Ninja AG300 vs AG301: A Surprising Hands-On Review

The Ninja AG300 and AG301 look almost the same, but one key feature sets them apart—dehydrate. I’ve cooked with both in my small kitchen here in Austin, Texas.

Space is tight, and summer heat makes outdoor grilling tough, so these indoor grills have been a real help. From juicy chicken to homemade jerky, I tested them side by side.

After months of use, I can now share what works, what doesn’t, and which model I’d pick.

Ninja AG300 Review

I’ve been cooking with the Ninja AG300 for a few months now, and it has become one of my favorite kitchen tools. At first, I wasn’t sure I needed another countertop gadget. But this one won me over. It grills, air crisps, roasts, and bakes—all in one spot. For me, that means fewer appliances on the counter and faster meals on busy nights.

One of the first things I tried was chicken breast. I usually worry about it drying out, but the AG300 kept it juicy inside while still giving me nice grill marks. My kids loved the fries I made with the air crisp setting. I liked that they came out crunchy with less oil. For small family dinners, it feels like the right mix of speed, taste, and healthy cooking.

What I Like

• Fast and even cooking – It heats up fast and cooks burgers without flipping.
• Air crisp feature – Fries come out golden and crunchy with much less grease.
• Easy to clean – The ceramic-coated basket wipes clean without scrubbing.
• Solid build – It feels sturdy, and after weeks of use, the lid and basket still feel new.
• Space-saving versatility – It replaced my old air fryer and toaster oven, which helps in my small kitchen.

What Could Be Better

• Size on the counter – At 17 inches wide, it’s bulkier than I expected. In a small kitchen, it takes space.
• Preheat time – It takes 8–10 minutes to preheat for grilling. Not bad, but slower than I hoped.
• Noise level – The fan sounds like a hair dryer. It’s fine, but not quiet.
• Bake function – Cakes and muffins came out uneven. I still use my oven for baking.

Ninja AG300 Overview

Recommendation

If you want a grill and air fryer in one, the Ninja AG300 is a strong choice. It’s great for singles, couples, or small families who want quick meals without using a full oven. I’d suggest it to anyone who likes grilling but doesn’t have outdoor space, like apartment dwellers.

That said, if you bake often or cook for a large household, it may feel limited. In that case, you may want to check bigger Ninja models like the DZ201.

For me, the Ninja AG300 was worth it. It makes indoor grilling simple, cuts down on oil with the air crisp setting, and cleanup is easy. If you want a reliable 4-in-1 machine without paying extra for a dehydrator, this is a solid pick.

Ninja AG301 Review

I’ve been cooking with the Ninja AG301 for a while now, and it feels like having a small grill right in my kitchen. At first, I thought it would be the same as the AG300. But the AG301 adds one more feature: Dehydrate. That small change made a big difference for me.

The first thing I tried was beef jerky. It took hours, but the result was worth it—tender, chewy, and full of flavor. My kids loved the dried apple slices I made for snacks. On busy nights, I still use it most for chicken, burgers, and fries. But the dehydrate mode gave me new ways to cook beyond dinner.

What I Like

• Dehydrate mode – Great for jerky and fruit snacks. A nice bonus that the AG300 doesn’t have.
• Strong grill performance – Steaks came out juicy with real grill marks, even without flipping.
• Air crisp results – Fries were crunchy with little oil. Perfect for quick sides.
• Durable build – After weeks of use, the grate and basket still look solid. No peeling or warping.
• Simple cleanup – The ceramic coating made washing easy. Most times, I just wiped it down.

What Could Be Better

• Takes space – At 17 inches wide, it does crowd the counter. In a small kitchen, that’s tough.
• Preheat time – It can take up to 10 minutes to heat for grilling. I wish it was faster.
• Fan noise – When it runs, it sounds like a loud hair dryer. Not a dealbreaker, but worth noting.
• Bake mode – Works better for savory food than for cakes. My oven still does baking best.

Ninja AG301 Overview

Recommendation

If you want a grill and air fryer in one, the Ninja AG301 is a great pick. It’s even better if you want to make healthy snacks like jerky or dried fruit. I’d suggest it for singles, couples, or small families who want fast meals and a little food creativity.

If you never plan to dehydrate, the AG300 is cheaper and makes more sense. But if you like the idea of homemade snacks, the AG301 is worth the upgrade.

For me, the Ninja AG301 added more flexibility in the kitchen. It grills, air fries, and roasts with ease. The dehydrate mode gave me new options I didn’t expect. If you want an indoor grill that goes beyond the basics, this is the one to get.

Ninja AG300 vs AG301: Detailed Comparison

I’ve cooked with both the Ninja AG300 and AG301, and they are very close. Both grill, air crisp, roast, and bake. The big difference is that the AG301 adds Dehydrate. That small extra function changes how you can use it. Here’s how they compare side by side in real use.

Functions: Ninja AG300 vs AG301

Both models do the basics. The AG301 goes further with dehydrate. I used it for jerky and fruit snacks, but not everyone will need it.

Rating: AG300 – 8/10 | AG301 – 9/10

Cooking Capacity: Ninja AG300 vs AG301

Both are the same size. I cooked burgers, chicken, and fries. Each held about four steaks or two pounds of fries.

Rating: AG300 – 8/10 | AG301 – 8/10

Temperature Range: Ninja AG300 vs AG301

Both share the same high heat for grilling. The AG301 adds a much lower setting for dehydrating. That gave me more options when drying fruit.

Rating: AG300 – 8/10 | AG301 – 9/10

Preheat Time: Ninja AG300 vs AG301

Both take a little time to warm up. I waited about 8–10 minutes before grilling. It’s not instant, but still faster than heating an oven.

Rating: AG300 – 7/10 | AG301 – 7/10

Build Quality: Ninja AG300 vs AG301

The build feels solid in both. After weeks of use, the ceramic coating still held up. Cleaning was simple with a quick wipe or rinse.

Rating: AG300 – 9/10 | AG301 – 9/10

Performance: Ninja AG300 vs AG301

Cooking results were almost the same. Both grilled well and made crispy fries. The AG301 only stood out for snacks.

Rating: AG300 – 8/10 | AG301 – 9/10

Ease of Use: Ninja AG300 vs AG301

Both are simple to use. The controls are clear, and cleanup was quick. The AG301 takes longer only if you use dehydrate, since it runs for hours.

Rating: AG300 – 9/10 | AG301 – 8/10

Value for Money: Ninja AG300 vs AG301

Here’s where you decide. The AG300 is cheaper and covers the basics. The AG301 costs more, but adds dehydrate.

Rating: AG300 – 9/10 | AG301 – 8/10

Overall: Ninja AG300 vs AG301

Both are strong. Pick based on what you need. If you want a solid grill and air fryer, the AG300 is enough. If you’ll use dehydrate for jerky or fruit, the AG301 is worth it.

Rating: Both – 8.5/10

FAQs About Ninja AG300 vs AG301