You've probably seen the infomercials or scrolled past it on Amazon a hundred times. The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill 6 in 1 looks like a bulky, metallic box that promises to replace your outdoor grill, your air fryer, and maybe even your oven. But let's be real for a second. Most kitchen gadgets end up in the "appliance graveyard" under the sink, right next to that spiralizer you used once in 2019.
The thing about the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill 6 in 1 is that it’s surprisingly aggressive about staying on your counter. It’s heavy. It’s loud. And yet, after using it for months, I’ve realized it solves one specific, annoying problem: cooking a thick steak to a perfect medium-pink without having to stand over a smoking cast-iron pan or guess when the middle is done.
It works because of a leave-in thermometer. That’s the "Smart" part of the name. You don't just set a timer and hope for the best; you tell the machine you want a 145-degree internal temp, and it yells at you when it hits the mark. No more cutting into a chicken breast only to find it's still raw near the bone.
The Reality of Indoor Grilling vs. The Backyard
If you’re a purist, you know that an indoor grill will never truly replicate a charcoal flame. It just won't. You aren't getting that wood-fired smoky depth. However, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill 6 in 1 uses a 500°F (approx. 260°C) cyclonic air technology that actually sears. Most "indoor grills" are just glorified panini presses that steam your meat. This one mimics the high-heat environment of a closed lid gas grill.
I’ve found that the grill grate—which is heavy-duty ceramic-coated—gets hot enough to leave those charred marks people love for the aesthetic. But the real win is the smoke control. Ninja spent a lot of time on the "Smoke Control System." It’s basically a combination of a splash guard and a cool-air zone. If you’ve ever set off your smoke alarm trying to sear a ribeye on the stove, you’ll appreciate this. It isn't 100% smokeless, especially if you use olive oil with a low smoke point, but it's significantly better than a traditional pan.
Honestly, the "XL" part of the name is the only reason to buy this over the smaller versions. You can fit six steaks or 24 hot dogs. If you have a family, the standard size is a joke. You’ll be cooking in shifts and eating cold food. Go big or don't bother.
Beyond Just Grilling: The 6-in-1 Identity Crisis
Ninja loves to slap "6-in-1" on everything. Let’s break down what those actually are: Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate.
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Most people will use the Grill and Air Crisp 90% of the time. The Air Crisp function is essentially a high-powered air fryer. Because the basket is wide and shallow (the XL factor again), you get better airflow than those deep, bucket-style air fryers. Your fries aren't sitting on top of each other getting soggy. They actually get crunchy.
The "Bake" and "Roast" settings are fine, but unless your main oven is broken or you're making a tiny side dish, you probably won't use them. Dehydrate is a niche feature—great if you’re into making beef jerky or dried mango, but it takes hours and makes the kitchen smell like whatever you're drying. It's a nice-to-have, not a need-to-have.
The Smart Thermometer is the Secret Sauce
We need to talk about the Foodi Smart Thermometer. This is the thin gray cord that plugs into the side of the unit. In my experience, this is the differentiator.
You stick the probe into the thickest part of the meat. You select your protein type (Beef, Chicken, Pork, Fish) and your desired doneness. The machine then monitors the internal temperature in real-time. But here is the clever part: it accounts for carryover cooking.
If you want a steak at 135°F, the machine might tell you to "Get Food" at 130°F. It knows that while the meat rests on your cutting board, the residual heat will continue to raise the internal temp. This is the kind of nuance usually reserved for professional chefs or people who are really, really good at using a handheld Thermapen. For the rest of us, it’s a safety net.
Where It Fails (Because Nothing Is Perfect)
I'm not going to sit here and tell you this thing is perfect. It’s a beast. It takes up a massive amount of "real estate" on your kitchen counter. If you live in a tiny apartment with six inches of prep space, this will make you feel claustrophobic.
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Also, it's loud. The fan sounds like a small jet engine taking off in your kitchen. If you're trying to have a quiet conversation or watch TV while it’s running, you're going to have to turn the volume up.
