Ninja Foodi Smart Grill LG450CO Owner's Guide

Thank You

Thank you for purchasing the Ninja® Foodi™ Smart Grill.

Register Your Purchase

Record This Information

Model Number: LG450CO

Serial Number: [To be filled by user]

Date of Purchase: [To be filled by user]

Store of Purchase: [To be filled by user]

TIP: You can find the model and serial numbers on the QR code label on the back of the unit by the power cord.

Technical Specifications

Voltage: 120V~, 60Hz

Watts: 1760W

Important Safeguards

HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY • READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USE

When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following:

⚠️ WARNING

To eliminate a choking hazard for young children, discard all packaging materials immediately upon unpacking.
This appliance can be used by persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge if they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance in a safe way and understand the hazards involved.
Keep the appliance and its cord out of reach of children. DO NOT allow the appliance to be used by children. Close supervision is necessary when used near children.
This appliance is for household use only. DO NOT use this appliance for anything other than its intended use. DO NOT use in moving vehicles or boats. DO NOT use outdoors. Misuse may cause injury.
Ensure the surface is level, clean and dry. DO NOT place the appliance near the edge of a countertop during operation.
ALWAYS ensure the appliance is properly assembled before use.
When using this appliance, provide at least 6 inches (15.25 cm) of space above and on all sides for air circulation.
DO NOT use an extension cord. A short power-supply cord is used to reduce the risk of children grabbing the cord or becoming entangled and to reduce the risk of people tripping over a longer cord.
To protect against electrical shock DO NOT immerse cord, plugs, or main unit housing in water or other liquid.
DO NOT use the appliance if there is damage to the power cord or plug. Regularly inspect the appliance and power cord. If the appliance malfunctions or has been damaged in any way, immediately stop use and call Customer Service.
NEVER use outlet below countertop surface.
DO NOT place appliance and let cord hang over edges of tables, counters or touch hot surfaces.
Only use recommended accessories included with this appliance or authorized by SharkNinja. The use of accessories or attachments not recommended by SharkNinja may cause a risk of fire or injury.
Before placing any accessory into the cooker, ensure they are clean and dry.
DO NOT use the appliance without the removable cooking pot and splatter shield installed.
ALWAYS ensure hood is fully closed before operating.
DO NOT move the appliance when in use.
DO NOT cover the air intake vent or air outlet vent while unit is operating. Doing so will prevent even cooking and may damage the unit or cause it to overheat.
DO NOT touch hot surfaces. Appliance surfaces are hot during and after operation. To prevent burns or personal injury, ALWAYS use protective hot pads or insulated oven mitts and use available handles and knobs.
DO NOT touch accessories during or immediately after cooking. The grill grate and basket becomes extremely hot during the cooking process. Avoid physical contact while removing the accessory from the appliance. To prevent burns or personal injury ALWAYS use care when interfacing with product. Recommend use of long handed utensil and protective hot pads or insulated oven mitts.
DO NOT use this appliance for deep-frying.
The Foodi™ Smart Thermometer does NOT replace an external food thermometer.
To prevent possible illness, ALWAYS use an external food thermometer to check that your food is cooked to the recommended temperatures
Should a grease fire occur or the unit emits black smoke, unplug immediately. Wait for smoking to stop before removing any cooking accessories.
Please refer to the Cleaning & Maintenance section for regular maintenance of the appliance.
To disconnect, turn unit to "off", then unplug from socket when not in use and before cleaning.
Allow to cool before cleaning, dissasembly, putting in or taking off parts and storage.
DO NOT clean with metal scouring pads. Pieces can break off the pad and touch electrical parts, creating a risk of electric shock.
Cleaning and user maintenance shall not be made by children.
DO NOT place on or near a hot gas or electric burner or in a heated oven.
Extreme caution must be used when moving an appliance containing hot oil or other hot liquids.

? Indicates to read and review instructions to understand operation and use of product.

⚠️ Indicates the presence of a hazard that can cause personal injury, death or substantial property damage if the warning included with this symbol is ignored.

? Take care to avoid contact with hot surface. Always use hand protection to avoid burns.

