The Deal
The Ninja Foodi Smart XL is on sale right now. I’ve had one for about eight months, and it’s become one of those appliances I actually use instead of shoving in a cabinet.
Six Ways to Cook
This thing replaces a lot of other appliances:
- Grill - Get actual char marks indoors, even in winter
- Air Fry - Crispy results with way less oil than frying
- Roast - Handles whole chickens and roasts
- Bake - Casseroles, desserts, whatever
- Broil - High heat for finishing and browning
- Dehydrate - Make jerky or dried fruit
I mainly use the grill and air fryer functions. The dehydrate function is cool but I’ve only used it twice.
The Smart Thermometer Actually Works
This is what sold me on this model over cheaper grills:
- Set your doneness - Pick rare, medium, well done, or set a custom temp
- Walk away - It monitors and adjusts automatically
- Consistent results - Steaks come out the same every time
- Takes the guesswork out - No more cutting into meat to check
I’m the kind of cook who used to overcook everything out of paranoia. The thermometer fixed that.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cooking Capacity | XL size - fits 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs |
| Grill Surface | Ceramic-coated non-stick |
| Temperature Range | 105 to 500 degrees F |
| Smart Probe | Built-in thermometer |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher-safe parts |
Who This Is For
- Apartment dwellers - Grill all year without a balcony
- Busy families - Cook a lot of food quickly
- Health-conscious cooks - Air fryer gets you crispy without all the oil
- Meal preppers - Multiple functions speed up batch cooking
It takes up a decent amount of counter space, so it’s not ideal for tiny kitchens.
What I Actually Think
The Ninja Foodi Smart XL solved a specific problem for me: I wanted grilled food but live in an apartment without outdoor space. The grill marks are real, and the smart thermometer means I don’t have to babysit it.
Is it necessary? No. But if you find yourself wanting grilled food and can’t grill outside, it’s a solid option. The air fryer is a nice bonus - I can make wings right after grilling burgers for a cookout vibe indoors.
Check the current price. These tend to go on sale around holidays and Amazon deals days.
Prices change frequently. Click through to see what’s available.