Ever dreamed of grilling a steak to perfection from the comfort of your kitchen, no matter the weather outside? There’s a handy gadget that might be just the solution you’ve been looking for—the Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, & Dehydrate, Foodi Smart Thermometer, 2nd Generation, Black/Silver. Let’s dive into what this impressive kitchen tool has to offer.
Unboxing the Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL
What’s Included?
Opening the Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL package, you’ll find everything you need to start cooking right away. Here’s a detailed look at what you get:
- Ninja Smart XL Grill
- 9″ x 12″ Grill Grate
- 4-qt. Crisper Basket
- 4-qt. Cooking Pot
- Foodi Smart Thermometer
- Cleaning Brush
- Chef-Created 15 Recipe Book
This comprehensive set ensures that you’re well-equipped to handle a variety of cooking tasks, from grilling juicy steaks to air frying crispy fries.
First Impressions
At first glance, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL stands out with its sleek design and modern aesthetic in black and silver. It’s clear that a lot of thought has gone into its user-friendly design. Despite its robust capabilities, it fits comfortably on a countertop, making it an attractive addition to any kitchen.
Main Features
Smart Cook System and Thermometer
One of the standout features is the Smart Cook System & Thermometer. This high-tech addition takes the guesswork out of cooking. With 4 protein settings and 9 customizable doneness levels, you can achieve perfect results with just the touch of a button. Whether you prefer your steak rare or well-done, the Smart Cook System ensures you won’t miss the mark.
Cyclonic Grilling Technology
The Ninja Foodi Smart XL utilizes cyclonic grilling technology—sounds fancy, right? This means it uses 500°F of hot cyclonic air combined with a 500°F grill grate to cook or char your food to perfection. You get those desirable char-grilled marks and smoky flavors without having to break out the outdoor grill.
Versatile Cooking Functions
This isn’t just a grill; it’s a multi-functional cooking powerhouse. Here are the six versatile cooking functions:
- Grill: Perfect for steaks, burgers, and more.
- Air Crisp: Achieve crispy textures with up to 75% less fat than traditional frying.
- Roast: Ideal for hearty meals like roasted chicken or vegetables.
- Bake: Make everything from cakes to casseroles.
- Broil: Great for finishing off dishes or melting cheese.
- Dehydrate: Perfect for making homemade snacks like dried fruit.
Smoke Control System
One of the common challenges with indoor grills is managing smoke. The Ninja DG551 tackles this with a combination of temperature control grill grates, splatter shields, and a cool-air zone. All these elements work together to reduce smoke, keeping your kitchen atmosphere clean and pleasant.
XL Family-Sized Capacity
Hosting a gathering or feeding a large family? The XL capacity can handle it. The grill grate can accommodate up to 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs at once. This means you can cook mains and sides together, saving time and making meal prep more efficient.
Easy to Clean
No one loves cleaning up, but the Ninja Foodi Smart XL makes it easier. The ceramic-coated, removable grill grate, crisper basket, and cooking pot are dishwasher safe. Plus, they’re PTFE and PFOA-free, ensuring that you’re not exposing your family to harmful chemicals.
Performance Evaluation
Grilling Perfection
From juicy steaks to perfectly seared seafood, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL doesn’t disappoint when it comes to grilling. The high heat and smart cook system work together to provide consistent results. Plus, the Foodi Smart Thermometer takes the guesswork out of reaching the perfect doneness.
Air Frying Excellence
More than just a grill, this appliance excels as an air fryer. Whether you’re whipping up a batch of French fries or crispy chicken wings, the results are comparable to deep frying but with far less fat. This makes it a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste or texture.
Roasting and Baking
Roasting a chicken or baking a cake? The Ninja Foodi Smart XL handles these tasks effortlessly. The even heat distribution makes for wonderfully moist cakes and perfectly roasted vegetables.
Smoke-Free Cooking
The innovative Smoke Control System is a real game-changer. Using the grill indoors without filling your home with smoke is a huge plus, especially when you’re cooking at high temperatures.
Detailed Information Table
For a comprehensive breakdown, here’s a table that details the key specs and features:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Design | Sleek black and silver finish |
| Main Unit Dimensions | Fits comfortably on countertops |
| Cooking Functions | Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate |
| Smart System | 4 protein settings, 9 doneness levels, Foodi Smart Thermometer |
| Grilling Technology | 500°F Cyclonic Grilling Technology |
| XL Capacity | Grill grate fits up to 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs |
| Fat Reduction | Up to 75% less fat with air frying (compared to traditional frying) |
| Smoke Control | Temperature control grill grate, splatter shield, and cool-air zone |
| Ease of Cleaning | Dishwasher-safe, ceramic-coated, PTFE/PFOA-free grill grate, crisper basket, and cooking pot |
| Included Accessories | 9″ x 12″ Grill Grate, 4-qt. Crisper Basket, 4-qt. Cooking Pot, Thermometer, Cleaning Brush, Recipe Book |
User Experience
Ease of Use
Setting up the Ninja Foodi Smart XL is straightforward. Navigate through the functions using the intuitive control panel, select the desired cooking mode, set the temperature, and you’re good to go. The inclusion of the Smart Thermometer is especially user-friendly, taking much of the stress out of cooking meats to the perfect doneness.
Recipe Inspiration
Not a kitchen whiz? No worries. The included Chef-Created 15 Recipe Book provides plenty of inspiration. From beginner-friendly dishes to more complex meals, there’s a variety to help you make the most of your new appliance.
Consistency
One of the key factors in a reliable kitchen appliance is consistency. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or air frying, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL delivers consistent results. This allows you to confidently plan meals, knowing that the end product will meet your expectations.
Customer Feedback
Positive Reviews
A majority of users rave about the Ninja Foodi Smart XL’s performance and versatility. Many appreciate its ability to replace several kitchen appliances, saving counter space and reducing clutter. The Smart Cook System gets special mention for its accuracy and ease of use.
Constructive Criticism
One area for improvement noted by some users is the size of the unit. While its XL capacity is great for cooking large meals, it does take up a considerable amount of counter space. However, most find this a worthy trade-off for its multifunctional capabilities.
Comparing Alternatives
Similar Products
Comparing the Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL to similar products can help clarify its strengths and weaknesses. Here are a few contenders:
| Product | Key Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer | 11-in-1 functions, including Slow Cook and Saute modes | $150 – $200 |
| Breville Smart Oven Air | 13 cooking functions, Element IQ System, large capacity | $250 – $400 |
| Philips Premium Airfryer XXL | Rapid Air Technology, fat removal technology, no predefined grill function | $300 – $350 |
While each of these alternatives offers unique features, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL stands out for its combination of grilling, air frying, and smart cooking systems.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to elevate your cooking game, the Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill is an excellent investment. Its versatility, smart technology, and ease of use make it a standout in the kitchen appliance market. Despite its larger footprint, the multifunctional benefits it offers far outweigh the cons, making it a valuable addition to any culinary enthusiast’s arsenal.
So, go ahead, treat yourself to the Ninja Foodi Smart XL and enjoy seamless, delicious cooking experiences right in your own home.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.