? For indoor and household use only.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Parts

The Ninja Foodi Smart Grill includes the following parts:

Ceramic-Coated Grill Grate
Ceramic-Coated Crisper Basket
Ceramic-Coated Cooking Pot
Hood
Removable Splatter Shield
Double-sided Cleaning Brush
Foodi™ Smart Thermometer
Thermometer Storage
Main Unit (power cord not shown)
Air Intake Vent
Air Outlet
Control Panel
Grease Collector

NOTE: Additional accessories are available for purchase at ninjaaccessories.com.

Getting to Know the Ninja® Foodi™ Smart Grill

The control panel features various buttons and indicators:

Function Buttons

GRILL: Grill indoors while creating even char, grill marks, and grilled flavor.
AIR CRISP: For crispiness and crunch with little to no oil.
BAKE: Bake cakes, treats, desserts, and more.
ROAST: Tenderize meats, roast vegetables, and more.
DEHYDRATE: Dehydrate meats, fruits, and vegetables for healthy snacks.

Operating Buttons

POWER button: Turns the unit on/off. Pressing during cooking stops the function and turns off the unit.
Left Arrows (up/down): Adjust cooking temperature or set internal doneness (PRESET/MANUAL).
Right Arrows (up/down): Set food type (PRESET) or adjust cook time.
Thermometer Button: Switches display between PRESET and MANUAL modes for the Smart Thermometer. Pressing twice enters MANUAL mode.

NOTE: To adjust temperature or time during cooking, use the arrows. The unit will resume at the new settings.

START/STOP button: Begins cooking after settings are selected.
Standby Mode: The unit enters standby mode after 10 minutes of inactivity.
PREHEAT: Indicates preheating status with a progress bar. Press to cancel preheating.

Before First Use

Remove all packaging material, promotional labels, and tape from the unit.
Remove all accessories from the package and read this manual carefully, paying particular attention to operational instructions, warnings, and important safeguards.
Wash the grill grate, splatter shield, crisper basket, thermometer, cleaning brush, and cooking pot in warm, soapy water, then rinse and dry thoroughly. All accessories, except the thermometer, are dishwasher safe. NEVER clean the main unit or thermometer in the dishwasher.

Using the Ninja Foodi Smart Grill

Splatter Shield

The splatter shield is located on the underside of the hood and keeps the heating element clean. Always ensure it is installed during cooking to prevent oil buildup and smoking.

Removing the splatter shield:

Once cooled, push the upper left tab toward the back of the hood to release it.

Installing the splatter shield:

Insert the shield so its grooves align with the fixed heat shield ring notch. Push upward until it clicks into the tab on the left side.

GrillControl Technology

Select the grill grate temperature setting for the Grill function:

Setting	Temperature	Recommended For
LO	400°F	Bacon, Sausages, When using thick BBQ sauce
MED	450°F	Frozen meats, Marinated/sauced meats
HI	500°F	Steaks, Veggies, Chicken, Fruit, Burgers, Pizzas, Hot dogs, Fresh/frozen seafood, Meat kebabs, Veggie Kebabs
MAX	Up to 510°F	(General use)

NOTE: For less smoke, use canola, coconut, avocado, grapeseed, or vegetable oil instead of olive oil.

NOTE: The unit may produce smoke when cooking at hotter settings. Refer to the Inspiration Guide or visit ninjakitchen.com for more charts.

Switching to Grill after using another function:

If the unit is warm, "ADD FOOD" may appear immediately. Allow the grill grate to heat for at least 6 minutes before adding ingredients.

Batch grilling:

For more than two consecutive batches, empty the cooking pot and clean the splatter shield between uses to prevent smoke from burning grease.

To skip Preheat, press the PREHEAT button.

Using the Foodi™ Smart Thermometer

IMPORTANT: DO NOT place hands near the Foodi Smart Thermometer cord when in use to prevent burning or scalding.

Before First Use:

Ensure the thermometer jack is free of residue and the cord is free of knots.

Unwind the cord from the magnetic storage compartment. The storage compartment is magnetic and can be placed on either side of the unit.
Plug the thermometer into the jack on the right side of the control panel. Push firmly until it clicks. Reattach the storage compartment.
Once plugged in, PRESET and MANUAL modes will illuminate. Select your desired cook function (e.g., Grill) and temperature.

NOTE: There is no need to set a cook time; the unit will automatically alert you when food is done.

