Ninja SP301 Vs SP351: Which Dual Heat Air Fry Oven Actually Wins?
Both ovens sear, air fry, bake, and dehydrate with the same 1800-watt Dual Heat system. Only one adds a built-in thermometer that takes the guesswork out of doneness.
Quick answer: the main difference between the Ninja SP301 and the Ninja SP351 is the built-in Foodi Smart Thermometer on the SP351 — everything else, from wattage to interior capacity, is nearly identical.
SP351 Wins on FeaturesCompare Current Prices
If you have narrowed your countertop oven search down to two Ninja Foodi models, you have probably noticed the SP301 and SP351 look nearly identical in photos, share the same 13-in-1 function list, and carry almost the same footprint. That similarity is exactly why so many shoppers get stuck comparing them line by line without finding a clear answer.
This guide breaks the two models down feature by feature, from the shared Dual Heat Technology and 1800-watt heating system to the one meaningful hardware difference that separates them: the integrated Foodi Smart Thermometer. We will also walk through real-world use cases, so you can match the right oven to how you actually cook.
By the end, you will know exactly which model fits your kitchen, whether that is the value-focused SP301 or the thermometer-equipped SP351.
Model Overview
Ninja SP301
The Ninja SP301 is a 13-in-1 Dual Heat Air Fry Oven built around a directly heated SearPlate and rapid cyclonic air that both reach up to 500°F. It handles air frying, searing, roasting, baking, broiling, toasting, and dehydrating from a single 1800-watt unit, then flips up and away to reclaim counter space when it is not in use.
- 13 cooking functions in one countertop unit
- Dual Heat Technology up to 500°F
- Flip up and away storage design
- Includes Air Fry Basket, SearPlate, Wire Rack, Crumb Tray
Ninja SP351
The Ninja SP351 carries the exact same 13-in-1 Dual Heat platform as the SP301, then adds a Foodi Smart Thermometer and Smart Cook System. Insert the probe into a roast or chicken breast, choose a doneness level, and the oven adjusts cook time so you are not guessing when protein is done.
- Everything the SP301 offers, plus a built-in probe
- Smart Cook System with rare-to-well-done presets
- Same 1800-watt Dual Heat performance
- Includes the same accessories, plus the Smart Thermometer
Full Specs Table
| Spec | Ninja SP301 | Ninja SP351 |
|---|---|---|
| Wattage | 1800 watts | 1800 watts |
| Cooking Functions | 13-in-1 | 13-in-1 |
| Max Temperature | Up to 500°F (SearPlate & cyclonic air) | Up to 500°F (SearPlate & cyclonic air) |
| Heating System | Dual Heat Technology | Dual Heat Technology |
| Smart Thermometer | Not included | Included, integrated Smart Cook System |
| Preheat Time (Air Oven functions) | ~60 seconds | ~60 seconds |
| Cooking Speed vs Full-Size Oven | Up to 65% faster | Up to 65% faster |
| Fat Reduction vs Deep Frying | Up to 75% less fat | Up to 75% less fat |
| Max Roast Size | 2-lb roast | 2-lb roast |
| Chicken Breast Capacity | Up to 6 breasts | Up to 6 breasts |
| Air Fry Ingredient Capacity | Up to 4 lbs | Up to 4 lbs |
| Toast Capacity | Up to 9 slices | Up to 9 slices |
| Bagel Capacity | Up to 6 halves | Up to 6 halves |
| Storage Design | Flip up and away, ~45% less counter space | Flip up and away, ~45% less counter space |
| Included Accessories | Air Fry Basket, SearPlate, Wire Rack, Crumb Tray | Air Fry Basket, SearPlate, Wire Rack, Crumb Tray, Smart Thermometer |
| Finish | Silver | Silver |
Smart Technology: Where the SP351 Pulls Ahead
The main difference between the Ninja SP301 and the Ninja SP351 comes down to one component: the Foodi Smart Thermometer. On the SP351, a probe plugs into a dedicated jack on the side of the unit. Once connected, you select a cook function such as Sear Crisp or Air Roast, press PRESET, choose a food type, and set a doneness level from rare to well done.
The oven then monitors the internal temperature of the food in real time and stops cooking, or signals you, once your target doneness is reached. This matters most with thicker proteins like roasts, whole chicken, or pork loin, where visual cues alone are unreliable.
The SP301 has no jack for a probe and cannot be retrofitted with one later, since the Smart Cook firmware is built into the SP35X series controller. If you already lean on a separate meat thermometer and do not mind checking it manually, this difference will matter far less to you.
Capacity & Batch Size
Both ovens share the exact same XL interior, so neither model gives you more physical room than the other. You can fit up to six chicken breasts, a 2-pound roast, or 4 pounds of air fry ingredients in either unit. Toast capacity tops out at nine slices, and the wire rack holds up to six bagel halves cut-side up.
Because the interior dimensions are identical, batch cooking for a family of four to six works the same way on the SP301 and SP351. The only capacity-adjacent consideration is that inserting the Smart Thermometer on the SP351 does take up a small amount of clearance around whatever protein you are probing, though it does not reduce the usable pan area.
Design & Build Quality
Both models use the same flip-up-and-away housing, letting you tilt the oven back against a backsplash to reclaim roughly 45% of your counter space when it is not cooking. The SearPlate, wire rack, and air fry basket are shared parts across both units, and both come in a silver finish with a digital touch control panel.
The SP351 adds a small storage wrap on the side of the housing to coil the thermometer cord when it is not in use, which is the only visible external difference between the two ovens. Fit and finish otherwise feel the same, since both are built on the same chassis and share the same 1800-watt heating core.
