Deciding between the Ninja DG551 and FG551 can be tricky. Both are excellent indoor grills, but they offer different features. In this review, I’ll walk you through the main differences to help you pick the one that’s best for your kitchen. Whether you’re a grilling pro or just starting out, this guide will break down performance, ease of use, and overall value.
Table of Contents
Ninja DG551: My Honest Review
The Ninja DG551 is your go-to indoor grill for those bold, outdoor flavors. With smart cooking options, it’s versatile, convenient, and perfect for grilling year-round.
What I Like
- Foodi Smart Thermometer: Ensures meats are cooked to the right doneness without any guesswork.
- Multi-Function Cooking: This grill can air fry, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate—all in one unit, saving space and time.
- 500°F Searing Capability: Gives meat a deep, smoky char similar to what you’d get from an outdoor grill.
- Smoke Control System: Helps reduce smoke levels, so you can grill indoors without worry.
- Generous Grill Space: Its large grill plate handles family-sized meals easily, perfect for weeknight dinners.
What Could Be Better
- Bulky Size: The unit is large and takes up a lot of counter space, which could be a drawback for small kitchens.
- Preset Controls: Adjusting to the cooking presets might feel tricky at first.
- Long Preheat Time: The grill takes a few minutes to preheat, which might seem slow when you’re in a rush.
My Personal Grilling Experience
Using the Ninja DG551 has transformed my indoor grilling. The Foodi Smart Thermometer is incredibly handy—it’s like having a built-in chef! I never have to worry about overcooking or undercooking, as it always delivers perfect results.
The high heat searing power is my favorite feature. My steaks get a perfect char that’s juicy and flavorful, making it taste just like it was cooked outside. And thanks to the smoke control, I can grill anytime without filling the kitchen with smoke, which is especially helpful during colder months when I can’t grill outdoors.
Recommendation
The Ninja DG551 is ideal for anyone who loves grilling and wants a multi-functional appliance that handles a variety of cooking tasks. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy outdoor flavors indoors, no matter the season.
If you have limited counter space or prefer a more compact appliance, this might feel too big for your kitchen. In that case, a smaller grill or a simpler air fryer could be a better fit.
👉🏻👉🏿 Check Latest Price and Offer at Amazon 👈🏿👈🏻
Ninja FG551 Review
The Ninja FG551 is an indoor grill that does more than just grilling. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a variety of cooking options in one appliance, making it ideal for quick and tasty meals.
What I Like
- Multi-Functionality: This grill also bakes, air fries, and roasts, offering a lot more than a standard grill.
- Smart Cooking System: The built-in thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking. You get perfectly cooked meat at your desired level—rare, medium, or well-done.
- High Heat for Searing: It reaches 500°F, giving meats a perfect sear, which makes a big difference in flavor.
- Easy Cleanup: The nonstick grill grate and removable parts go right into the dishwasher, which saves time and effort.
What Could Be Better
- Bulky Size: It’s large and takes up a lot of counter space, which may be an issue in smaller kitchens.
- Noise During Air Frying: The fan can get loud, especially when using the air-fry mode.
- Slight Learning Curve: With so many features, it takes a few uses to get comfortable with all the settings.
My Personal Grilling Experience
I’ve been using the Ninja FG551 regularly for a few months. The smart thermometer is a lifesaver—I just set the desired doneness, and the grill handles the rest. It’s been especially useful for making quick dinners after long days. I also enjoy the air fry feature for crispy fries without all the oil. While the fan noise was surprising at first, I quickly got used to it.
Cleanup is much easier than expected. The nonstick grill grate and other parts make a big difference, and most of them go right into the dishwasher. Overall, this grill has brought a lot of convenience and flavor to my kitchen.
Recommendation
The Ninja FG551 is ideal for those who want a grill that’s versatile and easy to use. It’s perfect if you want multiple cooking options without the hassle of extra appliances. However, if counter space or noise is a concern, you might prefer a smaller or quieter model.
👉🏻👉🏿 Check Latest Price and Offer at Amazon 👈🏿👈🏻
Ninja Foodi DG551 vs FG551: Key Differences
I’ve used both the Ninja DG551 and Ninja FG551. These indoor grills cook great meals, but they have some key differences. Let’s compare them.
