Ninja IG651 vs DG551 Honest Review From My Kitchen

If you’re stuck between the Ninja IG651 vs DG551, trust me you’re not alone. I was in the same spot a year ago. Living in Austin, Texas, I’ve learned that outdoor grilling isn’t always practical. Between the blazing 100°F summer days and surprise thunderstorms, keeping an outdoor grill fired up year-round just didn’t make sense. That’s when I started searching for an indoor solution.

After testing and cooking on both models for months, I finally have a clear picture of where each one shines. The Ninja IG651 feels like hauling a real backyard grill straight into your kitchen it’s wide, powerful, and made for family-style meals. The Ninja DG551, on the other hand, is more compact, smarter in its design, and better suited for quick, everyday cooking.

This review is not a “copy-paste” from product pages it’s a hands-on account from my own kitchen. I’ve grilled steaks, flipped pancakes, air-fried fries, and even cooked salmon straight from the freezer. Below, I’ll walk you through what I’ve loved, what frustrated me, and ultimately how to decide which model is the right fit for you.

Ninja IG651 Review: A Deep Dive After Months of Cooking

When I first unboxed the Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Grill/Griddle, I wasn’t sure if it would truly replace my outdoor grill or just end up as another bulky countertop gadget. But after months of weekday dinners, Saturday pancake mornings, and late-night snack experiments, I can confidently say it’s not just a gimmick.

It’s not perfect, but it does something few indoor grills can: it actually delivers a grill experience inside your kitchen.

Let me walk you through what I’ve cooked, what impressed me, what fell short, and how it stacks up over time.

First Impressions: Unboxing and Setup

The box was heavy about 27.5 lbs which immediately gave me the sense that this was a sturdy, long-term appliance. No flimsy plastic, no “cheap gadget” feel.

Inside the box, I found:

• The powered grill grate (heavier than I expected, but solid)
  
• A 12″ griddle plate for pancakes, sandwiches, and breakfast foods
  
• A crisper basket for air frying fries, wings, onion rings
  
• The smart thermometer (a thin probe connected to a small digital screen)
  
• Drip tray and other standard accessories
  

Setup was quick. Plug it in, wash the parts, and you’re ready to go. The control panel looked intuitive, with dedicated buttons for Grill, BBQ Griddle, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate.

Cooking Tests: How It Performed on Different Meals

Here’s where the IG651 either earns its place on your counter or doesn’t. I tested it across breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.

🔥 Steaks and Burgers – Almost Outdoor Quality

I tossed two ribeye steaks on the grate, set the hood down, and let it rip at 500°F. Within minutes, I had beautiful grill marks. The sear wasn’t as smoky as charcoal, but flavor-wise, it was close enough that my wife asked, “Did you grill these outside?”

For burgers, the hood-up searing option was a game changer. You can get that sizzling, diner-style crust without drying them out.

✅ Verdict: If you crave backyard grilling but can’t cook outside, this scratches the itch.

🍗 Chicken Breasts – No More Dry Chicken

Normally, chicken breasts are my enemy always too dry. But with the smart thermometer set to “Well Done,” I got juicy chicken every single time. The IG651 adjusted heat automatically once the meat neared target temp.

✅ Verdict: Reliable, stress-free chicken.

🥞 Pancakes and Breakfast – The Flat-Top Dream

The griddle plate turned out to be my favorite accessory. One Saturday, I cooked six pancakes at once while bacon sizzled on the side. No rotating pans, no family waiting around.

I’ve also used it for breakfast sandwiches frying eggs and toasting buns simultaneously.

✅ Verdict: Worth it for the griddle alone if you do family breakfasts.

🍟 Fries and Wings – Air Crisp That Delivers

I tossed frozen fries into the crisper basket, gave them 15 minutes, and they came out crispy with less oil than deep frying. Same for chicken wings crispy outside, juicy inside.

✅ Verdict: Replaces a separate air fryer for me.

