When comparing the Ninja AG301 and EG201, it’s easy to see why both are popular choices for grilling enthusiasts. These versatile grills make indoor grilling quick and simple, offering a range of features to satisfy different needs. Whether you’re cooking up steaks or vegetables, choosing the right one can make a huge difference.
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Ninja AG301 Review
At first glance, the Ninja AG301 feels like a versatile and powerful kitchen tool. It promises to grill, air fry, and crisp food with ease, which piqued my interest right away.
What I Like
- Versatility: It’s not just a grill; it air fries, roasts, and even bakes! This makes it a multi-purpose gadget, reducing the need for other appliances in the kitchen.
- Cooks from Frozen: One of its standout features is cooking frozen food without the need for defrosting. Meals can go from frozen to perfectly grilled in under 25 minutes. Great for those last-minute dinner plans.
- Healthy Cooking: With the air fryer function, you can crisp food with up to 75% less fat compared to deep frying. It’s a great option for those looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor.
- Easy to Clean: The grill grate, crisper basket, and cooking pot have a nonstick coating and are dishwasher safe, so cleaning is easy.
- Compact and Powerful: Despite being compact enough to sit on the counter, it packs the power of an outdoor grill. Perfect for small spaces but still performs like a bigger machine.
What Could Be Better
- Smoke Issues: Though it says it is ‘virtually smoke-free,’ many users, like me, saw smoke while grilling. This can be a problem, especially in small kitchens or apartments.
- Preheat Noise: The preheating phase can be quite loud. It doesn’t last long, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re in a small space or cooking early in the morning.
- Grilling Overcooking: The recommended times for grilling tend to lean toward well-done. If you prefer medium-rare, you’ll need to shave off a couple of minutes or risk overcooking.
- Challenging to Clean in Some Areas: While most of the appliance is easy to clean, getting into the nooks and crannies around the top splatter shield can be tricky. I’ve had a few minor cuts trying to clean it thoroughly.
My Personal Cooking Experience
As someone who enjoys grilling and air frying, the Ninja AG301 has made my cooking life easier and more enjoyable. Here are a couple of standout experiences:
- Frozen Chicken to Perfection: One evening, I had forgotten to defrost chicken for dinner. I placed the frozen chicken breasts straight onto the grill. In less than 25 minutes, they were perfectly char-grilled, juicy, and flavorful. This feature is a lifesaver when you’re short on time.
- Crispy, Guilt-Free Fries: I used the air fryer to make fries, and they came out crispy and delicious with just a tiny bit of oil. Compared to my old deep fryer, this felt like a much healthier option, without sacrificing any crunch.
- Quick Dinners: I love that I can throw burgers or fish onto the grill and have a quick, satisfying dinner ready in minutes. I’ve learned to take food off a bit earlier than the recommended times for perfect results every time.
Recommendation
The Ninja AG301 is perfect for those who want the power of outdoor grilling without the hassle. It’s great for families, busy professionals, or anyone looking to reduce fat in their meals with the air fryer function. If you live in an apartment and miss the outdoor grill experience, this is for you.
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However, if you’re buying it primarily for grilling, you may want to research further, especially if smoke is an issue for you. Additionally, if you prefer your food on the rare side, be ready to experiment with cook times.
In conclusion, the Ninja AG301 is a versatile, time-saving appliance with plenty of strengths. With a few minor tweaks and adjustments, it can easily become a favourite in your kitchen.
Ninja EG201 Review
The Ninja EG201 is an all-in-one indoor grill and air fryer that promises convenience, versatility, and ease of use. It quickly caught my attention with its sleek design and promises of effortless cooking.
What I Like
- 6-in-1 Functionality: The Ninja EG201 can grill, air fry, roast, bake, broil, and even dehydrate! This makes it a versatile appliance that can replace multiple gadgets in the kitchen. I love that it can handle so many cooking styles in one compact unit.
- Cyclonic Grilling Technology: This grill uses 500°F air to sear food and deliver perfect grill marks without the hassle of outdoor grilling. I was impressed by how quickly it char-grilled meats and vegetables while keeping them tender and juicy.
- Healthier Cooking: The air crisping function reduces fat by up to 75% compared to traditional frying methods. It’s ideal for guilt-free indulgences, especially when craving crispy fries or chicken wings.
- Compact and Easy to Clean: Despite offering many features, the Ninja EG201 fits nicely on the counter. Cleaning is a breeze since all parts are dishwasher-safe, and the nonstick ceramic coating wipes clean with little effort.
What Could Be Better
- Lid Height: The space between the grill grate and the lid feels a bit tight. If you’re grilling thicker cuts of meat, like a large steak or roast, it might be a snug fit. An extra inch of height would make a world of difference.
- Timer Limit: The grill timer maxes out at 30 minutes, which can be a limitation if you like slow-cooking meats. You’ll need to manually extend the cooking time, which can interrupt the flow if you’re multitasking.
- Cleaning the Heating Element: While most parts are easy to clean, the heating element can get dirty and is tricky to wipe down without causing damage. The fact that water can’t be used directly on it makes cleaning a bit of a challenge.
My Personal Cooking Experience
I’ve used the Ninja EG201 for various meals, and it has changed my cooking routine in the best way.
- Air-Fried Chicken Wings: I love a good plate of crispy chicken wings. The Ninja did a great job—crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and healthier than traditional frying. Plus, cleanup was simple, which makes this a go-to for me on busy nights.
- Grilled Veggies: I wasn’t expecting the veggies to turn out so well! The grill gave them that smoky, charred flavor I usually only get with an outdoor BBQ. Even better, it did this without smoking up the kitchen.
