Trying to choose between the Ninja AG301 vs EG201? Both are fantastic indoor grills, but they have key differences that can impact your cooking experience. After using both, I’ve noticed some standout features—and a few drawbacks—that set them apart.
If you’re looking for a grill that fits your needs, I’ll break down everything you should know so you can make the best choice. Keep reading to find out which one is right for you!
Table of Contents
Is the Ninja AG301 Good?
If you need a versatile indoor grill, the Ninja AG301 is a great pick. It grills, air fries, roasts, bakes, and dehydrates. I’ve used it for steaks, fries, and more. It cooks well and is easy to use.

The 500°F cyclonic grilling tech is a key feature. It circulates hot air to cook food evenly and create a nice sear. It’s not the same as a charcoal grill, but it comes close for an indoor option.
I’ve used the AG301 for over a year, and it’s now a kitchen essential. It heats up fast and gives consistent results. But there are a few things to know before buying.
What I Like
- Great Grilling Performance: The high heat and air circulation make grilling simple. Steaks stay juicy, and chicken gets a nice char.
- Air Frying is a Game-Changer: It makes crispy fries, onion rings, and wings with less oil. The crunch is amazing.
- Cooks from Frozen: No need to thaw meat—just pop it in. It comes out perfectly cooked. A lifesaver for busy nights.
- Easy-to-Use Controls: The buttons are clear, and presets make cooking foolproof. Grilling, roasting, or air frying—it’s all simple.
- Durable Nonstick Coating: The ceramic-coated grill, pot, and basket are nonstick and dishwasher-safe. Cleanup is easy.
What Could Be Better
- Not a True Charcoal Grill Replacement: It gives good grill marks and flavor, but it lacks the smoky taste of a charcoal grill.
- Smoke Alarm Triggering: It’s mostly smoke-free, but fatty meats like burgers can create smoke. I use it near a vent or open a window.
- Multiple Parts to Clean: Though nonstick, it has three parts to wash (grill, pot, splatter shield). Without a dishwasher, it’s a bit of work.
Recommendation
The Ninja AG301 is perfect for:
- Apartment dwellers who can’t use outdoor grills.
- Busy home cooks who need a multi-use appliance.
- Anyone wanting crispy, healthier meals with less oil.
But if you love real charcoal BBQ, this won’t fully replace it. Also, for large families, a bigger model like the Ninja Foodi XL may be better.
Final Thoughts
The Ninja AG301 is a solid indoor grill. It’s not a full outdoor grill replacement, but it’s one of the best indoor options. If you want a compact, easy-to-use grill, this is a smart buy.
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Is the Ninja EG201 Good?
If you want an indoor grill that does more than just grilling, the Ninja EG201 Foodi 6-in-1 Indoor Grill is a great choice. It grills, air fries, bakes, roasts, dehydrates, and broils—all in one appliance!

I’ve used it for a while, and it has changed the way I cook. It gives food a real grilled taste, complete with char marks, without needing propane or charcoal. It also heats up fast, so there’s no long wait like with a traditional grill.
The Cyclonic Grilling Technology ensures even cooking. No more undercooked or overcooked spots! I’ve grilled steaks, chicken, and salmon, and they always come out juicy and well-seared.
The air frying function is another huge plus. If you love crispy fries or wings but want a healthier option, this grill does the job with little to no oil. Compared to my old air fryer, the Ninja EG201 cooks more evenly and crisps better.
What I Like
- Versatile Cooking Options: The Ninja EG201 isn’t just a grill—it air fries, roasts, bakes, dehydrates, and broils. Perfect for small kitchens or anyone who wants to save counter space.
- Authentic Grill Marks & Flavor: The Cyclonic Grilling Technology cooks food evenly and gives it those classic grill marks. I’ve used it for burgers, steaks, and veggies, and they turn out just like on an outdoor grill.
- Easy to Clean: The grill grate, crisper basket, and cooking pot are all dishwasher safe. If washing by hand, just soak them in warm, soapy water and wipe them down. I’ve had no issues keeping it looking new.
What Could Be Better
- Takes Up Counter Space: It replaces multiple appliances, but it’s still bulky. If you have a small kitchen, storing it might be tricky.
- Loud Fan Noise: The fan helps cook food evenly, but it’s louder than I expected. It’s not unbearable, but it may take time to get used to.
- No Built-In Temperature Probe: Some Ninja models have a smart temperature probe—this one doesn’t. You can use a separate meat thermometer, but an integrated probe would be more convenient.