🥗 Veggies and Sides

Zucchini, asparagus, even corn on the cob I grilled them all. The hood-down convection keeps them tender but with that roasted flavor.

✅ Verdict: Makes eating more veggies painless.

Long-Term Use: What Holds Up and What Doesn’t

Now that I’ve used the IG651 for months, here are the things that stood out in the long run.

👍 What I Love Over Time

• Consistency – Whether it’s the 10th steak or 50th, results are reliable.
  
• Smart Thermometer – Still my favorite feature. Removes stress from cooking meat.
  
• Durability – After heavy use, the grill still heats evenly. The grate shows some wear, but nothing major.
  
• Family-Friendly – Cooking bigger portions in one go saves time and keeps meals less chaotic.
  

👎 What’s Annoying Over Time

• Cleaning the powered grate – Still heavy and awkward. I avoid rinsing it late at night.
  
• Counter space hog – At 17 inches wide, it’s not for tiny kitchens. I had to reorganize my countertop to make room.
  
• Fan noise – It’s not loud like a blender, but you know it’s running. After a long day, it’s noticeable.
  
• Slanted surface – Hot dogs rolling toward the drip tray still bugs me.
  

Ninja IG651 vs Outdoor Grill: Can It Replace It?

I still love outdoor charcoal grilling for the smoky flavor, but the IG651 comes surprisingly close. It won’t replace the taste of charcoal or wood, but it does replicate:

• Grill marks – Visually satisfying
  
• High-heat searing – Gets that crust on steaks and burgers
  
• Family-sized cooking – Enough space for a group meal
  

For me, it didn’t replace outdoor grilling completely, but it definitely reduced how often I fire up the outdoor grill.

Who Should Buy the Ninja IG651?

I’d recommend the IG651 if you:

• Have a family of 4–6 and cook large meals often
  
• Want a grill that doubles as a flat-top griddle and air fryer
  
• Enjoy hands-on cooking (searing with the hood up, flipping pancakes, etc.)
  
• Have enough counter space to dedicate to it
  

Who Should Skip the Ninja IG651?

It may not be for you if you:

• Live in a small apartment with limited counter space
  
• Hate cleaning heavy parts (the powered grate is a workout)
  
• Prefer “set it and forget it” cooking (the DG551 is better for that)
  

Value for Money: Is It Worth the Price?

The price usually ranges between $230–$370 depending on sales. Considering it’s:

• A grill,
  
• A griddle,
  
• An air fryer,
  
• A small oven (roast, bake, broil, dehydrate),
  

…it actually saves money and space compared to buying multiple appliances.

For me, the IG651 is worth the price because it earns a permanent place on the counter, which is rare in my kitchen.

Final Thoughts on the Ninja IG651

The Ninja IG651 is not perfect it’s bulky, cleaning takes effort, and the fan hums while cooking. But the pros outweigh the cons: real grill results, versatile cooking, and family-sized convenience.

If you love grilling, want variety, and have the counter space, the IG651 will make your meals more exciting and less stressful.

✅ Final Score for Ninja IG651: 8.5/10

• Performance: 9/10
  
• Ease of Use: 8.5/10
  
• Value for Money: 8/10
  

It’s earned its spot in my kitchen permanently.

Ninja DG551 Review: The Compact Indoor Grill That Works Smarter, Not Harder

If the Ninja IG651 feels like a bold backyard grill brought indoors, the Ninja DG551 feels more like the practical younger sibling smaller, quieter, and designed for everyday convenience.

When I first set up the DG551 in my kitchen, I didn’t expect it to wow me after the IG651. But after months of alternating between the two, I’ve realized the DG551 shines in ways the IG651 can’t: space efficiency, quieter operation, and smarter automation.

Let me break down my hands-on experience.

First Impressions: Unboxing and Setup

Compared to the IG651, the DG551 felt noticeably lighter around 24 lbs vs 27.5 lbs. Not a massive difference, but enough that I could lift and reposition it without feeling like I was moving a mini fridge.

