I’ll admit it: I’m not just a cook; I’m an efficient cook. My kitchen philosophy revolves around simplicity. If an appliance demands excessive setup, laborious cleaning, or complicated usage, it quickly loses its appeal in my home. Fortunately, here at Family Handyman, we are dedicated to testing products that genuinely simplify your life and boost efficiency.
So, when the much-anticipated Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro Grill & Griddle miraculously appeared on my doorstep (courtesy of our friendly mail carrier, not magic!), I knew immediately that I had to put it through its paces. This wasn’t just another kitchen gadget; it promised to be a versatile solution.
Electric indoor grills offer a fantastic alternative for numerous reasons. They are perfect for apartment dwellers who are restricted from using open flames, or for individuals like myself who simply prefer to avoid the hassle of charcoal, cumbersome propane tanks, or the complexities of a natural gas hook-up for an outdoor kitchen. Yet, we all crave that authentic, delicious grilled flavor, regardless of our living situation.
My journey with indoor grills isn’t new. I’ve previously owned two basic models, and for the most part, I appreciated the results. My very first indoor grill proved excellent for preparing fish or brats outdoors. It also came in handy during a snowstorm, allowing me to enjoy perfectly cooked burgers and grilled vegetables indoors, bringing a taste of summer to the winter chill.
However, these earlier experiences weren’t without their drawbacks. The primary issue was cleanup. Due to their size and integrated electronics, neither grill fit conveniently into my kitchen sink for a quick rinse. Over time, their “non-stick” surfaces inevitably deteriorated, becoming stubbornly sticky and unhygienic. My second purchase, a replacement grill featuring a flippable griddle, allowed me to cook pancakes, quesadillas, and grilled cheese sandwiches. While functional, it now resides in my basement, a victim of my perpetually limited kitchen counter space.
My kitchen is notoriously awkward and small, which explains why I’ve consistently resisted joining the air fryer bandwagon. Adding another single-purpose appliance felt like an indulgence I couldn’t afford. But with the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro promising an impressive seven-in-one functionality, the idea of sacrificing a small patch of counter space suddenly seemed much more appealing. The crucial question remained: Would this Ninja Indoor Grill meet the same fate as its predecessors and be banished to the dreaded basement, or would it truly earn its place on my precious kitchen countertop?
What is the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro Grill & Griddle?
The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro Grill & Griddle is a sophisticated, large-capacity indoor electric grill that offers far more than just grilling. This innovative seven-in-one appliance is meticulously engineered to provide a diverse range of cooking methods: it can grill, griddle, air fry, bake, roast, dehydrate, and broil. Despite its extensive capabilities, the Ninja Foodi boasts a remarkably compact footprint, occupying only about 16 square inches of counter space. This clever design allows it to fit neatly under kitchen cabinets, even when the lid is fully open, making it an ideal solution for kitchens of all sizes.
The unit comes generously equipped with essential accessories, including a premium non-stick grill grate, a versatile flat-top griddle for a wider range of culinary tasks, and a dedicated crisper basket perfect for air frying, baking, dehydrating, and roasting. This comprehensive suite of attachments ensures you have the right tool for virtually any cooking endeavor. Additionally, the Ninja Foodi offers flexibility in grilling, allowing you to operate it with the lid open for traditional grilling or closed for faster, more even cooking and reduced splattering.
For discerning meat lovers, the optional smart thermometer is an invaluable addition. This precision instrument takes the guesswork out of cooking meats to your preferred doneness, from rare to well done. Simply insert the thermometer, select your desired setting on the intuitive control panel, and the Ninja handles the intricate details, ensuring consistently perfect results every time.
The user-friendly control panel is a highlight of this appliance. It allows you to effortlessly select your desired cooking method, specify the doneness level for meats, and set precise cooking times. The integrated LED panel provides clear, real-time feedback, indicating when the unit has reached its pre-heat temperature and is ready for food, and even prompting you when it’s time to flip your ingredients. Culinary enthusiasts will particularly appreciate its ability to reach temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, which is crucial for achieving that coveted, professional-grade sear on meats and vegetables.
To further enhance the user experience, the quick start guide is an indispensable resource, especially for beginners like myself. This comprehensive booklet serves as a detailed roadmap, outlining recommended cooking times, temperatures, preparation instructions, and step-by-step guidance for virtually every type of food you might wish to cook in the Ninja indoor grill. It also includes an array of inspiring recipes, encouraging experimentation and expanding your culinary repertoire.
Product Features: Unpacking the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro Grill & Griddle
The Ninja Indoor Grill truly stands out with its thoughtfully designed components and innovative features. It comes equipped with a trio of interchangeable pans, each crafted for specific cooking functions. The non-stick grill grate provides a generous 9-inch by 13-inch cooking surface, ample enough for multiple steaks, burgers, or large batches of vegetables. The large 12-inch flat-top griddle offers versatile cooking, easily accommodating up to four sandwiches, a stack of pancakes, or a family-sized breakfast spread. Completing the set is the substantial 4-quart crisper basket, which can comfortably hold up to two pounds of French fries – a truly impressive capacity for air-fried treats.
