You love the taste of grilled food, but you don’t have a backyard or patio for an outdoor grill. Or maybe you want the convenience of an air fryer without cluttering your counter with multiple appliances. That is where the Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer comes in. In this PowerXL air fryer grill reviews 2020, we take a close look at this versatile machine that combines grilling, air frying, roasting, baking, broiling, and dehydrating. Whether you are a steak enthusiast or a health-conscious cook, this review will help you decide if the Ninja Foodi Smart XL is the right addition to your kitchen. For a comparison with other models, check out our PowerXL Air Fryer Grill Plus review.
The Ninja Foodi Smart XL is not just an air fryer; it is a full-fledged indoor grill that uses cyclonic air to char-grill food at 500°F, giving you authentic BBQ flavor and sear marks without smoke. Its Smart Cook System with a built-in thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking meat to your preferred doneness. In this article, we will evaluate its key features, performance, and how it stacks up against other indoor grills and air fryers on the market.
Pros
- Smart Cook System with thermometer ensures perfectly cooked proteins at your desired doneness level every single time
- XL capacity allows cooking for large families or meal prepping multiple servings simultaneously
- Authentic indoor grilling with 500°F cyclonic air creates impressive sear marks and BBQ flavor without outdoor space
- 6-in-1 functionality replaces multiple kitchen appliances, saving counter space and money
- Highly rated by thousands of verified buyers who praise consistent cooking results and ease of use
Cons
- Larger footprint and weight may require significant counter space in smaller kitchens
- Premium price point is higher than single-function air fryers or grills
- Requires regular cleaning of grill grate and interior components to maintain optimal performance
The Ninja Foodi Smart XL is an all-in-one indoor cooking solution that combines a high-powered grill with air frying and five additional cooking methods. This appliance is designed for home cooks who want the convenience of indoor grilling without sacrificing authentic BBQ flavor, making it perfect for apartment dwellers, busy families, and anyone tired of weather-dependent outdoor cooking.
The standout feature is undoubtedly the Smart Cook System paired with its dual-sensor thermometer. With 4 protein presets and 9 doneness levels, this technology takes the guesswork out of cooking steaks, chicken, fish, and pork. The 500°F cyclonic grilling technology delivers impressive char marks and sizzle while the XL capacity fits up to 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs at once, making it genuinely practical for family dinners and meal prepping. Real-world performance consistently delivers restaurant-quality results that justify the investment.
Build quality is solid with a professional black and silver finish that fits modern kitchen aesthetics. The dual cooking surfaces and smart temperature controls feel premium and durable. The grill grate is sturdy, and the overall construction suggests this appliance will handle years of regular use without performance degradation.
The main drawback is the substantial counter space required and the need for regular cleaning to maintain performance. The learning curve for maximizing all 6 functions is minimal thanks to clear preset options, but some users may find the initial investment steep compared to single-function alternatives.
The Ninja Foodi Smart XL delivers exceptional value for households seeking versatile, reliable indoor cooking. If you want perfect proteins, love air frying, and need XL capacity without multiple appliances, this is a top-tier choice that consistently exceeds expectations.
The Smart Cook System is engineered to eliminate cooking failures. The dual-sensor thermometer continuously monitors both air temperature and food internal temperature, automatically adjusting heat for perfect results. With 4 protein presets (beef, chicken, pork, fish) and 9 doneness levels ranging from rare to well-done, you simply select your protein and desired doneness, then let the system handle the rest.
This feature is particularly valuable for busy cooks who struggle with timing or temperature guessing. Whether you're cooking a rare steak or ensuring chicken reaches safe temperatures, the Smart Cook System removes uncertainty. The thermometer probe is food-safe and easy to insert, and the system alerts you when your meal reaches target doneness for perfectly cooked results every time.
Beyond grilling, this appliance functions as a complete cooking center. The 6-in-1 modes include: Grill for char-marked proteins, Air Fry for crispy foods with minimal oil, Air Crisp for enhanced crispiness, Roast for even cooking of vegetables and meats, Bake for breads and desserts, Broil for quick finishing, and Dehydrate for healthy snacks and jerky.
This versatility means you can replace your outdoor grill, air fryer, toaster oven, and dehydrator with a single countertop appliance. Cook burgers for lunch, air fry wings for dinner, and dehydrate fruit for snacks all from one machine. The XL capacity ensures you can handle multiple dishes simultaneously, making weeknight meal prep efficient and straightforward.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in an Indoor Grill and Air Fryer
Capacity and Size
The Ninja Foodi Smart XL offers an XL capacity that fits up to 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs. That is ideal for families or meal prepping. When choosing an indoor grill and air fryer, consider how much food you typically cook. A larger capacity means you can cook for a crowd without multiple batches. Also, check the countertop footprint. The Ninja Foodi is designed to fit comfortably on most counters without being too bulky. If you need a smaller option, see our PowerXL dual basket air fryer reviews.
Versatility and Functions
This 6-in-1 appliance replaces multiple gadgets. It grills, air crisps, roasts, bakes, broils, and dehydrates. That means you can make everything from juicy burgers to crispy fries to dried fruit snacks. Look for a model that offers the cooking methods you use most. The Ninja Foodi Smart XL covers all the bases, making it a true multitasker. For more on air fryer versatility, read our Rozmoz air fryer reviews.
Temperature Control and Smart Features
The Smart Cook System with a dual-sensor thermometer is a standout feature. It uses four protein presets and nine doneness levels to cook meat perfectly every time. No more cutting into a steak to check if it is done. This is especially useful for those who struggle with cooking meat to the right temperature. If you are looking for other smart air fryers, check out our Dash air fryer reviews for comparison.
Ease of Cleaning
Indoor grills can be messy, but the Ninja Foodi Smart XL features nonstick surfaces and dishwasher-safe parts. The grill grate and crisper basket are easy to clean, so you spend less time scrubbing. When buying an indoor grill, look for removable, dishwasher-safe components to simplify cleanup.
Final Thoughts
After evaluating the Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer, we believe it is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a versatile countertop appliance that grills and air fries with precision. Its cyclonic grilling technology delivers authentic BBQ flavor indoors, and the Smart Cook System ensures perfect doneness every time. If you are looking for a reliable indoor grill and air fryer combo, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL is our top pick. For a different approach, read our best air fryer for keto recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Ninja Foodi Smart XL grill smoke? Yes, but it produces less smoke than traditional outdoor grills. The cyclonic grilling technology uses high heat to sear food quickly, which minimizes smoke. However, if you are cooking fatty meats, some smoke is normal. Using the grill in a well-ventilated area is recommended.
How does the Smart Cook System work? The built-in thermometer monitors the internal temperature of the meat and adjusts cooking time automatically. You select the protein type and desired doneness, and the grill does the rest. This ensures your steak comes out rare, medium, or well-done consistently. For more on smart cooking, see our best air fryer for weight loss guide.
Is the Ninja Foodi Smart XL easy to clean? Yes. The grill grate and crisper basket are nonstick and dishwasher safe. After cooking, simply remove the parts and place them in the dishwasher. The interior can be wiped down with a damp cloth. Regular cleaning keeps the appliance in top condition.
Can I use the Ninja Foodi Smart XL to dehydrate food? Absolutely. One of its six functions is dehydrate, which allows you to make dried fruits, vegetables, and even jerky. This adds extra versatility for healthy snacking. It is a great feature for those who enjoy homemade dried foods.