The box included:

• A ceramic-coated grill grate (lighter than the IG651 powered grate)
  
• A crisper basket for fries and wings
  
• The Foodi Smart Thermometer
  
• A cooking pot and splatter shield
  

The footprint was also smaller around 15.7″D × 16.5″W × 11″H which meant it actually fit under my kitchen cabinets without me needing to shuffle appliances around.

Setup was just as fast: wash the parts, plug it in, and you’re ready.

Cooking Tests: Putting the DG551 to Work

I tested the DG551 the same way I tested the IG651 steaks, chicken, fish, fries, and veggies. Here’s how it went.

🔥 Steaks and Burgers – Smarter Cooking, Less Work

Like the IG651, the DG551 has the smart thermometer, but the difference is how the grill integrates with it. Once I inserted the thermometer and selected “Medium,” the grill adjusted cooking automatically.

I didn’t have to babysit the steak. The DG551 beeped when it was done, and the doneness was spot-on.

Burgers came out juicy, but here’s the catch: the sear wasn’t as dramatic as the IG651. Fewer grill marks, slightly less crust.

✅ Verdict: Perfect for consistency, but if you love that bold sear, IG651 does it better.

🍗 Chicken Breasts – Foolproof

This is where the DG551 really shines. I popped in two chicken breasts, set the thermometer to “Well Done,” and walked away. No flipping, no stress.

The result: juicy chicken, no dryness. The smaller chamber seemed to circulate heat more efficiently than the IG651.

✅ Verdict: Easier, less hands-on than IG651.

🐟 Salmon and Fish – The DG551 Wins Here

One night, I cooked frozen salmon fillets without thawing. I used the air crisp + thermometer combo, and the result surprised me crispy skin, flaky inside, zero dryness.

The IG651 can cook salmon too, but the DG551 feels better designed for it quicker preheat, smaller chamber, and more consistent moisture retention.

✅ Verdict: If you cook fish often, DG551 > IG651.

🍟 Fries and Snacks – Quieter Air Crisp

The crisper basket in the DG551 is smaller than the IG651’s, but for 2–3 servings, it’s perfect. Fries, wings, nuggets all came out crispy.

One thing I loved: the DG551 fan is quieter. With the IG651, you always hear it humming. With the DG551, I can cook without feeling like I’m running a space heater.

✅ Verdict: Great for everyday snacking, not for party-sized portions.

🥗 Veggies – Quicker, Simpler

Asparagus and zucchini came out just right in about 8 minutes. Because of the smaller chamber, cooking times often felt shorter compared to IG651.

✅ Verdict: More efficient for weeknight sides.

Long-Term Use: Strengths and Weaknesses

After months of use, here’s how the DG551 holds up.

👍 What I Love Over Time

• Smaller footprint – Takes up less space, fits under cabinets.
  
• Quieter operation – Easier to run without feeling disruptive.
  
• Efficient cooking – Preheats and finishes slightly faster than IG651.
  
• Low maintenance – The ceramic-coated grate is lighter and easier to clean than IG651’s powered grate.
  
• Smart thermometer integration – Less hands-on babysitting.
  

👎 What Bugs Me Over Time

• No griddle plate – I miss making pancakes and eggs like on the IG651.
  
• Smaller capacity – Works for 2–4 servings, but not big family meals.
  
• Less bold sear – Steaks and burgers don’t have the same “outdoor grill” punch.
  
• Plastic feel – The build feels slightly less rugged than the IG651.
  

Ninja DG551 vs IG651: The Core Differences

Feature	Ninja DG551	Ninja IG651
Size	Compact, lighter	Larger, heavier
Cooking Functions	6-in-1 (Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate)	7-in-1 (same + BBQ Griddle)
Smart Thermometer	Integrated automation	Manual monitoring
Capacity	Smaller (2–4 servings)	Larger (up to 6 steaks)
Cleaning	Easier, lighter grate	Harder, powered grate
Noise	Quieter fan	Louder fan
Sear Quality	Good, but not bold	Strong, outdoor-style sear
Best For	Everyday meals, smaller kitchens	Family meals, grill lovers

Who Should Buy the Ninja DG551?

