My Honest Review Of Ninja Sizzle Pro XL vs Blackstone 1666 22″ Griddle
The Ninja Sizzle Pro XL Indoor Griddle and Grill and Blackstone 1666 22″ Griddle serve fundamentally different cooking needs despite both being griddles. The Ninja is an electric indoor griddle perfect for families wanting year-round, weather-independent cooking with precise temperature control and minimal smoke. The Blackstone is a propane-powered outdoor griddle ideal for those with patios or decks who want authentic high-heat searing and true outdoor cooking versatility.
Choose the Ninja Sizzle Pro XL Indoor Griddle and Grill if you prioritize indoor convenience, precise cooking, and family meal preparation. Choose the Blackstone 1666 if you prefer outdoor entertainment, higher heat output, and don’t mind propane fuel requirements. Both are well-reviewed by customers, but your decision ultimately depends on your lifestyle, cooking location, and culinary preferences.
Table of Contents
Should You Buy It? The Verdict
Ninja Sizzle Pro XL Indoor Griddle and Grill: Recommended for families prioritizing convenience and precision. This appliance delivers consistent results for everyday cooking, with customers praising its even heat distribution and user-friendly interface. The main drawback is its short power cord and modest grease management system that requires careful handling.
Blackstone Griddle 1666: Recommended for outdoor enthusiasts and entertaining at scale. Multiple YouTube reviewers and long-term owners confirm this griddle produces excellent food with authentic cooking flavor. The primary limitation is size — reviewers consistently note that the 22″ surface, while great for small groups, becomes crowded for larger gatherings, with cold spots in corners requiring attention.
Feature Comparison Table Of Ninja Sizzle Pro XL Indoor Griddle and Grill vs Blackstone
| Feature | Ninja Sizzle Pro XL (GX101) | Blackstone 1666 22″ Griddle |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Electric indoor griddle + grill | Propane outdoor griddle |
| Cooking Surface | 20 inches | 22 inches |
| Heat Source | Electric (1790W) | Propane gas (dual burners) |
| Max Temperature | 500°F | ~600°F |
| Heating Power | 1790 watts | 24,000 BTU |
| Cooking Zones | 2 modes (griddle/grill) | 2 independent burners |
| Cooking Area | 300+ sq inches | 361-362 sq inches |
| Weight | 22 lbs | 78+ lbs |
| Portable | Yes, lightweight | Yes with effort |
| Grease Management | Integrated rear system | Rear tray system |
| Interchangeable Plates | Yes (griddle & grill) | No (fixed surface) |
| Non-stick Surface | PFAS-free ceramic coating | Carbon steel (requires seasoning) |
| Price Range | $299-$349 Check Amazon | $189-$250 Check Amazon |
| Best For | Indoor, families, precision | Outdoor, entertaining, searing |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
| Ideal Group Size | 8-10 people | 6-8 people |
What Customers Are Saying
Ninja Sizzle Pro XL Indoor Griddle and Grill Customer Feedback:
Customers appreciate the even edge-to-edge heating that the Ninja claims surpasses even the Blackstone 36″ griddle in consistency. Multiple reviewers confirm excellent results cooking pancakes, bacon, chicken, and fried rice with minimal uneven cooking. The interchangeable grill and griddle plates (40% larger than the original Ninja Sizzle) provide excellent versatility for 8-10 person family meals.
However, significant complaints emerge around the grease management system. Reviewers note that bacon cooking creates excessive grease splatter that sits on the griddle surface since the drainage doesn’t slope sufficiently toward the grease trap. One reviewer stated they had grease covering even their glasses when cooking bacon, requiring frequent manual scraping with a spatula to feed grease into the trap. Additionally, the handle is very small (approximately one inch), making it difficult to grip when the unit is hot, and the power cord is extremely short, necessitating extension cords for many kitchen setups.
The control interface earns praise for simplicity, with a straightforward dial system and custom temperature mode that allows precise cooking from 250°F to 500°F. Most customers describe it as functioning very well despite the grease and handle issues, with ratings around 7.3-7.7 out of 10 for overall functionality.
Blackstone 1666 22″ Customer Feedback:
Long-term owners consistently express satisfaction with cooking quality. After two years of use, one owner reported it “cooks fantastic food” and produces excellent results for burgers, hot dogs, steaks, fish, and breakfast items. The independent dual burners with separate heat control receive praise for allowing simultaneous cooking of different foods at different temperatures.