Cleaning is another "sorta" win. The parts are dishwasher safe, which is a lie told by every manufacturer. Sure, they can go in the dishwasher, but the grease from a marinated chicken breast gets baked onto that ceramic grate. After a few uses, you’ll find yourself scrubbing it in the sink with a stiff brush anyway. Pro tip: soak the grate in hot soapy water immediately after it cools down. If you let it sit overnight, you're going to have a bad time.
Comparing the Ninja to the Competition
When you look at things like the Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill or the T-fal OptiGrill, they feel like toys. The Hamilton Beach is cheap, but it doesn't have the air circulation. The OptiGrill tries to "sense" thickness, but it’s often wrong.
The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill 6 in 1 is essentially a hybrid. It's an air fryer that thinks it's a grill. Because it reaches higher temperatures than a standard air fryer, it handles frozen foods differently. You can take a rock-solid frozen burger patty and have it grilled and juicy in about 15 minutes. That’s a lifesaver for people who forget to defrost dinner.
Practical Advice for New Owners
If you've just unboxed this thing, don't just throw a steak in and press start.
- Preheat is mandatory. The machine will take about 8 to 10 minutes to preheat. Don't get impatient. If you put the food in early, it won't sear; it'll just bake.
- Oil matters. Use oils with high smoke points like avocado oil or grapeseed oil. Avoid extra virgin olive oil or butter for high-heat grilling unless you want your kitchen to look like a Victorian London fog.
- The "Rest" is non-negotiable. When the machine says "Rest," leave the meat alone. Don't pull the probe out. The internal juices need that time to redistribute. If you cut it immediately, all that flavor runs out onto the plate, and you’re left with dry meat.
- Don't crowd the basket. Even though it's "XL," if you overlap the food, it won't get crispy. Space is your friend.
The build quality is generally solid. The lid hinge feels sturdy, not flimsy. The buttons are tactile. It doesn't feel like it's going to break after a year of heavy use. Ninja (owned by SharkNinja) has a pretty decent track record for longevity compared to some of the "as-seen-on-TV" brands.
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Is It a Health Play?
A lot of people buy the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill 6 in 1 for health reasons. It does help. Since it’s an air-circulating system, the fat drips off the meat and into the bottom pan. You aren't frying your food in a pool of its own grease. If you're trying to cut down on calories without eating bland, steamed vegetables, this is a legitimate tool. You can roast a whole head of broccoli in about 8 minutes, and it comes out charred and crispy, which is way better than the soggy mess you get from a microwave.
Final Verdict on the 6-in-1 Tech
The reality is that "6-in-1" is marketing fluff. It's a 2-in-1 that happens to be able to do four other things adequately. It's a world-class indoor grill and a top-tier air fryer.
If you already own a standalone air fryer and you’re happy with it, you probably don’t need this unless you’re desperate for that indoor grilling experience. But if you’re looking to upgrade an old, small air fryer and you want the added benefit of a foolproof thermometer for steaks and chicken, this is probably the best unit on the market right now.
It simplifies the "mental load" of cooking. You don't have to think about timing. You don't have to flip things constantly. You just wait for the beep.
Actionable Steps for Performance:
- Placement: Ensure you have at least 6 inches of clearance behind the unit. It vents hot air out the back, and you don't want to melt your backsplash or overheat your cabinets.
- Deep Clean: Every 5-10 uses, take the splatter shield off (the mesh screen under the lid) and soak it in a degreaser. If that gets clogged, the machine will start to smoke regardless of what oil you use.
- Recipe Adjustment: Most "standard" oven recipes need a temperature reduction of 25°F when moved to the Ninja. The air is so much more efficient that it will burn the outside before the inside is done if you use standard oven temps.
- Check the Probe: Always wipe down the smart thermometer probe with a damp cloth after every use. Built-up carbon on the sensor can lead to inaccurate temperature readings over time.