The DG551 is perfect if you:

• Live in a smaller apartment or house with limited space
  
• Cook mostly for 1–3 people
  
• Prefer set-it-and-forget-it meals (the thermometer makes it nearly hands-off)
  
• Cook a lot of fish, chicken, and everyday dinners
  
• Want something quieter and easier to clean
  

Who Should Skip the DG551?

It may not be for you if you:

• Frequently cook for 4–6 people or more
  
• Love the idea of a flat-top griddle (that’s IG651 only)
  
• Want bold steakhouse-style searing
  
• Already own a dedicated air fryer and grill and don’t need a combo
  

Value for Money: Is It Worth It?

The Ninja DG551 usually runs between $180–$250, making it slightly cheaper than the IG651.

For the price, you get:

• An indoor grill,
  
• An air fryer,
  
• A small oven substitute,
  
• Smart thermometer tech.
  

If you’re cooking for yourself, a partner, or a small family, it’s absolutely worth the money.

But if you’re feeding larger groups, the IG651 gives you more cooking space and flexibility for not much more money.

Final Thoughts on the Ninja DG551

The Ninja DG551 surprised me. It’s not flashy, but it’s incredibly practical. It doesn’t have the wow-factor of the IG651’s griddle or bold sear, but it wins with efficiency, quietness, and everyday usability.

For weeknight salmon, chicken, or quick fries, I reach for the DG551. For weekend burgers, pancakes, or family-sized meals, I use the IG651.

✅ Final Score for Ninja DG551: 8/10

• Performance: 8/10
  
• Ease of Use: 9/10
  
• Value for Money: 8.5/10
  

It’s a smaller, smarter grill that fits easily into daily life.

Ninja IG651 vs DG551: Which One Should You Buy?

After reviewing and cooking extensively with both the Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Grill/Griddle and the Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Grill, I can confidently say that neither is “better” in every category. Instead, each one shines in different contexts.

So if you’re on the fence, this guide will help you figure out which one belongs on your countertop.

Feature	Ninja IG651	Ninja DG551
Cooking Functions	7-in-1 (Grill, BBQ Griddle, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate)	6-in-1 (no BBQ Griddle)
Size & Weight	Larger, heavier (27.5 lbs)	More compact (24 lbs)
Capacity	Feeds 4–6 people	Feeds 2–4 people
Sear Quality	Strong, outdoor-style grill marks	Good, but milder sear
Smart Thermometer	Manual control with alerts	Automated cook-to-doneness
Noise Level	Louder fan	Quieter
Ease of Cleaning	Heavier powered grate, tougher to clean	Lighter ceramic grate, easier to wash
Best At	Steaks, burgers, weekend family meals, griddle breakfasts	Chicken, fish, everyday dinners, compact living
Price Range	$230–$370	$180–$250

The Core Differences at a Glance

Why Choose the Ninja IG651?

The IG651 feels like a kitchen powerhouse. It’s bigger, bolder, and more versatile, especially because of the BBQ griddle. If you want to replicate outdoor grilling indoors or feed a hungry family this is the one.

Best Scenarios for IG651 Owners:

• Weekend steak nights where you want that perfect sear
  
• Burger grilling parties where you need to flip six patties at once
  
• Pancake breakfasts with bacon, eggs, and hash browns all sizzling on the griddle
  
• Family dinners where capacity matters more than compactness
  

Pros Recap:

✔ Authentic searing power
✔ Large capacity
✔ BBQ griddle expands versatility
✔ Perfect for gatherings or bigger families

Cons Recap:

✘ Takes up a lot of counter space
✘ Cleaning the powered grate can be a chore
✘ Louder fan
✘ More expensive

✅ Recommendation: Choose the IG651 if you want a family-sized indoor grill that feels like an outdoor one and don’t mind sacrificing counter space for performance.

