5 Best Indoor Grill and Air Fryer Combos (October 2026)
The best indoor grill and air fryer combos include the Ninja Foodi Smart FG551 for frequent meat cooks, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL DG551 for smoke-conscious family cooks, and the Ninja Foodi EG201 for cooks preparing larger dishes.
On this page (8 sections)
- How we chose these indoor grill air fryer combos
- How the combos compare
- The best indoor grill and air fryer combos
- Which combo fits your kitchen and meals?
- How should you set up and use a grill air fryer combo?
- How do you keep the combo clean and ready?
- Which common mistakes lead to disappointing meals?
- Which indoor grill and air fryer combo should you choose?
The Ninja Foodi Smart FG551 is the best indoor grill air fryer combo for cooks who want thermometer guidance for meat and enough modes to handle everyday sides. The DG551 suits smoke-conscious family cooks, while the EG201 favors cooking-pot volume.
Choose the George Foreman Beyond Grill if slow cook and keep warm fit your dinner routine. The LG451BK makes sense when you want a Smart Thermometer but have no use for broiling.
The main buying question is how you cook a complete meal. One appliance can handle several tasks, but grilling a main and air frying a side often means cooking them in separate rounds.
Our indoor grill vs air fryer guide explains the cooking differences. For help sorting the model families, see Ninja indoor grill models explained.
Our picks at a glance
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Check itGeorge Foreman Beyond Grill 7-in-1
Best for flexible dinner schedules - 5
Best for cooks who skip broilingCheck it
How we chose these indoor grill air fryer combos
We favored useful cooking space, temperature guidance and practical cleanup over the number of modes alone. NicelySet compared the included cooking parts, controls, dimensions and features that affect everyday meal preparation.
A thermometer matters more to someone cooking chicken and steaks than to someone mostly crisping vegetables. Likewise, a larger cooking pot helps only if your recipes use that pot rather than the air fry basket.
We also considered where each appliance would live. A combo that stays on the counter can earn its space through frequent use, while a heavy unit stored in a cupboard adds lifting to every meal.
These picks cover different needs within the combo category. If grilling matters much more than air frying, our broader guide to the best indoor grills for home kitchens includes other appliance styles.
How the combos compare
Use capacity, thermometer support and counter fit to narrow the table to 2 models. Cooking functions overlap across this group, so a longer mode list should not settle the decision by itself.
| Product | Best for | Cooking functions | Capacity | Dimensions | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja Foodi Smart FG551 | frequent meat cooks | Grill, air crisp, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate | 4 qt cooking pot and crisper basket | 18.74 x 17.95 x 14.45 in (D x W x H) | 9.0 |
| Ninja Foodi Smart XL DG551 | smoke-conscious family cooks | Grill, air crisp, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate | 4 qt crisper basket and cooking pot | 15.7 x 11.1 x 16 in (D x W x H) | 8.6 |
| Ninja Foodi EG201 | cooks preparing larger dishes | Grill, air crisp, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate | 6 qt cooking pot and 4 qt crisper basket | 17.16 x 14.19 x 11.02 in (D x W x H) | 8.1 |
| George Foreman Beyond Grill 7-in-1 | flexible dinner schedules | Grill, air fry, roast, bake, slow cook, broil, keep warm | 6 servings, according to George Foreman | 12.5 x 14.9 x 11.2 in (D x W x H) | 7.5 |
| Ninja Foodi Smart LG451BK | cooks who skip broiling | Grill, air crisp, bake, roast, dehydrate | 4 qt air fry crisper | 14.9 x 14.9 x 11.02 in (D x W x H) | 7.2 |
Treat cooking-pot volume, crisper capacity and grill surface as separate measurements. A roomy pot does not guarantee enough exposed basket space for a large batch of crisp fries.
The best indoor grill and air fryer combos
The FG551 is the strongest starting point for regular meat cooking, with alternatives for different meal plans and kitchen layouts. Each recommendation below includes a reason to choose it and a reason to move on.
