Ninja is a well-known brand for high-quality kitchen appliances, including grills. Some of their grill models have a unique design where the grill surface can flip up vertically against the body of the unit. This allows the grills to take up less space for storage when not in use. Determining which Ninja grill flips up requires looking at the different models they offer.
Ninja Foodi Grills That Flip Up
Here are the Ninja grill models that have a flip-up design:
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill
- Ninja Foodi Smart Grill
- Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill
These three grills share some common features that enable the flip-up mechanism. First, they have an electrical heating system rather than gas burners. The grates and cooking plates are removable. When not in use, the grates/plates can be taken out. Then the body of the grill can be tilted upward vertically, with the back resting against a wall or cabinet.
Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill
The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill is one of their largest indoor grills. It provides a large cooking surface that can accommodate over 20 burgers at once. When flipped up, it reduces the footprint from around 18 x 13 inches down to just 6 inches deep.
This grill has an integrated Smart Cook System with a probe thermometer. It uses a combination of sensors to monitor food doneness and automatically adjusts cooking time and temperature. The Smart XL Grill preheats quickly and can reach a max temperature of 500°F.
In addition to grilling, the XL can also air crisp, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate, and more with the included cookware accessories. The removable grill grate is dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
Ninja Foodi Smart Grill
The Ninja Foodi Smart Grill has similar smart cooking features and flip-up capabilities as the XL version but in a more compact size. It can still cook up to 6-8 burgers at once. When flipped upright, the depth goes from around 13 inches to under 5 inches.
This grillreach temperatures up to 500°F for searing meats and vegetables. The Smart Cook System helps prevent overcooking. A range of cooking functions like air crisp, bake, roast, broil, and dehydrate are available for cooking anything from steaks to cakes.
Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill
The Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill is a simpler and more affordable option but still flips up for storage. It has an integrated thermometer and timer but not the Smart Cook technology. The maximum temperature is 450°F.
This grill has a smaller cooking area than the Smart Grill models. Its multipurpose design allows for air crisping, baking, roasting, broiling, and dehydrating. The grill grate is nonstick and dishwasher safe.
How the Flip-Up Design Works
Having a grill that flips up vertically can be very convenient for tight kitchens. Here is an overview of how these Ninja Foodi grills transform:
- Remove the cooking plates/grates. These are designed for quick removal and installation.
- Tilt the grill body up 90 degrees until the back rests against a wall or cupboard. Lock it in place.
- When ready to use, pull the grill away from the wall and tilt it back down horizontally.
- Replace the cooking grates.
The grills have an internal hinge mechanism that allows smooth motion between the vertical and horizontal positions. Locks keep the unit stable when flipped up. The grills distribute weight in a way that prevents tipping when opened.
Benefits of a Flip-Up Grill
Here are some of the biggest benefits of choosing a grill with a flip-up design from Ninja:
- Takes up very little space for storage
- Creates room for other countertop appliances when grill is not in use
- Easy to position out of the way against a wall or cabinet
- Convenient to set up and put away
- No need for a bulky outdoor grill
In small kitchens, the flip-up design is almost a necessity because of its minimal footprint. The grills still provide large cooking surfaces when opened up. Ninja’s grills can match outdoor grills in terms of temperature and functions.
Comparison of Ninja Flip-Up Grills
To help decide which flip-up Ninja grill is right for your needs, here is a comparison of some key specifications:
| Model | Cooking Area | Max Temperature | Smart Cook System | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill | 483 sq in | 500°F | Yes | $349.99 |
| Ninja Foodi Smart Grill | 228 sq in | 500°F | Yes | $279.95 |
| Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill | 172 sq in | 450°F | No | $169.99 |
The Smart XL Grill is the largest and most full-featured but comes at a higher price. The standard Smart Grill delivers premium performance and smart cooking in a smaller package. The 5-in-1 Indoor Grill is very affordable while still offering a decent cooking area and flip-up versatility.
Conclusion
Ninja offers three excellent grill options with a space-saving flip-up design. The Smart XL Grill provides maximum cooking capacity with smart technology. For smaller kitchens, the standard Smart Grill packs premium performance in a smaller footprint. The 5-in-1 Indoor Grill gives you the flip-up convenience at an affordable price.
Any of these Ninja grills will deliver convenient indoor grilling that tucks neatly out of the way. With large cooking areas and high heat for serious searing, flip-up Ninja grills are a smart solution for grilling all year round.