Ninja® Foodi® Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer, Black/Silver, FG551

Owners consistently praise the Ninja Foodi Smart XL for its versatility, with many describing it as a true multi-tasker that gets used almost every day and can cook a whole meal in 15 minutes . Users love the dual-zone functionality that lets you cook two items at different temperatures at the same time , and results are frequently described as crispy and delicious without the extra calories . Cleaning is another major highlight, with reviewers calling the nonstick baskets easy to clean and praising the durable ceramic coating as bullet proof .

That said, reliability is the most recurring complaint. Multiple users report units that died after just one to three years , and others noticed a decline in build quality over time . Some noted mechanical issues like strange noises developing or a loose handle , while others found cleaning certain plates or trays to be a hassle . A handful also felt the air frying function underperformed compared to its oven mode , and one user cracked the glass component just weeks after purchase.

The appliance seems best suited to those who want to replace multiple kitchen gadgets at once, from air frying and grilling to pressure cooking, baking, dehydrating, and sous vide . Solo cooks and small households appreciate that the basket size is plenty for one or two people , while others use it as a near-total oven replacement for holiday meals and everyday cooking. Fans of grilling specifically call out the built-in thermometer as key to cooking meat to perfection without smoke or splatter , though a few mention that the grill capacity is limited and doesn't fully replace an outdoor bbq.

Opinions on value vary. Many describe it as worth every penny and a reliable long-term investment , with several users reporting units that lasted four to seven years of near-daily use . Others feel less confident, with comments like it's just expensive based on the name and concerns about whether newer units hold up as well as older ones.

A few standout observations came up repeatedly: customer service was praised when things went wrong, including one user whose unit was replaced with no fuss , and another who noted Ninja actually picks up the phone if something breaks. Several also appreciated the simple interface, saying it has no million buttons, and the space-saving design that flips up against the wall when not in use was a recurring favorite for smaller kitchens.

Overall, the Foodi Smart XL earns strong loyalty among long-term users who highlight its versatility, ease of cleaning, and consistent cooking results, even as a vocal minority cautions about durability concerns and inconsistent quality control across units.