The Ninja DG551 and IG651 are two of the most popular appliances in the Ninja lineup, each catering to distinct kitchen needs. If you are wondering which Ninja appliance to buy, this detailed guide breaks down their features, specifications, and performance to help you make an informed decision.
Main Difference Between Ninja DG551 and IG651 Indoor grills
The primary difference lies in their functionality and design. The Ninja DG551 is a precision dehydrator, ideal for slow cooking and drying fruits, vegetables, and meats at controlled temperatures. The Ninja IG651, on the other hand, is a multifunctional griddle and roasting appliance, designed for grilling, roasting, baking, and searing with versatility in mind.
Design and Build Quality
The Ninja DG551 indoor grill is sleek and compact, with stackable trays, a digital thermometer, and precise temperature controls that prevent overheating. Its design prioritizes low-temperature cooking and efficient airflow for even drying.
The Ninja IG651 indoor grill is larger and robust, featuring adjustable roasting racks, stainless steel lifters, and a spacious cooking surface. Its design emphasizes versatility, durability, and multi-function daily use beyond dehydration.
Functionality and Features
The DG551 indoor grill focuses on precise temperature control between 105°F and 160°F. It’s perfect for:
- Dried fruits (apples, bananas, mangoes)
- Jerky and cured meats
- Herbs and spices
Additional features include quiet operation, digital timers, and easy-to-clean stackable trays.
The IG651 indoor grill is multifunctional and supports six cooking modes: Grill, Roast, Bake, Air Fry, Dehydrate, and Griddle. It reaches temperatures up to 450°F, suitable for:
- Quick searing steaks and chicken
- Grilled sandwiches and pancakes
- Roasting vegetables or small meats
Advanced features include multiple heat zones, non-stick surfaces, and removable racks for easy cleaning.
Cooking Performance
The DG551 excels at low-temperature, slow dehydration. For example, it produces evenly dried apple chips in 8 hours at 135°F and beef jerky consistently without hotspots.
The IG651 is ideal for fast cooking. It can reach a 450°F searing temperature in under 5 minutes and cook a 1-inch steak to medium-rare, making it suitable for daily versatile cooking.
Ease of Use
Both appliances are user-friendly:
- DG551 indoor grill: Simple digital controls and stackable trays make dehydration easy for beginners.
- IG651 indoor grill: Intuitive controls for multiple cooking functions, with adjustable racks for versatile cooking setups.
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- XL FAMILY SIZED CAPACITY: Grill grate fits up to 6 steaks, up to 24 hot dogs, mains &...
- 6 VERSATILE COOKING FUNCTIONS: Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate...
- NINJA'S MOST POWERFUL GRILL: 500F independently powered grill grate creates direct,...
- 12” BBQ GRIDDLE: flat top bbq griddle cooks foods grills can't and interlocks with the...
- Easily remove roasts, whole chickens, or any other large ingredients.
- Comes with two lifters.
Cleaning and Maintenance
The DG551 is straightforward to clean with dishwasher-safe trays. The IG651 has non-stick surfaces and removable racks, but the larger size and multiple components require slightly more effort.
Price and Value
The DG551 is generally more affordable due to its single-function design, ideal for those focused on dehydration. The IG651 costs more but offers multifunctionality, replacing several appliances in your kitchen, making it a cost-effective choice for daily versatile cooking.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Ninja DG551 indoor grill | Ninja IG651 indoor grill |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Dehydrator | Griddle, Roast, Bake, Air Fry, Dehydrate, Griddle |
| Temperature Range | 105°F – 160°F | 150°F – 450°F |
| Cooking Surface | Stackable trays | Large griddle & adjustable racks |
| Digital Controls | Yes, precise for dehydration | Yes, multifunctional |
| Ease of Cleaning | Dishwasher-safe trays, simple design | Removable racks, non-stick surfaces |
| Best For | Dried fruits, jerky, herbs | Grilling, roasting, versatile daily cooking |
| Noise Level | Quiet operation | Moderate |
| Dimensions | Compact (check official specs) | Larger footprint (check official specs) |
| Price | More affordable | Higher, justified by multifunctionality |
- NINJA FOODI SMART XL GRILL: Updated, sleek design with the same functions & benefits....
- SMART COOK SYSTEM & THERMOMETER: The Foodi Smart Thermometer enables you to achieve the...
- CYCLONIC GRILLING TECHNOLOGY: Uses 500°F of hot cyclonic air and 500°F grill grate to...
- XL FAMILY SIZED CAPACITY: Grill grate fits up to 6 steaks, up to 24 hot dogs, mains &...
- 6 VERSATILE COOKING FUNCTIONS: Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate...
- NINJA'S MOST POWERFUL GRILL: 500F independently powered grill grate creates direct,...
- 12” BBQ GRIDDLE: flat top bbq griddle cooks foods grills can't and interlocks with the...
- Easily remove roasts, whole chickens, or any other large ingredients.
- Comes with two lifters.
Pros and Cons of Ninja DG551 indoor grill
Pros:
- Precise dehydration temperatures
- Quiet and efficient
- Compact design
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Limited to dehydration tasks
- Cannot cook or roast quickly
Pros and Cons of Ninja IG651 indoor grill
Pros:
- Multifunctional appliance (6-in-1)
- Large cooking surface
- Versatile for daily cooking
- Adjustable racks for different meals
Cons:
- Larger footprint
- More components to clean
- Higher price point
FAQ: Ninja DG551 vs IG651 indoor grill
- Q: Can the DG551 make jerky easily?
A: Yes, it dehydrates meat at controlled temperatures for consistent jerky results. - Q: Does the IG651 smoke when roasting?
A: Minimal smoke thanks to its smoke control technology; proper preheating helps reduce it further. - Q: Can the IG651 dehydrate foods like the DG551?
A: Yes, but the DG551 provides more precise low-temperature dehydration. - Q: Are the trays and racks dishwasher-safe?
A: Yes, both appliances have removable, dishwasher-safe components for easier cleaning.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the DG551 if you love dried fruits, jerky, and precise low-temperature cooking. Opt for the IG651 if you want a versatile appliance for grilling, roasting, baking, and air frying. Both carry Ninja’s trusted quality, so your choice should match your kitchen lifestyle and cooking priorities.
- NINJA FOODI SMART XL GRILL: Updated, sleek design with the same functions & benefits....
- SMART COOK SYSTEM & THERMOMETER: The Foodi Smart Thermometer enables you to achieve the...
- CYCLONIC GRILLING TECHNOLOGY: Uses 500°F of hot cyclonic air and 500°F grill grate to...
- XL FAMILY SIZED CAPACITY: Grill grate fits up to 6 steaks, up to 24 hot dogs, mains &...
- 6 VERSATILE COOKING FUNCTIONS: Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate...
- NINJA'S MOST POWERFUL GRILL: 500F independently powered grill grate creates direct,...
- 12” BBQ GRIDDLE: flat top bbq griddle cooks foods grills can't and interlocks with the...
- Easily remove roasts, whole chickens, or any other large ingredients.
- Comes with two lifters.