What makes these components even more appealing is their construction: they are all ceramic-coated, ensuring a superior non-stick performance that lasts. Crucially, they are also PTFE/PFOA-free, addressing concerns about chemical exposure and offering a healthier cooking option for your family. And perhaps the most celebrated feature for any home cook? All these components are dishwasher safe, making cleanup an absolute breeze and reinforcing the appliance’s promise of efficiency.
The space-saving attributes of the Ninja Indoor Grill extend beyond its compact counter footprint. Recognizing the value of tidy storage, Ninja has ingeniously designed the pans to stack neatly together. When not in use, they can be conveniently stored directly inside the Ninja unit itself. This integrated storage solution eliminates clutter, freeing up valuable cabinet space and ensuring that all accessories are kept together and readily accessible whenever you need them. This attention to detail truly elevates the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro from a mere appliance to a smart kitchen companion.
How We Tested It: Putting the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro to the Test
As someone relatively new to such a sophisticated multi-functional kitchen gadget, I admit I felt a pang of intimidation upon opening the box. The sight of a 61-page quick-start guide, alongside a comprehensive owner’s manual, initially felt daunting. However, my apprehension quickly dissipated as I delved into the quick-start guide. It was brilliantly organized, packed with incredibly helpful charts, precise cooking times, and appealing recipes, many accompanied by vibrant photos. This detailed yet accessible approach immediately put my mind at ease, transforming initial anxiety into eager anticipation.
My kitchen, a charming but undeniably tiny space in my mid-century home, presented its own challenges, particularly with its single three-prong outlet. To make room for the impressive new Ninja Foodi, I decided to decommission my seldom-used countertop microwave. This strategic swap instantly liberated a significant amount of counter space, proving that sometimes, less is indeed more. It was a joyful “Buh-bye, bulky microwave!” moment.
For my initial test, I had two magnificent, large pieces of fresh walleye fish, a true delicacy, especially in the Midwest, where it’s revered as a premium catch from our Great Lakes and a cherished treat for Friday night fish fries. I planned to grill these alongside some fresh asparagus, aiming for a perfectly balanced meal.
Let’s Get Cooking! First Impressions with the Griddle
Consulting the quick-start guide, I found a useful chart detailing various food types and recommended cooking methods. I opted to follow the guidance for tilapia, cooking my walleye on the flat-top griddle pan. Although walleye typically has skin, unlike a tilapia filet, I wasn’t concerned. While I hadn’t cooked walleye before, the idea of grilling fish on the flat-top griddle appealed to me for its promise of easier cleanup – a promise that, thankfully, it delivered on spectacularly. The griddle surface made post-meal tidying remarkably simple.
Mastering the Searing Mode
The Ninja Foodi’s versatility allowed me to take my walleye a step further. After cooking, I quickly flipped the fish to achieve a beautiful sear on top, enhancing both its texture and flavor. For this particular dish, I confidently skipped the smart thermometer, as my experience tells me precisely when fish is perfectly cooked (a skill I still aspire to master with steaks!). The walleye turned out absolutely superb, flaking perfectly and tasting divine.
Exploring the Grilling Mode with Asparagus
Initially, I found myself without canola oil or spray, which Ninja typically recommends. Resourcefully, I melted some coconut oil on the stovetop and rolled my asparagus spears in it. I then laid the oil-coated asparagus next to the lean walleye on the griddle, and they grilled up beautifully, tender-crisp and flavorful.
A few days later, after harvesting more fresh asparagus, I decided to experiment further. This time, I prepped the asparagus with a light spray of canola oil and a sprinkle of sea salt, then placed it directly on the grill grate rather than the griddle. Here, I encountered a minor design quirk: due to the subtle slope of the grill plate, my slippery asparagus spears began to slide into the grease trough. I had to manually retrieve them, which was a bit inconvenient. My ingenious solution? I placed some spice cans strategically under the front legs of the machine to slightly elevate it, thereby leveling the grill surface and preventing the food from migrating. This simple adjustment worked perfectly. It’s worth noting that I did not experience this issue when using the flat griddle, only the ridged grill grate.
Testing the Air Fry Mode: Fish and Potatoes
To comprehensively test the Ninja Foodi’s capabilities, I divided my remaining walleye, intending to try the air fryer mode. Fish Fry Friday is a beloved tradition in the Midwest, and while I’m generally not a fan of deep-fried foods, perfectly fried walleye is an irresistible exception. I was particularly eager to see how the walleye would perform in the air fryer, hoping for a crispy, yet healthier, result.