Recommendation
The Ninja EG201 is perfect for:
- Anyone who wants an indoor grill that does more than just grilling.
- Home cooks who need an all-in-one appliance for grilling, air frying, baking, and more.
- People who want crispy, healthier meals with less oil.
However, if you have limited counter space, make sure you have room for it. If noise is a concern, be aware that the fan is louder than some other appliances.
If you want a grill with a built-in temperature probe, check out models like the Ninja AG301. But overall, the Ninja EG201 is a fantastic choice for home cooks who want that outdoor grill taste—without stepping outside!
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Details Comparison: Ninja AG301 vs EG201
I’ve used both the Ninja AG301 and Ninja EG201, and while they look similar, they do have some key differences. If you’re wondering which one is better for your kitchen, this side-by-side comparison will help you decide.
Cooking Capacity: Ninja AG301 vs EG201
The cooking capacity is crucial if you cook for multiple people. Both models offer similar sizes, but there are slight variations.
Feature | Ninja AG301 | Ninja EG201 |
Cooking Capacity | 5.7 quarts | 6 quarts |
Servings | Up to 4 | Up to 5 |
Grill Surface | 100 square inches | 100 square inches |
Rating: AG301 – 8/10 | EG201 – 9/10
Temperature Control: Ninja AG301 vs EG201
Temperature control impacts how well your food cooks. Both units offer great precision, but one has an edge.
Feature | Ninja AG301 | Ninja EG201 |
Max Temperature | 500°F | 500°F |
Adjustable Settings | Yes | Yes |
Smart Cooking Features | No | Yes (Smart Cook System) |
Rating: AG301 – 8/10 | EG201 – 9/10
Basket Material: Ninja AG301 vs EG201
The material of the cooking basket determines durability and ease of cleaning.
Feature | Ninja AG301 | Ninja EG201 |
Basket Type | Non-stick, PTFE-free | Non-stick, PTFE-free |
Dishwasher Safe | Yes | Yes |
Build Quality | Sturdy | More refined |
Rating: AG301 – 8/10 | EG201 – 9/10
Preheating Time: Ninja AG301 vs EG201
Quick preheating means faster meals. Here’s how they compare:
Feature | Ninja AG301 | Ninja EG201 |
Preheat Time | 3-5 minutes | 3-5 minutes |
Preheat Indicator | No | Yes |
Performance | Good | Slightly Better |
Rating: AG301 – 8/10 | EG201 – 9/10
Cooking Consistency: Ninja AG301 vs EG201
Consistency ensures that your food is evenly cooked without constant monitoring.
Feature | Ninja AG301 | Ninja EG201 |
Even Cooking | Yes | Yes |
Smoke Control | Yes | Yes |
Advanced Heat Technology | Standard | Cyclonic Grilling Technology |
Rating: AG301 – 8/10 | EG201 – 9/10
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Performance: Ninja AG301 vs EG201
Both units perform well, but the EG201 has extra features that make cooking more efficient.
Feature | Ninja AG301 | Ninja EG201 |
Overall Performance | High | Slightly Higher |
Versatility | Good | Better |
Cooking Speeds | Fast | Faster |
Rating: AG301 – 8/10 | EG201 – 9/10
Ease of Use: Ninja AG301 vs EG201
Ease of use is key for everyday cooking. Both models are user-friendly, but the EG201 has an advantage.
Feature | Ninja AG301 | Ninja EG201 |
Control Panel | Simple | More Advanced |
Presets | Basic | Multiple |
Learning Curve | Easy | Easier |
Rating: AG301 – 8/10 | EG201 – 9/10
Value for Money: Ninja AG301 vs EG201
Which one offers more value for your money? Let’s break it down.
Feature | Ninja AG301 | Ninja EG201 |
Price | More affordable | Slightly higher |
Features | Good | Better |
Long-Term Value | Great | Excellent |
Rating: AG301 – 8/10 | EG201 – 9/10
Overall: Ninja AG301 vs EG201
Both are excellent grills, but the EG201 offers slight improvements in cooking precision and ease of use.
Feature | Ninja AG301 | Ninja EG201 |
Performance | 8/10 | 9/10 |
Ease of Use | 8/10 | 9/10 |
Value for Money | 8/10 | 9/10 |
Overall Score | 8/10 | 9/10 |
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Final Thoughts
If you want a reliable indoor grill with great cooking power, the Ninja AG301 is a solid choice. However, if you’re looking for extra convenience, better control, and improved features, the Ninja EG201 is worth the upgrade.
Either way, both models deliver great grilling results, and you can’t go wrong with either one!
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.