Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill Review (2026): Is the 6‑in‑1 Still Worth It?
By Ben Carter
9
Consumer's Best Score
Consumers Best Verdict: Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill Highlights
From “can it really grill indoors?” to “yep, dinner’s done,” the experience feels delightfully straightforward. Preheat, drop in food, choose doneness, and let the Foodi Smart Thermometer do the mental math. Ninja’s smoke control system keeps things surprisingly tame, and cleanup—grill grate, crisper basket, splatter shield—goes into the dishwasher. If you’ve been scanning ninja foodi smart 6-in-1 xl indoor grill reviews and want the short story, here’s ours at Consumer's Best: fast, flavorful, and dependable, with a footprint you’ll want to plan for.
Look, after another year of weeknight dinners and Saturday test batches, my take hasn’t changed: the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill is the rare kitchen gadget that actually replaces a few others. It sears like it means it (hello, 500°F cyclonic heat), the built‑in smart thermometer nails doneness without babysitting, and the XL capacity keeps families fed without running multiple rounds. It’s not tiny, and it’s not whisper‑quiet, but when a countertop grill turns out steakhouse‑level crust and air‑crisped fries in one session? That’s a win in my book.
In-Depth Look: Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill Features & Considerations
Core Features & Consumer Benefits
It’s a 6‑in‑1 for a reason: Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate. The point isn’t novelty—it’s weeknight flexibility without firing up the oven.
500°F Cyclonic Grilling
Delivers a legit sear and Maillard browning you can taste. Steaks, burgers, even thick pork chops come off with that outdoor‑style crust.
Foodi Smart Thermometer
Set your doneness (from rare to well), close the lid, and relax. The probe removes second‑guessing and helps prevent overcooking—especially on pricier cuts.
XL Capacity
Fits up to 6 steaks or a couple pounds of wings, so family meals don’t become a relay race. Entertaining? You’re not stuck batch‑cooking all night.
Smoke Control System
Filters, splatter shield, and airflow design keep smoke low. You’ll still smell dinner (in a good way), but windows usually stay closed.
Dishwasher‑Safe Parts
Nonstick grill grate, crisper basket, and splatter shield pop out fast. Real talk: if cleanup is easy, you’ll actually use it on busy nights.
Important Considerations & Potential Downsides
- Counter Space
It’s XL in name and nature. Measure your cabinets and consider where it’ll live—especially if you have a compact kitchen.
- Fan Noise
The internal fan isn’t loud‑loud, but you’ll hear it. If you’re sensitive to appliance noise, just know it’s part of the package.
- Preheat Time
You’re looking at ~8–10 minutes for high‑heat searing. Not a dealbreaker, but it’s not “instant on” either.
- Price Tag
Typically sits in the mid‑to‑upper countertop range. The value is strong if you’ll use multiple modes; less so if you only want an occasional grill.
Who Is the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill Best For?
Busy weeknight cooks
Quick preheat, guided doneness, and one‑pan cleanup make dinner feel manageable—even when you’re low on energy.
Apartment and condo dwellers
You get that char‑forward flavor indoors without tripping smoke alarms every time—nice balance of power and control.
Meal preppers
XL surface handles proteins and veggies in larger batches, so Sunday prep actually covers the week—imagine that.
Outdoor grill lovers (off‑season)
When it’s raining, snowing, or just too late, the Foodi keeps the grilling vibe alive with real sear.
Tinkerers who like options
Grill, air crisp, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate—if you love swapping modes to do more with less, this is your lane.
Who Might Want to Explore Other Options?
- Minimalists with tiny kitchens
If counter space is sacred, a smaller air fryer or single‑purpose grill may fit your lifestyle better.
- Ultra‑quiet seekers
The fan isn’t obnoxious, but it’s present. If you crave near‑silence while cooking, you may prefer a different style of appliance.
- Occasional users on a tight budget
If you’ll only grill once a month, a lower‑cost air fryer or stovetop grill pan could scratch the itch.
- Tall‑food specialists
Whole spatchcocked chickens or extra‑tall bakes can feel cramped; a full‑size oven or air fryer oven offers more headroom.
