Ninja EG201 vs. FG551 Foodi Grill: Should You Go “Smart” or Stick to the Basics?

Indoor grilling has become a staple in my kitchen, mostly because it saves me from scrubbing cast iron or dealing with charcoal in the winter. Recently, I spent time testing the Ninja EG201 and the Ninja FG551 Foodi Smart XL Grill to see if the “Smart” technology in the latter actually improves the food or just adds complication.

While both machines utilize Ninja’s signature 500°F cyclonic air to create authentic char-marks and juicy interiors, they offer very different workflows. The EG201 is a refined, compact evolution of the classic grill, while the FG551 is a high-capacity, automated system designed to take the guesswork out of cooking expensive proteins. If you’ve ever agonized over whether a steak is rare or medium, the difference between these two might just change how you cook forever.

The Key Difference: Leave-in Sensing vs. Manual Mastery

The most significant key difference between the Ninja EG201 and the FG551 is the presence of the Smart Cook System and the internal volume. The Ninja FG551 features a built-in, leave-in Smart Thermometer that communicates directly with the grill’s processor to shut off the unit the moment your food hits the target temperature. It also boasts a larger 9″ x 12″ XL grill grate.

The Ninja EG201, on the other hand, is a more traditional “set-and-forget” timer system without an integrated thermometer. It utilizes a more compact 10″ x 10″ grill grate. While the EG201 is designed for efficiency and smaller footprints, the FG551 is engineered for large-scale family meals and precision-based protein cooking.

Comparison Specs: Ninja EG201 vs. FG551 Smart XL

Feature	Ninja EG201 (2nd Gen)	Ninja FG551 (Smart XL)
Grill Capacity	10″ x 10″ (4 Steaks)	9″ x 12″ (6 Steaks)
Automation	Manual Timer	Smart Cook System + Probe
Functions	6-in-1 (includes Broil)	6-in-1 (includes Broil)
Wattage	1760 Watts	1760 Watts
Cooking Pot	6-Quart	4-Quart (Shallow XL)
Safety Features	Cool-Air Zone	Auto Shut-Off (Temp Based)
Best For	Couples & Small Kitchens	Families & Steak Enthusiasts
Buy Now	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

Hands-On Comparative Review: My Experience

Now with the main difference is known, lets find out how both models perform with regards to design, performance and number of functions offered.

Design: Depth vs. Width

Setting these up side-by-side, the physical profile of each unit dictates where they live in the kitchen. The EG201 is surprisingly deep—over 17 inches—meaning it sits further back on the counter. However, it’s narrower, making it easier to squeeze between other appliances.

The FG551 Smart XL is wider. It feels like a miniature oven. The build quality on the FG551 feels slightly more “premium” due to the thermometer docking station and the heavier lid. If you have a dedicated “cooking station” on your counter, the FG551 looks the part, but the EG201 is much easier to tuck away if you don’t use it every day.

Performance: Precision Grilling vs. Intuition

I decided to grill two thick-cut pork chops in both.

• The EG201: I set it to “High” for 12 minutes. I had to pause and check the internal temp with my own handheld thermometer twice to make sure I wasn’t drying them out. The result was excellent, but it required my constant attention.
• The FG551: I inserted the Smart Thermometer, set the doneness to “Medium,” and walked away to make a salad. The grill beeped when it was time to flip, and then shut itself off when the chops were perfectly done. The level of consistency is incredible—every steak and chop I’ve made in the FG551 has been restaurant-quality because it accounts for “carry-over” cooking while the meat rests.

Air Frying and Versatility

Both units share 1760 watts of power and the same 4-quart crisper basket. Because the heating elements are identical in power, the air frying speed is a wash. However, the FG551 has a slight advantage in the “Roast” and “Bake” categories. The XL cooking pot is wider and shallower, which I found better for roasting a tray of vegetables or a small batch of cookies. The EG201’s pot is deeper and narrower, which is great for a small chicken but less ideal for items that need to be spread out for browning.

The Cleaning Routine

Cleanup for both is relatively painless thanks to the ceramic coating. Ninja’s nonstick is some of the best I’ve used; even burnt-on fat generally slides off with hot soapy water.

• EG201: The square grill grate fits perfectly in the top or bottom rack of a standard dishwasher.
• FG551: The 9″ x 12″ grate is a bit more awkward. It’s too wide for the top rack and takes up a lot of real estate in the bottom. I usually end up hand-washing the XL grate just to save dishwasher space, though it is fully dishwasher safe.

Ninja EG201 (Standard 2nd Gen) Indoor Grill & Air Fryer

Pros:

• Space-Efficient: Narrower width is great for crowded countertops.
• Simple Controls: Perfect for those who don’t want to fiddle with probes and wires.
• Deep Pot: Excellent for roasting upright chickens or taller food items.
• Speed: Heats up very quickly due to the slightly smaller internal volume.

Cons:

• Manual Monitoring: You have to be proactive about checking food temps.
• Smaller Grate: You can’t fit many sides alongside your main protein.

Ninja FG551 (Smart XL) Air Fryer / Indoor Grill

Pros:

• “Set and Forget”: The thermometer eliminates the risk of overcooking expensive meat.
• Large Surface Area: 50% more grilling space than the standard model.
• Automatic Precision: 9 doneness levels and 4 protein presets do the thinking for you.
• XL Versatility: The wider pot handles rectangular baking pans with ease.

Cons:

• Counter Hog: Takes up a significant amount of horizontal space.
• Storage: The thermometer wire needs to be stored carefully to avoid damage.

The Verdict: My Recommendation

I recommend the Ninja EG201 if you are cooking for one or two people and you’re already comfortable with your cooking times. It is a sleek, powerful machine that gives you the best of Ninja’s grilling technology without the higher price tag of the Smart features. It’s the “practical” choice for a daily-use air fryer and grill.

I recommend the Ninja FG551 Smart XL if you have a family to feed or if you frequently cook steaks, salmon, or roasts. The Smart Thermometer isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a genuine culinary tool that ensures perfect results every single time. If you have the counter space, the extra capacity of the XL model makes it a much more capable primary cooking appliance.

For me, the FG551 is the clear winner. The ability to cook six steaks perfectly to medium-rare without lifting the lid once is a luxury that quickly becomes a necessity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I buy the thermometer separately for the EG201?

A: No. The EG201 does not have the internal circuitry or the plugin port required to support the Ninja Smart Thermometer.

Q: How many burgers can fit on the EG201 vs the FG551?

A: The EG201 comfortably fits 4 large burgers, while the FG551 can handle 6 to 7 depending on their size.

Q: Is the smoke control system the same on both?

A: Yes. Both units use a temperature-controlled grill grate, a splatter shield, and a cool-air zone to minimize smoke. In my testing, both were equally impressive at keeping the kitchen clear.

Q: Can the FG551 accommodate a 12-inch pizza?

A: No. While it is an “XL” model, the internal dimensions are roughly 9″ x 12″, so a standard circular pizza won’t fit. However, it’s great for rectangular flatbreads!