Using PRESET Mode:

Press the thermometer button to illuminate PRESET. Use the right arrows to select food type and the left arrows to set internal doneness (Rare through Well).

FOOD TYPE:	SET DONENESS TO:
Fish	Medium (130°F)
Chicken/Turkey	Medium Well (140°F)
	Well Done (150°F)
Pork	Well Done (170°F)
Beef/Lamb	Medium (130°F)
	Medium Well (150°F)
	Well Done (160°F)
	Rare (110°F)
	Medium Rare (125°F)
	Medium (130°F)
	Medium Well (145°F)
	Well Done (155°F)

NOTE: Beef/Lamb doneness temperatures are lower due to 5-10°F carry-over cooking.

NOTE: Reference USDA guidelines for food-safe temperature recommendations.

Using MANUAL Mode:

Press the thermometer button again to switch to MANUAL. Use the left arrows to set the desired internal temperature.

After selecting temperature and time (if applicable), place the required accessory in the unit, close the hood, and press START/STOP to begin preheating.

Using the Thermometer in Different Cooking Scenarios

Cooking 2 or more proteins of the same size to different levels of doneness:

Set PRESET to the highest desired doneness.
Insert thermometer into the protein with the higher doneness.
After preheating, place proteins inside. When the lower desired doneness is reached, remove that protein without the thermometer.
Continue cooking the remaining protein until its desired doneness is reached.

Cooking 2 or more proteins of different sizes:

Insert thermometer into the smaller protein and use PRESET for its doneness.
When done, remove it.
Using oven mitts, transfer thermometer to the larger protein and use the left arrows to set its doneness.

Cooking 2 or more different types of protein:

Insert thermometer into the protein with the lower desired doneness.
Use MANUAL mode to set its desired internal temperature.
When done, remove it.
Using oven mitts, transfer thermometer to the other protein and use MANUAL mode to set its desired internal temperature.

How to Correctly Insert the Thermometer

FOOD TYPE:	PLACEMENT	CORRECT	INCORRECT
Steaks Pork chops Lamb chops Chicken breasts Burgers Tenderloins Fish fillets	• Insert horizontally into the center of the thickest part of the meat. • Make sure the thermometer is close to (but not touching) the bone and away from any fat or gristle. • Make sure the tip of the thermometer is inserted straight into the center of the meat, not angled toward the bottom or top of it. NOTE: The thickest part of the fillet may not be the center. It is important that the end of the thermometer hits this area so that desired results are achieved.	[Diagram showing correct insertion into meat]	[Diagram showing incorrect insertion into meat]
Whole chicken	• Insert thermometer horizontally into the thickest part of the breast, parallel to, but not touching, the bone. • Make sure the tip reaches the center of the thickest part of the breast and doesn't go all the way through the breast into the cavity.	[Diagram showing correct insertion into chicken breast]	[Diagram showing incorrect insertion into chicken breast]

NOTE: DO NOT use the thermometer with frozen protein or for cuts of meat 1 inch thick or thinner.

Cooking Functions

Plug in the unit and press the power button to turn it on.

Grill

Place the cooking pot in the unit with the indent aligned with the bump. Place the grill grate in the pot with handles facing up. Ensure the splatter shield is in place, then close the hood.
Press the GRILL button. Use the left arrows to adjust temperature up to MAX.
Use the right arrows to adjust cook time (1-minute increments up to 30 minutes), or refer to the thermometer instructions.
Press START/STOP to begin preheating (approx. 10 minutes).
When preheating is complete, the unit will beep and "ADD FOOD" will appear.
Open the hood, place ingredients on the grill grate, and close the hood. Cooking begins, and the timer starts.
NOTE: If using the thermometer, press the thermometer button for 2 seconds to check internal temperature. Press and hold again to exit.
When cook time is complete, the unit will beep and END will appear.

NOTE: If batch cooking, refer to page 8.

