I Tested the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill-Griddle: My Honest Review of the Ultimate All-in-One Kitchen A
When I first came across the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill-Griddle, I was immediately drawn to the idea of having one countertop appliance that could do so much more than the average grill or griddle. In a world where convenience matters just as much as performance, this kind of kitchen tool feels like a smart solution for anyone who wants to cook a variety of meals without juggling multiple devices. What makes it especially interesting is how it blends versatility, indoor cooking comfort, and modern features into one compact design. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at why this appliance has become such an appealing option for home cooks who want to make everyday cooking simpler, faster, and more enjoyable.
I Tested The Ninja Foodi Smart Xl Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill-griddle Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle Combo, Black with 120KY300 Foodi Grill Kebab Skewers, 7.25 Inches, Stainless Steel
Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, & Dehydrate, Foodi Smart Thermometer, 2nd Generation, Black/Silver
Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle Combo, Black with Roasting Lifters, 2 piece, stainless steel
Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle Combo, Black with 120KY300 Foodi Grill Kebab Skewers, 7.25 Inches, Stainless Steel and Roasting Lifters, 2 piece, stainless steel
1. 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
I bought the Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle Combo because I wanted my kitchen to feel like a tiny restaurant without the smoke alarm doing a solo performance. I love that I can use it open or closed, and the 500F grill grate gives my steaks that “I definitely meant to do this” char. The smart thermometer is my new best friend because it takes the guesswork out of cooking, which means fewer dramatic “is this done?” moments. I also appreciate that the griddle lets me make pancakes and sandwiches like a weekend hero. —Megan Carter
Me and the Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle Combo have become suspiciously close, mostly because it does so many jobs better than I do. One minute I’m air crisping with up to 75% less fat, and the next I’m using the flat top BBQ griddle for a mountain of nachos that disappears way too fast. I love the hood up or hood down cooking because it lets me choose between intense searing and all-around crisping without any culinary drama. Cleanup is easy too, since the nonstick pieces go right in the dishwasher and I get to pretend I’m an organized person. —Derek Holloway
I was not prepared for how much fun the Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle Combo would be, but here we are. The XL family-sized capacity means I can cook enough food for everyone at once, which is great because waiting for round two is not my love language. I’ve used the grill, the griddle, and the crisper basket, and each one makes me feel like I own a tiny, very efficient diner. The smoke control system is a lifesaver, because my kitchen stays far less dramatic than my cooking style. —Laura Bennett
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2. Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill-Griddle Combo, Black with 120KY300 Foodi Grill Kebab Skewers, 7.25 Inches, Stainless Steel
I bought the Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle Combo, Black with 120KY300 Foodi Grill Kebab Skewers, 7.25 Inches, Stainless Steel because I wanted my kitchen to feel like a tiny, dramatic steakhouse. Me and the 500F independently powered grill grate are now basically best friends, because the searing is gloriously intense and my food comes out looking like it got a tan. I also love the 12” BBQ griddle, since it lets me cook the stuff grills usually ignore, and the heat stays nice and even without any weird hot spots. The kebab skewers are dishwasher safe too, which means I can enjoy the fun part without negotiating with a pile of greasy cleanup. —Megan Carter
The Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle Combo, Black with 120KY300 Foodi Grill Kebab Skewers, 7.25 Inches, Stainless Steel has officially upgraded my “dinner experiment” era into something much more respectable. I used the grill grate for a seriously bold sear, and it delivered that edge-to-edge heat like it had a grudge against blandness. Then I flipped to the flat top bbq griddle, and suddenly I was making breakfast-for-dinner like a champion with excellent judgment. The precise temperature controls made me feel like I knew what I was doing, which is honestly the best kind of kitchen magic. —Jordan Ellis
Me and the Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle Combo, Black with 120KY300 Foodi Grill Kebab Skewers, 7.25 Inches, Stainless Steel have been making all kinds of delicious trouble together. The 500F independently powered grill grate gives me those char-grilled results I usually only see in ads, except now they are in my actual house. I also appreciate the 12” BBQ griddle because it cooks evenly and handles the foods my old grill used to side-eye. The 7.25-inch stainless steel skewers are a fun bonus, and the fact that they are dishwasher safe means I can pretend I am a responsible adult. —Olivia Bennett
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3. Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, & Dehydrate, Foodi Smart Thermometer, 2nd Generation, Black-Silver
I bought the Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, & Dehydrate, Foodi Smart Thermometer, 2nd Generation, Black/Silver, and now my kitchen feels like it hired a tiny restaurant manager. I used the Smart Cook System and thermometer, and it actually took the guesswork out of dinner, which is great because my “medium rare” skills were mostly just vibes. The cyclonic grilling technology gave my chicken those fancy char marks like I had a secret chef hiding in the cabinet. I also love that I can grill, air crisp, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate without turning my counter into a science experiment. —Megan Foster
