Choosing between the Ninja FG551 vs IG651 can be tough. Both are great, but they serve different needs. I’ve used them for grilling, air frying, and more. The FG551 is perfect for basic grilling, while the IG651 offers more features and control. If you’re unsure which is better for you, keep reading. I’ll break down my experiences and help you decide.
Table of Contents
Is Ninja FG551 Good?
The Ninja FG551 is a great choice if you love grilling but hate the hassle. It brings that smoky, outdoor flavor right into your kitchen. I’ve made juicy burgers, grilled veggies, and seared steaks with it. The results? Perfect grill marks and a delicious char. It’s like having a backyard BBQ—without stepping outside.

One feature I love is the smart thermometer. It removes the guesswork. Just set the doneness level, and it tells you when your food is ready. This is a game-changer, especially for cooking steaks just right. Plus, cleanup is easy. The grill plate and basket are non-stick and dishwasher-safe.
But it’s not just a grill. The FG551 is a multi-cooker. It air fries, bakes, and roasts, too. I’ve made crispy fries with little oil, and they turn out golden and crunchy. It’s great for quick dinners when you don’t want to use the oven.
What I Like
- Smart Thermometer – No more overcooked steaks! It alerts you when your food is done.
- Versatile Cooking – Grill, air fry, bake, and roast—all in one.
- Easy Cleanup – The non-stick grill plate and basket are dishwasher-safe.
- Compact Design – Perfect for small kitchens. It fits nicely on my counter.
What Could Be Better
- Loud Fan Noise – It gets noisy, especially in air-fry mode.
- Pricey – It costs more than basic grills, but the features might be worth it.
- Learning Curve – The controls take some getting used to.
Recommendation
The Ninja FG551 is perfect if you love grilled food but don’t have outdoor space. It’s great for apartment living or small kitchens. Plus, it replaces multiple appliances, making it a smart investment.
However, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer a quieter appliance, it might not be the best fit. But if you want restaurant-quality grilling indoors, this one’s a winner.
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Is Ninja IG651 Good?
Yes! The Ninja IG651 is a fantastic indoor grill. It cooks food evenly, so you don’t need to flip it. I first used it for a quick dinner, grilling chicken and veggies. They came out juicy with perfect grill marks—just like an outdoor BBQ!

The Smart Cook System is a game-changer. You pick the doneness level, and it alerts you when your food is ready. This is a lifesaver, especially for steaks. The temperature probe is accurate, so there’s no worry about overcooking.
Cleanup? Super easy. The non-stick grill plates are dishwasher-safe. After cooking, I let them cool, rinse them off, and pop them in the dishwasher. It saves so much time!
What I Like
- Smart Cook System – No more guessing! It handles doneness perfectly.
- Versatility – Grills, air fries, bakes, roasts, broils, and even dehydrates.
- Easy Cleanup – Non-stick grill plates and dishwasher-safe parts make life easier.
What Could Be Better
- Bulky Size – It takes up a lot of counter space.
- Learning Curve – It takes time to master all the cooking functions.
- Pricey – More expensive than basic grills, but worth it if you’ll use all the features.
Recommendation
The Ninja IG651 is perfect for busy people who want quick, tasty meals. It’s great for grilling lovers who want that outdoor BBQ flavor indoors. If you love trying different cooking methods, you’ll love its versatility.
However, if you have a small kitchen or prefer a simple grill, it might feel overwhelming. And if you’re on a tight budget, a basic model might be a better fit.
For anyone in the USA, this is perfect for year-round grilling—especially in winter when outdoor BBQs aren’t an option. It brings that summer vibe indoors!
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Details Comparison: Ninja FG551 vs IG651
I’ve used both the Ninja FG551 and IG651 grills. They each have their strengths. Here’s how they compare.
Cooking Functions: Ninja FG551 vs IG651
Both grills offer many cooking modes. But the IG651 has more presets. It makes switching between grilling, air frying, and other modes easy.
Feature | Ninja FG551 | Ninja IG651 |
Cooking Modes | Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate | All FG551 modes + more presets |
Preset Options | Basic presets for grilling | Advanced presets for more control |
Versatility | Great for grilling and air frying | More flexible with extra functions |
Ratings:
- Ninja FG551: 8/10
- Ninja IG651: 9/10
Temperature Control: Ninja FG551 vs IG651
The IG651 lets you control the temperature better. It’s great for cooking delicate foods. The FG551 works well too but has fewer options.
