Indoor grills have come a long way, and the Ninja Foodi DG551 vs FG551 question is one I’ve heard from plenty of home cooks. Both can grill juicy burgers, crisp fries, and roast veggies without heating up your whole kitchen.
I’ve cooked on both models and found they deliver nearly identical results, but the DG551 adds small upgrades that make it feel a touch more refined. Let’s dig in and see which one deserves a spot on your counter.
Winner Purchase Link: Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill on Amazon
Ninja foodi dg551 vs fg551: Similarities
Same Core Cooking Functions
Both the DG551 and FG551 are 6-in-1 indoor grills that also air fry, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate. You can grill a burger, roast a whole chicken, or make dehydrated apple chips in either model without extra gadgets. In short, both offer the same multi-cooking versatility.
Smart Cook System with Foodi Smart Thermometer
These two use the same Smart Cook System with a built-in thermometer to track food temperature and avoid guesswork. Whether I’m cooking steak medium-rare or salmon just flaky enough, they nail it every time.
Cyclonic Grilling Technology
Both have the same powerful fan and heating element design that circulates hot air for even cooking. That’s why you get grill marks without flipping and crispy fries without excess oil.
Nonstick, Dishwasher-Safe Parts
In both models, grill grates, crisper baskets, and cooking pots are nonstick and dishwasher safe. Cleaning is equally painless, which is important if you cook often during busy weeknights.
Performance Across Recipes
In my tests, burgers, chicken breasts, and air-fried veggies turned out nearly identical in taste and texture on both machines. If your main goal is reliable cooking results, either will work fine.
Smoke Control Placement
The smoke control system is integrated slightly differently in the DG551, which some users say makes cleanup around the fan area easier.
Ninja foodi dg551 vs fg551: Differences
Generation & Design
The FG551 is the original model, while the DG551 is the updated version. The newer DG551 has slightly refined exterior styling and a redesigned control panel that feels more modern. On the other hand, the Ninja FG551 model has the older version of the control panel.
Display & Controls
The DG551 has a brighter, higher-contrast display that’s easier to read under bright kitchen lighting. The FG551’s screen is functional but less sharp. This might matter if you often cook in well-lit or open kitchens, which are common in many U.S. homes.
Heat Shield & Lid Interior
The DG551 has a slightly improved heat shield and lid interior design to reduce splatter buildup over time. It’s a small detail, but it can mean less scrubbing after greasy foods like bacon or burgers. In contrast, the Ninja Foodi FG551 has the earlier lid and heat shield design. While it still works well, it may accumulate more splatter and require a bit more frequent cleaning compared to the DG551.
Pricing
The Ninja FG551 is slightly more budget friendly compared to the DG551. It is because the FG551 is an older model and easier to find at a discount. On the other hand, the DG551, being newer, tends to hold its price longer. If budget matters most, the FG551 might win here.
Color & Aesthetic
The DG551 often comes in a sleeker dark stainless finish, while the FG551 is usually sold in a classic stainless look. A small style preference, but worth noting if it needs to match other
kitchen appliances.
Size & Shape
The DG551 is slightly bulkier and has a more squared-off profile, while the FG551 has a slightly sleeker look.
Button & Dial Feel
For me, the DG551’s controls feel slightly more “clicky” and tactile, which can make navigating settings a bit more satisfying. On the other hand, the FG551’s buttons and dial are a little softer and smoother to press. They work just as well, but they don’t have the same “feedback” feel as the DG551, so the overall control experience is a bit less tactile.
Packaging & Accessories
Depending on the retailer, DG551 bundles may occasionally include an extra cleaning brush or recipe booklet, whereas FG551’s box contents are more standard.
Capacity
The Ninja DG551 has a marginally larger grill grate and cooking pot than the FG551, which is useful if you regularly cook for 4–6 people. On the contrary, the FG551 is better suited for smaller households or kitchens with limited counter space.
Noise Level
From my test, the DG551 seems to run a touch quieter at high fan speeds, but this is not a documented spec change — more of an anecdotal observation. By comparison, the FG551 produces a bit more noticeable fan noise when running at max power. It’s not overly loud, but if you’re sensitive to sound, you may find the DG551 slightly more pleasant to use.
Ninja Foodi DG551 Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill: Pros
- Updated design with a modern control panel
- Brighter display for easier reading
- Slightly improved lid and heat shield for easier cleaning
- Same great cooking performance as FG551
Cons:
- Higher price than FG551
- Functionally, it is very similar to FG551, so upgrades may not be worth it for everyone.
Ninja Foodi FG551 Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill: Pros
- More affordable.
- Same cooking functions and technology as DG551
- Reliable performance for grilling, air frying, and roasting
- Widely available from multiple retailers
Cons:
- Older design with a less bright display
- Slightly more splatter buildup in the lid over time
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Final Thoughts
Personally, I’ve kept the Ninja DG551 in my kitchen and I would recommend this model because I like the updated controls and slightly easier lid cleaning. The DG551’s nicer display and small cleaning tweaks are worth paying extra for. If you love the idea of a fresh look and easier readability, DG551 might be your pick. Still, if you’d rather save money and still get excellent results,
Ninja FG551 is a solid choice. But when I tested both side-by-sides, the food tasted exactly the same. Whichever you choose, you’re getting one of the most versatile indoor grill-air fryer combos available.
See the full comparison in our video below.