Ninja Grill BG500A vs DG551 – Which One Sizzles Smarter?

Two indoor grills. One tough decision. The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro Grill & Griddle (BG500A) and the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill (DG551) bring serious cooking power to your kitchen. Both models promise juicy steaks, crispy air-fried veggies, and hands-off precision with smart thermometer technology.

Still, some key differences can affect your cooking experience and your counter space. The BG500A includes a griddle plate, giving it more cooking options for pancakes, eggs, and sandwiches. It also has an upgraded hood design for better searing.

On the other hand, the DG551 shines with its focused grill performance and slightly easier controls, perfect for those who want a quick grill experience without added extras.

This head-to-head comparison breaks down everything: grill size, features, cooking modes, and ease of use. If you’re trying to upgrade your kitchen game, this guide will help you find the best fit for your cooking style.

Ninja Grill BG500A vs Ninja Grill DG551

Indoor grills make cooking faster and cleaner. Two popular choices from Ninja are the BG500A and the DG551.

Both cook multiple ways. But they have differences that matter. Let’s look at each one in detail.

Ninja Grill BG500A

Features

The Ninja BG500A is a powerful indoor grill with a 4-quart crisper basket. It can grill, roast, bake, dehydrate, and air crisp. Its stainless steel body feels strong and durable.

It uses cyclonic air and heats up to 500°F, creating grill marks and crispy results. The GrillControl settings let you adjust heat from 105°F to 500°F, with four options: low, medium, high, and max.

Smoke stays low. It has a splatter shield, temperature-controlled grill grate, and cool-air zone to help with that. Cleaning is simple. The grill grate, crisper basket, and cooking pot all come out and go straight into the dishwasher.

What Is the Good?

• Heats up fast and gives strong sear marks

• Multi-cooking options in one machine

• Easy cleanup with removable parts

• Reduces smoke, so good for indoor use

• Strong build with stainless steel design

What Is the Bad?

• No smart thermometer for exact doneness

• Heavier than other grills at 29.30 pounds

• Fewer doneness controls for meat

• Display is basic, no digital smart system

• Takes more counter space with large size

Ninja Grill DG551

Features

The Ninja DG551 is also an indoor grill and air fryer. It includes the Foodi Smart Thermometer, which helps cook meat just right. Pick from 4 protein settings and 9 doneness levels. No need to guess.

It also uses cyclonic grilling technology at 500°F, just like the BG500A. You get grill marks and juicy food every time. This model has six cooking functions: Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate. It comes with a 4-quart crisper basket, same as the BG500A.

Smoke is controlled using a special system with a grill grate, splatter shield, and cool-air zone. You don’t need to thaw meat first. It cooks frozen foods to grilled in under 25 minutes. All main parts are ceramic-coated and dishwasher safe. They are also PTFE/PFOA-free, which makes them safer.

What Is the Good?

• Smart thermometer gives perfect doneness

• Easy one-touch control for protein types

• More cooking functions than BG500A

• Safe ceramic coating on key parts

• Works from frozen to grilled fast

What Is the Bad?

• Higher price due to smart features

• Still a large size, needs counter space

• Ceramic parts need gentle care

• No weight listed but can be heavy

• Grill plate can wear over time with rough use

Comparison for Ninja Grill BG500A vs DG551

The Ninja BG500A and DG551 both offer strong indoor grilling features, but they differ in several ways. The BG500A has five cooking functions: Grill, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate, and Air Crisp. On the other hand, the DG551 provides six functions, adding Broil to the list.

Both models can reach a maximum temperature of 500°F. The BG500A includes fan speed settings, ranging from Low to Max, while the DG551 does not list any variable fan settings.

One major difference is the smart thermometer. The BG500A does not include one, but the DG551 has the Foodi Smart Thermometer with four protein settings and nine doneness levels. This makes the DG551 better for precise meat cooking.

Each model comes with a 4-quart crisper basket, useful for air frying. They both include smoke control features such as a grill grate, splatter shield, and cool-air zone. Both models also create grill marks that look like outdoor grilling.

The BG500A weighs about 29.30 pounds, while the DG551’s weight is not specified but may also be heavy due to its features. The BG500A is made with stainless steel, while the DG551 uses ceramic-coated materials that are PTFE/PFOA-free.

For cleaning, both units are dishwasher safe. But the DG551’s ceramic coating may require gentler cleaning. One more bonus in the DG551 is that it can cook frozen foods without thawing, finishing in under 25 minutes, which the BG500A does not support.

FAQs

Which grill is better for steak?

The DG551 is better for steak because of the smart thermometer. It helps cook meat exactly how you like it.

Does the BG500A have a thermometer?

No. The BG500A does not include a smart thermometer. You need to check doneness by eye or with a separate tool.

Is the DG551 easier to clean?

Both models are easy to clean. But the DG551 has ceramic coating, which may need softer scrubbing to protect the surface.

Can both models air crisp?

Yes. Both come with a 4-quart air crisper basket and can air fry with less oil.

Do they take up a lot of space?

Yes. Both are large appliances. Each needs a wide spot on your countertop.

Conclusion

Both the Ninja BG500A and DG551 are strong indoor grills. They offer multiple cooking options, great sear marks, and lower smoke.

Go for the BG500A if you want basic grilling with strong heat and simple controls. It’s great for people who like manual cooking.

Pick the DG551 if you want more control over meat doneness, smart cooking, and the ease of cooking from frozen. The smart thermometer adds big value. Choose the one that fits your kitchen and cooking style.