In recent years, the demand for versatile kitchen appliances has surged as people seek to save space, time, and effort in the kitchen. One such product that promises to meet these needs is the Ninja Indoor Grill, Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil & Dehydrate, Smart Thermometer, Black/Silver, FG551. This impressive device goes beyond the typical indoor grill, offering multiple cooking functions that can help you prepare an array of dishes without the hassle of having numerous appliances. If you’re looking for a multipurpose gadget that delivers high-quality cooking results, this indoor grill might be the one for you.
Overview of the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill
Growing line of innovative kitchen products designed to make meal preparation easier and faster. The FG551 model is an upgrade from its predecessor, offering more advanced features, including a built-in smart thermometer, larger cooking capacity, and an expanded range of cooking functions. Whether you’re in the mood for grilling, baking, roasting, or even dehydrating your favorite foods, this appliance provides the flexibility to handle it all.
Stands out because it uses 360° air circulation to cook food quickly while maintaining its tenderness and flavor. The combination of air frying and grilling allows for healthier versions of traditionally deep-fried favorites without sacrificing taste. Additionally, the appliance is designed to operate indoors, making it ideal for people who live in apartments or areas where outdoor grilling is not an option due to weather restrictions or space limitations.
1. Six Cooking Functions
Offers six essential cooking modes that cater to a variety of meal preparation needs. These modes are:
- Grill: Perfect for grilling meat, fish, and vegetables, this mode mimics the effects of an outdoor grill, allowing you to achieve those desirable grill marks and smoky flavors. The grill reaches temperatures of up to 500°F, making it suitable for searing steaks and grilling burgers.
- Air Fry: One of the most popular features, air frying, allows you to prepare crispy, golden foods with little to no oil. You can air fry chicken wings, French fries, and even frozen foods like mozzarella sticks and chicken tenders, making them healthier than their deep-fried counterparts.
- Roast: The roast function is ideal for cooking tender meats, including chicken, turkey, and pork roasts. You can also use it to roast vegetables or even baked potatoes, delivering an evenly cooked result each time.
- Bake: The baking function allows you to prepare a wide variety of baked goods, from cookies and cakes to muffins and pastries. It eliminates the need for a separate oven, making this function perfect for quick and easy baking sessions.
- Broil: Broiling food brings the heat from above, which is perfect for cooking delicate items such as fish fillets or caramelizing the tops of casseroles and gratins. It allows you to get a crispy, golden finish in a short amount of time.
- Dehydrate: The dehydrating feature is ideal for making snacks like dried fruits, beef jerky, or homemade granola. With adjustable settings, you can dry out foods to the perfect texture without worrying about overcooking.
2. Smart Thermometer
One of the standout features is the smart thermometer, which ensures that your food is cooked to the perfect temperature. It comes with a probe thermometer that you can insert into your food to monitor the internal temperature as it cooks. This feature takes the guesswork out of cooking and ensures that your meat is cooked precisely to your preference, whether it’s rare, medium, or well-done.
The smart thermometer also syncs with the Ninja Foodi app, allowing you to receive alerts on your smartphone when your food is done, helping you avoid overcooking. This technology ensures that your meal is always cooked perfectly every time, making it easier to cook like a professional.
3. XL Cooking Capacity
Offers a grill grate that accommodates larger portions of food, making it an excellent choice for families or those who enjoy hosting dinner parties. The XL size means you can grill up to 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs at once. The 4-quart air fry basket is also spacious enough to cook meals for several people, allowing you to air fry large batches of fries or chicken wings in one go.
The extra-large capacity reduces the need to cook multiple batches of food, making meal preparation more efficient. Whether you’re grilling, air frying, or roasting, this grill is designed to accommodate larger meals for your family or guests.
4. High-Performance Grilling Technology
Ninja’s smart cook system and air crisp technology come together to deliver a faster, more efficient cooking experience. The precise temperature control and wide temperature range ensure that foods cook evenly and thoroughly. Whether you’re grilling at high heat or air frying at a lower temperature, the appliance maintains consistent temperatures, leading to perfectly cooked meals every time.
5. Easy to Clean
Designed with convenience in mind, and that includes ease of cleaning. The grill grate, air fry basket, and cooking tray are all non-stick, making it much easier to wipe down after use. These parts are also dishwasher safe, allowing for quick cleanup without the hassle of scrubbing.
Additionally, the removable parts are designed to be durable and resistant to scratches, ensuring that the grill remains in excellent condition for long-term use.
Performance and User Experience
1. Grilling Performance
Excels in grilling performance. With its 500°F high heat capacity, the grill can sear meat, fish, and vegetables with ease. The smart cook system ensures that the internal temperature of the food is just right, while the 360° air circulation guarantees even cooking. Users report that the grill produces food with perfect grill marks and a satisfying smoky flavor without the need for charcoal or an open flame.
Whether grilling steaks, burgers, or vegetables, this appliance delivers excellent results every time. The air fry function also adds an extra level of crispiness, making it suitable for a variety of cooking styles.
2. Air Frying and Other Functions
You can achieve crispy and golden results without the need for excessive amounts of oil. For example, air-fried chicken wings come out just as crispy as those deep-fried, without the greasy texture. The air frying function also works quickly, saving you time on meal preparation.
Additionally, the broiling and baking functions perform exceptionally well, yielding satisfying results for everything from quick casseroles to baked goods.
Pros:
- Versatility: The 6-in-1 functionality means you can replace multiple kitchen appliances, such as a separate air fryer, broiler, or oven.
- Smart Features: The smart thermometer and temperature control take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Large Capacity: The XL size makes it ideal for larger families or gatherings.
- Healthier Cooking: Air frying reduces the need for oil, making it a healthier option for fried foods.
- Easy Cleanup: Dishwasher-safe parts and non-stick surfaces make cleaning up simple.
Cons:
- Size: The large cooking capacity may take up more counter space than smaller alternatives.
- Price: It may be more expensive compared to standalone air fryers or indoor grills.
Conclusion
A must-have kitchen gadget for those seeking a versatile, high-performing, and easy-to-use appliance. Whether you love grilling, air frying, or baking, this appliance can handle it all while providing healthier, more efficient cooking. The smart thermometer and large cooking capacity make it perfect for families or those who entertain often. If you’re in the market for a high-quality indoor grill that can do it all, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill is an excellent investment that will elevate your cooking experience.
