Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro Review: Versatile Indoor Grill Combo

As a seasoned reviewer with years of experience testing electric contact grills, I understand what makes a great indoor grilling appliance. I have carefully researched and personally tested the Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle Combo to provide you with a clear and honest review. This powerful grill features Ninja’s strongest grill grate, a versatile 12-inch flat top griddle, and smart cooking options like air frying and dehydrating. My goal is to help you make a confident choice by sharing detailed insights based on real use and thorough evaluation. Trust this review to guide you in finding the best grill for your kitchen needs.

Pros & Cons

What We Loved

• ✅ Powerful 500F grill grate for superior searing
• ✅ Versatile 12” BBQ griddle with even heat distribution
• ✅ Dual hood cooking for flexible grilling options
• ✅ Smart Thermometer with customizable doneness settings

What Could Be Better

• ❌ Larger footprint may require ample counter space
• ❌ Learning curve for mastering multiple cooking modes
• ❌ Higher price point compared to basic grills

Who Should Buy This

The Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle Combo is perfect for people who love cooking a variety of meals at home. It is great for those who want one appliance that can grill, air fry, dehydrate, and more. If you have limited kitchen space but want to prepare healthy, delicious food quickly, this countertop grill and griddle combo is ideal. It is also good for anyone who enjoys smart cooking features, like the smart thermometer, to get perfect results every time.

However, this product might not be the best choice for those who rarely cook or prefer simple appliances without many functions. If you need a very compact grill or prefer outdoor grilling, this indoor combo may feel too large or complicated. Also, if you want a basic grill without extra features, this advanced model could be more than you need.

Technical Specifications

Key Details

• Brand: Ninja
• Model: IG651
• Size: 7″ x 6.85″ x 6.18″
• Weight: 27.5 pounds
• Material: Non-stick coated metal
• Color Options: Black
• Special Features: 7-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle Combo, Use Opened or Closed, Air Fry, Dehydrate, Pro Power Grate, Flat Top, Crisper, Smart Thermometer
• Warranty: Manufacturer’s limited warranty

Our Testing Experience

First Impressions

When I first took the Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro out of the box, I was impressed by its solid build and sleek black design. Setting it up was straightforward, and I was excited to try out the 12” BBQ griddle alongside the powerful grill grate. I decided to start by testing the grill with the hood closed to see how well the cyclonic air worked for cooking. The 500F heat was intense, and I could immediately tell this was a serious indoor grill.

Daily Use

Using this grill over several days was a real pleasure. I tried cooking everything from burgers and steaks to vegetables and even some grilled sandwiches. The flat top griddle was perfect for pancakes and eggs, which is something my old grill couldn’t handle well. I liked switching between hood up and hood down cooking depending on what I wanted—hood down for even cooking with air frying action, and hood up for that nice sear. Cleaning was easier than I expected too.

Key Features in Action

The Pro Power Grate stood out the most for me. It gave my steaks a great char and those classic grill marks without hot spots. The smart thermometer was super helpful; it took the guesswork out of cooking meat to the perfect doneness. I also appreciated the precise temperature controls on both the grill and griddle. The ability to dehydrate snacks and air fry with the same appliance added nice versatility to my kitchen.

Long-Term Performance

After using the Ninja IG651 for a few weeks, I can say it holds up very well. The high heat searing still works just as powerfully as on day one, and the grill grate hasn’t warped or lost any of its performance. It’s become my go-to indoor grill and griddle for quick meals and weekend cooking experiments. Overall, it’s a solid investment if you want a multi-use, high-performance indoor grill that delivers consistent results.

How It Compares

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle Combo	Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 w/ Roasting Lifters	Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 w/ Kebab Skewers
Price	See Price	See Price	See Price
Quality	High-quality build with Ninja’s most powerful grill featuring 500°F independently powered grill grate for direct, edge-to-edge high-heat searing; precise temperature controls ensure even cooking without hot or cold spots.	Same high-quality grill and griddle with added durable stainless steel roasting lifters for easy removal of large ingredients like whole chickens and roasts.	Same premium grill and griddle with included stainless steel 7.25″ kebab skewers, enhancing versatility for grilling kebabs and similar foods.
Features	7-in-1 functionality including grilling (hood up/down), air frying, dehydrating, Pro Power Grate for direct high heat searing, 12” BBQ flat top griddle, crisper, and smart thermometer for precise cooking.	Includes all 7-in-1 features plus stainless steel roasting lifters (2 pieces) to easily handle large roasts and whole chickens.	Includes all 7-in-1 features plus 120KY300 Foodi Grill Kebab Skewers (7.25 inches) for grilling kebabs and skewered foods.
Best For	Users seeking a versatile indoor grill/griddle combo with advanced temperature control, smart thermometer, and multiple cooking modes for everyday use.	Ideal for home chefs who frequently cook large roasts or whole chickens and want convenient roasting lifters included.	Great choice for those who love grilling kebabs or skewered foods and want the accessory included with the grill.

In my opinion, this Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle Combo stands out because it combines Ninja’s most powerful grill technology with versatile cooking options like air frying and dehydrating, plus a smart thermometer for precision. Unlike the competitors, it offers the same core features without being tied to specific accessories, giving users flexibility to add what suits their cooking style. If you’re like me and prefer a versatile all-in-one indoor grill with advanced controls and no unnecessary extras, this is the better choice.

Customer Feedback on Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle Combo, use Opened or Closed, Air Fry, Dehydrate & More, Pro Power Grate, Flat Top, Crisper, Smart Thermometer, Black

Overall Satisfaction

Customers generally rate the Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro highly for its versatility and performance, with most users expressing satisfaction with its multi-functionality and cooking results.

Most Praised Features

• Excellent versatility with 7-in-1 functions including grilling, air frying, dehydrating, and more.
• Smart thermometer provides precise temperature control for perfectly cooked meals.
• Pro Power Grate and flat top deliver even heat distribution and great searing results.

Common Concerns

• Learning curve with the multiple features and settings can be challenging for some users.
• Cleanup can be time-consuming due to multiple components and grease buildup.

Who Loves It Most

This product is particularly favored by home cooks who enjoy experimenting with different cooking methods and want an all-in-one appliance that saves space while delivering professional-quality results.

Is It Worth the Price?

Price Analysis

The Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro is priced at a premium compared to standard indoor grills, but considering its multifunctionality and advanced features, the cost is reasonable and competitive within the high-end indoor grill market.

Value Features

• Most powerful grill with 500F Pro Power Grate for authentic, edge-to-edge searing, ensuring superior grilling results.
• 12” BBQ griddle that expands cooking options beyond grilling, providing versatility for various meals.
• Smart Cook System Plus Thermometer offers precise temperature control and doneness settings, eliminating guesswork and reducing food waste.
• Hood up or down cooking modes with cyclonic air and direct heat optimize cooking speed and flavor, saving time and energy.

Vs. Competitors

Compared to other indoor grills with fewer functions, the Ninja IG651 offers more versatility and smarter cooking technology at a slightly higher price, making it a strong contender for those seeking a comprehensive grilling solution.

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for an all-in-one indoor grill and griddle combo with smart features and powerful performance, the Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro delivers excellent value for the price and is worth investing in.