The most common complaint across multiple owners concerns inconsistent heating zones and cold spots, particularly in the corners and edges. Reviewers note that burgers and foods cooked at edges don’t cook at the same rate as those in the center, requiring the chef to mentally map hot and cold zones and rotate food accordingly. This becomes burdensome during busy cooking sessions when managing multiple custom orders.
Portability is a significant concern despite the wheels. Multiple owners mention the 78+ pound weight makes carrying it challenging, especially without assistance, and the griddle surface cannot be removed for cleaning — you must clean it in place.
Importantly, a recurring theme emerges: owners wish they had purchased larger 28″ or 36″ models instead. Reviewers state the 22″ works well but emphasizes that no one ever regrets going bigger, while smaller model owners frequently express this regret. The single shelf (compared to dual shelves on larger models) limits prep space.
Customers give high ratings to the build quality, carbon steel durability (when properly seasoned), and cost value.
Detailed Analysis: Ninja Sizzle Pro XL Review
Design and Build Quality
The Ninja Sizzle Pro XL represents modern electric cooking technology with its compact 20-inch footprint fitting comfortably on kitchen counters or outdoor tables. At just 22 pounds, it’s significantly lighter than the Blackstone, making it genuinely portable between rooms or properties. The anodized aluminum exterior with stainless steel cooking plates projects quality construction, and the ceramic nonstick coating (PFAS-free) provides environmental consciousness.
Heating and Temperature Control
Operating at 1790 watts with ProTemp IQ technology, the Ninja achieves temperatures from 250°F to 500°F with edge-to-edge heat distribution. YouTube reviewer tests confirm the griddle reaches approximately 400°F (though shy of the claimed 500°F), which reviewers state is sufficient for most cooking applications. Remarkably, the Ninja claims more consistent heating than the Blackstone 36″ model, a bold claim that some YouTube reviewers validate through burger cooking tests.
The custom temperature mode allows precise control, and preheat detection shows when the griddle reaches desired temperature — a feature the original Ninja Sizzle lacked.
Cooking Surface and Versatility
The 40% larger cooking surface compared to the original Sizzle model provides genuine family capacity. Reviewers successfully cooked 10 burgers, pancakes, chicken thighs, and fried rice with excellent results. The interchangeable grill and griddle plates provide dual functionality without purchasing additional units — grill mode adds cosmetic char marks while griddle mode offers more food contact for superior searing.
Grease Management Issues
This is the Ninja’s Achilles heel. The design includes a grease drainage system, but reviewers consistently note that the trap “isn’t sloped enough” and grease pools on the cooking surface rather than flowing toward the trap. After cooking just one package of bacon, the grease reservoir becomes nearly full, forcing cooks to manually scrape accumulated grease with a spatula into the trap before continuing. One reviewer described being covered in grease splatter when cooking bacon, even having grease on their glasses, and recommends cooking outside if possible.
Convenience Factors
The detachable ventilated lid helps reduce smoke and splatter when cooking with the lid down. The ceramic nonstick plates clean easily with a wipe, though you must cool the griddle completely before removal. The small handle (approximately one inch) makes gripping when hot difficult, and the short power cord (31 inches) necessitates extension cords for most kitchen placements.
Performance Observations
Multiple reviewers note excellent even heating across the entire griddle surface. The controls are described as intuitive and user-friendly compared to traditional outdoor griddles. Noise levels are minimal compared to gas models.
Detailed Analysis: Blackstone 1666 22″ Griddle Review
Design and Build Quality
The Blackstone 1666 exemplifies heavy-duty outdoor cooking construction with powder-coated steel frame, rolled carbon steel cooking surface, and stainless steel H-style burners. At 78+ pounds, it demands permanent placement on decks or patios, though it includes locking wheel casters and a sturdy handle for folded positioning. The design is built for durability — multiple owners report years of excellent performance with proper maintenance.
Heating and Temperature Capacity
Two independent H-style burners generate 24,000 total BTU, with piezo electric ignition providing reliable starts. The burners reach significantly higher temperatures than the Ninja — reviewers describe searing capabilities that produce authentic char and caramelization on burgers and steaks. The dual burner configuration allows separate temperature zones, enabling simultaneous cooking of vegetables on low while searing proteins on high.
Cooking Surface and Performance
The 361-362 square inches of cooking area provides genuine space for family-sized meals, with capacity for approximately 14-16 burgers. However, reviewers consistently identify uneven heat distribution, particularly in the corners and edges. One long-term owner emphasized that burgers in the center cook noticeably faster than those at the edges, requiring active management and rotation. This design characteristic demands chef attention during busy cooking sessions — those seeking complete convenience may find this frustrating.
