When I first saw the Ninja SP201 and SP301, I thought they were the same. But after using both in my small Seattle kitchen, I found some big differences.
The SP201 is fast, simple, and perfect for family meals. The SP301 adds more height and has Dual Heat for better searing. I tested them side by side with pizza, chicken, and even a roast. Here’s what I learned so you can pick the one that fits your cooking style.
Ninja SP201 Review
I have been using the Ninja SP201 Digital Air Fry Oven Pro for some time. It is now one of my favorite kitchen tools. At first, I was not sure it could replace my big oven. But after many dinners, snacks, and lunches, I reach for it more than my full oven.
Speed: The first thing I noticed was how fast it heats. It preheats in about 60–90 seconds. On busy nights, this is a big help. I roasted chicken, reheated pizza, and baked cookies without waiting for a long time. It is small but fits meals for my family of four.
Space Saver: The flip-up design is smart. My kitchen is not big. When I am done, I stand it up and get my counter space back.
What I Like
- Fast preheat – It is ready to cook in about a minute. This is great for hungry kids.
- Two-level cooking – I baked salmon and veggies on separate trays. Both were done at the same time.
- Crispy food – Toast, bagels, and pizza taste better than with my old toaster oven.
- Good size – It fits a 13″ pizza or 9 slices of toast. Enough for a family meal.
- Simple controls – The digital knob is easy to use.
What Could Be Better
- Cleaning – Grease builds up in the corners. Wiping it out takes some work.
- Air fry crispness – Fries are tasty but not as crunchy as in a basket air fryer.
- Exterior heat – The sides and top get hot. I keep kids away when it is on.
- Counter space – It is not tiny. Measure before buying if your kitchen is small.
Ninja SP201 At a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Model | Ninja SP201 Digital Air Fry Oven Pro |
| Functions | 8-in-1: Air Fry, Air Roast, Broil, Bake, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, Keep Warm |
| Power | 1800 watts |
| Temp Range | Up to 450°F |
| Capacity | 13″ pizza, 9 toast slices, 4 lbs of food |
| Preheat Time | 60–90 seconds |
| Size | 15.33″D × 20.21″W × 8.15″H |
| Weight | 21.3 lbs |
| Special Feature | Flip-up & away for storage |
| Accessories | Air Fry Basket, Sheet Pan, Wire Rack, Crumb Tray |
Recommendation
If you want a fast and flexible countertop oven, this is a great pick. It works well for small to medium families. It is ideal for busy parents or anyone who wants quick meals without heating a big oven.
I suggest it if you make pizza, roast chicken, or reheat leftovers often. The speed and flip-up design make the space worth it.
If your main goal is very crisp fries or wings, get a basket-style air fryer too. If you cook large roasts or turkeys, look at a bigger oven like the Ninja DT201.
For daily meals, the SP201 is a winner. It is small, flexible, and reliable. I use it almost every day.
Ninja SP301 Review
I have been using the Ninja SP301 Dual Heat Air Fry Countertop Oven for weeks. It feels like a big step up from other ovens I have tried. At first, I was not sure if the “dual heat” feature mattered. But after cooking chicken, pizza, and steak, I can say it does. The sear plate gets very hot. When used with the air fry mode, food comes out crisp outside and juicy inside.
Extra Space: This oven is taller than smaller models. My old oven could not fit a roast. The SP301 fits a 2-lb roast with no trouble. This makes family dinners much easier.
Smart Design: The flip-up feature is still here. My U.S. kitchen does not have a lot of counter space. When I finish cooking, I flip it up and push it back. My counter is clear again.
What I Like
- Dual Heat cooking – The SearPlate gave my chicken thighs a golden crust. The air kept them moist. Pizza crusts came out crisp.
- Fast preheat – Ready in about 60 seconds. Great for busy nights.
- Extra height – A 2-lb roast fits with ease. It feels closer to a real oven.
- Big capacity – Six chicken breasts cooked at once. Perfect for meal prep.
- Flip-up storage – Saves space. Easy to get my counter back.
- Many functions – Air Fry, Bake, Sear Crisp, Reheat, and more.
What Could Be Better
- Cleaning the SearPlate – It gets dirty fast. Takes effort to wipe clean.
- Air fry crispness – Fries are good, but not as crunchy as a basket fryer.
- Weight – At 21 lbs, it is heavy to move.
- Exterior heat – The sides and top get hot. Keep kids away when in use.
Ninja SP301 At a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Model | Ninja SP301 Dual Heat Air Fry Countertop Oven |
| Functions | 13-in-1: Air Fry, Sear Crisp, Rapid Bake, Frozen Pizza, Fresh Pizza, Griddle, Air Roast, Bake, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, Reheat |
| Power | 1800 watts |
| Temp Range | Up to 500°F |
| Capacity | 6 chicken breasts, 2-lb roast, or 4 lbs of food |
| Preheat Time | About 60 seconds |
| Size | 15.33″D × 20.21″W × 8.15″H |
| Weight | 21.3 lbs |
| Special Feature | Dual Heat + Flip-up storage |
| Accessories | Air Fry Basket, Nonstick SearPlate, Wire Rack, Crumb Tray |
Recommendation
The Ninja SP301 is a great pick if you want a countertop oven that can sear and bake. It works well for families, meal prep, and anyone who cooks pizza, chicken, or fast dinners.