Air Crisp

Place the cooking pot in the unit with the indent aligned with the bump. Place the crisper basket in the pot. Ensure the splatter shield is in place, then close the hood.
Press the AIR CRISP button. Use the left arrows to adjust temperature up to 400°F.
Use the right arrows to adjust cook time (up to 1 hour), or refer to the thermometer instructions.
Press START/STOP to begin preheating (approx. 3 minutes).
When preheating is complete, the unit will beep and "ADD FOOD" will appear.
NOTE: You can skip preheating by pressing the PREHEAT button.
Open the hood, place ingredients in the crisper basket, and close the hood. Cooking begins, and the timer starts.
NOTE: If using the thermometer, press the thermometer button for 2 seconds to check internal temperature. Press and hold again to exit.
For best results, shake ingredients frequently. The unit pauses when the hood is opened. Use silicone-tipped tongs or oven mitts to shake the basket. Cooking resumes when the hood is closed.
When cook time is complete, the unit will beep and END will appear.

Roast

Place the cooking pot in the unit with the indent aligned with the bump. Ensure the splatter shield is in place, then close the hood.
Press the ROAST button. Use the left arrows to adjust temperature up to 425°F.
NOTE: Convert traditional oven recipes by reducing temperature by 25°F. Check food frequently.
Use the right arrows to adjust cook time (1-minute increments up to 1 hour, 5-minute increments from 1 to 4 hours), or refer to the thermometer instructions.
Press START/STOP to begin preheating (approx. 3 minutes).
NOTE: You can skip preheating by pressing the PREHEAT button.
When preheating is complete, the unit will beep and "ADD FOOD" will appear.
Open the hood, place ingredients in the pot, and close the hood. Cooking begins, and the timer starts.
NOTE: If using the thermometer, press the thermometer button for 2 seconds to check internal temperature. Press and hold again to exit.
When cook time is complete, the unit will beep and END will appear.

NOTE: When using Roast and Grill, the unit may beep and display FLIP. Flipping is optional but recommended.

Bake

Place the cooking pot in the unit with the indent aligned with the bump. Ensure the splatter shield is in place, then close the hood.
Press the BAKE button. Use the left arrows to adjust temperature up to 400°F.
NOTE: Convert traditional oven recipes by reducing temperature by 25°F. Check food frequently.
Use the right arrows to adjust cook time (1-minute increments up to 1 hour, 5-minute increments from 1 to 2 hours), or refer to the thermometer instructions.
Press START/STOP to begin preheating (approx. 3 minutes).
NOTE: You can skip preheating by pressing the PREHEAT button.
When preheating is complete, the unit will beep and "ADD FOOD" will appear.
Open the hood and add ingredients to the pot or place the bake pan directly in the pot, then close the hood to start cooking. Cooking begins, and the timer starts.
NOTE: A bake pan is not included.
NOTE: If using the thermometer, press the thermometer button for 2 seconds to check internal temperature. Press and hold again to exit.
When cook time is complete, the unit will beep and END will appear.

Dehydrate

Place the cooking pot in the unit with the indent aligned with the bump. Place a single layer of ingredients in the pot. Then place the crisper basket in the pot on top of the ingredients and add another layer of ingredients to the basket. Ensure the splatter shield is in place, then close the hood.
Press the DEHYDRATE button. Use the left arrows to adjust temperature up to 195°F.
Use the right arrows to adjust dehydration time (15-minute increments up to 12 hours).
Press START/STOP to begin. (The unit does not preheat in Dehydrate mode.)
When dehydration time is complete, the unit will beep and END will appear.

Cleaning Your Ninja® Foodi™ Smart Grill

The unit should be cleaned thoroughly after every use. Always let the appliance cool before cleaning.

Unplug the unit from the wall outlet. Keep the hood open after removing food to allow it to cool quicker.
The cooking pot, grill grate, crisper basket, splatter shield, cleaning brush, and other accessories are dishwasher safe, except the thermometer. DO NOT place the thermometer in the dishwasher.
If hand-washing, use the included cleaning brush. Use the opposite end as a scraper for baked-on sauces or cheese. Air-dry or towel-dry all parts.
NOTE: DO NOT use liquid cleaning solution on or near the thermometer jack. Use compressed air or a cotton swab.
For food residue or grease stuck on removable parts, soak in warm soapy water before cleaning.
Clean the splatter shield after every use. Soaking overnight helps soften baked-on grease. Use the cleaning brush to remove grease from the stainless steel frame and front tabs.
Deep clean the splatter shield by boiling it in water for 10 minutes, then rinse and dry.
To deep clean the thermometer, soak the stainless steel tip and silicone grip in warm, soapy water. DO NOT immerse the cord or jack in water.
The Foodi™ Smart Thermometer holder is handwash only.

