DG551 adds a griddle and more precise smart cooking; FG551 is cheaper.
I live in the US, near Austin, TX. Weeknight dinners get hectic, and I wanted faster, juicier chicken, steaks, and veggies without smoke alarms. If you’re deciding between Ninja Foodi DG551 vs FG551, you likely want indoor grilling that’s easy, fast, and consistent. I’ve cooked on both extensively. Below, I’ll show what changed in 2025, what stayed the same, and which one fits your kitchen, family size, and budget. By the end, Ninja Foodi DG551 vs FG551 will be a simple choice.
Table of Contents
Is Ninja Good?
It depends, and here’s why. For Ninja Foodi DG551 vs FG551, the DG551 is best if you want the added griddle and slightly upgraded controls. It’s ideal for families and meal preppers who cook proteins and breakfast items on repeat.
I first used the DG551 to smash-burger dinner for four in 20 minutes. The griddle plate handled onions and buns while the grill side seared patties at 500°F. Cleanup took under five minutes.
Another night, I set the Smart Cook System for salmon, Medium. It hit the target temp perfectly, and the carryover was spot on. That’s where Ninja Foodi DG551 vs FG551 really separates itself for me.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- 500°F high-heat grilling with cyclonic air for fast searing.
- Smart Cook System with protein presets and doneness levels.
- Smart Thermometer for hands-free temp tracking.
- Griddle plate (DG551 advantage) for pancakes, eggs, fajitas.
- Smoke Control to reduce indoor smoke during sears.
- XL capacity fits family-size portions (steaks, chicken, veggies).
- Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate versatility.
What I Like
- Dual-use grill + griddle makes weeknights easier.
- Thermometer removes guesswork for steak doneness.
- Quick preheat and even browning at 500°F.
- Cleanup is simple with nonstick plates.
- Consistent results on fish and chicken breasts.
What Could Be Better
- Takes more storage space than the FG551.
- Griddle adds cost you may not use weekly.
- Lid height limits very tall items.
- Plates need careful nonstick care; avoid metal tools.
- No viewing window; you rely on time and probe.
My Recommendation
If you prioritize flexibility, Ninja Foodi DG551 vs FG551 leans DG551. The griddle expands what you can cook and the smart features keep food on point. It’s usually priced higher but offers strong value when you’ll use it 3–5 times a week.
Is Foodi Good?
Yes, if you want great indoor grilling at a lower price. In Ninja Foodi DG551 vs FG551, the FG551 nails the basics: powerful sear, a reliable Smart Thermometer, and familiar 6-in-1 functions.
I used the FG551 for a steak-and-asparagus dinner. The grill marks were sharp, and the asparagus stayed crisp-tender. Another day, I air-crisped wings—skin came out crackly without deep frying. For most people, Ninja Foodi DG551 vs FG551 comes down to whether you need a griddle. If not, FG551 saves money.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- 500°F cyclonic grilling for restaurant-style sear.
- Smart Thermometer with doneness settings.
- 6-in-1 functions: Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate.
- Smoke Control System to manage indoor smoke.
- XL capacity suited to families.
What I Like
- Lower price versus DG551 but same core grill power.
- Probe-led cooking for juicy results.
- Simple panel and learning curve.
- Air fry mode competes with stand-alone air fryers.
- Compact enough for most countertops.
What Could Be Better
- No griddle option out of the box.
- Fewer presets than DG551’s latest system.
- Accessories are more limited.
- Nonstick care still matters; avoid abrasive pads.
- Can get loud at high fan speeds.
My Recommendation
If your Ninja Foodi DG551 vs FG551 decision is budget-first, go FG551. You get the essential smart grill experience and great air crisping for a lower cost, perfect for small families and first-time indoor grill buyers.
Ninja Foodi DG551 vs FG551: Side-by-Side Test
Both models grill at 500°F, use a Smart Thermometer, and offer air-crisping. I tested steak, chicken, and veggies, then compared common buying factors below.
Cooking Functions: Which One Does More?
| Feature | DG551 | FG551 |
|---|---|---|
| Grill | Yes | Yes |
| Air Crisp | Yes | Yes |
| Roast | Yes | Yes |
| Bake | Yes | Yes |
| Broil | Yes | Yes |
| Dehydrate | Yes | Yes |
| Griddle | Yes | No |
Rating: DG551 – 9.5/10 | FG551 – 8.5/10
Edge: DG551, thanks to the added griddle versatility.
