If you’re torn between the Ninja AG301 and the Ninja EG201, you’re not alone. Both models pack serious grilling, air-frying, roasting, baking, and dehydrating capabilities — but they have subtle differences that could make one a better fit for your kitchen and cooking style.
Main Difference Between Ninja AG301 and EG201
The main difference lies in their functionality and refinement: the EG201 is a more advanced, second-generation model that adds a Broil function (making it 6-in-1 vs. AG301’s 5-in-1), incorporates a smoke control system, and features a more intuitive Grill Control display. While both use Ninja’s 500 °F Cyclonic Grilling Technology, the EG201 offers improved airflow, better usability, and a sleeker design. :content Reference
Product Overviews
Ninja AG301: Key Features
- 5-in-1 functionality: Grill, Air Crisp (Air Fry), Roast, Bake, Dehydrate. content Reference
- 500 °F Cyclonic Grilling Technology provides surround searing and char-grill marks. :content Reference
- Transforms frozen food to char-grilled in ~25 minutes. :content Reference
- Non-stick, PTFE/PFOA-free ceramic-coated grill grate, crisper basket, and cooking pot are dishwasher-safe. :content Reference
- Digital programmable controls, including temperature and mode selection. :content Reference
- Dimensions: 14.9″ D × 14.9″ W × 11.02″ H. :content Reference
- Power: ~1760 W. :content Reference
Ninja EG201: Key Features
- 6-in-1 functionality: Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate. :content Reference
- 500 °F Cyclonic Grilling Technology, just like the AG301. :content Reference
- Smoke control system: splatter shield + cool-air zone + temperature-controlled grill grate helps reduce smoke. :content Reference
- Intuitive display with “Grill Control” settings: Low, Medium, High, Max for more precise doneness control. :content Reference
- Same transform-from-frozen-to-char-grilled capability in ~25 minutes. :content Reference
- Dishwasher-safe ceramic-coated parts. :content Reference
- Dimensions: 17.16″ D × 14.19″ W × 11.02″ H. :content Reference
- Power: 1760 W (same as AG301). :content Reference
- Weight: around 21.5 lb per comparative sources. :content Reference
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feature | Ninja AG301 | Ninja EG201 |
|---|---|---|
| Functions | 5-in-1 (Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate) :contentReference | 6-in-1 (adds Broil) :contentReference |
| Max Temp | 500 °F :contentReference | 500 °F :contentReference |
| Smoke Control | No or less advanced :contentReference | Yes — splatter shield + cool-air zone :contentReference |
| Control / Display | Programmable digital | Intuitive GrillControl (Low / Med / High / Max) :contentReference |
| Dimensions (D × W × H) | 14.9″ × 14.9″ × 11.02″ :contentReference | 17.16″ × 14.19″ × 11.02″ :contentReference |
| Wattage / Power | 1760 W :contentReference | 1760 W :contentReference |
| Cleaning / Coating | Ceramic non-stick, dishwasher-safe parts :contentReference | Same ceramic non-stick, dishwasher-safe :contentReference |
| Weight | ~20 lb / ~9.07 kg :content Reference | ~21.5 lb per review sources :content Reference |
- THE ORIGINAL NINJA FOODI GRILL: The grill that sears, sizzles, and air fry crisps. Indoor...
- CYCLONIC GRILLING TECHNOLOGY: Uses 500°F cyclonic air to perfectly cook or char grill...
- OUTDOOR GRILLING POWER ON YOUR COUNTERTOP: With the BTU cooking power of an outdoor grill,...
- FORGET ABOUT DEFROSTING: Transform foods from frozen to perfectly char grilled in under 25...
- UP TO 75% LESS FAT: Air fry crisp with up to 75% less fat than deep frying (tested against...
- NINJA FOODI GRILL: The grill that sears, sizzles, and air fry crisps. New exterior look...
- 6 VERSATILE FUNCTIONS: Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate functions...
- CYCLONIC GRILLING TECHNOLOGY: Uses 500°F cyclonic air to perfectly cook or char-grill...
- UP TO 75% LESS FAT: Air fry crisp with up to 75% less fat than deep frying (tested against...
- FORGET ABOUT DEFROSTING: Transform foods from frozen to perfectly char-grilled in under 25...
Performance Comparison
Grilling and Searing Power
Both models use Ninja’s Cyclonic Grilling Technology, which circulates super-hot 500 °F air around your food for surround searing. This gives you real char-grill marks and excellent flavor without the need to use an outdoor grill. :content Reference
Because both have similar wattage (1760 W), their raw searing power is nearly identical. However, some users note that the EG201’s improved airflow leads to more even browning and consistency. :content Reference
Cooking Versatility
– **AG301**: Its 5 cooking modes are more than enough for many users — grilling, air-frying (air crisp), roasting, baking, and dehydrating. :content Reference
– **EG201**: Adds a *Broil* mode, which is useful for finishing dishes (e.g., giving a crispy top to lasagna or melting cheese). This makes it more versatile. :contentReference
The inclusion of Broil in EG201 gives it an edge for users who want more flexibility, especially for gourmet or finishing touches.