Real-World Performance
Because the SP301 and SP351 use identical Dual Heat Technology, cooking speed and results are effectively the same across both models. Air Oven functions are ready to cook in about 60 seconds, and both ovens claim up to 65% faster cooking than a full-size electric oven.
Searing performance is also matched: the directly heated SearPlate and rapid cyclonic air work together on both units to deliver a cast-iron-like sear on proteins and a crisp, browned edge on pizza crust. The only place performance diverges is doneness accuracy on thick cuts, where the SP351's thermometer gives you a repeatable, temperature-based result instead of relying on timing and experience alone.
Best Use Cases for Each Model
Weeknight Air Frying
Wings, fries, and frozen snacks cook the same way on either unit since airflow and wattage are identical.
TieWhole Roasts & Large Proteins
The Smart Thermometer helps you hit exact doneness on a roast or whole chicken without cutting into it to check.
SP351Budget-Conscious Upgrades
If you are replacing an older toaster oven and want the 13-in-1 Dual Heat experience for less, the SP301 covers it.
SP301Bakery-Style Pizza & Bread
Fresh and frozen pizza settings, plus the SearPlate's crisping effect, perform identically on both models.
TieMeal Prep & Dehydrating
Batch dehydrating meats, fruits, and vegetables works the same way regardless of which model you choose.
TieNew or Less Confident Cooks
The guided doneness presets on the SP351 remove a lot of the guesswork that trips up newer cooks on thicker cuts.
SP351Pros & Cons
Ninja SP301
Pros
- Lower price for the same core Dual Heat performance
- Identical 13 cooking functions to the SP351
- Same XL interior capacity
- Simple control layout without extra thermometer prompts
Cons
- No built-in doneness guidance for large proteins
- Cannot be upgraded with a thermometer later
- Relies on manual checking for roasts and whole chicken
Ninja SP351
Pros
- Integrated Smart Thermometer for precise doneness
- Same 13-in-1 versatility as the SP301
- Great for roasts, whole chicken, and thick cuts
- Reduces guesswork for less experienced cooks
Cons
- Higher price for the added thermometer hardware
- Thermometer cord needs to be managed and stored
- No real advantage for quick air fry tasks
Final Verdict
The main difference between the Ninja SP301 and the Ninja SP351 is not power, capacity, or build quality, since those are shared across both ovens. It is the integrated Foodi Smart Thermometer, which turns the SP351 into the better pick for anyone who regularly cooks roasts, whole chicken, or other thick proteins and wants a reliable, temperature-based way to hit doneness.
If your cooking leans toward air frying, toasting, baking, and quick reheating, the SP301 gives you the same Dual Heat performance for a lower price, since you are less likely to lean on a probe thermometer day to day.
Our Pick: Ninja SP351
For most households that cook a mix of quick air fry meals and occasional roasts or whole chicken, the SP351's Smart Thermometer earns its keep. Budget shoppers who mainly air fry and toast will do just as well with the SP301.
Which Should You Buy?
| If You... | Choose |
|---|---|
| Want the lowest price for 13-in-1 Dual Heat cooking | Ninja SP301 |
| Regularly cook roasts, whole chicken, or thick cuts | Ninja SP351 |
| Are a newer cook who wants guided doneness | Ninja SP351 |
| Mainly air fry, toast, and reheat leftovers | Ninja SP301 |
| Already own a reliable separate meat thermometer | Ninja SP301 |
| Want the most complete feature set available | Ninja SP351 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Ninja SP301 and the Ninja SP351?
The main difference between the Ninja SP301 and the Ninja SP351 is the integrated Foodi Smart Thermometer and Smart Cook System on the SP351, which the SP301 does not include. Every other core spec, including the 13 cooking functions, 1800-watt Dual Heat system, and interior capacity, is essentially identical.
Is the Ninja SP351 worth the extra cost over the SP301?
If you frequently cook roasts, whole chickens, or thick cuts of meat and want a probe thermometer that helps you hit exact doneness, the SP351 is worth the extra cost. If you rarely cook large proteins, the SP301 delivers the same core performance for less.
Do the SP301 and SP351 have the same wattage?
Yes, both models run on 1800 watts and share the same Dual Heat Technology, reaching up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit with the SearPlate and cyclonic air working together.
Can the Ninja SP301 be upgraded with a thermometer later?
The SP301 does not have the internal jack and firmware needed to support the Foodi Smart Thermometer, so it cannot be retrofitted. Only the SP35X series is built to accept the probe.
Do both ovens fit the same size of food?
Yes, both the SP301 and SP351 share the same XL interior, fitting up to six chicken breasts, a 2-pound roast, up to 4 pounds of air fry ingredients, 9 slices of toast, or 6 bagel halves at once.
Which model cooks faster, the SP301 or the SP351?
Cooking speed is the same on both models since they share identical heating elements, wattage, and airflow design. Both preheat Air Oven functions in about 60 seconds and cook up to 65 percent faster than a full-size electric oven.
Does the Smart Thermometer on the SP351 work with every cooking function?
The Smart Thermometer is designed primarily for functions where internal doneness matters, such as Sear Crisp, Air Roast, and Bake. It is inserted into the thickest part of the protein and paired with the PRESET doneness controls on the display.
Are the SP301 and SP351 the same size?
Yes, the external footprint and flip-up storage design are essentially the same on both units, and both save roughly 45 percent of counter space when flipped up and stored against a backsplash.
What accessories come with each model?
Both the SP301 and SP351 include a countertop oven body, an Air Fry Basket, a nonstick SearPlate, a Wire Rack, and a removable Crumb Tray. The SP351 adds the Foodi Smart Thermometer to that list.
