Ninja IG601 vs IG651: An Updated Analysis 2023

Looking for a versatile indoor grill that can air fry, dehydrate, and grill? You may be interested in Ninja IG601 and IG651 Foodi XL 7-in-1 Indoor Grill Combo. I used both items, I can say they are powerful and easy to use. In this blog post, we will compare Ninja IG601 vs IG651 to help you choose the best one for your needs. Let’s dive in and explore the features and benefits of each indoor grill. For the ultimate Ninja Foodi Sp301 Vs FT102A Air Fry Oven comparison, taylormadebbq.net is your go-to source.

Key Differences Between Ninja IG601 and IG651

The main difference between Ninja IG601 and IG651 is that the IG651 comes with a Smart Thermometer that enables you to achieve the perfect doneness from rare to well with 4 smart protein settings and 9 customizable doneness levels. The IG601, on the other hand, does not come with this feature. Ninja IG601 and IG651 remarkable value proposition and excellent customer satisfaction ratings have secured its place as Best Ninja Foodi Grills available today.

Both models have a 500F independently powered grill grate that creates direct, edge-to-edge high-heat searing for better char-grilled results. They also have a 12″ BBQ griddle, precise temperature controls, and the ability to do hood up or hood down cooking. Additionally, both models have dishwasher safe parts, and their grill grates, crisper baskets, and BBQ griddle plates are PTFE/PFOA-free, non-stick ceramic coated, and easy to clean.

Ninja IG601 Foodi XL 7-in-1 Indoor Grill Combo Key Features

Ninja IG601 Foodi XL 7-in-1 Indoor Grill Combo. I have personally used this item, and it’s been a game changer for my indoor cooking. With its 500F independently powered grill grate, this is Ninja’s most powerful grill to date, creating direct, edge-to-edge high-heat searing for better char-grilled results. The 12″ flat top bbq griddle cooks foods grills can’t, and interlocks with the grate to harness its direct high heat. I’ve even used the precise temperature controls for fast, even cooking without hot or cold spots.

The Ninja IG601 is designed for both hood up or hood down cooking. Keeping the hood down adds cyclonic air for fast, even, high-heat cooking, surround searing, crisping, and melting. Meanwhile, keeping the hood up allows for intense high heat searing and flavors with direct bottom heat only. It also has a smoke control system that reduces smoke, keeping it out of the kitchen, thanks to its combination of chef recommended grilling practices, a temperature-controlled grill grate, splatter shield, and cool-air zone.

I was also impressed with the Ninja IG601’s ability to air fry crisp with up to 75% less fat than deep frying, tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries, using the included 4-qt crisper basket. And with its 7 cooking functions: Grill, BBQ Griddle, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate, all enabled by the wide temperature range, you can cook a variety of meals and snacks for your family and friends.

The Ninja IG601 is also family-sized, with a grill grate that fits 6 steaks, mains, and sides at the same time, and more. The flat top BBQ griddle allows you to cook a whole platter of nachos, 4 sandwiches, or 6 pancakes. Cleaning up is a breeze as well, with PTFE/PFOA-free, nonstick ceramic-coated powered grill grate, crisper basket, and bbq griddle plate that are dishwasher safe.

If you’re comparing the Ninja IG601 vs IG651, it’s worth noting that while they are both powerful indoor grills with a flat top bbq griddle, the IG651 has the added feature of a Smart Thermometer, enabling you to achieve the perfect doneness from rare to well with its Smart Cook System. However, the IG651 has a smaller height and lacks the dehydrate function found on the IG601.

Pros √

• Versatile with 7 cooking functions
• XL family-sized capacity
• Smoke control system
• Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts

Cons ×

• Requires counter space

Sale

Ninja IG601 Foodi XL 7-in-1 Electric Indoor Grill Combo, use...

• NINJA FOODI XL PRO GRIDDLE & GRILL: The XL Pro grill & griddle that sears, sizzles, and crisps....
• NINJA'S MOST POWERFUL GRILL*: 500F independently powered grill grate creates direct, edge-to-edge...
• 12” BBQ GRIDDLE: flat top bbq griddle cooks foods grills can't and interlocks with the grate to...

$152.99

Buy on Amazon

Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle Combo Key Features

Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle Combo! This powerful appliance allows you to sear, sizzle, and crisp your favorite foods, all while using the griddle, air fryer, dehydrate, and more functions. I used this product, I can attest to its incredible versatility and convenience.

One of the standout features of the Ninja IG651 is its powerful grill, which is independently powered and can reach up to 500F. This creates direct, edge-to-edge high-heat searing for better char-grilled results. Compared to other grills in the FG500-series, the Ninja IG651 is the most powerful one. As a result, I was able to achieve restaurant-quality grill marks on my steaks and burgers.

Another feature that I loved about this appliance is its 12” BBQ griddle. The flat top griddle is perfect for cooking foods that grills can’t, and it interlocks with the grate to harness its direct high heat. The precise temperature controls allow for fast, even cooking without hot or cold spots. I found this to be particularly useful when cooking pancakes or breakfast foods that require a more even heat distribution.

The Ninja IG651 also allows for hood up or hood down cooking, depending on your needs. Keeping the hood down adds cyclonic air for fast, even, high-heat cooking, surround searing, crisping, and melting. Meanwhile, keeping the hood up allows for intense high heat searing and flavors with direct bottom heat only. I found this to be particularly useful when cooking meats that required a more intense heat, as it created a great sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

With the included 4-qt crisper basket, you can air fry your favorite foods with up to 75% less fat than deep frying. As someone who loves fried foods, this was a game-changer for me. I was able to enjoy crispy fries, chicken wings, and other snacks without the guilt that typically comes with deep frying.

Finally, the Ninja IG651 is incredibly easy to clean. The PTFE/PFOA-free, nonstick ceramic-coated powered grill grate, crisper basket, and bbq griddle plate are all dishwasher safe. I found this to be particularly useful when cooking messy foods like bacon, as it made cleanup a breeze.

I used both the Ninja IG601 and the IG651, I can say that the latter is a significant upgrade in terms of features and performance. While the IG601 is a great appliance in its own right, the IG651’s smart cook system plus thermometer and other additional features make it a more versatile and powerful option. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting, the Ninja IG651 is an excellent investment for anyone who wants to elevate their cooking game.

Pros √

• Smart Thermometer for precise cooking
• Powerful grill grate for high-heat searing
• Flat top bbq griddle for diverse cooking options
• Hood up/down cooking option

Cons ×

• Large and heavy

Sale

Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle Combo,...

• NINJA'S MOST POWERFUL GRILL: 500F independently powered grill grate creates direct, edge-to-edge...
• 12” BBQ GRIDDLE: flat top bbq griddle cooks foods grills can't and interlocks with the grate to...
• HOOD UP OR HOOD DOWN COOKING: Keep the hood down to add cyclonic air for fast, even, high-heat...

$304.88

Buy on Amazon

Conclusion