Ninja makes several very different machines that are all called a grill: indoor grills that also air fry, an open grill and griddle, and outdoor grills that add real wood smoke. They solve different problems, and the names even change from country to country. This guide sorts them by what you actually want to cook and where, so you can pick the right type first and the right model second.
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First decide: indoors or outdoors?
- Indoors, all year: a Ninja Foodi Grill or the open Sizzle. They plug into a normal kitchen socket and cut down smoke, but "smokeless" is a promise to take lightly. Fatty meat still smokes a little, so use the cooker hood.
- Outdoors, for smoky barbecue flavour: a Ninja Woodfire. It is electric, so there is no gas bottle or charcoal, but it burns a small handful of wood pellets for smoke. It needs an outdoor socket and some space. Check your building's balcony rules first.
Then answer three more questions
- How many people? For one or two, the standard Foodi Grill or the Sizzle is enough. For a family that grills thick steaks or several chicken breasts at once, the XL size saves cooking twice.
- Do you want it to air fry too? The Foodi grills cook with the lid closed and also air fry, roast and bake. The Sizzle is an open grill and flat-top griddle: great for burgers, pancakes and eggs, but it does not air fry.
- Do you guess when meat is done? The XL and the Woodfire Pro models have a built-in thermometer that tells you when the inside is ready. Otherwise a cheap digital meat thermometer does the same job.
The types, from simplest to most capable
Ninja Foodi Grill (e.g. AG301)
Best for: one to three people who want to grill and air fry indoors in one machine.
Cooks with the lid closed on a hot grill grate and also air fries, roasts and bakes. The basic, compact Foodi grill.
Check price on AmazonNinja Foodi Smart XL Grill (e.g. FG551; in Europe: Foodi MAX Health Grill)
Best for: families, thick steaks, and anyone who wants the thermometer to say when it is done.
A bigger grill area and a built-in smart thermometer. Bigger and heavier on the counter. In Europe it is sold as the Foodi MAX Health Grill.
Check price on AmazonNinja Sizzle Grill & Griddle (GR101)
Best for: burgers, pancakes, eggs and quick weeknight cooking, on a small budget.
An open countertop unit with swap-in grill and flat-top griddle plates, up to about 500 °F (260 °C). Light and simple, for indoor use only. No lid and no air frying.
Check price on AmazonNinja Woodfire Outdoor Grill & Smoker
Best for: a balcony or garden, and real smoky barbecue without gas or charcoal.
An outdoor electric grill that also smokes with wood pellets and can air fry. Needs an outdoor socket and a weather cover.
Check price on AmazonNinja Woodfire Pro / Pro Connect
Best for: outdoor cooks who want the built-in thermometer, or control from a phone app (Connect).
The same Woodfire idea with a built-in thermometer, and on Connect models an app that shows the temperature on your phone. The most expensive line.
Check price on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Looking after a Ninja grill
- The plates are non-stick: never use a metal wire brush or metal tongs on them. Silicone or nylon tools keep the coating alive much longer.
- Parchment and splatter shields save most of the scrubbing. Put parchment in only with food on top, never to preheat on its own.
- Outdoors, cover the Woodfire when it has cooled. Rain and sun shorten the life of the electronics and the controls.
🍖 7 accessories that make a Ninja grill easier (AliExpress)
1. Perforated parchment liners compatible with Ninja Foodi grills
2. Stainless splatter shield compatible with Ninja Foodi grills
3. Dust cover with storage pockets for a Ninja Foodi grill
5. Silicone-tipped tongs that do not scratch the coating
🔍 Looking for an accessory for your model?
Search OneFindMe in plain words, for example “splatter shield for Ninja FG551” or “cover for Ninja Woodfire”, and see the current options with today's prices.
Search grill accessories →How to choose in four steps
- Indoors or outdoors — Indoors all year: a Foodi grill or the Sizzle. Smoky barbecue on a balcony or in a garden: a Woodfire.
- Pick the size — One or two people: the standard size. A family or thick steaks: the XL, so you do not cook in two rounds.
- Decide on air frying — If you also want to air fry, roast and bake, choose a Foodi with a lid. If you mostly want burgers, eggs and pancakes, the open Sizzle is simpler and cheaper.
- Check your country's model — Buy the version sold in your country, so the plug, the voltage and the warranty all match.
❓ FAQ
Which Ninja grill is best for an apartment?
An indoor Foodi grill or the Sizzle. Both use a normal socket. Use the cooker hood when you grill fatty meat, because indoor grills reduce smoke but do not remove it completely.
What is the difference between the Foodi Grill and the Smart XL?
The XL has a larger grill area and a built-in smart thermometer that tells you when the food is done. The standard Foodi Grill is smaller and simpler.
Does the Ninja Sizzle air fry?
No. The Sizzle is an open grill with a swap-in flat-top griddle plate. It is excellent for burgers, pancakes and eggs, but it has no lid and no air fry function.
Does the Woodfire need charcoal or gas?
No. It is electric and uses a small handful of wood pellets only for smoke flavour. It needs an outdoor socket and should be covered when it is not in use.
How do I keep the non-stick plates from scratching?
Use silicone, nylon or wooden tools, never a metal wire brush. Clean the plates while they are still warm, not hot, and use parchment or a splatter shield to cut down the scrubbing.
How much do the accessories on this page cost?
The accessories on this page cost between $2.31 and $11.90. Most people start with parchment liners and a thermometer.