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The Ninja Foodi XL Pro Grill and Griddle is the cheaper sibling of the Smart XL Pro Grill. This non-smart model doesn’t have a built-in probe thermometer.
Before proceeding with this review, I’d like to mention that the Ninja XL Pro Grill & Griddle‘s model number is Ninja IG601.
I’ll be honest with you. If you’re looking for the best indoor grill, it’s not the IG601. I would say that the Ninja IG651 is a whole lot better because of the integrated meat thermometer.
You can set the doneness effortlessly from within the control panel. There’s no way for you to upgrade at a later date if you decide you’ll need that smart feature.
If you opt for this Ninja Foodi XL Pro Grill variant, your only option is to get a third-party probe thermometer.
I hope you get my point. So go ahead and check the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro Grill instead.
However, if you still want this model, let’s go over its long list of features.
PROS
- Simple, modern design
- Easy to understand controls
- 7 cooking functions
- Even cooking
- You can fit 6 steaks simultaneously
- Smoke control for a smokeless experience
- Comes with a griddle function
- It comes with a recipe book
- Programmable timer
- Non-stick ceramic coating
- PTFE and PFOA free
- Dishwasher safe
- 1-year warranty
CONS
- No built-in probe thermometer
- Mid-range pricing
- Requires substantial space on your countertop
- Foods sometime slide down
What can you cook with the Ninja XL Pro Grill and Griddle?
The Ninja Foodi IG601 also offers the same cooking functions as its smart sibling. It can also grill, air fry, serve as your hibachi griddle, roast, dehydrate, and broil.
If you want to see the types of recipes you can cook with a Ninja Foodi Grill, check out our roundup of several killer Ninja Foodi Grill recipes.
Here are some possible recipes that it can help you with.
What I love about the Ninja IG600 Series is the Pro Powered Grill Grate.
The heat only comes from the air fryer module in the previous models like the Ninja AG301 or the Ninja FG551. Their griddle part doesn’t have any direct heat. Achieving perfect grill marks is way easier with the pro grill crate.
On top of its aesthetic function, heat distribution is more efficient if you have two heat sources. Therefore, you’ll cook faster with this new setup.
Imagine inviting your friends over for a barbecue night, whatever season it is. Or, if you’re simply craving a perfectly charred beef patty for your burger, you can do it with the help of this attachment.
Apart from the pro-powered grate, you also have a flat grill for making pancakes or roasting veggies. It’s like having a mini hibachi grill, that you’ll only find in high-end restaurants.
Is the Ninja Foodi IG601 easy to use?
Since the smart function is absent with the Ninja XL Pro Grill and Griddle, it’s way easier to use. If you’ll look at the control panel below, it pretty much explains itself.
There are only seven cooking programs that you can select by turning the dial. You can always adjust the temperature or the cooking duration using the temp or time button on the right side whenever you see fit.
In my opinion, I could operate this machine without looking at the manual.
When it comes to assembly, it only has three attachments—the pro grill grate, flat top/bbq griddle, and the crisper basket.
You only have to use one, depending on what you’re making.
From here, the only thing that you need to worry about is the splatter shield. It’s like a round mesh that protects the heating element free from food debris.
To sum this section up, I’m not seeing anything that would make your grilling experience less desirable. Indeed, it is a pretty straightforward product.
Pro Tip: Only use silicone or plastic tongs/spatula when flipping your recipe to prevent the non-stick coating from chipping.
See the Ninja XL Pro Grill & Griddle in Action
Don’t take my word for it, watch this quick video demo from the brand.
The Ninja Foodi XL Pro Grill and Griddle also works as an air fryer, broiler, oven, and dehydrator. It’s a multi-functional indoor grill with an effective temperature of 500ºF (260ºC). That’s as hot as a full-size oven, or outdoor grill can get. The Ninja Foodi XL Pro Grill provides an excellent grilling experience all year round.
How to clean the Ninja IG601?
Thankfully the Ninja Foodi XL Pro Grill and Griddle’s accessories are dishwasher safe, that includes the pro powered grill grate, flat top BBQ griddle, crisper basket, and splatter shield.
Knowing that these attachments have a non-stick coating, you won’t have a hard time cleaning it as long as it’s not damaged. To prevent that from happening, never use an abrasive tool or cleaner.
In case there are stubborn greases, soaking those parts in warm, soapy water always does the trick.
After each use, you need to wipe the inner hood with a damp cloth to keep it odor-free.
And lastly, you can also wipe the main unit with a clean damp cloth.
Dealing with this multi-functional indoor grill is pretty easy, in my opinion.
*Product Images and Video Courtesy of Shark Ninja
Technical Specifications
| Type | Indoor Grill, Air Fryer |
| Brand/Series | Ninja Indoor Grill / Ninja Air Fryer → The Ninja Foodi Collection |
| Model # | IG601 |
| Price | $$$$ |
| Rating | 4.4 out of 5 |
| Wattage | 1760-watt |
| Smokeless | Yes |
| Cooking Functions | 7-in-1: grill, air crisp, BBQ griddle, bake, roast, dehydrate, broil |
| Size/Cooking Capacity | 9×13 inches grill grate (6 steaks at once) 8.5×12.5 inches griddle plate (4 sandwiches at once) 4-qt crisper basket (up to 2 lbs of fries) |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
| PFOA/PTFE and BPA free | Yes |
| Colors | Black |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 15.7 x 17.4 x 11.63 inches (39.8 x 44.2 x 29.5 cm) |
| Cord Length | short |
| Application | Personal Use |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
| Related Products | Ninja Foodi Pro Grill and Air Fryer, Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill, Ninja Foodi AG301 |
Is the Ninja Foodi XL Pro Grill worth it?
The Ninja Foodi IG601 XL Pro Grill and Griddle is one of the best smokeless indoor grills in the market. However, it’s just second to the Ninja Foodi IG651. The built-in probe thermometer, IMHO, is worth the extra investment.