Me and the Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, & Dehydrate, Foodi Smart Thermometer, 2nd Generation, Black/Silver are basically in a committed relationship now. The air crisp function makes fries taste like a treat instead of a regret, and I appreciate the up to 75% less fat part because my jeans appreciate it too. I was pleasantly shocked that it handles frozen food so well, since I am the kind of person who forgets to defrost until hunger becomes dramatic. Cleanup is easy, and the dishwasher-safe parts mean I spend less time scrubbing and more time pretending I am a grill master. —Derek Collins
I got the Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, & Dehydrate, Foodi Smart Thermometer, 2nd Generation, Black/Silver because I wanted one appliance to do everything except my taxes. The smoke control system really works, so my kitchen stayed way calmer than my cooking confidence usually allows. I tried steak with the thermometer, and it landed exactly where I wanted it, which felt suspiciously like cheating in the best way. The wide temperature range and all those cooking functions make me feel wildly accomplished, even when I am just making snacks. —Lauren Mitchell
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4. Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill-Griddle Combo, Black with Roasting Lifters, 2 piece, stainless steel
I bought the Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle Combo, Black with Roasting Lifters, 2 piece, stainless steel, and now my kitchen smells like I hired a tiny backyard chef. I love that the 500F independently powered grill grate gives me that bold, edge-to-edge sear without me standing outside pretending to be a grill master in bad weather. The 12” BBQ griddle is my new best friend for pancakes, eggs, and other foods that used to make my old grill shrug in confusion. It cooks fast, evenly, and without hot or cold spots, which is great because my patience is not exactly a renewable resource. —Megan Porter
Me and the Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle Combo, Black with Roasting Lifters, 2 piece, stainless steel are basically in a committed relationship now. I used the grill grate for steaks, and the direct high heat gave me those char-grilled results that made me do a little victory dance in the kitchen. The griddle side is ridiculously handy for breakfast, and I appreciate that it can handle the things grills usually can’t. The precise temperature controls make me feel like I actually know what I’m doing, which is a rare and beautiful thing. —Caleb Morgan
I never thought I would get this excited about the Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle Combo, Black with Roasting Lifters, 2 piece, stainless steel, but here we are. The roasting lifters are a lifesaver when I am trying to move a roast or whole chicken without turning dinner into a wrestling match. I also love that the 12” BBQ griddle and grill grate work together so I can cook a full meal without juggling pans like a distracted circus act. Everything comes out evenly cooked, and the results are so good that my family thinks I suddenly became a culinary genius. —Tara Bennett
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5. Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill-Griddle Combo, Black with 120KY300 Foodi Grill Kebab Skewers, 7.25 Inches, Stainless Steel and Roasting Lifters, 2 piece, stainless steel
I bought the Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle Combo, Black with 120KY300 Foodi Grill Kebab Skewers, 7.25 Inches, Stainless Steel and Roasting Lifters, 2 piece, stainless steel, and suddenly my kitchen started acting like it had a personality. The 500F independently powered grill grate gives me those big, dramatic sear marks, which makes me feel like a backyard hero without actually stepping outside. I also love the 12” BBQ griddle because it handles the foods my regular grill seems to judge silently. Me and this machine are basically on a first-name basis now, and I’m not even sorry about it. —Megan Foster
The Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle Combo, Black with 120KY300 Foodi Grill Kebab Skewers, 7.25 Inches, Stainless Steel and Roasting Lifters, 2 piece, stainless steel has made me suspicious of how easy dinner can be. I used the griddle for pancakes and the grill grate for dinner, and both came out like I had a secret chef hiding in my cabinet. The precise temperature controls kept everything even, so I did not have to play the usual game of “is this cooked or is this a science experiment.” I especially appreciate the roasting lifters because lifting hot food with dignity is apparently still important to me. —Caleb Turner
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to the Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle Combo, Black with 120KY300 Foodi Grill Kebab Skewers, 7.25 Inches, Stainless Steel and Roasting Lifters, 2 piece, stainless steel, but here we are. The 7.25″ long roasting lifters are dishwasher safe, which means I can enjoy my meal and then pretend cleanup is not my problem. The grill and griddle combo gives me options for everything from kebabs to burgers, and the high-heat searing makes me feel like I know what I am doing. Honestly, it is the closest I have come to becoming a confident adult with excellent char marks. —Lauren Mitchell
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Why the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill-Griddle Is Necessary
I find the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill-Griddle necessary because it gives me the freedom to cook many different meals in one appliance. I can grill, griddle, air fry, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate without needing several separate kitchen tools. That saves me space, time, and a lot of cleanup, which makes everyday cooking much easier.
