Ninja IG601 vs IG651: My Honest Grill Journey

When I first looked at indoor grills, I went back and forth on the Ninja IG601 vs IG651. Both seemed solid, but I wasn’t sure which fit my lifestyle. I live in Chicago, where cold winters make outdoor grilling tough.

I wanted a way to get real grill flavor indoors. After using both models for weeks, I found each one shines in its own way. If you’re choosing between the Ninja IG601 and IG651, here’s my hands-on breakdown to help you pick the one that fits your kitchen best.

Ninja IG601 Review

When I first tried the Ninja IG601, I wanted to see if it could take the place of my grill and oven. I live in a small apartment, so space is tight. Having one machine that grills, air fries, and bakes sounded perfect. After weeks of use, I can say it does a lot right.

I cooked chicken, salmon, and veggies on it. The chicken even had grill marks, which felt close to outdoor grilling. It heats up fast, cooks evenly, and the food tastes great. Still, it’s not perfect, and I’ll share both sides here.

What I Like

• Fast heating: It preheats much faster than my oven. Great for quick weeknight meals.
• Indoor grill marks: The sear plate gave my chicken and burgers real grill marks.
• Versatility: I grilled, air fried fries, and reheated pizza—all in one unit.
• Compact size: It fit on my counter without taking over the whole space.
• Easy cleanup: The nonstick grill grate and basket washed up fast, even after greasy food.

What Could Be Better

• Cooking space: The basket works for two people, but bigger families may find it small.
• Noise level: The fan is louder than a standard oven, which stands out in a small apartment.
• Preset options: More quick presets would make cooking even easier.
• Learning curve: Switching between grill and air fry modes felt tricky at first.

Ninja IG601 Overview

Recommendation

I’d recommend the Ninja IG601 to couples, small families, or anyone in a U.S. apartment with limited space. It’s a strong pick if you want grilled flavor indoors without the hassle of an outdoor grill.

If you often cook for four or more, check a larger Ninja like the DZ201 or IG651. But for small kitchens and quick meals, the Ninja IG601 is a solid, space-saving choice.

Ninja IG651 Review

The Ninja IG651 is bigger and stronger than the IG601. I bought it because I wanted to cook for family gatherings without crowding food in the basket. After weeks of use, I found it works well for grilling and air frying.

I tried steaks, burgers, and even pancakes on the flat top griddle. The heat stayed even, so food cooked through without burning on one side. With the hood down, fries and wings came out fast and crispy. With the hood up, my steaks got a deep sear that felt close to outdoor grilling.

The smart thermometer was handy too. I tested it on salmon, and it nailed medium doneness without me checking over and over. Still, like any kitchen tool, it has a few downsides.

What I Like

• Powerful heat: The grill grate hit 500°F, giving my steaks a true outdoor-style sear.
• Large cooking area: It fit six burgers at once, perfect for family dinners.
• Flat top griddle: I cooked eggs and pancakes indoors with ease.
• Smart thermometer: No guesswork on chicken or fish—the doneness was spot on.
• Easy cleaning: The ceramic-coated parts went right into the dishwasher.

What Could Be Better

• Size and weight: At over 27 pounds, it’s heavy and takes up a lot of counter space.
• Noise: The fan is loud, though not worse than the IG601.
• Price: It costs more than the IG601, which may not be worth it for smaller households.
• Learning curve: Switching between griddle, grill, and air fry modes takes a little practice.

Ninja IG651 Overview

Recommendation

I’d recommend the Ninja IG651 for families who want more space and power. It’s also great if you host friends often and want to cook steaks, burgers, or breakfast all at once.

If you live in a small apartment or cook for one or two most of the time, the IG601 is a better fit. It’s lighter, cheaper, and easier to store.

But if you want size, strength, and the choice of both grill and griddle, the Ninja IG651 is the stronger pick.

Ninja IG601 vs IG651: Detailed Comparison

I’ve used both the Ninja IG601 and IG651 at home. Each one has strengths, but they fit different needs. Here’s how they stack up side by side.

Cooking Capacity: Ninja IG601 vs IG651

The IG601 works well for one or two people. The IG651 is bigger and better for families or gatherings.

Rating: IG601 – 7.5/10, IG651 – 9/10

Temperature Control: Ninja IG601 vs IG651

Both reach 500°F. The IG651 adds a smart thermometer for more precision.

Rating: IG601 – 8/10, IG651 – 9.5/10

Grill & Griddle Options: Ninja IG601 vs IG651

The IG601 is a grill and air fryer combo. The IG651 adds a griddle, which is great for breakfast foods.

Rating: IG601 – 7/10, IG651 – 9.5/10

Noise Level: Ninja IG601 vs IG651

Both use strong fans. They are louder than ovens but still tolerable.

Rating: IG601 – 7/10, IG651 – 7/10

Performance: Ninja IG601 vs IG651

Both cook well, but the IG651 shines with big portions.

Rating: IG601 – 8/10, IG651 – 9.5/10

Ease of Use: Ninja IG601 vs IG651

The IG601 is simpler. The IG651 takes more practice but offers more features.

Rating: IG601 – 8.5/10, IG651 – 8/10

Value for Money: Ninja IG601 vs IG651

The IG601 is budget-friendly for small homes. The IG651 is pricier but worth it if you use the extras.

Rating: IG601 – 8.5/10, IG651 – 8.5/10

Overall: Ninja IG601 vs IG651

Both work well, but they serve different needs. I enjoyed the IG601 for quick weeknight meals in my apartment. For family cooking, the IG651 gave me more space and control.

Rating: IG601 – 8/10, IG651 – 9/10

FAQs About Ninja IG601 vs IG651