Ninja Foodi Smart FG551: Best for frequent meat cooks
- 6 cooking functions
- 4 qt crisper basket
- Smart Thermometer
- 4 protein presets and 9 doneness levels
The FG551 suits cooks who regularly grill meat and want internal temperature guidance. Its broad mode list also covers crisping sides, roasting and baking.
Pros
- Smart Thermometer with protein presets
- Includes broil and dehydrate modes
- Grill grate fits up to 6 steaks
Cons
- Weighs 22.4 lb
- Deep and wide body needs a dedicated counter spot
Choose the FG551 if meat is usually the center of dinner and you want internal temperature guidance built into the cooking routine. Its Foodi Smart Thermometer offers 4 protein presets and 9 doneness levels.
The grill grate can hold up to 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs, depending on their size. That makes it worth considering for family mains, though thick cuts and mixed portions still need space around them.
Its six modes cover grill, air crisp, roast, bake, broil and dehydrate. The included 4 qt pot and crisper basket let you switch jobs, rather than reserving the appliance for grilled meat alone.
At 18.74 in deep, 17.95 in wide and 14.45 in high, it needs a generous counter spot. Its 22.4 lb weight also favors leaving it in place.
Skip it if cupboard storage is essential or most meals are small vegetable sides. Read our Ninja Foodi Smart FG551 review if its cooking controls are the main reason you're considering it.
Ninja Foodi Smart XL DG551: Best for smoke-conscious family cooks
- 6 cooking functions
- 4 qt crisper basket
- Smart Thermometer
- Smoke Control System
The DG551 combines thermometer guidance with Ninja's Smoke Control System for regular family grilling. Its removable ceramic-coated grate, basket and pot are dishwasher safe.
Pros
- Smoke Control System
- Smart Thermometer with protein settings
- Dishwasher safe grate, basket and pot
Cons
- Weighs 25 lb
- Needs room above the appliance for lid access
Choose the DG551 if you want thermometer-guided family grilling with smoke reduction features. Ninja's Smoke Control System combines a temperature-controlled grate, splatter shield and cool-air zone to help reduce smoke.
It shares the FG551's core cooking functions and includes a Smart Thermometer. That makes the choice between them more about appliance fit and priorities than a different set of dinner options.
The ceramic-coated grate, crisper basket and cooking pot are removable and dishwasher safe. That helps households that grill often, provided the parts fit comfortably alongside the rest of the dinner dishes.
Its stated dimensions are 15.7 in deep, 11.1 in wide and 16 in high, with a weight of 25 lb. Check lid access and working clearance as carefully as the space occupied by the base.
Skip it if you need something easy to lift out for occasional use. Our Ninja DG551 vs FG551 comparison helps you choose between these closely related options.
Ninja Foodi EG201: Best for cooks preparing larger dishes
- 6 cooking functions
- 6 qt cooking pot
- 4 qt crisper basket
- Smoke Control System
The EG201 suits cooks who want more cooking-pot volume and are comfortable checking food with a separate thermometer. Its larger pot does not increase the air fry basket's capacity.
Pros
- 6 qt cooking pot
- Low, Medium, High and Max grill settings
- Smoke Control System
Cons
- No included Smart Thermometer
- Larger pot does not mean a larger crisper basket
Choose the EG201 if cooking-pot volume matters more than an included thermometer. Its 6 qt pot gives it a clear role for recipes that need more room inside the pot.
That extra volume does not carry over to every cooking task. The crisper basket holds 4 qt, and the grill grate measures 10 x 10 in, so plan air frying and grilling portions separately.
GrillControl offers Low, Medium, High and Max settings, alongside six cooking functions. This suits cooks who are comfortable choosing heat levels and checking food with their own thermometer.
The EG201 also has Ninja's Smoke Control System. Keeping its shield and cooking parts clean remains part of managing smoke during regular use.
The body measures 17.16 in deep, 14.19 in wide and 11.02 in high, and weighs 21.5 lb. Skip it if automatic food-temperature monitoring is your main reason for buying a combo, or if you mainly want a larger air fry basket.
