Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle C

The Verdict

If you’ve ever watched a burger patty sizzle on an outdoor grill and wished you could get that same char without standing in the rain, the Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro is the closest thing to a backyard grill that fits on your countertop. This 7-in-1 beast doesn’t just grill — it air fries, roasts, bakes, broils, dehydrates, and griddles. But before you drop serious money on it, here’s the real story from 229 buyers who’ve averaged it at 4.6 stars.

What’s actually in the box

You get the main base unit with the SmartLid that flips back and forth between grill and air fry modes — that’s the headline feature. The package includes a nonstick grill grate, a flat griddle plate, a 5.5-quart air fry basket, and a sheet pan that slides in beneath the grilling surface to catch drippings. The entire footprint is about 16 inches deep and 15 inches wide, so it’s compact enough for most counters but heavy enough (roughly 25 pounds) that you won’t be moving it around casually.

Real-world performance

The grill function gets genuinely hot — up to 500°F — and sears a steak with those coveted crosshatch marks in about 8 minutes. The SmartLid’s built-in thermometer probes let you dial in exact doneness, and the unit beeps when your meat hits target temp. That’s a feature I’ve seen on $500 pellet grills, not $200 countertop units.

The air fry function is where this machine shines. The cyclonic fan circulates heat aggressively, so frozen fries come out crispy in 15 minutes without preheating. Multiple buyers noted this exact win: “I’ve owned three air fryers and this one beats them all for crispiness — the wings come out like they were deep-fried.” The dehydrator mode is a sleeper hit too — making beef jerky or dried apple chips takes 6-8 hours but requires zero attention.

Where it falls short

The nonstick grill grate is the weak point. Several reviewers reported the coating peeling after several months of use, typically because they used metal tongs or scrubbed too hard. You must treat this surface with kid gloves — silicone utensils only, gentle washing only. That fragility is frustrating for a unit priced this high.

Smoke management is another real issue. When you sear at 500°F, there’s substantial smoke output. The unit has no filtration system, so you’ll need it under a range hood or by an open window. One buyer put it bluntly: “My smoke detector went off the first time I used the sear function. I had to open all the windows.” Plan your ventilation before your first cook.

The griddle and grill plates are hand-wash only. They’re sizable and awkward to scrub in a sink, especially after cooking greasy foods. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s a chore you’ll face after every use.

Who should buy this

This is for you if you want to consolidate countertop appliances — it genuinely replaces a standalone air fryer, a grill pan, a griddle, and a dehydrator. It’s ideal for apartment dwellers who can’t have an outdoor grill but want sear marks on their steaks. Families of four to five will appreciate the 5.5-quart capacity. Skip it if you’re a minimalist who hates hand-washing large parts, or if you have zero ventilation in your kitchen.

FAQ

Does the SmartLid really work automatically? Yes — it flips from grill to air fry mode with one lever. No parts to store or swap. It’s well-engineered and doesn’t feel flimsy.

Can I use it as an indoor griddle for pancakes and eggs? Yes. The flat griddle plate handles breakfast foods well, though you’ll want to keep temps moderate to avoid smoking.

How long does cleanup actually take? Plan for 10-15 minutes of hand-washing the plates and wiping down the interior. It’s not quick, but it’s manageable.

The Verdict

The Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro is a genuinely versatile machine that delivers on its promises — crispy air frying, proper grill marks, and accurate temperature control. The fragile nonstick coating and smoke output are real drawbacks, but if you’re willing to handle it with care and ventilate properly, it’ll earn its countertop space.

Buy it if you want to replace multiple appliances and prioritize cooking performance over easy cleanup. Skip it if you demand dishwasher-safe parts or have no kitchen ventilation.

Rating: 4.6/5 — Strong performance, honest limitations.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.