Ninja Foodi Smart 6-in-1 Indoor Grill Review: Would Owners Buy It Again?
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this review was made: We did not test this grill in person. This verdict is based on our analysis of expert reviews and owner themes, all listed at the end of this article. Most published tests cover closely related Ninja Foodi indoor grill models rather than this exact listing, and we say so where it matters. We looked hard for evidence of widespread failures and did not find enough to call it a skip. Our method.
A capable low-smoke grill, but not a proven long-term performer
Testers consistently praise Ninja Foodi indoor grills for low smoke compared with rivals, fast preheating and versatility as an air fryer and dehydrator too. The worries are real but not overwhelming: one review roundup notes the ceramic coating on a sibling model can break off and that around 10 percent of reviewers mention durability, grilling is milder than a true outdoor grill, and the unit is heavy and bulky. We found no recall or widespread-failure evidence, so this is a depends rather than a skip.
Check current price on Amazon → Prices and availability change often, so we don't list them here.Buy it again if you…
- want one appliance for grilling, air frying, roasting and dehydrating
- cook indoors and want less smoke than most countertop grills
- have the counter and storage space for a heavy unit
Skip it if you…
- expect true outdoor-grill char and flavor
- have little counter space or lift appliances rarely
- want a proven multi-year track record before buying
The Ninja Foodi Smart 6-in-1 is a countertop indoor grill that also air fries, roasts, bakes and dehydrates. Models in the Smart line add a built-in meat thermometer and a smoke-control design that uses top-down heat and a splatter shield.
Important caveat: published tests cover several Ninja Foodi indoor grill models, including the Smart XL FG551, the AG301, the AG302 and the EG201. We could not confirm which one matches this listing exactly, so treat our evidence as covering the family.
What owners say, at a glance
Bars show our editorial summary of how consistently owners praise or complain about each area across all sources — not a lab measurement.
The key specs (family-level)
| Functions | Grill, air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate and more |
|---|---|
| Heat | Up to 500 F on the Smart XL model |
| Smoke control | Splatter shield, cool-air zone and temperature-controlled grate (FG551, per one reviewer) |
| Thermometer | Built-in smart probe on Smart models; the probe is hand washed |
| Size | Heavy, about 22 to 25 pounds on the XL model |
What owners and testers like
What owners complain about
How it holds up over time
This is the weak spot in the evidence. None of the expert reviews we read covered long-term wear on this exact model. The only durability signal is the roughly 10 percent of reviews mentioning durability and the coating note on a sibling model. A Ninja customer-review page we checked also showed failures on other Ninja products, but it had no complaints about the grills themselves, so we do not read those across. If you buy one, keep the receipt and check the warranty.
Tips from owners and testers
- Use a range hood or open a window for bacon and fatty cuts.
- Check the warranty terms when you buy.
- Wash the grease screen after each use.
- Measure your cabinet clearance, since the hood may not open fully under low cabinets.
Pros and cons
What owners love
- Lower smoke than most indoor grills in tests
- Also air fries, roasts, bakes and dehydrates
- Fast preheating and simple controls
- Smart thermometer on Smart models
What owners complain about
- Coating wear and durability worries on sibling models
- Grill marks and sear can be mild
- Heavy and bulky
- Not all parts fully dishwasher safe
Other options owners compare
These are the indoor grills most often compared with the Ninja Foodi.
| Model | Style | Consider it if… | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja Foodi Smart 6-in-1 (this review) | Multi-function air fryer and grill | You want one appliance that also air fries and dehydrates | See on Amazon |
| George Foreman 4-serving grill | Simple contact grill | You want a small, simple grill with a nonstick surface | See on Amazon |
| Cuisinart Griddler | Contact grill and griddle | You want removable plates and grill or panini cooking | See on Amazon |
Want a versatile indoor grill with less smoke?
Check the current model, warranty and bundle options on Amazon.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ninja Foodi indoor grill really smokeless?
Testers found it among the lowest-smoke indoor grills, but fatty foods like bacon can still smoke, so ventilation is advised.
Does the nonstick coating peel?
One review summary says the ceramic coating on a sibling model has been noted to break off, while the same site saw no peeling in 60 days. Evidence is mixed.
Can it replace an air fryer?
Yes. Reviewers describe it as a strong air fryer and dehydrator as well as a grill.
Is it heavy?
Yes. The XL model was described at about 22 to 25 pounds.
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Sources we analyzed
- ShopSavvy: Ninja Foodi AG301 grill review summary — coating note, durability share, cleaning
- Mayfair Farms: best smokeless indoor grills — smoke testing on the Smart XL FG551, probe, weight
- The Quality Edit: Ninja Foodi indoor grill review — EG201 tests, grilling verdict, odors
- Grillseeker: Ninja Foodi Grill review and findings — AG302 smoke and cleaning findings
- Skinnytaste: best indoor grills — size, weight and alternatives
- Family Handyman: best indoor grills — George Foreman and Cuisinart notes
Figures reflect each source as of October 20, 2026 and may change. We summarize owner feedback in our own words and do not reproduce retailer reviews.