Why Choose the Ninja DG551?

The DG551 trades raw power for efficiency and convenience. It doesn’t have the BBQ griddle or the same bold sear, but it’s smarter and easier to live with.

Best Scenarios for DG551 Owners:

• Weeknight salmon dinners where you just set the thermometer and walk away
  
• Quick chicken meals where dryness is your worst enemy
  
• Small households (1–3 people) where big capacity isn’t necessary
  
• Apartment kitchens where space and noise are a concern
  

Pros Recap:

✔ Compact and fits under cabinets
✔ Quieter operation
✔ Easier to clean
✔ Thermometer automation takes away guesswork
✔ More affordable

Cons Recap:

✘ Smaller capacity, not ideal for families of 5+
✘ No BBQ griddle (no pancakes, eggs, or flat-top cooking)
✘ Less dramatic sear on steaks/burgers
✘ Slightly less rugged build compared to IG651

✅ Recommendation: Choose the DG551 if you want a smart, compact, everyday indoor grill that makes cooking simple and stress-free.

Who Wins in Specific Categories?

• For Steak & Burgers: IG651 (better sear, more space)
  
• For Chicken & Fish: DG551 (more consistent, less hands-on)
  
• For Pancakes & Breakfasts: IG651 (BBQ griddle makes it a winner)
  
• For Fries, Wings & Snacks: Tie (both have crisping baskets, DG551 is quieter, IG651 cooks more at once)
  
• For Space-Saving: DG551 (fits in smaller kitchens easily)
  
• For Cleaning: DG551 (lighter grate, easier washing)
  
• For Big Families: IG651 (feeds more people at once)
  
• For Small Households: DG551 (better suited for daily cooking)
  

Final Recommendation

If you’ve been following this review series, you know I’ve cooked everything from steaks to pancakes on these machines. After months of side-by-side testing, here’s my bottom-line advice:

• Buy the Ninja IG651 if you:
  
  • Love grilling steakhouse-style meals indoors
    
  • Have a family of 4+ or host gatherings
    
  • Want the versatility of a griddle for breakfast and flat-top cooking
    
  • Don’t mind a bulkier appliance that takes up space
    
• Buy the Ninja DG551 if you:
  
  • Cook mostly for yourself, a partner, or a small household
    
  • Value quiet, compact, and efficient cooking
    
  • Want the smart thermometer to handle doneness automatically
    
  • Prioritize easy cleanup and everyday usability
    

My Personal Take

In my kitchen, I actually kept both.

• I use the IG651 on weekends for big family meals, grilling burgers, or breakfast spreads.
  
• I use the DG551 during the week for quick salmon dinners, chicken breasts, or snack fries.
  

But if I had to choose just one?

👉 I’d recommend the DG551 for most people. It’s cheaper, easier to live with, and better suited to everyday cooking.

The IG651 is the better “showpiece” grill, but unless you’re cooking for a crowd regularly, it might feel oversized.

Final Scores

• Ninja IG651: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (8.5/10)
  
  • Great for grill lovers and families, but bulky and louder.
    
• Ninja DG551: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (8/10)
  
  • Practical, efficient, and compact, though less flashy.
    

Both are excellent appliances but the right one depends on your lifestyle.

Ninja IG651 vs DG551: A Detailed Side-by-Side Comparison

When I first started using the Ninja IG651 and DG551 in my Austin kitchen, I thought the differences would be minor just two variations of the same indoor grill. But after months of cooking everything from weekday chicken dinners to big pancake breakfasts, I realized the differences are significant.

Both machines share the Ninja DNA: strong heat, air-crisp technology, a smart thermometer, and dishwasher-safe parts. But the way they fit into everyday cooking is very different.

Let’s break it down category by category.

1. Cooking Capacity

If you cook for a family or like hosting backyard-style dinners indoors capacity matters.

• Ninja IG651:
  
  • Wide grate + flat-top griddle = space for six steaks at once, a big tray of nachos, or pancakes for the whole family.
    