George Foreman Beyond Grill 7-in-1: Best for flexible dinner schedules
- 7 cooking functions
- 500°F searing
- Dual heating and optimized airflow
- Slow cook and keep warm
The Beyond Grill suits households that want slow cook and keep warm alongside grilling and air frying. At 14.1 lb, it is lighter than the FG551, DG551 and EG201.
Pros
- Slow cook and keep warm modes
- Removable dishwasher safe grill plate
- Lighter than three larger Ninja picks
Cons
- No dehydrate mode
- No included food thermometer
Choose the George Foreman Beyond Grill if dinner timing varies across your household. Slow cook and keep warm join grill, air fry, roast, bake and broil, giving it a different role from the Ninja models.
Keep warm can help with serving schedules, but follow the manual's food-holding directions. It should not become a reason to leave cooked food sitting for an open-ended period.
Its dual heating and optimized airflow support cooking, with searing up to 500°F. George Foreman describes the capacity as 6 servings, so consider your actual portion sizes rather than assuming every meal will fit.
At 12.5 in deep, 14.9 in wide and 11.2 in high, it has a shallower body than several picks here. It weighs 14.1 lb, which makes occasional storage more manageable than with the heavier Ninja models.
The removable grill plate is dishwasher safe. Skip this model if dehydrating or an included food probe matters more than slow cooking and holding dinner warm.
Ninja Foodi Smart LG451BK: Best for cooks who skip broiling
- 5 cooking functions
- 4 qt air fry crisper
- Smart Thermometer
- 500°F cyclonic grilling
The LG451BK keeps thermometer guidance while leaving broil out of its mode list. It suits cooks whose regular meals revolve around grilling, air frying, baking and roasting.
Pros
- Foodi Smart Thermometer included
- Dishwasher safe removable parts
- Includes dehydrate mode
Cons
- Does not include broil
- Square footprint still needs working clearance
Choose the LG451BK if you want food-temperature guidance without needing a broil mode. Its Foodi Smart Thermometer monitors internal temperature, while the cooking menu covers grill, air crisp, bake, roast and dehydrate.
This is a sensible feature mix for cooks who rotate grilled meat, roasted vegetables and crisp sides. Leaving broil out matters less if you already use your oven for finishing dishes from above.
Its 4 qt air fry crisper matches the stated basket capacity of the other Ninja models here. Don't expect the shorter mode list to change how much food needs to fit inside that basket.
The body measures 14.9 in deep and wide, with a height of 11.02 in. That square footprint needs a clear working area, plus the ventilation and lid clearance required by the manual.
Removable nonstick parts are dishwasher safe. Skip it if broiling is part of your weekly cooking, or if the larger grilling capacity described for the Smart XL options better matches your meals.
Which combo fits your kitchen and meals?
Choose around your usual dinner and available workspace, then compare extra modes. Write down the main, side and number of portions you cook most often before deciding which capacity matters.
Is a built-in thermometer useful in an indoor grill air fryer combo?
A food probe is most useful when you regularly cook thick cuts of meat and want to track their centers. It gives you information that browning, grill marks and a countdown cannot provide.
A probe still needs correct placement. Follow the manual, position the sensing area in the thickest part as directed, and avoid bone or large pockets of fat.
Mixed sizes may finish at different times, so one probe position cannot describe every piece on the grate. Check other pieces as needed, especially when cooking different cuts together.
The included thermometer should be a buying priority if this is your regular dinner routine. Our Ninja Foodi Smart FG551 review gives more detail on that model's controls.
How much usable cooking space do you need?
Choose capacity by food layout, not just quarts or serving claims. Grill surfaces need enough room for the cuts you cook, while air fry baskets need gaps for moving air.
Think through a familiar meal: chicken pieces should fit without being piled up, and potato wedges need room to expose their surfaces. A basket filled to its rim may hold dinner without crisping it evenly.
For larger households, accept that some meals will need batches. If eating together matters more than saving counter space, keeping separate cooking appliances may suit you better.
How much counter space does an indoor grill and air fryer need?