- Baking Biscuits: Believe it or not, I’ve even baked biscuits in this grill! They turned out perfectly golden and soft. This makes it ideal for quick breakfasts or side dishes without heating up the whole oven.
Recommendation
The Ninja EG201 is perfect for:
- Busy home cooks who want a versatile appliance that can grill, fry, and bake with minimal cleanup.
- Health-conscious eaters looking to reduce fat without sacrificing flavor.
- Small kitchen owners who need an all-in-one solution that doesn’t take up too much counter space.
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If you like cooking large cuts of meat or slow cooking, you might need to look at other options. Or, you may need to find ways to work around its limits.
In summary, the Ninja EG201 is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It’s versatile, compact, and delivers delicious results quickly. If you’re on the fence, I’d say jump in—you won’t regret it!
Read More: Kitchen Essentials for First Apartment
Ninja AG301 vs EG201: Performance Comparison for Indoor Grills
Both the Ninja AG301 and EG201 are great performers. The AG301 cooks quickly and evenly. I was impressed with how it air-fried crispy chicken wings. It heats up fast, so meals are ready sooner.
The EG201, while slightly slower to preheat, holds its own with its steady performance. It’s great for grilling and roasting, but I noticed it can take a little longer when air frying larger quantities. If speed and crispiness are your top priorities, the AG301 might have the edge. But for consistent, well-cooked results, both models do an excellent job.
Winner: AG301 for speed and high-temp cooking.
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Ninja AG301 vs EG201: Which Indoor Grill is Easier to Use?
Both models are easy to use, but there is a small difference in how they feel. The AG301’s controls are simple and clear. The buttons are easy to understand, and the preset options make cooking easier for air frying, grilling, and drying food. However, cleaning the grill plate can be tricky, especially after cooking greasy foods.
The EG201, on the other hand, feels a bit more streamlined. The basket is easy to remove and clean, and it’s lighter than the AG301. Its simplicity might appeal to someone looking for basic functionality without needing to scroll through multiple settings. It’s more straightforward and easier to maintain for everyday cooking.
Winner: EG201 for simplicity and ease of cleaning.
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Ninja AG301 vs EG201: Best Value Indoor Grill for Your Budget
Both models give good value, but they differ based on what you need. The AG301 has more features, like a higher heat range and a dehydrating option. It’s great for those who like trying different ways of cooking or want a versatile tool. For the price, the extra features make sense, especially if you use all the settings.
The EG201 is more affordable and delivers on the core functions without the extra bells and whistles. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a reliable air fryer and grill without the extra cost. Personally, if you’re not in need of all the extras, the EG201 feels like a smarter buy for everyday grilling and air frying.
Winner: EG201 for a budget-friendly option.
Read More: Ninja SP101 vs SP201
Overall: Ninja AG301 vs EG201
In the end, the choice depends on what you value most. The AG301 shines with its flexibility, higher heat, and many functions. It’s a great pick for someone who enjoys trying new cooking methods and wants one appliance to handle it all. The EG201 stands out for its simplicity, ease of use, and low cost. It’s the best choice for someone who wants basic features and is mainly focused on grilling and air frying without the extras.
Winner: AG301 for versatility; EG201 for everyday simplicity.
Comparison Table: Ninja AG301 vs EG201
| Feature | Ninja AG301 | Ninja EG201 |
|---|---|---|
| Functions | Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate | Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate |
| Cooking Speed | Fast (High Heat, Quicker Preheat) | Slightly Slower Preheat |
| Best For | Versatile Cooking Needs | Budget-Friendly Grilling & Air Frying |
| Ease of Cleaning | Easy, but tricky in some areas | Easier to Clean Overall |
| Compact Size | Compact but slightly bulkier | More Compact |
| Price Range | Mid-Range | More Affordable |
| Ideal User | Home chefs who enjoy versatility | People looking for simple grilling/air frying |
FAQs for Ninja AG301 vs EG201
What are the main differences between Ninja AG301 and EG201?
The Ninja AG301 is more versatile, offering higher heat, dehydrating, and quick cooking features. The Ninja EG201 focuses more on simple grilling and air frying with a lower price tag.
Can the Ninja AG301 cook frozen food?
Yes, the Ninja AG301 can cook frozen food. It grills food from frozen to cooked in about 25 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute meals.
Does the Ninja EG201 take longer to cook food compared to AG301?
The Ninja EG201 takes slightly longer to cook, especially when air frying larger quantities. The Ninja AG301 is faster with higher heat.
Is the Ninja EG201 easy to clean?
Yes, the Ninja EG201 is easy to clean. All parts are dishwasher safe, and it has a nonstick coating for quick wipe-downs.
Does Ninja AG301 offer healthier cooking?
Yes, the Ninja AG301 has an air fryer function that reduces fat by up to 75% compared to deep frying.
How do I clean the Ninja EG201?
Unplug the grill and let it cool. Wash removable parts like the grill grate, crisper basket, and splatter shield with soapy water or in the dishwasher. Wipe the interior and exterior with a damp cloth. Reassemble when dry.
Can I put the Ninja EG201 parts in the dishwasher?
Yes, the grill grate, crisper basket, cooking pot, and splatter shield are dishwasher safe.
How do I clean the splatter shield on the Ninja EG201?
Remove the splatter shield, soak it in warm soapy water, scrub with a non-abrasive brush, and rinse thoroughly.
Can I use abrasive scrubbers on the Ninja EG201?
No, avoid abrasive scrubbers as they can damage the non-stick coating. Use a soft sponge or brush instead.