Ninja Grill XL: Tested And Reviewed By A Home Cook In 2025

I ordered the Ninja Grill XL for to make family meals and see if it can replace an outdoor grill. Here’s my hands-on take on what worked and what didn’t.

Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing.

Ninja - Foodi Smart Xl Grill Air Fryer

I first got into the Ninja line a while back when I bought the earlier top-of-line model, the FG551, and that one completely changed the way I cook. I never expected an indoor grill to become my favorite kitchen appliance, but that machine made it almost impossible to mess things up. Meats came out evenly cooked every single time, and when I was done, I just tossed the grate, pan, and splatter screen straight into the dishwasher. It obviously wasn’t the same as cooking over charcoal, but with the right rubs and marinades, the flavor was so good that I never missed the smoke.

DESIGN AND BUILD:

After a year of using it almost daily, the lower pan on my FG551 started showing small cracks at the corners. It was still usable, but I figured it was time to replace it, so I went on Amazon to look for a new one. That’s how I came across the Ninja Grill XL. What caught my eye immediately was that this version has a grill grate with its own heating element built right in. When it locks into the base, two small contacts connect to power, and the grate itself heats directly. That’s a big leap forward from the earlier design that relied only on hot air from the upper element. I ordered it the same day, and honestly, it’s been one of the best kitchen upgrades I’ve made.

COOKING PERFORMANCE:

The first thing I noticed was speed. The Ninja Grill XL cooks noticeably faster than the old model, especially with thicker cuts of meat. That alone solved one of my biggest frustrations. Before, if I wanted to grill a thick steak, I had to choose between browning it properly or keeping it from drying out. The earlier version could get the cast-iron grate screaming hot during preheat, but the heat wouldn’t last long because air alone doesn’t transfer warmth efficiently to the metal. So I had to drop the temperature down to keep the steak from burning on the outside while still raw in the middle. It worked, but it was always a balancing act.

With this new one, the heat comes from both the top and the grate below, so everything cooks faster and more evenly. I can use higher temps across the board, even for thick cuts or for marinades that would have scorched before. The sear is beautiful, the grill marks are deep, and the meat stays juicy inside. Pork chops, chicken, even thick salmon filets all come out better than I expected. I also tried some homemade potato wedges and got that perfect crisp edge with a soft center that’s hard to pull off in a regular oven.

Another thing that surprised me is how well it handles moisture. Foods that usually release a lot of grease or juice don’t end up steaming. The air circulation keeps things dry enough to get that real grilled texture. It’s not the same as cooking outside, but for an indoor grill, the results are impressive.

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE:

Cleanup is almost the same as with the older FG551, except this model has one less part to deal with. The heated grate replaces the separate roasting pan and insert, so you’re washing fewer pieces overall. Everything fits nicely in the dishwasher, but I did notice something important - the bottom of the aluminum grate isn’t coated. Anyone who’s ever washed raw aluminum knows it comes out of the dishwasher with that dull gray oxide film. It’s harmless, just annoying because it can rub off.

My simple fix is to handle the grate only by the edges and avoid touching the bottom. It’s not visible once installed in the base, so it doesn’t affect cooking at all. Honestly, it’s a small trade-off for the performance gain. I also make sure to clean the top circular smoke screen after every use. If it builds up, the grill can start to smoke, especially with greasy foods. It’s not hard to clean if you stay on top of it, and replacements are easy to find if you ever need extras.

One more tip that makes life easier - use the grill brush that comes with it. A regular sponge doesn’t really get into the grooves, and you’ll just end up frustrated. The included brush actually works.

SIZE AND EASE OF USE:

The Ninja Grill XL is roughly the size of a small microwave, maybe a touch bigger than I expected, but it’s compact enough to leave on the counter without feeling like it’s taking over. Once you get used to the controls, it’s simple to use. I noticed that if you follow the cooking times and temperatures in the guide, everything turns out beautifully. I rarely even look up recipes anymore.

If you’re someone who struggles with cooking meats on the stovetop, this thing changes everything. It makes it almost impossible to overcook chicken or dry out pork. I’ve tried just about everything from marinated drumsticks to quick grilled sandwiches, and I get consistent results each time.

It’s not perfectly smokeless if you’re cooking something really fatty, but that’s true of any indoor grill. Using less oil helps, and I found that tossing meats lightly in a bowl with just a touch of olive oil works best. Heavy coatings tend to cause smoke. Once you learn that balance, it’s surprisingly clean.

OVERALL EXPERIENCE:

After using the Ninja Grill XL for a while, I can say I’m completely happy with it. The speed, the flavor, and the evenness of cooking make a real difference. I retired my old FG551 after a year of loyal service, but this new model feels like the natural next step. It’s reliable, powerful, and easy to maintain once you learn its little quirks.

It’s the kind of kitchen gadget that quietly becomes part of your daily routine. You start using it for quick dinners, and before long you realize you haven’t touched your oven all week. For anyone who loves grilled food but doesn’t want to deal with weather or cleanup, this is about as good as it gets indoors.

Buy it on Amazon today for: $275.00 with FREE returns