Tired of juggling multiple appliances to achieve perfectly cooked meals? The Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle promises a versatile solution, and after extensive use, I’m ready to share my experience.
The desire for perfectly seared meats and evenly cooked veggies, without the limitations of outdoor grilling, is a common culinary challenge. Many opt for indoor grills to overcome weather dependencies and enjoy convenient, year-round grilling. However, the market is saturated, making the right choice crucial. The ideal buyer is someone who values convenience, versatility, and high-quality cooking results in a compact footprint. If you’re short on counter space or primarily cook for one or two people, a smaller, more specialized appliance might be better suited. Before purchasing any indoor grill, consider factors like size, features, ease of cleaning, and price to ensure it meets your specific needs. Think about how frequently you’ll use it and what types of food you’ll be cooking most often. A smaller, less expensive option may suffice if you only grill occasionally.
- NINJA'S MOST POWERFUL GRILL: 500F independently powered grill grate creates direct, edge-to-edge high-heat searing for better char-grilled results. (Based on grill grate's direct heating element...
- 12” BBQ GRIDDLE: flat top bbq griddle cooks foods grills can't and interlocks with the grate to harness its direct high heat. Precise temperature controls allow for fast, even cooking without hot or...
- HOOD UP OR HOOD DOWN COOKING: Keep the hood down to add cyclonic air for fast, even, high-heat cooking, surround searing, crisping, and melting. Keep the hood up for intense high heat searing and...
Introducing the Ninja IG651: A Multi-Functional Kitchen Powerhouse
The Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro is a 7-in-1 appliance boasting grilling, griddling, air crisping, roasting, baking, broiling, and dehydrating capabilities. This makes it a significant upgrade over previous Ninja models and even competes with leading competitors in terms of versatility and functionality. It’s designed for families or those who enjoy cooking diverse meals, offering ample cooking space for multiple servings. However, its size might be overwhelming for smaller kitchens or individuals cooking for themselves.
- Pros: Versatile functionality, even cooking, easy cleanup (for the most part), Smart Thermometer, XL capacity
- Cons: Large footprint, can be somewhat smoky at high settings, the lid requires more effort to clean.
- ADVANCED GEORGE TOUGH NONSTICK COATING: There’s a lot to love about this nonstick coating. It’s 3x¹ more durable, easy to clean, and removes the need for butter and oil.
- Wash the Entire Grill¹: For a complete clean, remove the control panel and place all additional components in the dishwasher. ¹ Remove control panel to wash grill
- 2-SERVING: Tight on countertop space? This grill is your solution! With a compact size of 9.40”L x 5.78” W x 10.27” H, it’s perfect for small apartments and couples. Cooking surface: 7.36” L...
Exploring the Features and Benefits of the Ninja IG651
The Power of Dual-Sided Cooking
The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro‘s ability to cook with the hood up or down is revolutionary. The closed-hood setting utilizes cyclonic air for even cooking, perfect for air crisping and roasting, resulting in perfectly browned and crispy foods with minimal oil. Opening the hood allows for direct, intense heat searing, ideal for achieving that desirable char on steaks or achieving perfect grill marks on other foods. This versatility means I can confidently tackle a wide range of recipes without switching appliances.
Precision Cooking with the Smart Thermometer
This integrated Smart Thermometer is a game-changer. No more guesswork! I simply select the protein type and desired doneness, and the Ninja IG651 alerts me when my food is perfectly cooked. It eliminates the risk of overcooking or undercooking, resulting in consistently delicious results. The customizable settings provide precision control for various types of food, ensuring every dish is cooked exactly to your liking.
7 Cooking Functions: A Culinary Swiss Army Knife
The seven cooking functions (grilling, griddling, air crisping, roasting, baking, broiling, and dehydrating) make this a true all-in-one kitchen appliance. I’ve used all the functions extensively, and each performs admirably. From perfectly grilled steaks to crispy air-fried vegetables, it delivers exceptional results consistently. This versatility minimizes the need for other appliances, saving valuable counter space and streamlining the cooking process. The large capacity is perfect for entertaining or cooking for the whole family.
Easy Cleaning: A Crucial Consideration
The Ninja IG651 boasts mostly easy-to-clean components. The non-stick ceramic-coated grill grate, crisper basket, and griddle plate are all dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze. However, cleaning the lid itself requires a bit more elbow grease; it’s not dishwasher safe. Overall, though, the convenience of cleaning far outweighs the slight inconvenience of cleaning the lid. The removable grease filter is also easy to clean, maintaining the appliance’s efficiency and longevity.
XL Capacity: Perfect for Family Meals and Entertaining
The generous size of the cooking surfaces is a highlight of this appliance. I can easily grill six steaks or cook a whole platter of nachos at once. This large capacity makes it perfect for feeding a family or entertaining guests without constant batch cooking, making entertaining much more straightforward. For those who often cook for large groups or need to prepare multiple dishes simultaneously, this feature is invaluable.
What Others Are Saying About the Ninja IG651
Online reviews echo my positive experiences. Many users praise its versatility, ease of use, and delicious results. Comments frequently mention the even cooking, the convenience of the Smart Thermometer, and the relative ease of cleaning. While some mention that the lid can be tricky to clean and that it produces some smoke on high heat settings (which is to be expected with any grill), these are minor inconveniences compared to its overall benefits.
The Verdict: A Worthy Investment for Convenient, Versatile Cooking
The Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro has transformed my cooking experience. Its versatility eliminates the need for multiple appliances, making meal preparation faster and more efficient. The Smart Thermometer guarantees perfectly cooked food every time, and the large capacity caters to my family’s needs. While it does have some minor drawbacks (cleaning the lid and potential smoke at high heat), the benefits far outweigh the inconveniences. If you’re looking for a powerful, versatile, and convenient indoor grilling solution, I highly recommend checking it out. To learn more or purchase the Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle Combo, click here.
Last update on 2025-09-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API