Smoke and Odor Control
One of the major upgrades in the EG201 is its **smoke control system**. The design includes a splatter shield, a cool-air zone, and a temperature-controlled grate to reduce smoke escaping into the kitchen. :content Reference
In contrast, while the AG301 is already relatively “indoor-friendly,” it lacks some of the refined smoke-limiting design elements of the EG201. :content Reference
If you live in a small apartment or have limited ventilation, the EG201 may feel cleaner during use.
User Interface & Controls
– AG301 offers a **programmable digital interface**, letting you set mode, temperature, and time manually. :contentReference
– EG201 upgrades this with an **intuitive GrillControl display** and preset levels (Low, Medium, High, Max), making it easier to adjust doneness without guessing. :contentReference
This difference may matter if you prefer more guided settings vs. flexible manual control.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Both units use **ceramic-coated, dishwasher-safe parts** (grill grate, crisper basket, cooking pot), which makes cleanup relatively easy. :contentReference
Because the EG201 has a splatter shield and other smoke-control parts, you may need to clean extra components, but many find the trade-off worthwhile for reduced smoke.
Size & Countertop Impact
The **AG301** is more compact (14.9″ × 14.9″), which makes it slightly friendlier for small kitchens. :contentReference[oaicite:41]{index=41}
The **EG201**, being a bit deeper (17.16″ D), takes up more room but still fits on many countertops. :contentReference[oaicite:42]{index=42}
If footprint and storage are big considerations, AG301 may be more manageable; but if you have space, EG201 gives more in function for the area.
Energy Usage & Efficiency
Since both run at around **1760 W**, their power consumption during operation will be very similar.
Because EG201’s airflow is optimized, some users argue that it maintains temperature more steadily, which could result in **slightly more efficient cooking** — but real-world differences in electricity cost will likely be small.
Value & Pricing Considerations
– The AG301 is often slightly more affordable in terms of base price, depending on seller and region. :contentReference
– The EG201, although newer and more feature-rich, justifies its price with added functions (Broil), usability, and refinement. :contentReference
If you’re after value + core functionality, the AG301 holds up well. But if you grill often and want a more future-proof, refined appliance, EG201 may represent a better long-term buy.
Which One Should You Choose?
Here are some scenarios to help decide which model is right for you:
– **Choose the AG301 if you**:
– Want a reliable, all-around indoor grill without paying for extra mode you may rarely use.
– Have limited counter space and prefer a more compact unit.
– Value direct manual control and don’t mind slightly more smoke given adequate ventilation.
– **Choose the EG201 if you**:
– Appreciate the added **Broil function** for finishing or crisping dishes.
– Grill indoors frequently and want a **smoke-control system** for less odor and cleaner air.
– Prefer a more polished user interface (GrillControl presets) and an updated design.
Pros & Cons at a Glance
AG301 Pros:
– Powerful 500 °F searing with Cyclonic Grilling. :content Reference
– 5 versatile cooking functions.
– Compact footprint. :content Reference
– Non-stick, dishwasher-safe ceramic parts for easy cleanup. :content Reference
– Transforms frozen food to char-grilled in ~25 minutes. :content Reference
AG301 Cons:
– No dedicated Broil function.
– Slightly more smoke compared to smoke-controlled models.
– Basic control panel (vs. presets in newer models).
EG201 Pros:
– 6-in-1 functionality including Broil for extra versatility. :content Reference
– Smoke control system reduces kitchen smoke. :content Reference}
– Intuitive Grill Control display for better user experience. :content Reference
– Same 500 °F powerful searing. :content Reference
– Dishwasher-safe non-stick ceramic parts. :content Reference
EG201 Cons:
– Larger footprint; takes more countertop space. :content Reference
– Slightly heavier. :content Reference
– Possibly more expensive due to added function and newer generation.
Final Verdict
Both the Ninja **AG301** and **EG201** are excellent indoor grills, offering high-heat grilling, air frying, roasting, baking, and dehydrating. The AG301 is a tried-and-true model that delivers core performance with a smaller footprint, while the EG201 refines the experience with better smoke control, a Broil function, and a more intuitive interface.
If you want to maximize **versatility and ease of use**, go for the **Ninja EG201**. But if you just need a solid, powerful indoor grill without the extras, the **Ninja AG301** remains a compelling, cost-effective choice.