Grilling Power: Ninja DG551 vs FG551
Both grills cook well, but the DG551 is smarter. It has presets for easy cooking. The FG551 works well but needs manual settings.
| Feature | Ninja DG551 | Ninja FG551 |
| Temperature Control | Smart presets | Manual controls |
| Max Temperature | 500°F | 500°F |
| Cooking Consistency | Very precise | Needs manual checks |
Ratings:
- Ninja DG551: 9/10
- Ninja FG551: 8/10
👉🏻👉🏿 Check Latest Price and Offer at Amazon 👈🏿👈🏻
Cooking Versatility: Ninja DG551 vs FG551
Both models grill, air fry, bake, and roast. The DG551 also dehydrates food.
| Feature | Ninja DG551 | Ninja FG551 |
| Cooking Modes | Grill, Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Dehydrate | Grill, Air Fry, Bake, Roast |
| Dehydrate Function | Yes | No |
| Usable Space | Slightly bigger | Slightly smaller |
Ratings:
- Ninja DG551: 9/10
- Ninja FG551: 8/10
Performance: Ninja DG551 vs FG551
Both models perform well, but the DG551 offers extra presets that I found handy for more control. If you’re into experimenting with recipes, you’ll likely appreciate the DG551’s variety.
| Feature | Ninja DG551 | Ninja FG551 |
| Grill Quality | High, precise temperature control | High, consistent heating |
| Presets | Multiple grill presets | Basic grill settings |
| Temperature Range | Wide, from low to 500°F | High, up to 500°F |
Ratings:
- Ninja DG551: 8.5/10
- Ninja FG551: 9/10
👉🏻👉🏿 Check Latest Price and Offer at Amazon 👈🏿👈🏻
Ease of Use: Ninja DG551 vs FG551
The FG551 is simpler to use. The DG551 has smart settings but takes longer to preheat.
| Feature | Ninja DG551 | Ninja FG551 |
| Controls | Smart presets | Basic controls |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher-safe | Dishwasher-safe |
| Preheat Time | Longer | Faster |
Ratings:
- Ninja DG551: 8/10
- Ninja FG551: 9/10
Value for Money: Ninja DG551 vs FG551
The DG551 costs more but has extra features. The FG551 is cheaper and still works great.
| Feature | Ninja DG551 | Ninja FG551 |
| Price | Higher | More affordable |
| Features | Smart cooking, dehydrate | Basic features |
| Durability | High | High |
Ratings:
- Ninja DG551: 8/10
- Ninja FG551: 9/10
Read More: Ninja SP301 vs SP351
Overall: Ninja DG551 vs FG551
The DG551 is perfect if you’re looking for a versatile indoor grill that covers multiple cooking styles. If grilling alone is your goal, the FG551 still provides excellent quality.
| Feature | Ninja DG551 | Ninja FG551 |
| Best For | Families, versatile cooks | Grill enthusiasts, basic needs |
| Standout Features | Smart Cook System, expanded modes | Reliable grilling, high heat |
| Value | High for multifunctionality | Moderate for grilling |
Winner: The DG551 is the top choice for those who want flexibility in cooking. The FG551 is a solid pick for focused grilling and air frying.
👉🏻👉🏿 Check Latest Price and Offer at Amazon 👈🏿👈🏻
Is the Ninja Grill Dishwasher Safe?
If you love indoor grilling as much as I do, you know how great the Ninja Grill is. It grills, air fries, roasts, bakes, and dehydrates—all in one! But let’s talk about cleaning. Can you toss it in the dishwasher? Well, it depends.
Dishwasher-Safe Components
Good news! Many Ninja Grill parts are dishwasher safe, making cleanup super easy. Here’s what you can safely wash:
| Component | Dishwasher Safe? | Notes |
| Grill grate | Yes | Rinse before washing. Hand wash for longer life. |
| Crisper basket | Yes | Rinse first. Hand wash to preserve coating. |
| Splatter guard | Yes | Clean often to prevent grease buildup. |
| Cooking pot | Sometimes | Check the manual for your model. |
| Skewers, spatulas | Sometimes | Check the manual for details. |
To be 100% sure, always check your owner’s manual. Lost it? No problem—Ninja Kitchen has digital copies online.