  • I once cooked bacon, eggs, and pancakes at the same time on Saturday morning, and nobody had to wait for the second batch.
    
• Ninja DG551:
  
  • Can technically fit six steaks, but realistically it’s better for 3–4 servings.
    
  • Works well for a couple or small family, but if I tried to make burgers for six people, I’d end up cooking in two rounds.
    

👉 Winner: IG651   for large meals and variety. DG551 is fine for smaller households.

2. Heat Control & Cooking Style

Both models reach 500°F, but how they deliver that heat is different.

• Ninja IG651:
  
  • Uses direct contact heat plus convection airflow.
    
  • Hood can stay open or closed.
    
  • With the hood up, steaks sear like they would on an outdoor grill.
    
  • Burgers get deep grill marks that look and taste authentic.
    
• Ninja DG551:
  
  • Uses cyclonic airflow and a heated grate.
    
  • Requires closed-lid cooking no open searing.
    
  • Heat distribution is very even, but you don’t get the same bold char as the IG651.
    

👉 Winner: IG651   for grilling enthusiasts who want that outdoor-style char. DG551   for consistent, even heat when cooking chicken or fish.

3. Smart Thermometer Functions

This is one of Ninja’s biggest selling points, and both models include it.

• Ninja IG651:
  
  • Gives 4 protein settings and 9 doneness levels.
    
  • Example: I set it to “Chicken → Medium” and the grill beeped when it hit the right temp.
    
  • Still feels a little “hands-on” since I sometimes flip with the hood open.
    
• Ninja DG551:
  
  • Same 4 protein / 9 doneness options.
    
  • But here, the thermometer feels more automated.
    
  • I set it for pork chops, closed the lid, and walked away. When it beeped, they were perfectly cooked no babysitting required.
    

👉 Winner: Tie. IG651 is great if you like a hands-on cooking style. DG551 wins for “set it and forget it” convenience.

4. Cleanup

Let’s be honest: cleanup often decides whether you’ll use an appliance daily or shove it in a cabinet.

• Ninja IG651:
  
  • Powered grill grate is heavy and awkward to rinse.
    
  • Splatter shield helps with smoke but takes some scrubbing.
    
  • Most parts are dishwasher-safe, but the size makes it harder to maneuver.
    
• Ninja DG551:
  
  • Grill grate and basket are ceramic-coated and lightweight.
    
  • Cleanup is faster and easier.
    
  • Splatter shield still requires scrubbing, but overall less of a hassle than the IG651.
    

👉 Winner: DG551   lighter, ceramic parts make it more practical for everyday use.

5. Counter Space & Design

This is a big deal if you live in a smaller apartment or have a galley-style kitchen.

• Ninja IG651:
  
  • Wide and low: 15.7″D × 17.4″W × 7″H.
    
  • Took up nearly half of my counter space.
    
  • Looks impressive, but it’s heavy and not easy to store.
    
• Ninja DG551:
  
  • Tall and slim: 11.1″D × 15.7″W × 16″H.
    
  • Fits neatly under cabinets.
    
  • Easier to move if you don’t want it permanently on the counter.
    

👉 Winner: DG551   compact, fits better in smaller kitchens.

6. Performance in Real Meals

Here’s how each one stacked up in my actual cooking tests:

• Steaks: IG651 produced steakhouse-quality sear. DG551 cooked evenly but with lighter grill marks.
  
• Burgers: IG651 handled six patties perfectly. DG551 needed two rounds for the same crowd.
  
• Salmon: DG551 shined especially with frozen salmon fillets. The IG651 did fine, but it wasn’t as hands-off.
  
• Chicken: DG551 won again. The smart thermometer + closed lid made juicy chicken every time.
  
• Pancakes & Breakfasts: IG651’s griddle is unbeatable. DG551 can’t compete here.
  
• Snacks (fries, wings, nachos): Both did well. IG651 cooks more volume, but DG551 is easier to clean after.
  