Again, embracing my “lazy cook” persona, I appreciate the efficiency of one-pot (or in this case, one-appliance) meals. I didn’t want the fish to cool while I cooked potatoes separately, and thankfully, the crisper basket provided ample space for both. The air-fried walleye achieved a delightful crispiness, a testament to the Ninja’s air frying power. The potatoes, however, didn’t quite reach the same golden-brown perfection they would in my conventional oven (speaking of, have you seen the new Ninja Woodfire outdoor oven?). This was likely due to my oversight in not adding any oil to them – a rookie mistake for an air fryer! Had I added a light coating of oil, I am confident they would have turned out just as beautifully.
Pros of the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro Grill & Griddle
- Year-Round Indoor Grilling: Enjoy the authentic taste of grilled food any time, regardless of weather conditions outside. This feature is a game-changer for maintaining a consistent grilling routine.
- Seven Versatile Cooking Functions: With its ability to grill, griddle, air fry, bake, roast, dehydrate, and broil, this appliance significantly expands your culinary repertoire without needing multiple devices.
- Space-Saving Design: Despite its extensive capabilities, the Ninja Foodi is remarkably compact, taking up minimal counter space and offering integrated storage for its accessories, making it ideal for smaller kitchens.
- Efficient Frozen-to-Grilled Capabilities: The powerful heating elements allow you to cook frozen foods directly, saving valuable time on thawing and preparation without compromising on taste or texture.
- User-Friendly Operation: While it has multiple functions, the intuitive control panel and comprehensive quick-start guide make it surprisingly easy to master after a brief learning period.
- Dishwasher-Safe Components: The non-stick grill grates, griddle, and crisper basket are all ceramic-coated and dishwasher safe, ensuring effortless cleanup and promoting overall kitchen hygiene.
- Comprehensive User Guide with Recipes: The included guide is an invaluable resource, providing detailed instructions, cooking charts, and inspiring recipes that empower even novice cooks to achieve great results.
- Smart Thermometer Integration: The optional smart thermometer ensures perfectly cooked meats every time by monitoring internal temperatures and alerting you when your desired doneness is reached.
- Powerful Searing: Heats up to 500°F, creating beautiful sear marks and locking in flavors, just like a traditional outdoor grill.
Cons of the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro Grill & Griddle
- Reported Thermometer Faults: While the smart thermometer is a brilliant feature, some users have reported instances of faulty or inconsistent readings, which could impact cooking accuracy.
- Food Slippage on Grill Grate: As experienced during testing, smaller, rounder foods like asparagus can occasionally slide into the drip pan when using the grill grate due to its slight slope. This requires a minor manual adjustment or workaround to prevent.
- Initial Learning Curve: With seven different functions and a smart thermometer, there’s a slight learning curve to fully understand and utilize all the features effectively, though the guide helps significantly.
Why You Can Trust Our Review
This comprehensive review was meticulously crafted by Sheri Kaz, an experienced product tester with a proven track record of evaluating hundreds of items for highly respected publications such as Family Handyman, Reader’s Digest, and Taste of Home. With over 30 years of hands-on experience as a homeowner and avid gardener, Sheri has cultivated a keen eye for quality and functionality, honing her skills as both a dedicated DIY enthusiast and a discerning product expert. Her passion lies in discovering and recommending well-designed, sustainable products that genuinely simplify and enhance everyday life. From innovative kitchen appliances and practical furniture solutions to efficient cleaning tools and essential gardening gear, Sheri’s thorough evaluations and practical insights serve as a trusted guide, empowering readers to make informed purchasing decisions with confidence.
Further enhancing the rigor of this article, Paul Rankin, Content Updates Editor at Family Handyman, contributed valuable research and updated the content. Paul’s expertise stems from his prior role as a commerce editor at Bob Vila, where he has been writing insightful shopping guides since 2021. His contributions ensure that the information presented is not only accurate but also current and relevant to today’s consumers.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ninja Foodi Smart Grill
Can you use foil in the Ninja Foodi Smart Grill?
Yes, much like a traditional outdoor grill, you can absolutely use aluminum foil in the Ninja Foodi Smart Grill. It’s an excellent method for preventing food from sticking to the grates or for simplifying cleanup, especially when cooking messy items. However, to ensure optimal cooking performance and proper airflow circulation, it’s crucial to avoid covering the entire cooking surface with foil. Leave some areas exposed to allow heat and air to move freely.
Can the Ninja grill be used inside?
Absolutely! The Ninja Foodi Smart Grill is specifically engineered and designed for safe and efficient indoor use. One of its standout features is its advanced smoke control system, which effectively minimizes smoke and unpleasant odors, ensuring that your kitchen air remains clear and fresh while you enjoy delicious grilled meals without the need for outdoor space.
Can you put Pyrex in the Ninja grill?
