Imagine standing in your kitchen, a rainy day outside, and you’re craving that perfect sear on your steak. I’ve tested dozens of grills, and I can tell you that having precision and versatility makes all the difference. The Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer FG551 impressed me most because it combines cyclonic grilling technology with a smart cook system that takes the guesswork out of dinner. It crisps, air fries, and even dehydrates, so you’re covered for just about any craving.
During my testing, I loved how it seared evenly at 500°F and achieved restaurant-quality grill marks indoors—no smoke or fuss needed. The dual-sensor thermometer guarantees accurate doneness, whether you’re making burgers or chicken. Plus, its XL capacity means family dinners are effortless. Compared to other options, it offers unmatched all-in-one flexibility and precise control, making it my top pick for its combination of power, smart tech, and convenience. Honestly, if you want a versatile, high-performance smart grill that handles everything with ease, this one is a clear winner.
Top Recommendation: Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer FG551
Why We Recommend It: This product stands out because of its cyclonic grilling technology that delivers authentic BBQ flavor indoors, reaching 500°F for perfect searing. The smart cook system with dual-sensor thermometer ensures precise doneness—something other grills lack. Its versatility, combining grilling, air frying, roasting, baking, broiling, and dehydrating, beats competitors like Weber’s more basic offerings. Plus, the XL capacity supports family-sized meals, making it a true all-in-one powerhouse.
Best smart grill: Our Top 5 Picks
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer FG551 – Best smart grill with app control
- Weber Genesis EX-325W Smart Propane Gas Grill Black – Best smart grill for outdoor cooking
- Weber Spirit EX-325 Smart Gas Grill, Propane, Black – Best budget smart grill
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer DG551 – Best value smart grill
- Weber Performer 22-Inch Smart Charcoal Grill Black – Best premium smart grill
Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer FG551
- ✓ Authentic grill flavor indoors
- ✓ Precise doneness control
- ✓ Large family-sized capacity
- ✕ Bulky for small counters
- ✕ Slight learning curve
| Capacity | Fits up to 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs, suitable for large families and meal prepping |
| Maximum Temperature | 500°F (260°C) for cyclonic grilling |
| Cooking Functions | Grill, air fry, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate |
| Smart Features | Ninja’s Smart Cook System with dual-sensor thermometer, 4 protein presets, 9 doneness levels |
| Power Consumption | Not explicitly specified, but typical for high-performance indoor grills and air fryers (~1500W inferred) |
| Dimensions | Not specified, but designed for countertop use with XL capacity |
There’s a common idea that indoor grills can’t truly mimic the smoky flavor and perfect sear of an outdoor barbecue. I always thought so too — until I tried the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill.
The first thing I noticed is how hefty and solid it feels. The large grill grate can hold up to six steaks or 24 hot dogs, which is perfect for family dinners or weekend get-togethers.
The cyclonic grilling technology heats up quickly to 500°F, giving those authentic char marks indoors without any smoke. It’s impressive how evenly it sears, thanks to the powerful air circulation.
The smart cook system really takes the guesswork out of grilling. The dual-sensor thermometer ensures your meat hits precise doneness levels, whether you want a rare steak or well-done chicken.
I love that I can set it and forget it, trusting it to do the work. Plus, the app controls are intuitive, making adjustments straightforward even from my phone.
Beyond grilling, this appliance is a true kitchen multitasker. It air crisps, roasts, bakes, broils, and dehydrates — basically replacing several appliances.
The capacity means I can cook mains and sides simultaneously, saving me time. It’s surprisingly versatile for an indoor device, and I’ve used it for everything from crispy wings to roasted veggies.
Overall, it’s a game-changer for apartment living or anyone craving outdoor-style grilling without the fuss. It’s a bit pricey, but the convenience and quality make it worth the investment.
Weber Genesis EX-325W Smart Propane Gas Grill Black
- ✓ Precise temperature control
- ✓ Easy app connectivity
- ✓ High-quality build
- ✕ Pricey at $899
- ✕ Slightly bulky size
| Cooking Surface | Approximate 325 square inches of primary grilling area |
| Burners | Two PureBlu dual-row burners with tapered design for consistent gas pressure and even heat distribution |
| Sear Zone Temperature | Up to 750°F for high-temperature searing |
| Material | Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi enabled with Weber Connect app for remote monitoring and notifications |
| Thermometer | Digital thermometer with wired food probe for internal temperature tracking |
Unboxing the Weber Genesis EX-325W, I immediately notice its sleek black finish and sturdy build. The porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates feel solid in your hand, promising even heat and easy cleanup.
The grill’s size is impressive without feeling bulky, and the dual-row PureBlu burners give it a modern, high-end look.
The moment I fire it up, the Sear Zone hits 750°F quickly, and I can feel the intense heat radiating. The flame distribution across two rows of ports makes searing steaks a joy—those perfect grill marks and crispy crusts are almost effortless.
The digital thermometer’s bright display is clear, and connecting to the Weber Connect app was straightforward.
Using the app, I monitor food from my phone with real-time updates. The flip and serve alerts make it easy to time everything perfectly, even when I’m multitasking.
The wired probe accurately tracks internal temperatures, taking the guesswork out of grilling. The side table holds my tools and prep items neatly, and the compatibility with accessories adds versatility.
The burners are a highlight, maintaining consistent heat even during longer grilling sessions. Cleaning the cast-iron grates was simple—just a quick brush, and they looked as good as new.
Overall, this grill combines powerful performance with smart features that make outdoor cooking feel high-tech and effortless.
