Ninja FG550 vs FG551: My Honest Thrilling Test

When I first searched Ninja FG550 vs FG551, I just wanted a clear answer. What’s the real difference between the two? After cooking with both in my own kitchen here in Austin, Texas, I found they may look alike, but they feel different once you start grilling.

The FG550 gives you strong indoor grilling and air frying. The FG551 adds Broil and Dehydrate for more options. From my own weeknight meals to family cookouts, I’ve tested both. Now I can share what really matters, so you don’t waste money. Let’s keep it simple and see which one fits your kitchen best.

Ninja FG550 Review

I’ve been using the Ninja FG550 in my kitchen for a few months. If you want indoor grilling without fuss, this model comes close to outdoor results. It’s big, strong, and easy to use once you learn it. I’ve cooked steaks, chicken, and even baked veggies—all in one machine.

The best part is the Smart Cook system. The built-in thermometer tells you when food is ready, so no guessing. I like that I can set it, walk away, and come back to perfect chicken or salmon. It saves me time on busy nights.

The grill is roomy too. The XL grate holds up to six steaks, which worked great when family came over. The air crisp basket makes fries or wings without much oil, which my kids love.

What I Like

• Heats up fast—about 10 minutes to grill.
• The Smart Thermometer is accurate. My steak came out medium-rare, just right.
• XL size is great for family meals. I can cook burgers and veggies at once.
• Air Crisp mode is strong. Fries come out crispy without oil.
• Build feels solid with stainless steel parts.

What Could Be Better

• Cleaning takes effort. Sauces can stick to the grate.
• It’s large and heavy, so you need counter space.
• Not many presets. You must adjust temps for some foods.
• Not fully smokeless. Odors spread, though no heavy smoke.

Quick Overview of the Ninja FG550

Recommendation

If you want a strong indoor grill that also air fries, the Ninja FG550 is a solid pick. It’s best for small to medium families, busy parents, or anyone who loves grilled food but has no outdoor grill.

If you own a toaster oven with broil or want dehydrating, check the Ninja FG551 instead. And if you live in a small apartment, measure first—it takes space.

For me, the Ninja FG550 hits the sweet spot. Strong grilling, easy air frying, and smart cooking help—at a better price than the upgraded version.

Ninja FG551 Review

I’ve also used the Ninja FG551, which is the upgraded version of the FG550. At first glance, they look almost the same. The size, power, and Smart Cook system are all alike. But the FG551 adds two extra cooking modes: Broil and Dehydrate.

For me, this made a difference. The Broil mode worked well for finishing dishes. I used it to melt cheese on burgers and crisp garlic bread. The Dehydrate mode was slower, but it did well with apple chips and beef jerky. If you like snacks or want to skip a separate dehydrator, this adds value.

The rest feels the same as the FG550. The XL grate still fits up to six steaks. The Air Crisp basket makes fries just as good. The Smart Thermometer worked the same too. I tested it on chicken, and it came out juicy and safe to eat without overcooking.

What I Like

• Same strong grill power as the FG550, with heat up to 510°F.
• Broil mode is handy for quick finishes, like melting cheese.
• Dehydrate makes fruit chips and jerky without another tool.
• Smart Thermometer removes the guesswork from meat.
• Large size works for family meals—steaks, burgers, or chicken.

What Could Be Better

• Costs about $100 more than the FG550. May not feel worth it for some.
• Cleaning is still tough. The grate and splatter shield need scrubbing.
• Big and heavy—takes counter space and storage room.
• Dehydrate is slow. You need patience for snacks.
• Broil is useful, but not everyone will need it.

Quick Overview of the Ninja FG551

Recommendation

The Ninja FG551 is best for families or cooks who want one machine to do it all. If you like grilling, air frying, baking, plus the option to dehydrate snacks or broil dishes, the higher price makes sense.

But if you only want strong grilling and air frying, the FG550 gives you the same power for less money. In that case, the FG551’s extras may sit unused.

For me, the FG551 worked best when I wanted to cut down on appliances. I liked making jerky without buying another machine. But I’ll be honest—if you won’t use Broil or Dehydrate much, the FG550 is the smarter buy.

Ninja FG550 vs FG551: Detailed Comparison

I’ve cooked with both the Ninja FG550 and FG551 in my own kitchen. At first, they look the same. But the small differences matter, depending on how you cook. Here’s my take.

Cooking Functions: Ninja FG550 vs FG551

Both grills can grill, air crisp, roast, and bake. The FG551 adds Broil and Dehydrate. I used Broil for garlic bread with cheese. I used Dehydrate for apple chips. Both worked well.

Rating: FG550: 8/10 | FG551: 9/10

Cooking Space: Ninja FG550 vs FG551

Both have the same roomy grate and basket. I cooked six steaks on each with no trouble. Great for family meals.

Rating: FG550: 9/10 | FG551: 9/10

Heating Power: Ninja FG550 vs FG551

Both heat fast. About 10 minutes to reach grilling temp. Both go up to 510°F. I saw no real difference in strength.

Rating: FG550: 9/10 | FG551: 9/10

Smart Features: Ninja FG550 vs FG551

The Smart Thermometer shines in both. My steak came out medium-rare without stress. This makes weeknight cooking simple.

Rating: FG550: 9/10 | FG551: 9/10

Cleaning: Ninja FG550 vs FG551

Both need effort. Sauces stick to the grate. The splatter shield also takes scrubbing. Cleaning takes time either way.

Rating: FG550: 6/10 | FG551: 6/10

Performance: Ninja FG550 vs FG551

Both give outdoor-like grilling indoors. I made juicy chicken, crispy fries, and seared salmon. The FG551 adds more ways to cook. But power and results stay the same.

Rating: FG550: 8/10 | FG551: 9/10

Ease of Use: Ninja FG550 vs FG551

Both are simple after one try. Controls are clear, though presets are few. You’ll adjust temps yourself. The FG551 has more buttons but works the same.

Rating: FG550: 8/10 | FG551: 8/10

Value for Money: Ninja FG550 vs FG551

The FG550 costs less but gives the same core power. The FG551 is about $100 more. Worth it only if you’ll use Broil and Dehydrate often.

Rating: FG550: 9/10 | FG551: 8/10

Overall: Ninja FG550 vs FG551

Both grills are strong and make family meals easy. For me, the FG550 is the better deal. It’s cheaper but still powerful. The FG551 makes sense if you want Broil or Dehydrate often.

Rating: FG550: 8.5/10 | FG551: 8.5/10

FAQs About Ninja FG550 vs FG551