill & Griddle | Indoor grill and griddle | 500°F | 14-inch grill and griddle plates | 1450 watts |
| Ninja FG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 | Indoor grill and air fryer | 500°F | Up to 6 steaks, 4-quart capacity | 1760 watts |
| Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor | Indoor grill and air fryer | 500°F | Up to 6 steaks, 4-quart crisper basket | Not listed |
| Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 XL Indoor Grill | Indoor grill and air fryer | 500°F | 10 x 10 inch grate, 4-quart basket, 6-quart pot | 1760 watts |
| Ninja FlexFlame ProConnect Grill & Smoker | Outdoor propane grill and smoker | 600°F | Not listed | 670 watts (electronics) |
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 grill and griddle plates
- 250°F–500°F dial control
- PFAS-free ceramic nonstick
Cons
- Needs a wide stretch of counter
The Ninja Sizzle Pro XL 20” Indoor (model GX101) is the largest countertop unit here. A griddle is a flat, smooth cooking surface, like the one at a diner, which is great for pancakes, eggs and fajita vegetables. A grill plate has raised ridges that leave stripes on steaks and burgers. This model comes with both at 20 inches, and Ninja says the griddle or grill fits 10+ burgers or a full breakfast spread for 8 to 10 people, which it describes as 40% more capacity than the smaller Sizzle GR101.
Temperature is set with what Ninja calls ProTemp IQ, a dial that runs from 250°F to 500°F. The plates have a ceramic nonstick surface that the listing says is made 100% PFAS free, and a detachable ventilated lid helps with splatter. You can cook with the lid up for a hard sear, or drop it to trap heat and melt cheese. The box includes both plates, the lid, a removable grease catch and a quick start guide with 5 recipes. The unit measures about 20.85 by 15.22 inches, so check your counter space first.
This is the one to pick for large households, weekend brunch hosts or anyone who wants a hibachi-style night at home. If your counter is small or you usually cook for two, the standard Sizzle below makes more sense.
Ninja Sizzle Indoor Grill & Griddle for Compact Countertops
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: Small kitchens feeding four to six
Pros
- Compact 14-inch plates
- Reaches 500°F
- Dishwasher-safe mesh lid
Cons
- Smaller than the Pro XL
- No air frying
The Ninja Sizzle Indoor Grill & Griddle (GR101) uses the same idea as the Pro XL, but in a 14-inch size. It includes interchangeable nonstick grill and griddle plates that reach 500°F, and Ninja says they fit about half a dozen burgers or pancakes, enough for a family of 4 to 6.
A perforated mesh lid helps keep smoke and splatter down, and the plates have high walls and grease catches. The listing says the mesh lid is detachable and dishwasher safe, and the plates are removable for washing. Like the Pro XL, you can cook hood up or hood down. It is rated at 1450 watts and comes with a quick start guide containing 10 recipes.
This model suits apartments, couples and small families who want grill marks and a flat griddle without giving up a large part of the counter. It does not air fry, so if crispy wings and fries matter to you, look at the Foodi models instead.
Ninja FG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 for Hands-Off 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 doneness done for them
Pros
- Smart thermometer with presets
- Six cooking functions
- Fits up to 6 steaks
Cons
- Heavy at 22.4 pounds
- Grill grate, not a flat griddle
The Ninja FG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 works very differently from the Sizzle. It is a closed appliance with a lid, and inside a fan pushes hot air around the food, the same principle an air fryer uses. Ninja calls this Cyclonic Grilling Technology, with 500°F air and a grill grate that leaves sear marks. On top of grilling, it can air crisp, roast, bake, broil and dehydrate.
Its standout feature is the Smart Cook System with a thermometer. You push the probe into the meat, choose one of 4 protein presets and one of 9 doneness levels, and the grill helps you reach anything from rare steak to well-done chicken. The grate fits up to 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs, and the listing gives a 4-quart capacity, 1760 watts and a weight of 22.4 pounds.
Pick this one if you are nervous about undercooking or overcooking meat, or if you want one appliance to replace a separate air fryer. It gives way to the newer DG551 below if you prefer the refreshed design, and to the Sizzle models if you mainly want a flat griddle.
Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor for the Updated Design
Ninja
Ninja® Foodi® Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer, Black/Silver, DG551
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor
Best for: Buyers wanting the refreshed Smart XL
Pros
- Updated design, same functions
- Included smart thermometer
- Smoke control system
Cons
- Listing gives no dimensions
- No griddle plate included
The Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor (DG551) is described in its listing as an updated, sleek design with the same functions and benefits as the Smart XL grill. It offers the same six functions: grill, air crisp, roast, bake, broil and dehydrate, plus the Foodi Smart Thermometer with 4 protein settings and 9 doneness levels.
This listing adds some useful detail. It names a smoke control system that combines a temperature-controlled grill grate, a splatter shield and a cool-air zone to keep smoke out of the kitchen. It also says the 4-quart crisper basket air fries with up to 75% less fat than deep frying, and that food can go from frozen to char-grilled in under 25 minutes. Included are the cooking pot, crisper basket, thermometer and grill grate, with a 1-year limited warranty. The listing does not specify dimensions or wattage.
