Ninja DG551 vs EG201 My Honest Grill Showdown

When I first searched for the best indoor grill, one debate kept popping up: Ninja DG551 vs EG201. The quick answer is simple. The DG551 is bigger and has smart features. The EG201 is smaller and easier on the budget.

I live in Chicago, where winter makes outdoor grilling tough. These two grills have been my go-to for family dinners and quick meals. After years of home cooking, I’ve learned the strengths and weak spots of each. Let me share my experience so you can see which one fits your kitchen best.

Ninja DG551 Review

I’ve been cooking at home for years, and the Ninja DG551 has become one of my favorite countertop tools. It lets me grill and air fry indoors without fuss. Instead of waiting for good weather or heating an outdoor grill, I can cook steak, chicken, or burgers right on my counter.

The best part is the smart thermometer. I set my meat to medium-rare or well-done, and the grill does the rest. No more cutting into food or guessing. This is a lifesaver when cooking for family, since everyone likes their food cooked a little different.

The grill feels sturdy and powerful. It heats up fast, holds steady heat, and makes real grill marks. It is a big machine, so it takes space, but I keep it out because I use it almost every day.

What I Like

• Fast preheat: It gets hot in about 10 minutes, much quicker than my oven.
• Smart thermometer: No guesswork. I can walk away and come back to food cooked just right.
• XL grill grate: The rectangle shape fits several chicken breasts or steaks at once. Great for family meals.
• Even cooking: Veggies, salmon, or meat all cook through without dry spots.
• Durable feel: The dark grey and steel finish looks sleek and has held up well.

What Could Be Better

• Heavy and tall: At almost 27 pounds, it’s not easy to move. It also sits high, so opening under cabinets can be tricky.
• Cleaning takes effort: The splatter shield and basket need scrubbing after greasy meals. Soaking right after use helps.
• Price point: At around $300, it’s an investment. Cheaper Ninja grills work fine but lack the smart features.
• Learning curve with the probe: It works well, but the first few tries took adjustment to avoid overcooking.

Ninja DG551 Overview

Feature	Details
Grill Surface Area	108 sq. in. (9″ × 12″ rectangular)
Functions	6-in-1: Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate
Power	1760 Watts
Smart Feature	Integrated Foodi Smart Thermometer
Capacity	Fits 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs
Preheat Time	About 10 minutes
Weight	26.9 lbs
Finish	Dark Grey + Stainless Steel

Recommendation

If you want easy indoor grilling, the Ninja DG551 is worth it. I recommend it for:

• Families who cook for three or more.
• Busy home cooks who want consistent results.
• Anyone who loves automation and grilled meats.

Skip it if:

• You have very little counter space.
• You want a light, easy-to-store appliance.
• You don’t need a smart thermometer and want to save money (the Ninja EG201 is a solid lower-cost pick).

For me, the Ninja DG551 has replaced my oven for many meals. It makes weeknight cooking simple and delivers food that tastes like it came off an outdoor grill—even in winter.

Ninja EG201 Review

I’ve used the Ninja EG201 for everyday meals, and it has turned into one of my go-to tools. It grills, air crisps, roasts, bakes, broils, and even dehydrates—all in one machine. For me, it’s most helpful on busy nights when I don’t want to turn on the big oven.

The square grill grate fits a few chicken breasts or burgers. The air crisp plate is great for fries or veggies. I also like that it has a lower profile than bigger models like the DG551. It slides under my cabinets, so I can leave it out without worry.

This model doesn’t come with a smart thermometer. That hasn’t been a problem, though. I just use my instant-read thermometer when I need to check food. The controls are simple. Touch buttons let me pick grill levels from Low to Max, and they’re easy to adjust while cooking.

What I Like

• Compact height: Fits under my cabinets, so I can keep it on the counter.
• Air crisp plate: Fries and nuggets come out golden with little oil. Cleanup is faster than with mesh baskets.
• Fast heat: Preheats in about 8 minutes, which is quick for weeknight meals.
• Square grill grate: Holds burgers or salmon neatly. A good size for small family meals.
• Value for money: At around $180 on sale, it offers the same core 6-in-1 features as pricier Ninja grills.

What Could Be Better

• Not as large as the DG551: Works well for 2–3 people, but cooking for bigger groups takes longer.
• Touch controls: Sleek, but feel less sturdy than physical buttons. I’d prefer a mix of both.
• Still bulky: Shorter than the DG551, but wide. At 20 pounds, it’s not fun to move in and out of storage.
• No smart thermometer: You’ll need to check doneness yourself, unless you buy the EG201WP bundle with the wireless probe.

Ninja EG201 Overview

Feature	Details
Grill Surface Area	100 sq. in. (10″ × 10″ square)
Functions	6-in-1: Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate
Power	1760 Watts
Smart Feature	Manual GrillControl (Low–Max)
Capacity	Fits up to 4 burgers or 2–3 chicken breasts
Preheat Time	About 8 minutes
Weight	20 lbs
Finish	Black + Stainless Steel

Recommendation

The Ninja EG201 is a strong pick if you want an indoor grill at a fair price. I recommend it for:

• Small families or couples who cook a few portions at a time.
• Busy people who want quick, healthy meals without using a big oven.
• Anyone with limited counter height who needs a shorter appliance.