Allow space for the body, open lid and safe handling, using the manual's clearance requirements. A base that fits beneath a cabinet may still be awkward to open or unload there.
Plan a nearby heat-safe landing spot for hot cooking parts. You also need room to set down raw ingredients without putting them where cooked food will later rest.
Consider the route between the counter, sink and storage cupboard. A heavy appliance that needs moving before every meal may get less use than its feature list suggests.
Which cooking modes will you actually use?
Choose modes by recurring meals rather than occasional ideas. Grill and air fry cover the core purpose of these appliances; broil, dehydrate, slow cook and keep warm should solve a real need.
Broil is useful when a recipe calls for strong heat from above. Dehydrate serves a different purpose, so it adds little value if dried foods never appear in your meal plans.
Slow cook and keep warm are more relevant to flexible dinner schedules. Check recipe and accessory requirements before assuming a familiar oven or slow-cooker recipe transfers unchanged.
If you also want a flat cooking surface, our Ninja Foodi Grill vs Ninja Sizzle guide explains the differences between those families.
What should apartment cooks check first?
Apartment cooks should check ventilation, clearance and a suitable electrical outlet before choosing a model. Smoke reduction features do not remove cooking odors or replace the manual's placement rules.
Check building rules that apply to countertop cooking appliances. Then choose a spot where steam and hot exhaust will not blow directly against nearby cabinets or stored items.
Our indoor grills for apartments guide covers practical checks for smaller homes. For more layout ideas, see small space grilling options.
How should you set up and use a grill air fryer combo?
Start with the correct cooking parts, a clear counter and the manual's first-use steps. A few minutes spent arranging the workspace makes hot-part changes and food handling easier later.
Before the first meal
Remove packaging and wash the removable parts as directed before cooking. Dry them fully, then assemble the pot, shield, grate or basket in the arrangement required for your chosen mode.
Place the appliance on a stable, level, heat-resistant surface. Keep its vents clear and follow the electrical instructions, including any limits on extension cords or shared outlets.
Read how preheating, food alerts and probe controls work before handling raw food. Set out utensils, a clean cooked-food plate and a heat-safe place for removed accessories.
For grilling
Preheat as directed, then add food in a single layer with room to turn it. Blot excess surface moisture from meat and vegetables so heat can brown the outside instead of first evaporating water.
Use oil suited to the cooking temperature, following the manual's guidance on type and amount. Extra oil does not guarantee better browning and can add drips that smoke.
Keep pieces similar in thickness where possible. If you mix thin and thick cuts, remove each piece when ready rather than waiting for the whole batch to finish together.
Add sugary glazes near the end when the recipe allows. Sugar can darken quickly on a hot grate, leaving the outside bitter before the center is ready.
For air frying
Use loose, even layers and leave room for air to move. When the basket is crowded, split the food into batches instead of adding more time to a packed load.
Shake or turn food when the recipe or manual directs. A light coating of oil can help suitable foods brown, but wet batter generally needs a recipe designed for this cooking method.
Begin checking before the recipe's final time, especially with small portions. Food size, starting temperature and how tightly the basket is filled can change the finish time.
For a main and side together
Plan the cooking order before you start, since these combos use one cooking chamber. Grilling and air frying often require different parts and settings, plus a safe place for the hot accessory you remove.
Choose a side that can cook elsewhere or remain appealing while the main finishes. A salad, stovetop grain or oven side avoids turning every dinner into 2 appliance batches.
If both foods must use the combo, account for resting time and safe holding. Don't assume a large grill surface means the appliance can run separate cooking modes at once.
How do you keep the combo clean and ready?
Clean food residue, grease and removable cooking parts after each use, following the manual. Old deposits can smoke during the next preheat and transfer burnt flavors to fresh food.
Let the appliance cool before taking it apart for washing. Unplug it before cleaning, and keep the electrical base out of water.
Protect coated cooking parts
Use utensils and cleaning tools suitable for the coating. Metal scraping and harsh abrasives can damage a surface even when stuck food makes them tempting.
Soften residue with the method allowed by the manual, then use a gentle brush or sponge. Avoid pouring cold water onto hot parts, which can stress materials and create steam.