The carbon steel surface, when properly seasoned like cast iron, develops excellent non-stick properties and flavor contribution over time. However, the surface cannot be removed for cleaning; all cleaning occurs in place.
Portability and Size Considerations
Multiple reviewers emphasize the 22-inch size represents a compromise that creates buyers’ remorse. Unlike larger models offering dual shelves for prep work, the 1666 includes only a single shelf, limiting prep space. The weight of 78 pounds presents a genuine transportation challenge — one reviewer noted carrying it a mile from their vehicle resulted in arm fatigue and would not recommend carrying further.
One reviewer noted after two years of ownership: “Don’t get me wrong the 22″ cooks fantastic, looks great, doesn’t take up much space. But space isn’t an issue then I’d recommend moving up to a 28″ or 36″ model.” This perspective reappears consistently across reviews — everyone who purchases larger models remains satisfied, but small model owners frequently express size regret.
Fuel and Maintenance
The griddle operates on 1 lb propane bottles (sold separately) or larger 20 lb tanks with adapter purchase. Propane costs vary by region but represent ongoing fuel expenses. Maintenance requires regular seasoning similar to cast iron, cleaning down the grease tray, and protecting the seasoning from moisture during storage.
Value Proposition
The $189-$250 price point positions the Blackstone as one of the most affordable griddles of its class. However, budgeters must account for propane purchase costs and potential accessory needs (cover, tools, propane tank).
Ninja Sizzle Pro XL Indoor Griddle and Grill vs Blackstone: Key Differences
Indoor vs. Outdoor:
The fundamental distinction separates these appliances. The Ninja provides year-round, weather-independent cooking in any kitchen or covered patio. The Blackstone requires outdoor placement with access to propane.
Electric vs. Propane:
Electric heating offers precise temperature control with instant adjustability. Propane provides superior heat output for authentic searing but less precise control and requires fuel management.
Grease Management:
The Ninja’s flawed grease system requires constant intervention during high-fat cooking. The Blackstone’s rear-positioning tray is more effective but still requires in-place cleaning.
Heat Distribution:
The Ninja claims and partially delivers superior even heating across the entire surface. The Blackstone features notable hot spots in the center and cool zones at edges, requiring active food management.
Cooking Versatility:
The Ninja’s interchangeable grill and griddle plates provide dual functionality without separate purchases. The Blackstone offers only griddle cooking, though some owners improvise smoking methods.
Long-Term Satisfaction:
Blackstone owners frequently regret not purchasing larger models. Ninja owners rarely express size regret but frequently criticize grease management.
Comprehensive Recommendation Guide
Choose the Ninja Sizzle Pro XL if you:
- Cook indoors or have limited outdoor space
- Want precise, easy temperature control
- Prefer year-round cooking capability
- Have a family of 8-10 people
- Dislike propane maintenance and refills
- Value lightweight, counter-top convenience
- Want interchangeable cooking plates (griddle and grill)
- Accept that you’ll need to manage grease drainage more actively
Choose the Blackstone Griddle 1666 22″ if you:
- Have dedicated outdoor space (deck, patio)
- Seek authentic high-heat searing and char
- Entertain regularly and want to cook outdoors
- Prefer lower initial purchase price
- Don’t mind propane fuel management
- Can dedicate permanent or semi-permanent placement
- Want a heavier-duty, long-lasting appliance
- Have a smaller household (4-8 people) or are willing to accept batch cooking
Conclusion: Making Your Choice
Both griddles excel within their intended purposes and deserve their positive customer reviews. The Ninja Sizzle Pro XL represents the evolution of indoor cooking technology, delivering convenience and precision with the tradeoff of grease management complexity. The Blackstone 1666 remains a proven outdoor cooking workhorse that excels at searing and entertaining, limited primarily by size constraints and uneven heat zones that experienced outdoor cooks easily navigate.
Your decision ultimately hinges on three factors: location (indoor/outdoor), group size (8+ for Ninja, 4-8 for Blackstone), and cooking priorities (precision vs. high-heat searing). Neither choice disappoints — both represent excellent value and quality in their respective categories. The Ninja costs more but provides year-round convenience; the Blackstone costs less but demands outdoor space and propane management.
For most families seeking versatile, everyday cooking, the Ninja Sizzle Pro XL Indoor Griddle and Grill edges ahead due to convenience and temperature consistency, despite its grease management quirks. For outdoor entertainers with patio space who prioritize authentic searing and durability, the Blackstone 1666 remains a time-tested, budget-friendly choice — just consider sizing up to the 28″ or 36″ if space allows, as multiple owners advise
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