This is a good gift choice for someone who wants the smart thermometer and likes a newer look. If you do not need the thermometer, the 5-in-1 model below covers most of the same everyday cooking.
Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 XL Indoor Grill for First-Time Owners
Best for: First-time grill and air fryer owners
Pros
- Grills, air fries, roasts, bakes, dehydrates
- Dishwasher-safe nonstick parts
- Cooks from frozen
Cons
- No smart thermometer
- 10 x 10 inch grill grate
The Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 XL Indoor Grill (AG301) grills, air fries, roasts, bakes and dehydrates. It uses the same 500°F cyclonic air and 500°F grill grate approach, which Ninja calls Surround Searing, and it can take frozen steaks, chicken breasts, burgers and fish fillets to char-grilled in under 25 minutes with no thawing.
Cleanup is a strong point in the listing: the ceramic-coated grill grate, 4-quart crisper basket and 6-quart cooking pot are nonstick, PTFE/PFOA-free and dishwasher safe. The box also includes a 10 by 10 inch grill grate, a 15-recipe book and a cleaning brush. One detail the listing mentions is worth knowing: unplug it and keep the hood open after use so it cools down quickly.
This model suits beginners and gift recipients who want a grill and air fryer in one without extra tech. It has no smart thermometer and no broil function, so if those matter, step up to one of the Smart XL models. Anyone who enjoys countertop gadgets may also like browsing our guide to Ninja kitchen appliances.
Ninja FlexFlame ProConnect Grill & Smoker for the Backyard
Best for: Backyard cooks who smoke and grill
Pros
- App monitoring and alerts
- 200°F–600°F propane control
- Woodfire smoking with pellets
Cons
- Outdoor cart, not countertop
- Pizza and griddle parts sold separately
The Ninja FlexFlame ProConnect Grill & Smoker (PG305) is the only outdoor model here. It is a propane grill on a cart, with 3 burners and a digital control panel that holds an exact temperature from 200°F to 600°F. Ninja says it preheats to 600°F in 7 minutes, and a convection fan moves hot air and smoke around the food for even browning.
It is sold as a 5-in-1 system: grill, smoke, roast, griddle and pizza. Be aware that the pizza stone and the griddle plates are accessories sold separately. For smoking, Ninja Woodfire Technology uses just 2 cups of pellets for low-and-slow flavor, bark and a smoke ring. The Ninja ProConnect App lets you watch temperatures and doneness from your phone and get notifications. It measures about 61.69 inches wide and 48.31 inches tall, so it needs a patio, not a counter.
This is the pick for someone who cooks outside and wants both grilling and smoking in one unit. If you are mainly curious about smoking, our Ninja pellet smoker guide covers that side in more detail. For indoor cooking, any of the models above is a better fit.
How to Choose the Right Ninja Kitchen Grill
Grill, griddle or air fryer combo. If you want pancakes, eggs and smash burgers, choose a Sizzle model, since only they include a flat griddle plate in the box. If you want crispy wings and fries as well as grilled meat, choose one of the Foodi grill and air fryer models.
How many people you cook for. The Sizzle Pro XL is sized for 8 to 10 people, while the standard Sizzle suits 4 to 6. The Foodi grills fit up to 6 steaks at once, which covers most family dinners.
Help with doneness. The FG551 and DG551 both include a smart thermometer with protein presets. The AG301 does not, so you will rely on times and your own checks.
Indoor or outdoor. Only the FlexFlame runs on propane and belongs outside. Every other model here plugs into a standard 120-volt outlet on your counter.
Cleanup. The AG301 lists all its removable parts as dishwasher safe, and the Sizzle lists a dishwasher-safe lid. The Sizzle Pro XL highlights easy wipe-down plates instead.
FAQ
Which Ninja grill should I buy for a small apartment?
The Ninja Sizzle Indoor Grill & Griddle is the most compact countertop option, with 14-inch plates. If you also want air frying, the Foodi 5-in-1 is a good middle ground.
Is a Ninja indoor grill really smokeless?
Ninja describes these models as low smoke or virtually smoke free, using lids, splatter shields and grease catches. Some smoke is still normal with fatty foods, so good kitchen ventilation helps.
What is the difference between the FG551 and DG551?
The DG551 listing describes it as an updated, sleek design with the same functions. Both have six functions and the smart thermometer. The listings present specs differently, so compare the details you care about.
Can the Ninja grill and air fryer models cook frozen food?
Yes. The DG551 and AG301 listings both say food can go from frozen to char-grilled in under 25 minutes without thawing.
Does the FlexFlame come with a pizza stone?
No. The listing says the Artisan Pizza Stone and the griddle plates are accessories sold separately.
Which Ninja grill makes the best gift?
For a beginner, the Foodi 5-in-1 is simple and versatile. For a family that loves breakfast, the Sizzle Pro XL is the crowd-pleaser. For a backyard cook, the FlexFlame is the standout.