No, it is not recommended to use Pyrex dishes or any similar glass bakeware in the Ninja Foodi Grill, particularly when utilizing the grill function. Pyrex is primarily designed for oven use and is not built to withstand the intense, direct high heat generated by the grill’s heating elements. Using Pyrex in this manner could lead to thermal shock, causing the glass to crack or shatter, which poses a significant safety risk.
What Other Reviewers Had to Say About the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro Grill & Griddle
The sentiment from other users largely echoes my own positive experience, highlighting the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro Grill and Griddle as a transformative kitchen appliance. Amazon customer Mary McClain succinctly captures the widespread enthusiasm, stating, “Great product. I barely use my stove anymore, this does everything and so fast.” This emphasizes the appliance’s ability to replace multiple kitchen tools and significantly reduce cooking times, a huge benefit for busy households.
Ashley S. provides a more detailed account of her satisfaction, noting, “So far everything I have cooked in this has turned out perfectly. I use the probe really only for steaks and sometimes chicken. We cook ribeyes and every one of them have turned out absolutely perfect. I like to cook complete meals for the two of us as well. Usually some sort of protein, a veggie, and a starch or just two veggies. I do this on the air crisp mode mostly. They all fit and just go in at different times. It is also super easy to clean so far. It is dishwasher safe but I still hand wash the pieces. I LOVE THIS GRILL!” Ashley’s review highlights the consistency of perfect results, the reliability of the smart probe for precise cooking, and the machine’s capacity to prepare full meals efficiently. Her emphasis on easy cleanup, even when opting for hand washing, further underscores the appliance’s user-friendly design.
Another insightful review comes from “Gray Wolf,” a self-proclaimed “veteran of the older model Ninja IG551.” He confidently asserts, “this new model IG651 is superior. This new model IG651 has design improvements in the cooking, a new griddle feature, and more responsive controls and knobs instead of problematic touch screen buttons. I have already grilled a great family meal with it and I’m very pleased. Cooking, grilling, griddling, dehydrating, baking, broiling, etc is easy with this product.” This feedback is particularly valuable, as it comes from someone who can compare the current model to its predecessor. Gray Wolf’s points about improved cooking performance, the valuable addition of the griddle, and the enhanced control panel (moving away from touch screens to more tactile knobs) speak to Ninja’s commitment to continuous improvement and user experience. The ease with which he performs multiple cooking tasks further reinforces the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro’s versatility and reliability.
Final Verdict: A Kitchen Game-Changer
My experience with the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro Grill & Griddle has been nothing short of transformative. I absolutely adore its compact, all-in-one design, primarily because it doesn’t monopolize my kitchen counter space. In fact, it occupies less room than the small, often underutilized microwave it replaced, while offering exponentially more utility. Whether I’m whipping up a quick breakfast, perfectly grilling a steak for dinner, or embarking on a new culinary adventure like dehydrating mushrooms (my next exciting project), the Ninja Smart XL Pro genuinely embodies the latest and greatest features in a single, cohesive package.
The versatility of this indoor grill is truly astounding. It flawlessly transitions between grilling, griddling, air frying, baking, roasting, dehydrating, and broiling, making it an indispensable tool for almost any meal. Its capacity is substantial, easily handling dinner for a family of six – and I’m forewarning you, with results this delicious, there might not be any leftovers!
While it takes a little time to fully understand and master all of its diverse functions, the included quick-start guide is an invaluable asset for beginners. It simplifies the learning process, ensuring that even those new to advanced kitchen gadgets can quickly get up to speed. A significant advantage I discovered is its ability to cook multiple types of food simultaneously within the same cooking mode. This efficiency greatly streamlines meal preparation. Moreover, in my extensive testing, this grill heated remarkably evenly, a stark contrast to my former grills which often suffered from frustrating cold spots – a testament to the manufacturer’s promise of consistent performance.
For me, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro has been a genuine game-changer. My traditional stove is awkwardly tucked into a corner, making its use often aggravating. Now, I find myself genuinely excited to cook again, enjoying the process of experimenting with new recipes and confidently expanding my culinary skills. While I haven’t personally attempted to bake bread in the Ninja, and likely never will, I’ve seen countless other users achieve incredible results, even roasting whole chickens, as widely showcased on platforms like YouTube. Ninja is renowned for its continuous innovation, and the enhanced grilling features, combined with the comprehensive 7-in-1 functionality of the Smart Grill, make this appliance an absolute must-buy for any modern kitchen.
Where to Buy the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro Grill & Griddle
The Ninja Foodi XL Pro Grill and Griddle is readily available for purchase on the official Ninja Kitchen website and through popular online retailers like Amazon, typically retailing for around $280. While it might take a little time to fully appreciate its nuances, with every use, my affection for this Ninja Indoor Grill only deepens. It’s more than just an appliance; it’s an investment in a more efficient, enjoyable cooking experience.