If you have a small kitchen, the flip-up design saves space. It gives you power without losing your counter.
I suggest it for families of three to five or anyone wanting one tool for many jobs.
For very crisp fries or wings, a basket air fryer still wins. For big holiday meals, a large oven like the Ninja DT201 is better.
But for daily meals and quick sears, the SP301 is hard to beat. It is fast, flexible, and easy to store—a solid upgrade.
Ninja SP201 vs SP301: My Full Test
I have cooked with both the Ninja SP201 and SP301 in my own kitchen. They look the same at first. But after roasting chicken, baking pizza, and reheating leftovers, the small details showed up. Here’s how they compare so you can pick the right one.
Cooking Capacity: Ninja SP201 vs SP301
Both ovens hold a lot of food. But the SP301 is taller. When I tried a roast, the SP201 was tight. The SP301 had room to spare.
| Feature | Ninja SP201 | Ninja SP301 |
| Capacity | Fits 13″ pizza, 9 slices toast, or 4 lbs food | Fits 6 chicken breasts, 2-lb roast, or 4 lbs food |
| Height | Lower profile | More height for tall dishes |
| Best For | Family meals, pizzas | Roasts, meal prep, bigger meals |
Rating: SP201 – 8/10 | SP301 – 9/10
Temperature & Heat: Ninja SP201 vs SP301
The SP301 has Dual Heat Technology. I saw the difference when I seared meat or crisped pizza crust. The SP201 cooks well but does not hit the same sear.
| Feature | Ninja SP201 | Ninja SP301 |
| Temp Max | 450°F | 500°F |
| Heat Tech | Convection and air fry | Dual Heat with SearPlate and air circulation |
| Real Use | Best for bake, roast, reheat | Best for sear, crisp crusts, fast browning |
Rating: SP201 – 8/10 | SP301 – 9.5/10
Preheat Time: Ninja SP201 vs SP301
Both ovens are fast. They heat in under 90 seconds. This is a big help on busy nights.
| Feature | Ninja SP201 | Ninja SP301 |
| Preheat | 60–90 seconds | About 60 seconds |
| Speed Use | Meals done faster | Same speed, sear is quicker |
Rating: SP201 – 9/10 | SP301 – 9/10
Cooking Functions: Ninja SP201 vs SP301
This is where the gap grows. The SP201 has 8 functions. The SP301 jumps to 13. I liked having Sear Crisp and Griddle.
| Feature | Ninja SP201 | Ninja SP301 |
| Functions | 8-in-1: Air Fry, Air Roast, Broil, Bake, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, Keep Warm | 13-in-1: Air Fry, Sear Crisp, Rapid Bake, Frozen Pizza, Fresh Pizza, Griddle, Air Roast, Bake, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, Reheat |
| Best Use | Daily meals, baking | Wider range: searing, griddle, pizzas |
Rating: SP201 – 8/10 | SP301 – 9.5/10
Space and Design: Ninja SP201 vs SP301
Both ovens flip up to save space. In my small kitchen, this is a must. The SP301 is heavier, so I move it less.
| Feature | Ninja SP201 | Ninja SP301 |
| Flip-Up | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 21.3 lbs | 21.3 lbs |
| Space Use | Slim profile | A bit bulkier |
Rating: SP201 – 9/10 | SP301 – 8.5/10
Performance: Ninja SP201 vs SP301
Both ovens perform well. The SP201 is great for fast meals. The SP301 shines with roasts and crisping.
| Aspect | Ninja SP201 | Ninja SP301 |
| Even Cooking | Very good | Excellent |
| Crisping | Good | Great |
| Speed | Fast | Fast |
Rating: SP201 – 8.5/10 | SP301 – 9/10
Ease of Use: Ninja SP201 vs SP301
Both are simple to run. Knobs and presets work well. The SP301 has more options, which means a small learning curve.
| Feature | Ninja SP201 | Ninja SP301 |
| Controls | Digital knob | Digital knob, more functions |
| Learning Curve | Very easy | Easy, but more to learn |
Rating: SP201 – 9/10 | SP301 – 8.5/10
Value for Money: Ninja SP201 vs SP301
The SP201 costs less. It handles daily cooking with no problem. The SP301 is more money but gives more heat, height, and features.
| Feature | Ninja SP201 | Ninja SP301 |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Value | Great for basics | Great for more |
Rating: SP201 – 9/10 | SP301 – 9/10
Overall: Ninja SP201 vs SP301
Your pick depends on how you cook. The SP201 is a fast, simple oven for family meals. The SP301 is for those who want more power and features.
| Category | Ninja SP201 | Ninja SP301 |
| Performance | 8.5/10 | 9/10 |
| Ease of Use | 9/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Value | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| Overall | 8.8/10 | 9/10 |
FAQs on Ninja SP201 vs SP301
What is the main difference between the Ninja SP201 and SP301?
Which is better for family cooking, Ninja SP201 or SP301?
Does the Ninja SP301 cook faster than the SP201?
Is the Ninja SP301 worth the higher price over the SP201?
Which is easier to clean, Ninja SP201 or SP301?
