If you love grilled food but dread battling the weather or setting up the outdoor barbecue every time, you’re not alone. Indoor grills have become essential in modern kitchens—perfect for those who crave the sizzle of a steak or the crunch of roasted veggies year-round. Whether you’re exploring the convenience of a George Foreman indoor grill, experimenting with an indoor hibachi grill, or searching for smarter solutions like the Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 Digital Air Fry Oven Pro, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, we’re reviewing three standout contenders from Ninja’s Foodi lineup—including insights from our review of the Ninja Foodi Max Dual Zone Air Fryer—to help you find the perfect fit for your cooking style, budget, and countertop space. We’ll also touch on useful Ninja Foodi accessories, including the air fry basket and Ninja Foodi air fryer oven parchment paper, which can elevate your meal prep.
From searing to air frying, and even blending with the Ninja Foodi blender, this journey is packed with ideas for flavorful, efficient, and healthy cooking. And if you’re passionate about wellness, don’t miss our tips on healthy cooking utensils and the best healthy cooking books to keep your kitchen inspired. Whether you’re crisping up Tyson Air Fried Chicken Nuggets or crafting gourmet meals, there’s a Ninja solution for you.
1. Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill & Griddle Combo (IG651)
If you’re looking for the ultimate indoor grilling machine, the Ninja Foodi IG651 is a heavy hitter. With 7 functions including grill, griddle, bake, broil, air fry, roast, and dehydrate, it transforms your kitchen into a multi-functional powerhouse.
Why we love it:
- Smart Cook System with Integrated Thermometer: Say goodbye to guesswork—this feature ensures perfect doneness, whether you’re cooking burgers or salmon.
- Extra-Large Griddle Plate: Great for family breakfasts or fajita night.
- Cyclonic Grilling Technology: Delivers up to 500°F for intense heat and authentic char-grilled marks.
What could be better:
- It takes up significant counter space.
- On the pricier side—but for what you get, it’s fair.
Best For: Families or serious home chefs who want it all in one powerful machine.
- NINJA’S MOST POWERFUL GRILL: 500F independently powered grill grate creates direct, edge-to-e…
- 12” BBQ GRIDDLE: flat top bbq griddle cooks foods grills can’t and interlocks with the grate …
- HOOD UP OR HOOD DOWN COOKING: Keep the hood down to add cyclonic air for fast, even, high-hea…
- SMART COOK SYSTEM PLUS THERMOMETER: The Foodi Smart Thermometer enable you to achieve the per…
2. Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fryer (EG201)
The Ninja EG201 is the more compact cousin of the IG651. It brings versatility and performance in a slightly smaller package and a more budget-friendly price.
Key features:
- 5 Functions: Grill, air crisp, bake, roast, and dehydrate.
- Indoor Grilling Without the Smoke: It uses a combo of cyclonic air and splatter shield to reduce smoke while still grilling like a champ.
- Air Frying Capability: Great for healthier crispy fries or wings.
What we like:
- A well-balanced design for smaller kitchens.
- Easy to use and clean.
Drawbacks:
- Smaller grill surface limits the amount of food you can cook at once.
- Doesn’t include the smart thermometer.
Best For: Couples or small households looking for quality grilling without the bulk or big price tag.
- NINJA FOODI GRILL: The grill that sears, sizzles, and air fry crisps. New exterior look with all the grea…
- 6 VERSATILE FUNCTIONS: Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate functions enabled by wide temp…
- CYCLONIC GRILLING TECHNOLOGY: Uses 500°F cyclonic air to perfectly cook or char-grill your food to your d…
- UP TO 75% LESS FAT: Air fry crisp with up to 75% less fat than deep frying (tested against hand-cut, deep…
3. Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill with 6-in-1 Functions (BG500A)
Looking for a happy medium between size, features, and price? The Ninja BG500A bridges the gap beautifully. It brings smart features and high capacity without overwhelming your counter space.
Highlights:
- 6 Functions: Grill, air crisp, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate.
- Smart Thermometer: Lets you set your desired doneness and walk away.
- XL Cooking Capacity: Easily accommodates 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs.
Pros:
- Excellent value with the Smart Cook System included.
- Solid build quality with stainless steel finish.
- Easier to store compared to the IG651.
Cons:
- No griddle plate like the IG651.
- Still requires decent storage or counter space.
Best For: Home cooks who want smart features and great performance without spending top dollar.
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill with Smart Cook System. The Smart XL grill that sears, sizzles, and crisps…
- Perfectly cook food on the inside to your desired doneness and char-grill every side with 500F Cyclon…
- Smart Cook System—4 smart protein settings, 9 customizable doneness levels, and the Foodi Smart Therm…
- XL Capacity—grill 50% more food than the original Ninja Foodi Grill for delicious family-sized meals….
Final Verdict: Which Ninja Foodi Grill Should You Buy?
- Go big with the Ninja IG651 if you’re after full versatility, high heat searing, and breakfast-to-dinner flexibility.
- Pick the Ninja EG201 if you’re short on space or budget but still want an excellent indoor grill and air fryer combo.
- Choose the Ninja BG500A if you want smart features and ample cooking space without maxing out your budget or counter.
Essential Kitchen Gadgets Every Home Cook Needs
Pro Tip:
No matter which one you choose, be sure to give it a preheat before adding your food for best results—and don’t skip using the thermometer if included!
If you’re ready to elevate your kitchen game, these Ninja Foodi indoor grills won’t disappoint. Click any of the banners above to learn more or grab your favorite model today.