6 Best Ninja Foodi Grills of 2026

The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill FG551 isn’t just another countertop grill—it’s a culinary game-changer for households that demand precision, volume, and versatility. With its Smart Cook System and dual-sensor thermometer, this unit eliminates the anxiety of undercooked chicken or overdone steak, delivering restaurant-grade results with zero guesswork. The 500°F cyclonic grilling tech locks in juices while creating authentic char-grill marks, making it a standout for indoor BBQ lovers who hate smoke but crave flavor.

In real-world testing, the XL capacity shines—grilling six steaks or a full rack of ribs without crowding is effortless, and the 4-qt crisper basket delivers golden, crispy wings without flipping. The smoke control system lives up to the hype, keeping kitchens clear even during high-temp searing, thanks to the splatter shield and cool-air zone. However, while it handles large roasts with ease, smaller meals can feel overkill, and the preheat time is slightly longer than compact models—around 6 minutes under load.

Compared to the Ninja DG551, the FG551 offers nearly identical performance and features but predates the second-gen refinement, missing the updated aesthetics and minor interface tweaks. Still, it’s the ideal pick for families or meal preppers who need to cook in bulk, offering more space than the EG201 and smarter cooking than the budget AG301. With more intelligent automation and larger capacity than most rivals, it justifies its premium positioning through sheer culinary confidence.

The Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL is the definitive evolution of indoor smart grilling—refined, powerful, and packed with chef-level intelligence. As the second-generation upgrade to the FG551, it retains the 1760-watt cyclonic grilling power and Smart Cook System, but now features a sleeker design and improved user interface that makes it feel more premium than ever. The Foodi Smart Thermometer remains its crown jewel, offering 9 doneness levels across 4 proteins, turning even novice cooks into precision grill masters with a single button press.

During testing, the dual-sensor thermometer consistently nailed perfect medium-rare steaks and juicy, safe-to-eat chicken breasts, outperforming models without probe tech. The 6-in-1 functionality transitions seamlessly from crispy air-fried fries to dehydrated fruit chips, while the 4-qt crisper basket delivers even browning thanks to cyclonic airflow. It handles frozen-to-grill in under 25 minutes, though the large footprint demands serious counter space, and the lid must stay closed for optimal temp control—limiting mid-cook checks.

Against the FG551, the DG551 offers the same core performance but with refined ergonomics and updated build quality, making it the best overall choice for those who want the latest tech without sacrificing capacity. It outclasses the compact AG300 in power and the EG201 in automation, positioning itself as the most balanced high-end option. With smarter cooking, better finish, and full-family capacity, it delivers elite performance in a polished package.

The Ninja EG201 Foodi Grill is the value king—a feature-rich, 6-in-1 powerhouse that delivers 500°F cyclonic grilling and up to 75% less fat cooking without breaking the bank. It’s the perfect bridge between basic grills and smart models, offering GrillControl settings (Low to Max) for precise searing and dehydrate function for jerky or dried herbs—features rare at this price. The smoke control system works impressively well, making it ideal for apartments or small kitchens where ventilation is limited.

In daily use, the 4-qt crisper basket air fries wings to crispy perfection, and the 6-qt cooking pot handles full roasts or family-sized veggies with room to spare. The PTFE/PFOA-free ceramic coating ensures easy cleanup, and all major parts are dishwasher safe—a win for busy households. However, it lacks a built-in thermometer, so checking doneness means opening the lid and risking heat loss, a step behind smarter models like the DG551.

When stacked against the AG301, the EG201 offers broil function and larger pot capacity, giving it an edge in versatility. It’s not as compact as the B0G43599Z5 nor as smart as the FG551, but for those seeking maximum features per dollar, it’s unmatched. With more functions and better build than budget models, it delivers premium performance at a mid-tier cost, making it the go-to for value-focused cooks.

The Ninja Foodi 4-in-1 Grill B0G43599Z5 is a compact dynamo, engineered for small kitchens and minimalist cooks who refuse to sacrifice power for size. Despite weighing just 2.42 lbs and measuring under 11 inches tall, it packs a 1500W punch, delivering 500°F cyclonic grilling that sears steaks and crisps chicken skin with shocking efficiency. The high-density reversible rack doubles as a flat griddle or ridged grill, and the smoke-minimizing design keeps tiny spaces habitable—ideal for dorms, RVs, or studio apartments.

Real-world tests show it preheats in under 4 minutes and handles frozen burgers to char-grilled in 20 minutes, with even airflow that eliminates the need to flip. The 4-qt crisper basket delivers golden fries, though it’s tight for more than two servings. While it skips broil and dehydrate functions, the precise 250°F–500°F control makes roasting and baking surprisingly capable. The only real limitation? Capacity—it simply can’t feed more than two people comfortably.

Compared to the EG201, it’s far more portable but less versatile; it lacks the broil and dehydrate modes. Against the AG300, it offers better build and full temp range. It’s the best compact design for singles or couples, winning on space-saving without gutting performance. With faster preheat and lighter build than full-size models, it’s the ultimate small-space powerhouse**.

The Ninja AG301 Foodi Grill is the original workhorse—a proven performer that brings outdoor BTU-level heat to your countertop without the clutter of smart tech. It’s a no-frills powerhouse with 500°F cyclonic grilling, smoke control, and 5-in-1 functionality, including dehydrate—making it more capable than newer budget models. The 6-qt cooking pot fits a 3-pound roast or whole chicken, and the ceramic-coated, dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup a breeze, even after greasy rib nights.

In testing, it grilled salmon with perfect sear marks and air-fried tater tots to crunchy perfection, all while keeping smoke levels low thanks to the cool-air zone and splatter shield. It transforms frozen foods in under 25 minutes, a huge time-saver. However, the interface feels dated compared to newer models, and the lack of a thermometer means you’re still guessing on doneness—fine for pros, frustrating for beginners.

Against the AG300, the AG301 is more versatile, adding dehydrate and bake functions. It doesn’t have the smart features of the DG551, but it matches its core grilling performance at a lower cost. For budget-conscious buyers who want reliable, full-featured cooking without gimmicks, it’s a smart, durable choice. With more functions and better capacity than entry-level models, it offers long-term value through simplicity and strength.

The Ninja AG300 is the barebones budget pick—a no-frills, 4-in-1 grill that gets the job done when money is tight. It delivers 500°F cyclonic grilling and air frying in a simple package, making it capable of searing burgers and crisping fries, though it drops dehydrate and broil found in pricier models. With a 14-inch width, it fits snugly on most counters, but sparse feature details suggest it’s built for basics, not bells and whistles.

In practical use, it performs adequately on standard tasks: air frying, grilling chicken breasts, and roasting veggies. However, the lack of a cooking pot or detailed accessories list raises concerns about versatility and ease of cleaning. It likely shares the smoke-minimizing design of other Ninja grills, but without a thermometer or precise temp feedback, results can be inconsistent. It’s best for light users or second kitchens where space and cost matter most.

Compared to the AG301, the AG300 is less functional, missing key modes and capacity. It’s the newest budget model, but appears to cut corners to hit a lower price. For those who only need air fry and grill, it’s a functional starter. With fewer features and less known durability than older models, it’s adequate for entry-level use but lacks long-term appeal.