If you’re in the market for a versatile countertop indoor grill and air fryer combo, the choice between the Ninja BG500A and FG551 can be confusing. In this article, we’ll guide you through the key differences, helping you decide which model best fits your cooking style, kitchen space and budget.
Main Difference Between Ninja BG500A and FG551
The principal difference between the Ninja BG500A and FG551 lies in their **feature set and smart cooking system**. While both offer large-capacity indoor grilling and air-frying, the FG551 brings additional smart-probe/thermometer features and more advanced settings compared to the BG500A, which is slightly more basic in comparison. In short: if you want smart doneness control and the latest version, FG551 may be the better pick; if you want a solid large-capacity indoor grill/air fryer at a more moderate price, BG500A performs very well.
Model Overview: Ninja BG500A
The Ninja BG500A is a powerful indoor grill and air fryer combo with “Smart XL” size capacity and multiple cooking functions. According to its product data, the BG500A offers 6-in-1 functions (Grill, Air Crisp/Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate) and is built for larger family-sized meals – claimed as “50 % more food than the original Ninja Foodi Grill”. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Key specifications include:
- Model: BG500A
- 6 cooking functions: Grill, Air Crisp, Bake, Roast, Broil, Dehydrate. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- XL capacity—large cooking surface to handle multiple steaks or a full family meal. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- 4-quart Air Fryer basket included (in many listings) and large cooking pot. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- The manual confirms the model number and general functions. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Benefits of the BG500A:
- Generous size and capacity: great for households that cook larger quantities at once.
- Versatility of functions covering most cooking needs: grilling, air frying, roasting, baking, broiling, dehydrating.
- Typically priced slightly lower than the feature-rich newer models.
Possible drawbacks:
- Missing some of the latest “smart cook system” thermometer/probe features found in the FG551 model.
- May be slightly older in design or fewer convenience features compared to the newer model.
Model Overview: Ninja FG551
The Ninja FG551 (also referred to with similar series names like BG550 or Smart XL Grill 6-in-1) brings an upgraded feature set, including the Smart Cook System with a leave-in thermometer/probe, multiple doneness levels, and the same large capacity. According to manufacturer and retail data: the Smart Cook System features 4 smart protein settings and 9 customizable doneness levels via the Foodi Smart Thermometer. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Key specifications include:
- Model: FG551 (sometimes labelled in spec lists) – 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer with Smart Cook System. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Smart Cook System + Foodi Smart Thermometer: helps achieve perfect doneness from rare to well done with less guesswork. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Capacity: XL size grill/grate fits up to 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs at once. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
- Wattage around 1760 W in many listings. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Advantages of the FG551:
- More advanced smart cooking functionality; ideal if you like precision cooking, especially meats.
- Large capacity still retained, so you don’t lose volume compared to older models.
- Better for people who prefer automation and doneness monitoring rather than guesswork.
Considerations / possible drawbacks:
- Cost may be higher than the BG500A due to the added smart features.
- The extra features may be more than some home users need if they simply grill and air fry without requiring doneness probes.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Here’s a clear comparison in tabular form so you can see side-by-side how the BG500A and FG551 match up:
| Feature | Ninja BG500A | Ninja FG551 |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking functions | Grill, Air Crisp/Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11} | Same 6-in-1 functions: Grill, Air Crisp/Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12} |
| Capacity / Size | XL capacity—50% more food than original Ninja Foodi Grill. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13} | XL capacity; grill grate fits up to 6 steaks, up to 24 hot dogs simultaneously. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14} |
| Smart doneness/thermometer | Standard model—no built-in smart probe/thermometer features are highlighted in basic specs. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15} | Includes Smart Cook System + Foodi Smart Thermometer: 4 protein presets, 9 doneness levels. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16} |
| Wattage / Power | ~1760 W listed in some spec sheets. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17} | ~1760 W in many listings. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18} |
| Dimensions / Footprint | Large footprint (XL size) – users should allocate counter-space accordingly. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19} | Dimensions (HxWxD) approx 11.05″ × 15.7″ × 16.54″ for model FG551. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20} |
| Pricing / Value | Generally more affordable given fewer “smart” extras. | Higher cost due to smart features and thermometer/probe extras. |
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Which Model Should You Choose? – Use-Case Guidance
Choosing between BG500A and FG551 really comes down to **what you cook**, **how often**, and **how much automation or precision** you want.
- Choose BG500A** if:**
- You grill/air-fry large portions regularly and want strong capacity without needing extra smart probe features.
- You’re looking for value—big capacity + versatility at a slightly lower investment.
- Your priority is simplicity: good results without needing to fuss over multiple doneness settings or probes.
- Choose FG551** if:**
- You often cook meats where precise internal doneness is important (steaks, roasts, poultry).
- You like “set it and forget it” automation via smart probe/thermometer and have less time to monitor manually.
- You want the latest model with enhanced features and are willing to pay a bit more for that convenience.
Real-World Considerations & Tips
When evaluating either model, keep these practical points in mind:
- Counter-space & ventilation: These are large machines (XL size) and generate heat/smoke when grilling. Ensure you have space and good clearance on your countertop or near a vent. Some listings note smoke reduction systems. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
- Cleaning & maintenance: Grilling indoors means grease and residue will accumulate—check how easy it is to remove trays, baskets and grate. In one discussion users noted cleaning differences in related models. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
- Accessories & included parts: Make sure the unit includes the grill grate, air-fryer basket, crisper basket, thermometer (for FG551) and other accessories. For the BG500A, check if the thermometer/probe is included. Some listings show it as part of bundle. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
- Ventilation/smoke control: Despite being indoor, these units grill at high temps and some smoke may be generated—choose a unit with better smoke-control feature (FG551 listings mention it). :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
- Model naming variations: Be aware that Ninja often has multiple model numbers/series (BG …, DG …, FG …) that may correspond to the same or similar product in different regions. For example the FG551 series is sometimes referenced as DG551. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}
Final Verdict
In the BG500A vs FG551 comparison, both machines offer excellent capacity, versatile cooking functions (grill, air fry, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate) and deliver strong performance for everyday indoor grilling/air-frying. The key difference is the FG551’s enhanced smart cook system with thermometer/probe that takes the guesswork out of doneness and provides a slightly more advanced feature set. If budget permits and you cook meats often with precision, go with FG551. If you want maximum capacity and value for everyday large meals without needing all the smart extras, the BG500A is a very solid choice.
Whichever you choose, ensure you measure your kitchen space, check the included accessories and understand the features you will actually use. That way you’ll get the best match for your cooking style.
