The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill and Air Fryer from Ninja is a powerful 6-in-1 countertop appliance that lets you grill, air fry, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate all in one sleek unit. With cyclonic grilling technology, a smart thermometer for perfect doneness, and an XL capacity, it’s perfect for family meals or gatherings. Enjoy healthier fried favorites with up to 75% less fat, and mess-free grilling thanks to the smoke control system and dishwasher-safe parts. Upgrade your kitchen and simplify meal prep with this versatile, must-have indoor grill and air fryer combo.
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Indoor Grill – Complete Review 2025
The indoor grill by Ninja sets a new benchmark for countertop cooking with its feature-packed design and consistent results. This model combines a robust build with cutting-edge cyclonic grilling technology, making it a strong contender for anyone looking to ditch their outdoor barbecue setup.
This tool delivers authentic grill marks and smoky flavor right from your kitchen. With its smart thermometer system, you never have to worry about overcooked steaks or dry chicken again. The XL grill grate fits up to six steaks at once, making it ideal for gatherings or meal prepping.
Its user-friendly controls, dishwasher safe parts, and sleek look round out a versatile kitchen appliance that handles much more than just grilling. According to Ninja’s official site, the Smart XL is built to streamline family dinners while enhancing flavor and texture for a variety of foods.
Key Features of the Indoor Grill
- 6-in-1 Versatility: This model roasts, bakes, air crisps, dehydrates, broils, and grills—replacing several bulky appliances in one compact unit.
- Cyclonic Grilling Technology: Rapid 500°F cyclonic air delivers even char-grilled marks and flavor, so your food comes out juicy and perfectly seared every time.
- Family Sized Grill: The generous grill grate fits full protein portions, burgers, or enough veggies for your entire household.
- Smart Thermometer: Built-in, dual-sensor probe enables hands-free cooking to precise doneness across four protein types and nine doneness levels.
- Dishwasher Safe Parts: Clean-up is simple with removable, non-stick grill grate, crisper basket, and splatter shield—all safe for the dishwasher.
If you want to see how Ninja stacks up against top competitors, read our detailed air fryer comparison guide.
Real-World Performance Testing
Our hands-on trials showed the indoor grill excels in everyday meal prep. Using 1760 watts of power, this product heats up to 500°F in minutes, locking in juices for juicy burgers or seared salmon fillets. Family meals like steak dinners or crispy fries take under 20 minutes from start to finish. We cooked a dozen chicken wings to golden crisp perfection using the air fryer basket, reducing fat content significantly versus deep frying.
The smart thermometer was remarkably accurate during our steak tests; medium-rare results were spot on. Home cooks rave about the flavor boost from cyclonic grilling technology on review sites like GrillSeeker. On the downside, this tool is quite heavy (over 22 lbs), so it’s best left on the countertop rather than stored away after use. The unit’s smoke control system performed well, producing barely any kitchen smoke—great for apartments or spaces where true smokeless grill performance matters.
While the device scored top marks for steaks, we found some recipes did better using the manual mode — especially chicken breasts to prevent them from drying out, as noted by experts in in-depth reviews. For more on how Foodi compares with its own siblings, see our Ninja Crispi vs Foodi review.
How It Compares to Alternatives
This product stands out for its multifunctionality and precise temperature control. The Ninja Foodi Smart XL’s 6-in-1 versatility and smart thermometer is a notable upgrade from older countertop cooking devices. Compared to the Philips Smoke-less Grill and Cosori Indoor Grill, it features a higher maximum grill temp and more preset options. Warranty terms and cleaning ease are on par with top brands, though this unit is heavier than some rivals.
If you’re deciding between air fryer models or want to compare Ninja to Cosori, check out our Philips vs Ninja air fryer face-off.
Who Should Buy This Product?
This tool is perfect for apartment dwellers needing genuine grill flavor in a smokeless format. Large families or meal preppers will appreciate the generous grill capacity and multi cooker functions for big batch meals. Tech-savvy cooks who love precise results will find the smart thermometer and programmable options invaluable for experimenting in the kitchen.
However, those seeking a lightweight device or with very limited counter space may find this model too bulky. Minimalists or casual grillers who rarely cook for a crowd may prefer a smaller electric grill or single-function air fryer.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this a true smokeless grill?
It uses a dedicated smoke control system with splatter shield and cool-air zone. While essentially smoke-free for most foods, fattier cuts may release slight smoke—ventilation is always recommended. - Can you really replace a full-sized oven or BBQ?
This model is not a substitute for outdoor wood or charcoal flavor, but its cyclonic grilling technology offers a close indoor grilling experience and replaces multiple kitchen appliances. - How easy is it to clean?
All removable parts are non-stick and dishwasher safe. Daily cleaning just involves wiping the housing and running the accessories through a cycle. - Does the Ninja indoor grill support air fryer recipes?
Yes, the indoor grill includes a high-capacity air fryer basket supporting air crisping, so you can enjoy fried favorites with less oil and easy one-touch presets. - What is the warranty?
According to the manufacturer, this product comes with a limited 1-year warranty and excellent U.S.-based support.
The indoor grill is one of the most versatile kitchen upgrades of 2025—perfect for those who want big flavor, healthy meals, and genuine grilling results in any season. See our full air fryer and grill guide here and grab this device if you want to simplify dinner prep and impress your guests.