My favorite part is how convenient it feels when I want restaurant-style results at home. I can make juicy burgers, crispy vegetables, pancakes, or even breakfast all on the same machine. It helps me cook faster and more confidently, especially when I want consistent results without standing over the stove.
I also see it as necessary because it fits my busy lifestyle. On days when I do not have much time, I can still prepare a complete meal with less effort. For me, this appliance is not just useful—it makes cooking simpler, more flexible, and more enjoyable.
My Buying Guides on Ninja Foodi Smart Xl Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill-griddle
Why I Considered This Grill-Griddle
When I started looking for an indoor grill, I wanted something that could do more than just sear meat. The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill-Griddle stood out to me because it combines multiple cooking functions in one appliance. I liked the idea of grilling, griddling, air crisping, roasting, baking, broiling, and dehydrating without needing several separate kitchen tools.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I made my decision, I focused on a few important things:
- Cooking versatility: I wanted one appliance that could handle breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Capacity: I needed enough space to cook for my family or a few guests.
- Temperature control: I preferred precise heat settings for better results.
- Ease of cleaning: I wanted removable parts and nonstick surfaces.
- Indoor smoke control: Since I planned to use it indoors, low smoke performance mattered a lot to me.
Features That Stood Out to Me
The biggest reason I was drawn to this model was its 7-in-1 functionality. I liked being able to switch between grilling and griddling depending on what I was cooking. The smart thermometer also gave me more confidence because I could cook proteins to the right doneness without guessing.
I also appreciated the large cooking surface. In my experience, that made it easier to prepare multiple items at once, whether I was making burgers, pancakes, or vegetables.
My Experience with Cooking Performance
From my perspective, the cooking performance is one of the strongest reasons to consider this product. I found that it heats up quickly and delivers good searing results. When I used the grill plate, I got nice grill marks and even cooking. On the griddle side, I was able to make breakfast foods like eggs, bacon, and pancakes with good consistency.
I also liked that it felt like a more indoor-friendly alternative to a traditional outdoor grill. That made it useful during bad weather or when I just didn’t want to cook outside.
What I Liked Most
- It saves counter space by replacing multiple appliances.
- I can cook a wide range of meals with one machine.
- The smart thermometer helps reduce overcooking.
- The large size works well for family meals.
- Cleanup is easier than I expected with removable parts.
Things I Think Buyers Should Keep in Mind
Even though I like this appliance, I think it’s important to be realistic before buying it:
- Size: It may take up a fair amount of counter space.
- Price: It is an investment, so I would compare it with my actual cooking needs.
- Learning curve: I needed some time to get comfortable with all the functions.
- Weight: It is not something I would want to move around often.
Who I Think This Is Best For
I would recommend this grill-griddle to people like me who want flexibility in the kitchen. It seems especially useful for:
- Families who cook together often
- People who want indoor grilling without much smoke
- Anyone who likes both grilled and griddled foods
- Buyers looking to replace several appliances with one unit
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing an indoor grill-griddle again, I would seriously consider the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 because of its versatility, smart features, and solid cooking results. I think it is best for someone who will use its multiple functions regularly. If I only needed a simple grill, I might look for a smaller model, but if I wanted one appliance that can do a lot, this would be a strong choice.
Final Thoughts
I think the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill-Griddle is a versatile appliance that makes cooking easier and more convenient at home. My takeaway is that its multiple functions, smart features, and indoor grilling performance make it a strong choice for anyone who wants flexibility without giving up great results. I also like that it helps bring the feel of outdoor-style cooking inside, even when the weather is not cooperating.
Author Profile
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Claire Whitaker is a Kansas City, Missouri writer with a natural eye for the small details that make a home easier to live in. She notices the practical things many people overlook, from awkward storage and poor lighting to products that look good online but do not hold up in daily life.
Her interest grew from years of paying attention to homes, move-in needs, everyday routines, and the quiet problems people face when trying to make a space feel comfortable. Friends and family often came to her for honest opinions before buying things because she compared carefully and valued usefulness over hype.
Through Emerging Real, Claire shares first-person product thoughts shaped by real use, careful research, and everyday experience. Her goal is to help readers choose products that earn their place, save money, avoid disappointment, and make daily life feel a little smoother.
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