Dishwasher safe does not mean every part belongs in the dishwasher. Check instructions for probes, shields and other accessories separately, and arrange approved parts so they do not scrape against other items.
Clean beyond the grate
Inspect the shield and other accessible areas where grease can collect. A clean basket will not solve smoke caused by residue elsewhere in the cooking chamber.
Wipe the cooled exterior and accessible interior areas as directed. Dry removable parts before storage, and avoid stacking accessories in a way that scratches their coatings.
Our Ninja Foodi grill cleaning guide walks through a more detailed care routine. For frequent grilling, choose a storage arrangement that keeps cleanup parts easy to reach.
Which common mistakes lead to disappointing meals?
The biggest mistakes are crowding food, skipping preheat and judging doneness by appearance. Correct those habits before changing temperature settings or blaming the cooking mode.
Treating every capacity number as interchangeable
A larger pot does not create a larger crisping surface. Compare the accessory you will use for dinner, and leave room for airflow or turning rather than filling every available gap.
Using maximum heat for everything
High heat can brown the outside before a thick center finishes. Start with the recommended setting for the food, then adjust later meals based on thickness and browning.
Assuming grill marks mean food is ready
Dark lines show contact with a hot grate. Use a food thermometer where needed, since the surface can brown well before the center reaches a safe temperature.
Taking frozen-food time claims as a schedule
Frozen portions vary in thickness, shape and starting condition. Follow suitable cooking instructions and check doneness rather than treating one advertised cooking time as a promise for every food.
Buying for functions you won't use
More modes do not automatically make dinner easier. Choose the features that remove a regular chore, such as monitoring meat temperature or handling a side dish you make several times a week.
Which indoor grill and air fryer combo should you choose?
Choose the FG551 when regular meat cooking makes thermometer guidance worth dedicating counter space. Choose the DG551 when you want that style of cooking with Ninja's Smoke Control System as a priority.
Pick the EG201 for recipes that benefit from its larger cooking pot, provided you are comfortable checking food yourself. Choose the George Foreman Beyond Grill when slow cook and keep warm suit your household's dinner schedule.
The LG451BK fits cooks who want an included thermometer and can skip broiling. Before ordering any indoor grill air fryer combo, map out one typical dinner and confirm that its portions, cooking order and cleanup fit your routine.
For more on the wider appliance category, visit our grill and air fryer combo guide.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Frequently asked questions
What is an indoor grill and air fryer combo?
An indoor grill and air fryer combo combines a grill grate with hot-air cooking in one countertop appliance. You switch cooking parts and modes to grill meat, crisp potatoes or prepare other dishes, depending on the model.
It saves appliance space, but one cooking chamber usually means planning meals in stages.
Can an indoor grill and air fryer combo replace both appliances?
Yes, if its grilling surface and air fry basket suit your usual portions and you can cook in stages. A combo is less convenient when you regularly need grilled mains and air-fried sides ready together.
Separate appliances let you run both jobs at once and adjust each cooking schedule independently.
Which combo includes a built-in thermometer?
The Ninja Foodi Smart FG551, Smart XL DG551 and Smart LG451BK include a Foodi Smart Thermometer. The first two also provide protein presets and selectable doneness levels.
Choose one for regular meat cooking, but place the probe as directed and follow food-safety guidance rather than relying only on a doneness label.
Do indoor grill and air fryer combos need ventilation?
Yes, these appliances need ventilation and the clearances required by their manuals. Smoke control features reduce smoke under suitable cooking conditions, but grease, residue and food can still produce smoke or odors.
Use appropriate kitchen exhaust, keep vents clear and read our indoor grill ventilation guide before choosing a permanent counter location.
How do I choose between the FG551 and DG551?
Choose the FG551 for our top overall recommendation for regular thermometer-guided grilling, or the DG551 when its Smoke Control System is a priority. Their core cooking modes and included basket capacities overlap, so counter fit can settle the choice.
Our FG551 vs DG551 comparison explains the differences in more detail.
