Ninja Foodi models combine Cyclonic Grilling Technology with a 500°F grill grate and an air‑fry basket, delivering true char‑grill marks while using up to 75% less fat. Many of them also include the Smart Cook System with a built‑in thermometer, which removes guesswork and ensures precise doneness. Their XL‑capacity designs let you cook multiple portions at once, making them ideal for families.

The Ninja Foodi Smart XL models and the Emeril Lagasse toaster oven offer the largest interiors, handling up to six steaks or a 6‑lb chicken in a single batch. The Cuisinart and Zstar units provide a 4‑quart (about 3‑5 servings) capacity, while the Candy and Nuwave appliances sit around 26 quarts, suitable for 4‑6 people. Choose a larger capacity if you often prepare meals for a crowd or like to batch‑cook.

The Ninja EG201 Foodi 6‑in‑1 and the Ninja IG651 Smart XL Pro 7‑in‑1 cover the most functions, including grill, air crisp, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate, and a dedicated griddle or grill‑plus‑griddle mode. The Cuisinart and Nuwave also list eight or more presets, but they lack a separate griddle surface. If you want the most versatility without adding extra gadgets, a Ninja 6‑ or 7‑in‑1 model is the best choice.

A Smart Cook System with a sensor thermometer automatically adjusts temperature and time based on the protein type and desired doneness, eliminating over‑ or under‑cooking. This feature is especially useful for steak lovers who need precise rare, medium‑rare, or well‑done results. Models like the Ninja Smart XL and IG651 include this technology, offering consistent results with a single button press.

All the listed units claim up to 75% less fat compared with traditional deep frying, thanks to rapid hot‑air circulation that crisps food without excess oil. Look for models that include a dedicated 4‑quart crisper basket, as this separates the air‑fry function from the grill and ensures optimal airflow. Pairing the air‑fry feature with the grill’s high heat lets you achieve a smoky flavor while still keeping the meal lean.

Units such as the Candy Lagasse and Zstar provide large transparent windows, letting you monitor cooking without opening the lid and reducing heat loss. The Candy model also includes a stainless‑steel French‑door design and multiple racks for multitasking. While these features add to the purchase price, they can save time and reduce the need for additional cookware, improving long‑term value.

Smokeless designs like the Zstar and the Ninja Foodi series use ventilation and sealed cooking chambers to keep smoke to a minimum, making them suitable for apartments. The Zstar advertises a sub‑60 dB operation, which is quieter than many competing grills. However, any high‑heat indoor grill will produce some steam and odor; using the included drip trays and proper ventilation will keep the kitchen comfortable.