Temperature Control: Precision And Presets
| Feature | DG551 | FG551 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Temp | 500°F | 500°F |
| Smart Thermometer | Yes | Yes |
| Protein Presets | More granular | Standard |
| Doneness Levels | More steps | Core levels |
Rating: DG551 – 9/10 | FG551 – 8/10
Edge: DG551 for finer preset control.
Sear Quality: 500°F Performance
| Test | DG551 | FG551 |
|---|---|---|
| Steak Crust | Excellent | Excellent |
| Even Browning | Very even | Very even |
| Preheat Speed | Fast | Fast |
Rating: DG551 – 9/10 | FG551 – 9/10
Edge: Tie; both deliver strong 500°F sears.
Smoke Control: Indoor-Friendly?
| Aspect | DG551 | FG551 |
|---|---|---|
| Smoke Reduction | Very good | Very good |
| Grease Management | Efficient | Efficient |
| Kitchen Vent Needed | Not required, helpful | Not required, helpful |
Rating: DG551 – 8.5/10 | FG551 – 8.5/10
Edge: Tie; both handle smoke well for indoor grilling.
Capacity: Family-Size Cooking
| Measure | DG551 | FG551 |
|---|---|---|
| Steaks (Approx.) | Up to 6 | Up to 6 |
| Batch Cooking | Strong | Strong |
| Basket/Grate Size | XL class | XL class |
Rating: DG551 – 9/10 | FG551 – 9/10
Edge: Tie; both are XL.
Ease Of Use: Interface And Learning Curve
| Aspect | DG551 | FG551 |
|---|---|---|
| Controls | Modern, more presets | Straightforward |
| Probe Setup | Simple | Simple |
| First-Use Success | High | High |
Rating: DG551 – 9/10 | FG551 – 8.5/10
Edge: DG551, slightly easier with added guidance.
Cleanup: Time And Effort
| Part | DG551 | FG551 |
|---|---|---|
| Nonstick Plates | Yes | Yes |
| Dishwasher-Safe Parts | Selected parts | Selected parts |
| Grease Tray | Removable | Removable |
Rating: DG551 – 8.5/10 | FG551 – 8.5/10
Edge: Tie; both are easy to clean if you avoid abrasives.
Footprint: Counter And Storage Space
| Aspect | DG551 | FG551 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Size | Slightly larger | Slightly smaller |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Accessory Storage | Griddle adds bulk | Minimal |
Rating: DG551 – 8/10 | FG551 – 9/10
Edge: FG551, better for tight kitchens.
Value: Price Vs Features
| Factor | DG551 | FG551 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP/Street Price | Higher | Lower |
| Included Accessories | Griddle + grill | Grill only |
| Longevity Per Dollar | High if you use griddle | High for core grilling |
Rating: DG551 – 8.8/10 | FG551 – 9/10
Edge: FG551, if you don’t need the griddle.
Results Consistency: Day-To-Day Cooking
| Food Type | DG551 | FG551 |
|---|---|---|
| Steak Doneness | Very consistent | Very consistent |
| Chicken Juiciness | Excellent | Excellent |
| Fish Flaking | Excellent | Excellent |
Rating: DG551 – 9/10 | FG551 – 9/10
Edge: Tie; Smart Thermometer makes both reliable.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you want maximum versatility, Ninja Foodi DG551 vs FG551 favors the DG551. The added griddle and finer presets make it a true all-in-one for breakfasts, smash burgers, and weeknight bowls.
If you want a lower price with the same 500°F sear, the FG551 is the better buy. It’s perfect for steaks, chicken, and air-crisped sides without paying for a griddle you won’t use.
In short: heavy users pick DG551; budget and space-conscious buyers pick FG551.
FAQs Of Ninja Foodi DG551 vs FG551
Does the Ninja Foodi DG551 have a griddle and the FG551 does not?
Yes. In Ninja Foodi DG551 vs FG551, the DG551 includes a griddle plate, while the FG551 focuses on the grill grate.
Do both reach 500°F for searing?
Yes. Both in Ninja Foodi DG551 vs FG551 hit 500°F with cyclonic air for strong sears.
Is the Smart Thermometer the same on both?
Functionally similar. In Ninja Foodi DG551 vs FG551, DG551 offers slightly finer preset guidance, but both deliver accurate internal temps.
Which is better for small kitchens?
FG551. In Ninja Foodi DG551 vs FG551, the FG551 has a smaller footprint and fewer accessories to store.
Which offers better value in 2025?
If you’ll use the griddle weekly, DG551 wins. If you just want great indoor grilling, FG551 is the better value in Ninja Foodi DG551 vs FG551.
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