You may want to skip it if:

• You often cook for large families or groups (the DG551 or a two-basket air fryer is better).
• You want automated cooking with a built-in thermometer.
• You need something light enough to move every day.

For me, the Ninja EG201 has been a dependable weeknight helper. It doesn’t replace my outdoor grill, but it gives me tasty, evenly cooked food year-round—with less hassle.

Ninja DG551 vs EG201: Side-by-Side Comparison

I’ve cooked with both the Ninja DG551 and the Ninja EG201. Each one has strengths. The DG551 feels like the premium model. The EG201 is more compact and easier on the wallet. Here’s how they stack up.

Grill Surface Area: Ninja DG551 vs EG201

The DG551 has more space with its rectangular grate. It’s better for family meals. The EG201 uses a square grate. It works fine for 2–3 people but holds less.

Feature	Ninja DG551	Ninja EG201
Size	108 sq. in. (9″ × 12″)	100 sq. in. (10″ × 10″)
Shape	Rectangular, fits more steaks side by side	Square, fits smaller portions
Family Fit	Good for 3–4 people	Best for 2–3 people

Rating: DG551 – 9/10, EG201 – 7/10

Heating Speed: Ninja DG551 vs EG201

Both heat up faster than a standard oven. The EG201 preheats a bit quicker. The DG551 takes longer but makes up for it with size and power.

Feature	Ninja DG551	Ninja EG201
Preheat Time	About 10 minutes	About 8 minutes
Heat Retention	Strong and steady	Good but less even with big loads
Convenience	Great for family meals	Great for quick meals

Rating: DG551 – 8/10, EG201 – 8.5/10

Smart Features: Ninja DG551 vs EG201

The DG551 includes a built-in smart thermometer. It takes the guesswork out of cooking meat. The EG201 doesn’t have one, so I use my own thermometer.

Feature	Ninja DG551	Ninja EG201
Thermometer	Built-in Foodi Smart Thermometer	None (manual check)
Cooking Modes	6-in-1	6-in-1
Automation	High—set doneness and relax	Medium—manual monitoring

Rating: DG551 – 9.5/10, EG201 – 7/10

Size and Storage: Ninja DG551 vs EG201

The DG551 is tall and heavy. It can be tricky under cabinets. The EG201 is shorter and fits better, though still wide.

Feature	Ninja DG551	Ninja EG201
Weight	26.9 lbs	20 lbs
Height	Tall, tough under cabinets	Compact, easier fit
Portability	Hard to move often	Easier but still bulky

Rating: DG551 – 7/10, EG201 – 8.5/10

Cleaning: Ninja DG551 vs EG201

Both need scrubbing after greasy meals. The DG551 takes more effort because of its size. The EG201 is easier to clean with smaller parts.

Feature	Ninja DG551	Ninja EG201
Splatter Shield	Needs soaking after fatty foods	Smaller, easier to clean
Basket/Plate	Larger, harder to scrub	Smaller, easier to handle
Overall Cleaning	More effort	Less effort

Rating: DG551 – 7/10, EG201 – 8/10

Performance: Ninja DG551 vs EG201

Both grills cook well. The DG551 wins with more even results and smart features. The EG201 shines for small meals.

Feature	Ninja DG551	Ninja EG201
Meat Results	Even doneness, great grill marks	Good results, but needs checking
Veggies	Crisp and tender	Crisp, less even on big loads
Versatility	Wide range with probe	Reliable core functions

Rating: DG551 – 9/10, EG201 – 8/10

Ease of Use: Ninja DG551 vs EG201

The DG551 makes cooking stress-free with automation. The EG201 is simple but needs more attention.

Feature	Ninja DG551	Ninja EG201
Controls	Touch + Smart Probe	Touch, manual
Learning Curve	Short, probe takes practice	Very simple
Everyday Use	Great for families	Great for quick meals

Rating: DG551 – 8.5/10, EG201 – 8/10

Value for Money: Ninja DG551 vs EG201

The DG551 costs more but has premium features. The EG201 is cheaper and still covers the basics.

Feature	Ninja DG551	Ninja EG201
Price	Around $300	Around $180 (sale)
Features for Price	Premium functions	Core functions
Long-Term Value	Worth it for frequent cooks	Strong entry-level choice

Rating: DG551 – 8/10, EG201 – 9/10

Overall: Ninja DG551 vs EG201

Both are strong picks but for different needs. The DG551 is best if you cook for family often and want automation. The EG201 is better for small meals at a lower price.

Feature	Ninja DG551	Ninja EG201
Best For	Families, serious home cooks	Couples, small families
Strength	Smart probe, larger grate	Compact, budget-friendly
Weakness	Heavy, pricey	No probe, smaller size

Rating: DG551 – 8.5/10, EG201 – 8/10

FAQs on Ninja DG551 vs EG201