NOTE: NEVER use abrasive tools or cleaners. NEVER immerse the main unit in water or any other liquid.

Replacement Parts

To order additional parts and accessories, visit ninjaaccessories.com or contact Customer Service at 1-877-646-5288. Please register your product online at registeryourninja.com.

Troubleshooting

"Add Food" appears on the control panel display: The unit has completed preheating and it is now time to add your ingredients.
"Shut Lid" appears on the control panel display: The hood is open and needs to be closed for the selected function to start.
"Plug In" appears on the control panel display: The thermometer is not plugged into the jack on the right side of the control panel. Plug the thermometer in before proceeding. Press the thermometer in until you hear a click.
"PRBE ERR" appears on the control panel display: The unit timed out before food reached the set internal temperature. The unit has run limits for time at specific temperatures.
"E" appears on the control panel display: The unit is not functioning properly. Contact Customer Service at 1-877-646-5288. Please register your product online at registeryourninja.com.
Why is my food overcooked or undercooked even though I used the thermometer? Insert the thermometer lengthwise into the thickest part of the ingredient. Allow food to rest for 3-5 minutes for carry-over cooking. Refer to the Using the Foodi™ Smart Thermometer section.
Why does the preheat progress bar not start from the beginning? When the unit is warm from previous use, it requires less preheating time.
Can I cancel or override preheating? You can skip preheating by selecting the PREHEAT button after pressing START/STOP.
Should I add my ingredients before or after preheating? For best results, let the unit preheat before adding ingredients.
Why is my unit emitting smoke? Ensure the recommended temperature setting is selected for the Grill function. Make sure the splatter shield is installed.
How do I pause the unit so I can check my food? The unit will automatically pause when the hood is opened during a cooking function.
Will the thermometer grip melt if it touches the hot grill grate? No, the grip is made of high-temperature silicone.
My food is burned. Do not add food until recommended preheat time is complete. Check progress throughout cooking and remove food when desired doneness is achieved. Remove food immediately after cook time is complete to avoid overcooking.
Why did a circuit breaker trip while using the unit? The unit uses 1760 watts and must be plugged into a 15-amp circuit breaker outlet. Ensure the unit is the only appliance plugged into the outlet.
Why does the unit have a 1-9 scale for the Beef Preset? The 1-9 scale provides a range of options to customize doneness to your liking, as perception of doneness can differ.

One (1) Year Limited Warranty

The One (1) Year Limited Warranty applies to purchases made from authorized retailers of SharkNinja Operating LLC. Warranty coverage applies to the original owner and the original product only and is not transferable.

SharkNinja warrants that the unit shall be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase when used under normal household conditions and maintained according to the Owner's Guide, subject to the following conditions and exclusions:

What is covered by this warranty?

The original unit and/or non-wearable parts deemed defective will be repaired or replaced up to one (1) year from the original purchase date.
If a replacement unit is issued, the warranty coverage ends six (6) months following the receipt date of the replacement unit or the remainder of the existing warranty, whichever is later. SharkNinja reserves the right to replace the unit with one of equal or greater value.

What is not covered by this warranty?

Normal wear and tear of wearable parts (cooking pot, grill grate, crisper basket, splatter shield, thermometer, etc.) requiring regular maintenance or replacement. Replacement parts are available at ninjaaccessories.com.
Any unit that has been tampered with or used for commercial purposes.
Damage caused by misuse, abuse, negligent handling, failure to perform required maintenance, or damage due to mishandling in transit.
Consequential and incidental damages.
Defects caused by repair persons not authorized by SharkNinja.
Products purchased, used, or operated outside North America.

How to get service

If your appliance fails to operate properly, visit ninjakitchen.com/support for self-help. Contact Customer Service at 1-877-646-5288 for assistance with product support and warranty service options. Please register your product online at registeryourninja.com.

SharkNinja will cover the cost for the customer to send the unit for repair or replacement. A fee of $19.95 (subject to change) will be charged when SharkNinja ships the repaired or replacement unit.

How to initiate a warranty claim

Call 1-877-646-5288 to initiate a warranty claim. You will need the receipt as proof of purchase. Register your product online at registeryourninja.com.

How state law applies

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you also may have other rights that vary from state to state. Some states do not permit the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above may not apply to you.

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