Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill vs. Air Fryer Oven: Which Countertop King Reigns?
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Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle Combo Showcase
Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 Smart XL Air Fryer Oven Showcase
Texture: Direct Contact vs. Air Convection
The choice comes down to your favorite texture. The Ninja Grill uses an independently powered heating element built *into* the grate, mimicking an outdoor BBQ. It’s for people who want their salmon and steak to have a char. The Ninja Oven uses 'Surround Convection' (high-speed air) to wrap around food. It produces the most evenly crispy wings and golden-brown vegetables we've ever tested.
Workflow and Cleanup
Cleanup is where you'll notice the difference. The Grill's grate and splatter shield need a good soak and scrub (we recommend the OXO Soap Dispenser for quick grease removal). The Oven is more about managing crumbs and trays. For scooping out marinades or cleaning the corners of your prep jars, the Splatypus Jar Scraper remains our favorite secondary tool for both machines.
The Toaster Replacement Test
If you're looking to declutter your kitchen, the 10-in-1 Oven wins. It has a dedicated toast setting that produces perfect results. The Grill can 'toast' bread on the griddle or via air fry, but it’s not as convenient or precise. If the Oven sits on your counter, you can give your old toaster away; with the Grill, you’ll probably want to keep it.
⚡ Side-by-Side Comparison
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Pros & Cons
Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle Combo
✅ Pros
- Reaches 500°F for authentic charcoal-style grill marks and 'Maillard' crust
- Independently powered grill grate delivers direct heat, unlike air-based grills
- Hood-up cooking capability for classic stovetop-style searing
- Integrated Smart Thermometer eliminates the 'cut-and-peek' method
- Included 12-inch griddle plate is a game-changer for pancakes and smash burgers
❌ Cons
- Limited vertical space; won't fit a whole large chicken or turkey
- Cleaning the heavy-duty grill grate requires more elbow grease
- No 'toast' or 'bagel' specific settings like the oven
Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 Smart XL Air Fryer Oven
✅ Pros
- True Surround Convection™ provides incredibly even air frying and roasting
- Two-level cooking allows you to roast a whole protein and a side simultaneously
- Fully replaces a traditional toaster, convection oven, and dehydrator
- Massive interior height: Fits a whole chicken or a 12-lb Thanksgiving turkey
- Sleek, wider design looks more integrated on modern countertops
❌ Cons
- Requires significant linear counter width (17.1 inches)
- Exterior housing gets extremely hot—keep away from plastic items
- Lacks the direct-contact searing marks that BBQ lovers crave
The HomeVerdict
Expert Final Call
For 90% of families, the Ninja 10-in-1 Air Fryer Oven is the better investment because it handles breakfast toast, lunch leftovers, and a full roast turkey with ease. However, if you are a steak-and-potatoes cook who misses the flavor of an outdoor grill in the winter, the Smart XL Pro Grill is the best indoor searing machine on the market.
Choose Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle Combo if...
Choose this for the absolute best indoor steaks, burgers, and high-heat searing.
Shop on AmazonChoose Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 Smart XL Air Fryer Oven if...
Choose this for whole-family meal prep, two-level cooking, and replacing your toaster.
Shop on AmazonDo you agree with our verdict?
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill smoke when used indoors?
No, Ninja uses a multi-layered smoke management system including a temperature-controlled heating element and splatter shield to keep 99% of smoke out of your kitchen.
Can I fit a whole pizza in the Ninja 10-in-1 Oven?
Yes, the Ninja 10-in-1 Oven's wide design is specifically built to accommodate a standard 12-inch pizza or up to 2 sheet pans of food at once.
Is the Ninja Grill or Oven better for steak?
The Ninja Smart XL Grill is much better for steak as it uses a directly heated grill grate to achieve 500°F char marks, whereas the Oven relies purely on hot air convection.