Feature | Ninja FG551 | Ninja IG651 |
Temperature Range | Wide range but fewer settings | More precise with finer settings |
Heat Consistency | Steady heat | More consistent with better sensors |
Customization | Basic controls | Advanced settings with smart tech |
Ratings:
- Ninja FG551: 8/10
- Ninja IG651: 9/10
Cooking Capacity: Ninja FG551 vs IG651
Both grills can cook for a family, but the IG651 has more space. It’s great for bigger meals or parties.
Feature | Ninja FG551 | Ninja IG651 |
Cooking Area | Good for 4-5 servings | Larger space for 6-8 servings |
Multi-Layer Cooking | Single layer only | Multi-layer for bigger meals |
Portability | Compact and easy to store | A bit bigger but still easy to store |
Ratings:
- Ninja FG551: 8/10
- Ninja IG651: 9/10
Build Quality: Ninja FG551 vs IG651
Both grills are sturdy and built to last. But the IG651 feels more premium with better materials.
Feature | Ninja FG551 | Ninja IG651 |
Material Quality | Strong plastic and metal | More durable and premium feel |
Design Aesthetics | Modern and sleek | More refined and stylish |
Durability | Reliable for long use | Even more durable with high-quality parts |
Ratings:
- Ninja FG551: 8/10
- Ninja IG651: 9/10
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Cleaning and Maintenance: Ninja FG551 vs IG651
Both are easy to clean. But the IG651 has more dishwasher-safe parts. It saves time and effort.
Feature | Ninja FG551 | Ninja IG651 |
Cleaning Effort | Non-stick, easy to wipe | More dishwasher-safe parts |
Removable Parts | Basic removable parts | More detachable pieces for easy cleaning |
Maintenance Needs | Low maintenance | Even easier with better materials |
Ratings:
- Ninja FG551: 8/10
- Ninja IG651: 9/10
Performance: Ninja FG551 vs IG651
Both grills cook well. But the IG651 is faster and more precise. It handles more types of food with better results.
Feature | Ninja FG551 | Ninja IG651 |
Cooking Efficiency | Fast and reliable | Faster with more even cooking |
Versatility | Great for grilling and frying | More options with extra modes |
Overall Performance | Solid and consistent | Superior with smart features |
Ratings:
- Ninja FG551: 8/10
- Ninja IG651: 9/10
Ease of Use: Ninja FG551 vs IG651
Both are simple to use. But the IG651 has a better control panel. It’s easier to navigate, especially for new recipes.
Feature | Ninja FG551 | Ninja IG651 |
User Interface | Basic and easy to use | Advanced display, easy to navigate |
Preset Navigation | Simple presets | More options for better control |
Setup and Operation | Quick and simple | A bit more complex but worth it |
Ratings:
- Ninja FG551: 8/10
- Ninja IG651: 9/10
Value for Money: Ninja FG551 vs IG651
The FG551 is cheaper but still good. The IG651 costs more but gives more features and better build quality.
Feature | Ninja FG551 | Ninja IG651 |
Price Point | Budget-friendly | Higher cost but more features |
Features Offered | Great for grilling needs | More advanced for more options |
Longevity and Durability | Long-lasting build | Even more durable with better materials |
Ratings:
- Ninja FG551: 8/10
- Ninja IG651: 9/10
Read More: Ninja DCT401 vs DCT451
Overall: Ninja FG551 vs IG651
I used both and found the IG651 better for advanced cooking. But the FG551 is great for basic grilling.
Category | Ninja FG551 | Ninja IG651 |
Cooking Functions | 8/10 | 9/10 |
Temperature Control | 8/10 | 9/10 |
Cooking Capacity | 8/10 | 9/10 |
Build Quality | 8/10 | 9/10 |
Cleaning & Maintenance | 8/10 | 9/10 |
Performance | 8/10 | 9/10 |
Ease of Use | 8/10 | 9/10 |
Value for Money | 8/10 | 9/10 |
Overall Score | 8/10 | 9/10 |
Winner: Ninja IG651, for its better features and performance.
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FAQs for Ninja FG551 vs IG651
Which is better, Ninja FG551 or IG651?
Both are great, but it depends on your needs. The FG551 is simpler and perfect for basic grilling, while the IG651 offers more features like precise temperature control.
Can both the Ninja FG551 and IG651 air fry?
Yes, both models can air fry. However, the IG651 has more cooking modes, giving you more flexibility.
Is the Ninja IG651 worth the extra cost?
If you want advanced features and more control over cooking, yes. But if you prefer simplicity, the FG551 is a great choice.
Do the Ninja FG551 and IG651 require preheating?
Yes, both models preheat for better cooking results. The IG651 preheats faster due to its advanced technology.
Which one is easier to clean, Ninja FG551 or IG651?
Both have non-stick, dishwasher-safe parts. However, the IG651 is slightly easier to clean due to its improved design.