👉 Winner: Depends on the meal. IG651 for steak/burgers/breakfasts. DG551 for chicken, fish, and smaller dinners.

7. Noise Level

Both grills use fans, but:

• IG651: Louder like a microwave plus a vent fan combined. Not unbearable, but noticeable.
  
• DG551: Quieter closer to a normal microwave.
  

👉 Winner: DG551   better if you’re sensitive to kitchen noise.

8. Price & Value

Here’s what I’ve seen in Austin stores and online (Amazon, Target, Walmart):

• Ninja IG651: $230–$370 depending on sales.
  
• Ninja DG551: $180–$250 depending on sales.
  

The DG551 is usually cheaper but remember, you lose the griddle.

👉 Winner: DG551   better value for most households. IG651 worth it only if you’ll actually use the extra space and griddle.

My Ratings (Out of 10)

Category	Ninja IG651	Ninja DG551
Cooking Capacity	9	8
Heat & Searing	9	8
Smart Thermometer	9	9
Cleanup	7	8
Counter Space	7	9
Performance	9	8.5
Ease of Use	8.5	9
Value for Money	8	8.5
Overall	8.5/10	8.7/10

The Bottom Line

The Ninja IG651 is like having an outdoor grill and griddle inside your kitchen. It’s big, bold, and ideal for families or anyone who loves weekend grilling sessions.

The Ninja DG551 is the practical choice: smaller, easier to clean, and more affordable. It’s perfect for quick weeknight meals and smaller kitchens.

👉 If you’re a grill enthusiast with space, pick the IG651.
👉 If you’re a busy home cook in a smaller kitchen, go for the DG551.

Both are excellent but which one belongs in your kitchen depends on your lifestyle.

FAQs: Ninja IG651 vs DG551

When people ask me about the Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Grill/Griddle and the Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Grill, the same questions pop up over and over. These aren’t just small details they’re often the deciding factors between choosing one model or the other.

So here’s a detailed FAQ that clears up the confusion, based on hands-on cooking experience and long-term testing.

1. What’s the biggest difference between the Ninja IG651 and DG551?

The short answer: capacity and cooking style.

• The IG651 has a BBQ griddle plate in addition to the grill, making it more versatile. It’s designed for families or people who want to cook larger meals at once. It can sear with the hood open, giving you that outdoor grill feel.
  
• The DG551 is more compact, lacks the BBQ griddle, and requires closed-lid cooking. It’s better for everyday, smaller meals and is easier to clean.
  

👉 Think of the IG651 as your weekend cookout machine and the DG551 as your weeknight dinner helper.

2. Do both models use the same smart thermometer?

Yes, both come with the Foodi Smart Thermometer, which is one of Ninja’s best features.

• Both offer 4 protein settings (beef, poultry, pork, fish) and 9 doneness levels (from rare to well-done).
  
• The IG651 feels more manual you may flip food with the hood open.
  
• The DG551 is more automated: you close the lid, set doneness, and the grill tells you when it’s done.
  

👉 Same tech, but the DG551 feels more hands-off.

3. Which one makes a better steak?

This is one of the most common questions and the answer depends on what you want from your steak.

• Ninja IG651: Produces steakhouse-style grill marks and a bold sear. If you love the char and presentation, this one wins.
  
• Ninja DG551: Cooks steak evenly but with lighter grill marks. The texture is great, but the sear is less dramatic.
  

👉 For steak lovers: IG651 all the way.

4. Can both handle frozen food?

Yes, both models can cook frozen meats and snacks, but they shine in different ways:

• IG651: Strong searing power helps when grilling frozen burgers or chicken breasts.
  
• DG551: Better for frozen salmon or chicken tenders, since the thermometer ensures you don’t undercook or dry them out.
  

👉 Both work, but the DG551 is safer for delicate frozen foods like fish.

5. Which one is easier to clean?

This is a big deal for most buyers.

• IG651:
  
  • Heavy powered grill grate takes effort to rinse.
    
  • BBQ griddle is big and can be clumsy to fit in the sink.
    