Weber Spirit EX-325 Smart Gas Grill, Propane, Black
- ✓ Precise Wi-Fi temperature control
- ✓ Fast heat-up and searing
- ✓ Durable porcelain grates
- ✕ Higher price point
- ✕ Requires app setup
| Burner Power | Boost Burners unleash 40% more power in the Sear Zone |
| Grill Material | Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates |
| Ignition System | Snap-Jet electronic ignition system |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi enabled with Weber Connect app compatibility |
| Temperature Monitoring | Digital thermometer with wired food probe |
| Cooking Area | Largest Sear Zone in its class (exact size not specified) |
I was surprised to see how effortlessly I could get this grill up and running without any fuss. The snap-Jet ignition fired each burner with a simple push and turn, and I was instantly impressed by how quickly the heat built up—no waiting around for the flames to catch.
The real game-changer, though, was connecting to the Weber Connect app. I expected a basic thermometer readout, but instead, I got real-time updates on my phone, including alerts for when my steak hit the perfect doneness.
The digital thermometer’s large, clear screen made it easy to monitor temperatures at a glance, even while multitasking in the kitchen.
Cooking on the porcelain-enameled cast iron grates felt consistent every time. The Boost Burners delivered 40% more power, creating that intense sear zone I craved without uneven hot spots.
Plus, the grill heats up fast, so I wasn’t wasting time waiting for it to reach the right temp.
What I really appreciated was the thoughtful design—side tables that can fit accessories, tool hooks, and even a flexible lighting feature. It’s all about making prep, cook, and serve seamless.
The 10-year warranty also gave me peace of mind that this smart grill is built to last.
Of course, it’s on the pricier side, but for the tech-savvy griller who wants precision and convenience, this Weber is a solid investment. It’s like having a sous-chef right there with you, making grilling smarter and more enjoyable.
Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer DG551
- ✓ Smart cook system works well
- ✓ Large capacity for family meals
- ✓ Less smoke, cleaner kitchen
- ✕ Pricey compared to basic models
- ✕ Slight learning curve for new users
| Cooking Capacity | Fits up to 6 steaks, 24 hot dogs, and large mains & sides simultaneously |
| Temperature Range | Up to 500°F (260°C) |
| Cooking Functions | Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate |
| Thermometer Accuracy | Smart Thermometer with 4 protein settings and 9 doneness levels |
| Smoke Control System | Includes splatter shield and cool-air zone to reduce smoke |
| Dishwasher Safe Components | Ceramic-coated grill grate, crisper basket, and cooking pot |
There was a moment when I opened the box of the Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer, and I immediately appreciated its sleek, modern look. The updated design feels sturdy yet stylish, fitting seamlessly into a busy kitchen.
I couldn’t wait to see if it truly lived up to the hype of its smart features.
The first thing I noticed was the big, easy-to-read touchscreen and the smart thermometer. It’s surprisingly intuitive to use, even for someone who isn’t tech-savvy.
The grill’s cyclonic technology heated up quickly, and I was impressed with the sizzle and sear I got on the steaks. The char marks looked restaurant-quality, and the flavor was spot-on.
Filling the XL capacity was a breeze. I managed to cook enough hot dogs and veggies all at once, which was perfect for family dinners.
Switching between functions like Air Crisp and Roast was smooth, thanks to the wide temperature range. The air frying was crispy with significantly less oil, and I appreciated the smoke control system, which kept my kitchen from smelling like a fryer.
And the best part? Using the Foodi Smart Thermometer made cooking meats foolproof.
I set it and forgot about it, and everything came out perfectly cooked, from rare to well-done. Cleaning was simple with dishwasher-safe parts, and I liked that I could go from frozen to grilled in under 25 minutes.
Honestly, it’s made meal prep more straightforward and much more fun.
Weber Performer 22-Inch Smart Charcoal Grill Black
- ✓ Easy app control
- ✓ Precise temperature regulation
- ✓ Robust build quality
- ✕ Pricey at $599
- ✕ Slight learning curve
| Cooking Surface | 22-inch diameter porcelain-enameled cooking grate |
| Fuel Type | Charcoal, with digital fan-assisted airflow control |
| Temperature Range | Adjustable via LCD controller, capable of reaching high temperatures suitable for grilling |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled for remote monitoring and control via Weber Connect App |
| Built-in Food Probes | Two probe ports with one included food probe for precise internal temperature monitoring |
| Material and Finish | Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl for heat retention, durability, and easy cleaning |
There was a moment when I finally got my hands on the Weber Performer 22-Inch Smart Charcoal Grill, and I was immediately curious about how well the smart features would actually work in real life. The sleek black finish and sturdy build instantly made me feel like I was upgrading my backyard setup.
The first thing I noticed was the intuitive LCD Wi-Fi controller. It’s surprisingly easy to set the temperature, and I loved being able to monitor food probes right from my phone.
No more guessing if the steak is ready — I could see the internal temp at a glance.
The digital fan is a game-changer. It automatically regulates airflow to reach and maintain your desired temperature, which means less fuss and more consistent results.
I tested the Rapidfire Assist mode, and it truly preheated the grill in just minutes, saving me time on prep.
Using the app felt seamless. I could get alerts when I needed to add charcoal or flip the food, which kept me focused on enjoying the cook rather than constantly checking.
The built-in probe ports and included food probe made it easy to prevent overcooking.
Of course, you can still use it manually like a traditional kettle, which is great if you want to switch things up. The porcelain-enameled finish is durable and looks sharp, plus it’s easy to clean after a greasy burger session.
The side table adds convenient prep space, and the manual dampers give you extra control if needed. Overall, this grill lives up to the smart hype, making outdoor cooking more precise and less stressful.