The Ninja Foodi XL and XL Pro are both large-capacity multi-cookers made by Ninja that allow you to pressure cook, air fry, steam, slow cook, sear/sauté, bake/roast, broil, dehydrate, and more all in one appliance. However, there are some key differences between the two models that are worth understanding before deciding which is right for your needs.
Size and Capacity
The Ninja Foodi XL and XL Pro have the same external dimensions and internal cooking capacities. They both have an extra-large 8-quart ceramic coated pot that can fit a 7-pound chicken or up to 8 chicken breasts. The removable cook & crisp plate also has the same 5.5 quarts of capacity in both models.
Cooking Functions
Both the Foodi XL and XL Pro have the following cooking functions:
- Pressure Cook
- Air Fry/Air Crisp
- Steam
- Slow Cook
- Yogurt
- Sear/Sauté
- Bake/Roast
- Broil
- Dehydrate
So in terms of the types of cooking you can do, the XL and XL Pro are identical. The cooking potentials are endless with all these functions!
Temperature Range
The Foodi XL has a maximum air fry temperature of 400°F, while the XL Pro can go up to 450°F. The higher temperature unlocks a true convection oven-like air frying experience and provides faster, crispier results.
Cooking Surfaces
The XL comes with a nonstick pot and nonstick cook & crisp plate. The XL Pro upgrades to a ceramic-coated pot and ceramic-coated crisping lid. Ceramic coating is more durable and abrasion-resistant than standard nonstick coatings.
Lid Position
Both models have a unique dual-position lid that gives you the flexibility to leave the lid up partially when checking on food or adding ingredients. However, the XL Pro has a slide-out lid position that pulls the lid completely back, fully opening the cooker. The XL’s hinge-style lid allows you to prop it up partway open.
Heat Distribution
The XL Pro has an Optimized Heat Distribution technology that is designed to deliver more even heating and faster preheat times when air frying or oven cooking. The regular XL does not have this heat optimization feature.
Controls
The control panels are very similar on both models, with function buttons and knobs to select cooking programs, adjust time and temperature, and start/stop cooking. However, the XL Pro has a few added buttons like Keep Warm, Proof, and Toast.
| Feature | Ninja Foodi XL | Ninja Foodi XL Pro |
|---|---|---|
| External Dimensions | 20.5 x 17.2 x 14.8 in | 20.5 x 17.2 x 14.8 in |
| Internal Pot Capacity | 8 quarts | 8 quarts |
| Internal Cook & Crisp Capacity | 5.5 quarts | 5.5 quarts |
| Cooking Functions | Pressure, Air Fry, Steam, Slow Cook, Yogurt, Sear/Sauté, Bake/Roast, Broil, Dehydrate | Pressure, Air Fry, Steam, Slow Cook, Yogurt, Sear/Sauté, Bake/Roast, Broil, Dehydrate |
| Max Air Fry Temperature | 400°F | 450°F |
| Pot Material | Nonstick Coated | Ceramic Coated |
| Cook & Crisp Lid Material | Nonstick Coated | Ceramic Coated |
| Lid Position | Hinge – Prop Partway Open | Slide Back – Pull Fully Open |
| Optimized Heat Distribution | No | Yes |
| Special Control Buttons | None | Keep Warm, Proof, Toast |
Size and Capacity
As you can see from the table, the Ninja Foodi XL and XL Pro have identical exterior dimensions and internal capacities. So they take up the same amount of counter space and can cook the same large batch meals or foods. If size and capacity are your main priorities, you can’t go wrong with either model.
Cooking Performance
In terms of cooking performance, the XL Pro pulls ahead with its higher max air fry temperature, ceramic cooking surfaces for greater durability and nonstick performance, and optimized heat distribution for more even cooking. The XL simply can’t match these upgrades, making the XL Pro the superior multi-cooker overall.
Controls and Settings
Both models have user-friendly control panels with multiple cooking mode buttons. But the XL Pro adds handy options like Keep Warm, Proof, and Toast that provide greater versatility. While the XL certainly gets the job done, the XL Pro’s enhanced controls give you more customization for your cooking.
Conclusion
If budget is a major concern, the standard Ninja Foodi XL delivers excellent value and versatility with its 8-quart capacity and 9 cooking functions. But for around $50 more, the Ninja Foodi XL Pro unlocks even better performance through upgrades like a ceramic pot and lid, higher max air fry temp, optimized heat distribution, and special cooking options like Proof and Toast.
So while you can’t go wrong with either large-capacity multi-cooker, the XL Pro clearly outpaces the regular XL when it comes to cooking ability. For home chefs who want the very best in all-in-one cooker performance, the Ninja Foodi XL Pro is definitely worth the extra investment.
When cooking for a large family or meal prepping in bulk, the XL Pro will provide faster, juicier air frying; more even baking; and overall better results across all cooking functions. And the ceramic pot and cooking surfaces make cleanup easier as well. If your budget allows, opt for the XL Pro for superior cooking ability and durability.
Related Comparisons
Other Ninja Foodi product lines offer similar large-capacity multi-cooker models to choose between. Here are some other key Ninja Foodi comparisons to help you decide:
Ninja Foodi Deluxe vs. Deluxe Pro
Like the XL and XL Pro models, the Deluxe and Deluxe Pro come in 8-quart capacities with the same cooking functions. The Pro version upgrades to a higher max air fry temp (450°F vs 400°F) and adds ceramic cooking surfaces. So again, the Pro model delivers better performance.
Ninja Foodi Smart XL vs. XXL
The Smart XL and XXL have all the same cooking features but differ in capacity, with the XXL offering a larger 9.5 quart pot and 7.5 quart cook & crisp basket. If you need to feed bigger crowds, the XXL is the better choice. Otherwise, save money with the XL.
Ninja Foodi Grill vs. Grill Pro
These electric indoor grills both have large 15 x 13 inch cooking surfaces, but the Pro version includes a removable ceramic-coated grill grate for easy cleaning. The Pro also has a higher 500°F max temp (vs 450°F) for better searing.
By understanding the key differences between standard and Pro models across Ninja Foodi products, you can pick the multi-cooker that’s best aligned with your cooking needs and budget.
Tips for Choosing Between the XL and XL Pro
Here are a few tips to guide your decision between the Foodi XL and XL Pro:
- If you air fry often, splurge for the XL Pro’s higher 450°F max temp for crispier wings, fries, etc.
- Get the XL Pro if you want a durable ceramic cooking pot – great if making lots of stews, chili, oatmeal.
- On a tight budget? The XL is hundreds less but still has ample capacity.
- If you bake cakes, cookies, or make large roasts, the XL Pro’s even heating gives better results.
- Fancy toast options not important? Save money with the XL.
- The XL is fine for small families but the XL Pro can better handle big batches.
Keep these tips in mind as you decide which of these excellent multi-cookers is right for your cooking routine. And enjoy simplifying your kitchen with the versatility of the Foodi!
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