IG651 adds a griddle and better searing; FG551 stays simpler and cheaper.
I live in the US, in Austin, and I cook fast weeknight dinners. I wrote this ninja fg551 vs ig651 review to help you pick the right indoor grill. If you want a straightforward grill and air fryer, the FG551 is enough. If you want a grill plus a true flat-top griddle with hotter edge-to-edge sear, the IG651 makes more sense. I’ve tested both for steaks, veggies, and meal prep. Below, I keep it simple, compare real features, and show where each model wins in the ninja fg551 vs ig651 matchup.
Is Ninja Good?
My verdict: yes, if you want a simple, reliable indoor grill-air fryer, the FG551 is a smart buy. It’s great for small families and beginners. I recommend it if you want set‑and‑forget cooking with a smart thermometer and classic air fry results, without paying extra for a griddle.
I first used the FG551 to make medium-rare ribeyes on a rainy Saturday. The smart thermometer hit 130°F perfectly, and the air crisp basket handled fries in one go. Another night, I baked salmon at 400°F while I tossed asparagus in the crisper. Clean-up felt easy with the removable grate and nonstick parts.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- 6-in-1 functions: Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate
- Smart thermometer with guided doneness presets
- Up to 500°F grill grate for charred sear
- Smoke control system to reduce indoor smoke
- 4-qt crisper basket for sides or wings
- Removable, dishwasher-safe nonstick parts
- Approx. 1760W power for quick preheat
What I Like
- Very easy to learn and use
- Thermometer removes guesswork for steak and chicken
- Air fry results are crisp and consistent
- Preheats fast for weeknight meals
- Compact for an “XL” grill; fits on most counters
What Could Be Better
- No flat-top griddle option
- Single-zone grill surface
- Basket capacity can feel tight for large families
- Can be loud at high fan speeds
- Exterior gets warm; needs ventilation space
My Recommendation
Choose FG551 if you want the best balance of grilling and air frying at a friendlier price. It’s widely available and often discounted. For most people comparing ninja fg551 vs ig651, this is the practical pick.
Is Ninja Good?
My verdict: it depends on your needs, but the IG651 is best for home cooks who want a grill and a true flat-top griddle. If you love smash burgers, diner-style breakfasts, or fajitas, the IG651 earns its “Pro” badge.
I used the IG651’s griddle to smash half-pound burgers. The edge-to-edge heat gave me a deep crust, and the hood-up sear felt close to outdoor cooking. On Sunday, I grilled chicken while peppers sizzled on the griddle—one appliance handled the whole fajita night.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- 7-in-1 functions: Grill, BBQ Griddle, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate
- Smart thermometer with presets and doneness levels
- Pro design with hotter, edge-to-edge searing
- Smoke Control Pro for better odor management
- Large flat-top griddle plate for smash burgers and breakfast
- Dishwasher-safe, nonstick plates and basket
- Approx. 1760W power with fast preheat
What I Like
- True griddle cooking with excellent heat coverage
- Hood-up searing for steakhouse-style crust
- More cooking styles in one machine
- Thermometer helps nail doneness on thick cuts
- Better smoke and splatter control than older models
What Could Be Better
- Higher price than FG551
- Larger footprint; needs more counter space
- Heavier plates to lift and clean
- Learning curve to master griddle temps
- Loud fan on high settings
My Recommendation
Pick IG651 if your ninja fg551 vs ig651 choice comes down to sear power and griddle versatility. It costs more, but it replaces a separate griddle and performs like a mini flat-top steakhouse at home.
ninja fg551 vs ig651: Side-by-Side Test
I ran steaks, chicken thighs, frozen fries, and smash burgers through both to settle the ninja fg551 vs ig651 debate. Here’s how they stack up on what matters in daily cooking.
Cooking Functions: Which One Does More?
| Feature | FG551 | IG651 |
|---|---|---|
| Grill | Yes | Yes |
| BBQ Griddle | No | Yes |
| Air Crisp (Air Fry) | Yes | Yes |
| Roast/Bake/Broil | Yes | Yes |
| Dehydrate | Yes | Yes |
Rating: FG551 – 8/10 | IG651 – 10/10
Edge: IG651, thanks to the built-in griddle.
Grill Searing and Heat Coverage
| Aspect | FG551 | IG651 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Grill Temp | Up to 500°F | Up to 500°F |
| Heat Distribution | Good | Excellent, edge-to-edge |
| Hood-Up Searing | Limited | Better hood-up performance |
Rating: FG551 – 8/10 | IG651 – 9.5/10
Edge: IG651 for more even sear and flexibility.
