Ninja IG601 vs IG551 – Which Grill-Air Fryer Combo Wins the Battle?

Two powerful kitchen gadgets stand ready to upgrade your cooking game: the Ninja IG601 and the Ninja IG551. Both pack serious heat, grilling and air frying like champs, but they serve slightly different needs.

The IG601 brings a larger cooking surface and higher heat potential, while the IG551 focuses more on indoor convenience with smart cooking sensors. Shoppers often feel torn between these two models because they look similar at first glance.

Digging deeper reveals key differences in size, features, and performance. Some users need a grill that can feed a big family, while others prefer a compact, tech-savvy solution. Price also plays a big role in the final decision.

This guide breaks it all down, so you can see which Ninja fits your kitchen and your lifestyle best. Let’s get into the key features and real-world advantages of each model. Which one will earn a spot on your countertop?

Ninja IG601 vs Ninja IG551

Both the Ninja IG601 and Ninja IG551 are powerful indoor cooking machines. They work as grills, air fryers, and more.

But they have some key differences. This guide breaks everything down in simple words. Let’s start with the Ninja IG601.

Ninja IG601: Foodi XL Pro Griddle & Grill

 

The Ninja IG601 is more than just a grill. It combines a powerful grill, a flat BBQ griddle, and an air fryer in one. It offers fast cooking with high heat and lots of space. Perfect for family meals.

Features

500°F Grill Grate

This grill uses direct edge-to-edge heat. That means more even cooking. You get better grill marks and juicy meat.

12” BBQ Griddle

Not all grills can make pancakes or melt cheese evenly. The flat BBQ griddle lets you cook food that a normal grill can’t. It also connects to the main grill to use the same high heat.

Hood Up or Down Cooking

Use the hood down for air frying or even roasting. Keep it up for that strong sear on meats. You can control your cooking style with the hood.

7 Functions

Grill, BBQ Griddle, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate. You can do many things with just one machine.

Less Fat, Same Taste

The air crisp mode cuts fat by up to 75% compared to deep frying. Great for health without giving up crispy food.

Big Cooking Space

The XL size fits 6 steaks or a full meal with sides. The flat griddle can handle nachos, sandwiches, or pancakes. No need to cook in batches.

What is the good?

• Strong direct heat for better searing

• Griddle adds extra cooking options

• Great for large families

• Hood up or down gives more control

• Good for both fast meals and slow cooking

What is the bad?

• No smart thermometer

• Can take up counter space

• May cost more than basic grills

Ninja IG551: Foodi Smart XL Grill

 

The Ninja IG551 is a smart indoor grill. It uses cyclonic air and smart cooking tech. It helps cook meat just right. It also works as an air fryer and more.

Features

Cyclonic Grilling

This grill uses 500°F hot air. It surrounds the food to cook evenly. It also adds char-grilled flavor and grill marks.

Smart Cook System with Thermometer

It comes with a built-in thermometer. Just pick what you’re cooking and the doneness level. The grill takes care of the rest. No need to cut open your food to check.

XL Capacity

It can fit up to 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs. Great for family meals or parties. You can cook mains and sides together.

6 Functions

Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate. Just like the IG601, but no griddle.

Less Fat

The air fryer reduces fat by up to 75%. Tastes crispy without deep frying.

Smoke Control

Grilling indoors can make smoke. This grill includes features to keep smoke low. It helps keep your kitchen air clean.

What is the good?

• Smart thermometer helps avoid guesswork

• Grill marks and juicy results

• Great for beginners or busy cooks

• Easy to use with presets

• Big cooking space

What is the bad?

• No griddle surface

• Fewer cooking modes

• Less control over heat zones

• Needs learning at first for smart features

Comparison: Ninja IG601 vs Ninja IG551

Both grills offer high heat, air frying, and many cooking modes. But they serve different needs. The IG601 gives more control with a griddle and hood options.

You can grill, roast, or fry with or without the hood. The griddle makes it easy to cook breakfast or snacks that won’t work well on a grill.

The IG551 shines with its smart features. It tells you when the food is done. It helps cook meat perfectly without opening the lid.

That’s a big help if you cook steak or chicken often. It also has a smoke control system, which is nice in small kitchens.

If you want more manual control and a flat griddle, the IG601 works better. If you like smart tech and easy cooking, the IG551 is a great choice.

FAQs

Q: Can I use both models as air fryers?
Yes. Both models have air crisp mode to work like an air fryer.

Q: Does the IG601 have a built-in thermometer?
No. Only the IG551 comes with a smart thermometer.

Q: Can I make pancakes on the IG551?
Not easily. The IG551 does not have a flat griddle. The IG601 has a griddle for pancakes and sandwiches.

Q: Which one is easier to clean?
Both have non-stick parts. But the IG551 creates less mess because it controls smoke better.

Q: Do these grills need preheating?
Yes. Both models heat up before cooking for better results.

Final Thoughts

Both the Ninja IG601 and Ninja IG551 are strong kitchen tools. The IG601 offers more ways to cook and gives full control. It’s great for families or people who like variety.

The IG551 offers smart cooking and makes it easy to get perfect results. It’s best for those who want help in the kitchen. Pick the one that fits your cooking style. Both are solid choices with power, speed, and taste.