Ninja DG551 vs. FG551 Foodi Grill: Is the 2nd Generation Upgrade Truly Better?

Choosing between the Ninja DG551 and the FG551 feels a bit like deciding between a classic sports car and its modern, tech-focused successor. I’ve spent significant time in the kitchen with both of these XL powerhouses, and while they share the “Smart XL” DNA—including that brilliant leave-in thermometer—the experience of using them side-by-side reveals two very different design philosophies. The FG551 is the original titan that defined the XL category, whereas the DG551 is the “2nd Generation” update that aims to solve countertop crowding with a taller, sleeker profile.

The Key Difference: A Tale of Two Footprints

The most impactful key difference between the Ninja DG551 and the FG551 is the physical design and the interface. The DG551 (2nd Generation) is built with a “vertical-first” approach; it is narrower and shallower but significantly taller (16 inches) than the original. It also replaces the older touch-capacitive controls with tactile, hard-press buttons, which Ninja introduced to improve durability after some users reported “ghost touches” on the older screens.

Conversely, the FG551 is the wider, “low-profile” original. It takes up more horizontal real estate but fits more easily under standard low-hanging kitchen cabinets. While both units share the same 1760-watt power and identical 9″ x 12″ grill grates, the DG551 feels like a modern redesign intended for users with narrow counters, while the FG551 remains the choice for those who prefer a traditional, wide-set appliance.

Comparison Table: Ninja DG551 vs. FG551 Smart XL

Feature	Ninja DG551 (2nd Gen)	Ninja FG551 (Original XL)
Generation	2nd Generation	1st Generation XL
Dimensions	11.1″D x 15.7″W x 16″H	15.75″D x 16.54″W x 11.1″H
Weight	25 lbs	22.4 lbs
Control Style	Tactile Push Buttons	Digital Touch Screen
Smart Thermometer	Included (Dual Sensor)	Included (Dual Sensor)
Grill Grate Size	9″ x 12″	9″ x 12″
Functions	6-in-1	6-in-1
Cleaning	Dishwasher Safe Parts	Dishwasher Safe Parts
BUY NOW	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

Detailed Comparative Review: My Experience

In this section, we will discuss my personal experience with both models and at the end we will be able to find out which one should you choose for your kitchen counter. Lets Go!

Design and Countertop Presence

The first thing I noticed when unboxing the DG551 was how “upright” it felt. At 16 inches tall, it’s a bit of a skyscraper on the counter. In my kitchen, this was a blessing and a curse. It freed up a few inches of width so I could actually keep my coffee maker next to it, but it barely cleared my upper cabinets.

The FG551, by comparison, feels much more grounded. It’s wider and deeper, which makes the cooking area feel more accessible. If you have deep, open counters, the FG551 is a great fit. But if you’re working with a “galley-style” kitchen where every inch of width is precious, the DG551’s 11.1-inch depth is a massive space-saver.

The “Smart” Experience: Putting the Probe to the Test

I am notoriously bad at timing steaks, which is why I love the Smart Cook System found in both models. I tested a 2-inch thick Tomahawk ribeye in both machines.

• The FG551: The interface is sleek. You tap the “Protein” button, select “Beef,” and pick your doneness. The touch screen is responsive, though I’ve noticed it can get a bit finicky if your fingers are even slightly greasy from food prep.
• The DG551: The 2nd Gen model uses physical buttons. While they aren’t as “high-tech” looking as the touch screen, I actually preferred them. There’s a satisfying click that gives you confidence the machine received the command. The thermometer logic is identical in both; it tracks the internal temp and alerts you when it’s time to “Get Food” to allow for carry-over cooking. Both steaks came out a perfect medium-rare, edge-to-edge.

Cooking Performance: Air Fry vs. Grill

Both units use Cyclonic Grilling Technology, which essentially creates a 500°F vortex of air.

• Grilling: I loaded up the 9″ x 12″ grate with 6 burgers. In both the DG551 and FG551, the sear was incredible. You get those deep, dark grill marks and that smoky flavor without the actual smoke. Because the grates are the same size, there is zero difference in capacity.
• Air Crisping: I found the DG551 felt slightly faster at air frying a full 4-quart basket of wings. This might be due to the taller internal chamber allowing for slightly different air circulation patterns. Both units, however, delivered wings that were significantly crispier than what I get out of my standard convection oven.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

Cleaning a grill can be the ultimate dealbreaker. Both of these models feature ceramic-coated parts that are PTFE/PFOA-free.

• In my experience, the DG551 splatter shield is a bit easier to snap in and out for cleaning.
• The FG551 has a slightly larger footprint for the dishwasher, so if you have a compact dishwasher, the DG551’s parts might fit a little more comfortably around your plates.

I did notice that the DG551 is a few pounds heavier than the FG551. If you are someone who stores your grill in a pantry and brings it out only when needed, you’ll definitely feel those extra 2.5 pounds in the DG551.

Ninja DG551 (2nd Generation) Foodi Smart Indoor Grill

Pros:

• Tactile Buttons: More reliable and easier to use with messy kitchen hands.
• Space-Saving Width: Narrower footprint leaves more room for other appliances.
• Refined Smoke Control: The 2nd Gen airflow feels slightly more “polished” during high-heat searing.
• Modern Aesthetic: A sleek, matte-heavy look that fits modern kitchen decor.

Cons:

• Height Issues: At 16″ tall, it may not open fully under low cabinets.
• Heavier: At 25 lbs, it’s a beast to move around frequently.

Ninja FG551 (Original XL) Foodi Smart Grill

Pros:

• Low Profile: Fits under almost any cabinet setup.
• Touch Interface: Very modern and high-end “smart appliance” feel.
• Proven Reliability: Thousands of user reviews confirm its longevity.
• Lighter Frame: Easier to tuck away if you don’t want it on your counter 24/7.

Cons:

• Wide Footprint: Takes up a lot of horizontal space.
• Touch Sensitivity: Greasy fingers can make the screen less responsive over time.

The Verdict: My Final Recommendation

I recommend the Ninja DG551 if you have a modern kitchen with limited horizontal counter space but plenty of vertical clearance. The transition to physical buttons is a smart move that improves the “workhorse” feel of the machine, and the 2nd Gen airflow tweaks make it an exceptional air fryer.

I recommend the Ninja FG551 if you have low-hanging cabinets or if you simply prefer a wider, more traditional grill layout. It’s the original XL for a reason, and if you can find it at a discount compared to the 2nd Gen, you aren’t sacrificing any actual cooking power or capacity by going with the original.

In my kitchen, the DG551 takes the trophy. I prefer the reliability of the push-buttons, and the narrower footprint meant I didn’t have to move my toaster oven to make room for it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are the grill grates interchangeable between the DG551 and FG551?

A: Yes! Both models use the standard 9″ x 12″ XL grill grate. If you have accessories for one, they will almost certainly fit the other.

Q: Can the DG551 cook a whole chicken?

A: Absolutely. The 4-quart cooking pot in both units can handle a 3-lb chicken, though the DG551’s taller lid actually gives you a bit more “headroom” for larger roasts.

Q: Do I need to use the thermometer every time?

A: Not at all. You can use both the DG551 and FG551 in “Manual” mode where you simply set the time and temperature, just like a standard air fryer.

Q: How do these handle frozen foods?

A: This is one of my favorite features. You can take frozen salmon fillets or burgers and have them perfectly char-grilled in under 25 minutes. The “Smart” thermometer is especially helpful here to ensure the center is fully thawed and cooked.