  • Dishwasher-safe, but still bulky.
    
• DG551:
  
  • Ceramic-coated grill grate and basket are lightweight and non-stick.
    
  • Cleaning is faster, even by hand.
    

👉 DG551 wins here hands down.

6. How much counter space do they need?

• IG651: Wider and bulkier. Dimensions: 15.7″D × 17.4″W × 7″H. Takes up serious space and is heavy to move.
  
• DG551: Slimmer and taller. Dimensions: 11.1″D × 15.7″W × 16″H. Fits under most kitchen cabinets and is easier to lift.
  

👉 If you have a small kitchen, the DG551 is the practical choice.

7. Do both models produce smoke?

They’re called indoor grills, but smoke is still part of the equation.

• Both have a splatter shield and smoke-control system.
  
• The IG651 can produce more smoke when the hood is open and fat drips onto the grate.
  
• The DG551 stays cleaner and produces less smoke since you cook with the lid closed.
  

👉 If you’re sensitive to smoke: DG551 is better.

8. Can I use them as an air fryer?

Yes both models have air crisp functions.

• IG651: Larger basket, cooks more fries or wings at once.
  
• DG551: Smaller basket, but heats up quickly and is easier to clean.
  

👉 Both work, but the IG651 is better for snack parties and DG551 for small servings.

9. Is the IG651 worth the extra money?

It depends on your cooking style.

• If you’ll actually use the BBQ griddle (for pancakes, eggs, fajitas, stir-fry), then yes, it’s worth it.
  
• If you mainly want to cook chicken, fish, and burgers for 2–3 people, the DG551 will save you money and do the job.
  

👉 Ask yourself: Do I need the griddle? If yes → IG651. If no → DG551.

10. Which one is quieter?

• IG651: Louder like a mix between a microwave and a vent fan.
  
• DG551: Noticeably quieter, better for apartments or shared spaces.
  

👉 DG551 wins for low noise.

11. Which one is better for families?

• IG651: Feeds 4–6 people easily. Perfect for families and gatherings.
  
• DG551: Best for 1–3 people. Feeding 5+ requires multiple rounds.
  

👉 Families = IG651. Singles/couples = DG551.

12. Which model lasts longer?

Both are built solidly, but:

• IG651: Heavy-duty grate feels rugged, but ceramic coating can wear faster if not cared for.
  
• DG551: Lighter parts, but the non-stick coating is easier to maintain with gentle cleaning.
  

👉 Durability is about the same, but IG651 feels sturdier.

13. Can I cook breakfast on both?

• IG651: Absolutely. The BBQ griddle makes pancakes, bacon, eggs, hash browns, even quesadillas.
  
• DG551: Limited you can try bacon or sausage, but no true flat-top for pancakes.
  

👉 For breakfast lovers: IG651 is the clear winner.

14. Which one heats up faster?

• IG651: Bigger surface takes a little longer.
  
• DG551: Smaller size = faster preheat.
  

👉 DG551 is quicker for fast weeknight meals.

15. If I could only buy one, which should I choose?

It comes down to lifestyle:

• Buy the IG651 if you:
  
  • Cook for 4+ people often
    
  • Want bold steakhouse sear
    
  • Love griddle breakfasts or flat-top cooking
    
  • Have enough counter space
    
• Buy the DG551 if you:
  
  • Cook for 1–3 people
    
  • Want a compact, quiet grill
    
  • Prefer easy cleanup and convenience
    
  • Don’t care about pancakes or flat-top meals
    

Final Thoughts

Both the Ninja IG651 and DG551 are excellent appliances but they aren’t interchangeable.

• The IG651 is the showpiece grill, perfect for families and grill lovers.
  
• The DG551 is the everyday hero, practical for small households and quick meals.
  

👉 My advice: If you’re a grill enthusiast with space to spare, get the IG651. If you’re a busy cook who values convenience, get the DG551.

Either way, you’ll be upgrading your kitchen with one of the best indoor grills available today.