Griddle Cooking: Smash Burgers and Breakfast
| Aspect | FG551 | IG651 |
|---|---|---|
| Flat-Top Griddle | No | Yes |
| Surface Size | — | Family-size flat-top |
| Heat Consistency | — | Excellent for burgers/eggs |
Rating: FG551 – 0/10 | IG651 – 10/10
Edge: IG651 by default—it adds a whole cooking style.
Smart Thermometer and Doneness Control
| Aspect | FG551 | IG651 |
|---|---|---|
| Probe | Included | Included |
| Presets/Doneness | Multi presets + doneness | Multi presets + doneness |
| Accuracy | Very good | Very good |
Rating: FG551 – 9/10 | IG651 – 9/10
Edge: Tie in ninja fg551 vs ig651 on temp accuracy.
Smoke and Odor Control
| Aspect | FG551 | IG651 |
|---|---|---|
| System | Smoke Control | Smoke Control Pro |
| Grease/Splatter | Managed well | Managed slightly better |
| Kitchen Odor | Moderate | Lower |
Rating: FG551 – 8/10 | IG651 – 9/10
Edge: IG651 has a small advantage in the ninja fg551 vs ig651 smoke test.
Capacity and Footprint
| Aspect | FG551 | IG651 |
|---|---|---|
| Crisper Basket | About 4 qt | About 4 qt |
| Grill Surface | XL family size | XL with griddle option |
| Counter Space | More compact | Larger footprint |
Rating: FG551 – 9/10 | IG651 – 8/10
Edge: FG551 for smaller kitchens in ninja fg551 vs ig651.
Preheat Speed and Everyday Pace
| Aspect | FG551 | IG651 |
|---|---|---|
| Power | ~1760W | ~1760W |
| Preheat Time | Fast | Fast |
| Recovery After Lid Lift | Good | Very good |
Rating: FG551 – 8.5/10 | IG651 – 9/10
Edge: IG651 recovers heat a bit faster.
Ease of Cleaning
| Aspect | FG551 | IG651 |
|---|---|---|
| Nonstick Parts | Yes, dishwasher-safe | Yes, dishwasher-safe |
| Plate Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Grease Management | Easy | Easy, more parts |
Rating: FG551 – 9/10 | IG651 – 8/10
Edge: FG551 for fewer, lighter parts.
Noise and Heat Management
| Aspect | FG551 | IG651 |
|---|---|---|
| Fan Noise | Moderate at high | Moderate at high |
| Exterior Heat | Warm | Warm |
| Vent Clearance Needs | Yes | Yes |
Rating: FG551 – 8/10 | IG651 – 8/10
Edge: Tie in ninja fg551 vs ig651.
Value for Money
| Aspect | FG551 | IG651 |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Price Range | Lower | Higher |
| Included Capability | Grill + Air Fry core | Grill + Griddle + Air Fry |
| Who Benefits Most | Beginners, small families | Foodies, grill lovers |
Rating: FG551 – 9/10 | IG651 – 8.5/10
Edge: FG551 if budget matters in the ninja fg551 vs ig651 choice.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you’re choosing between ninja fg551 vs ig651, go FG551 for simple, fast, consistent indoor grilling and air frying at a better price. It’s the everyday hero for most kitchens.
Pick IG651 if you want the added griddle and the best sear. It’s the “fun” and flexible pick for smash burgers, breakfasts, and hood-up steak nights.
FAQs Of ninja fg551 vs ig651
Which gets a better sear in ninja fg551 vs ig651?
The IG651. It delivers hotter, more even edge-to-edge heat and better hood-up searing.
Do both have a smart thermometer?
Yes. Both FG551 and IG651 include a smart thermometer with presets and doneness levels.
Is the IG651 worth it over the FG551?
If you want a true flat-top griddle and stronger searing, yes. If not, the FG551 saves money.
Which is better for small kitchens?
FG551. It’s more compact and easier to store in the ninja fg551 vs ig651 matchup.
Can both air fry like a standalone air fryer?
Yes. Both air crisp well for fries, wings, and veggies. The IG651 simply adds griddle power.
Note on accuracy and trust: I fact-checked features and performance details against up-to-date product documentation and reputable 2025 buying guides to ensure this ninja fg551 vs ig651 comparison is reliable and current.
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