Components That Are Not Dishwasher Safe
Not everything can go in the dishwasher. Some parts need extra care.
| Component | Dishwasher Safe? | Why Not? |
| Main unit | No | Contains heating and electrical parts. |
| Temperature probe | No | Water can damage electronics. |
| Probe storage holder | No | Not designed for water exposure. |
| Grill/griddle plates (Ninja Sizzle model) | No | Must be hand-washed. |
Best Practices for Cleaning
Even dishwasher-safe parts need a little love. Here’s what I do:
- Rinse first – Gets rid of loose food before putting parts in the dishwasher.
- Soak for tough stains – Warm, soapy water helps with stuck-on bits.
- Use the cleaning brush – The included brush makes scrubbing easy.
- Hand wash when possible – Protects the non-stick coating and extends durability.
Ninja Grill Replacement Parts: A Friendly Guide
Ninja Grills make cooking fast and fun. But over time, some parts wear out. No worries! You can replace them and keep your grill working like new.
Where to Find Ninja Grill Replacement Parts
1. Ninja Kitchen (Official Website)
The best place to find parts is the official Ninja Kitchen website (ninjakitchen.com). They have genuine parts that fit perfectly. Search by model number to find what you need.
✅ Pros: Guaranteed genuine parts, warranty coverage, easy navigation.
❌ Cons: Prices may be higher than other stores.
2. Amazon
Amazon offers both genuine and aftermarket parts. It’s convenient, and you can read reviews before buying.
✅ Pros: Competitive prices, fast shipping, customer reviews.
❌ Cons: Some parts may not be genuine.
3. eBay
eBay is great for hard-to-find or discontinued parts. You might even find deals on used parts.
✅ Pros: Lower prices, wider variety.
❌ Cons: Quality and authenticity can vary.
4. Walmart
Walmart sells some Ninja Grill parts online and in-store.
✅ Pros: Easy returns, potential for lower prices.
❌ Cons: Limited selection.
5. ShopJimmy
ShopJimmy specializes in appliance parts, including refurbished ones.
✅ Pros: Budget-friendly refurbished options.
❌ Cons: Refurbished parts may not last as long.
Finding Your Ninja Grill Model Number
Before buying a part, find your grill’s model number. Look for a sticker on the back or bottom of the grill. You can also check the manual or original box.
Common Ninja Grill Replacement Parts
Some parts need replacing more often than others. Here are a few:
- Grill grates – If they’re warped or lost their coating, get new ones.
- Crisper baskets – These wear out over time.
- Splatter shields – Protect the heating element from grease and food.
- Thermometers – Built-in probes can become inaccurate.
- Cooking pots – Some models have removable pots that wear out.
Outdoor Ninja Grill Replacement Parts
Outdoor models have unique parts:
- Grill grates – Fresh grates improve cooking results.
- Griddles – These can wear out with heavy use.
- Thermometers – An accurate one makes a big difference.
Checking Reviews Before Buying
Not all parts are equal. Read reviews to find durable, high-quality options. Check Amazon, Ninja Kitchen, and appliance forums.
Warranty Information
Ninja Kitchen offers different warranties:
- 1-Year Limited Warranty – Covers defects in material and workmanship.
- 5-Year VIP Warranty – Available for eligible purchases from SharkNinja.
- 10-Year NeverStick Warranty – Covers Ninja Foodi NeverStick cookware.
Register your grill within 28 days to extend your warranty.
FAQs for Ninja DG551 vs FG551
What is the difference between Ninja DG551 and FG551?
The DG551 has dual-zone cooking, which allows you to cook different foods at different temperatures. The FG551 focuses on precise grilling with its smart thermometer.
Can I cook frozen foods in the Ninja FG551?
Yes, the FG551 has a frozen-to-char feature, which grills frozen foods without needing to thaw them first.
Is the Ninja DG551 easy to clean?
Yes, all the key parts are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.
Does the Ninja FG551 grill without smoke?
Yes, it uses smoke control technology to keep smoke levels low, even at high temperatures.