Ninja AG301 vs AG400: Which Foodi Grill Should You Buy?

Both the Ninja AG301 and the AG400 are loved by users. They bring outdoor-style grilling into your home. No smoke. No fuss. Each one works well, but they are made for different cooking styles. The AG301 keeps things simple. It is great if you want fast and tasty food without extra settings. The AG400 adds more control. It uses a built-in smart probe so your food reaches the perfect internal temperature without guesswork.

I tested both models by looking at features, real user reviews, and how each one performs. Here is what I found.

Winner Purchase Link: Ninja AG400 Foodi Pro 5-in-1

Is the Ninja Foodi AG301 Good?

Yes. The Ninja Foodi AG301 is a favorite indoor grill for a reason. It makes real grill marks. It cooks food fast. It gives you crispy fries and juicy meat. All inside one compact unit.

It uses Cyclonic Grilling Technology to push hot air around the food. It reaches up to 500°F. The heat sears the meat and keeps the juice inside. It feels like cooking on an outdoor grill.

This model works great for small spaces. If you live in an apartment, this grill will not set off smoke alarms. You can grill steak, burgers, fish, chicken, veggies, and more. The 6-quart pot and 4-quart basket offer enough space for family portions. Every cooking part is ceramic-coated and safe for the dishwasher.

It is not perfect. Some buyers noticed the air-fry basket design changed in newer versions. Others felt cleaning takes time if they do not have a dishwasher. Still, the AG301 stands out for power, versatility, and strong results.

What I Like

• Excellent searing and char-grill flavor indoors

• 500°F Cyclonic Grilling cooks food evenly and fast

• Spacious 6-quart pot + 4-quart crisper basket

• Dishwasher-safe, nonstick ceramic parts

• Reliable temperature control and sturdy build

What Could Be Better

• Cleaning can be time-consuming without a dishwasher

• Air-fry basket design varies in newer batches

• Can release slight smoke on fatty meats

Recommendation

The AG301 is ideal for families and grill fans who want a solid indoor grill. It is easy to use and powerful. It can even replace your oven for smaller meals. If you do not need smart tech or automatic temperature tracking, this model gives you the best value.

Is the Ninja Foodi AG400 Good?

Yes. The Ninja Foodi AG400 (also called the Foodi Pro Grill) builds on what the AG301 already does well. It uses the same high heat and Cyclonic Grilling Technology, but it adds one huge upgrade: a built-in smart temperature probe.

Instead of guessing if meat is cooked, the grill tracks the internal temperature for you. When the food reaches the target doneness, the machine alerts you. No cutting into meat. No lost juices.

The AG400 can Grill, Air Crisp, Bake, Roast, and Dehydrate. It feels more refined than the AG301. It runs quieter. The stainless-steel finish looks sleek. Many users say the smart probe makes grilling stress-free.

Still, some long-term users report the lid sensor may fail after heavy use. If the probe or sensor becomes faulty, repairs can be costly.

What I Like

• Smart temperature probe ensures perfect doneness

• 500°F Cyclonic Grilling gives great sear marks

• Smoke control system keeps air clean

• Easy digital controls

• Stainless-steel premium look

What Could Be Better

• Probe or lid sensor may act up after long-term use

• Smaller 4-quart capacity

• Higher price for similar core features

Recommendation

Choose the AG400 if you love precision. The smart probe removes the guesswork. You can walk away while the grill watches the temperature. If you grill often and like convenience, it is worth the upgrade. If you want more capacity and lower cost, the AG301 may be better.

Detailed Comparison: Ninja AG301 vs AG400

I compared performance, features, space, and value. Here is how they score.

Power & Temperature Range

Both the AG301 and AG400 reach 500°F. They can create real grill marks and crisp edges. The AG400’s probe brings more control because it tracks the internal temperature of the food. You can walk away, and the grill will stop heat at the right moment. The AG301 still cooks well, but you must check doneness yourself.

• AG301: 9/10

• AG400: 9.5/10

Cooking Performance

Both models cook evenly and fast. The AG301’s Cyclonic Grilling gives juicy results. The AG400 improves on that with the smart probe, which adjusts heat to avoid overcooking. If you cook thick cuts like steak or chicken breasts, the AG400 makes the process easier.

• AG301: 8.8/10

• AG400: 9.5/10

Capacity & Basket Design

The AG301 has more space. It comes with a 6-quart pot and a 4-quart crisper basket. It suits families and meal preppers. The AG400 has a 4-quart basket only. It works best for small households or single servings.

• AG301: 9/10

• AG400: 8/10

Build Quality & Design

Both are solid and durable. The AG400 looks more premium with stainless steel. The AG301 uses dark gray plastic but feels sturdy. Some AG400 users reported lid sensor problems after long use.

• AG301: 8.5/10

• AG400: 9/10

Cleaning & Maintenance

Both models include nonstick, PTFE/PFOA-free parts. Everything is dishwasher-safe. The AG301 has larger parts, which may take more room. The AG400 is smaller but needs careful cleaning around the probe and inner lid.

• AG301: 8/10

• AG400: 8.5/10

Noise & Ease of Use

Both are quiet. The AG301 has simple manual buttons. The AG400 offers digital controls and automation. New users may find the AG301 easier.

• AG301: 8.5/10

• AG400: 9/10

Reliability & Value

The AG301 has fewer electronic parts, so fewer potential issues. The AG400 offers amazing convenience, but tech parts mean more long-term risk.

• AG301: 9/10

• AG400: 8.7/10

Check The latest price on Amazon

1. Ninja AG400 Foodi Pro 5-in-1
2. Ninja Foodi AG301 5-in-1

Final Verdict

I recommend the Ninja Foodi AG400 for cooks who want perfect results with zero guesswork. The smart probe changes the way you grill.

But if you want:

• more space,

• simpler controls,

• better long-term value,

then the AG301 is still one of the most reliable indoor grills Ninja has ever made.

Overall Scores:

• AG301: 8.7 / 10

• AG400: 9.0 / 10

FAQs for Ninja AG301 vs AG400

What is the main difference between the Ninja AG301 and AG400?

The primary difference between the Ninja AG301 and AG400 indoor grills is the inclusion of the Smart Thermometer. The AG400 model includes this smart probe, while the AG301 does not.

Do both the Ninja AG301 and AG400 models offer air frying?

Yes, both the Ninja AG301 and AG400 are multi-functional indoor grills. They both feature the popular Air Crisp function, allowing you to air fry your favorite foods with little to no oil.

Which Ninja Foodi Grill model has the integrated Smart Thermometer?

The Ninja Foodi Grill AG400 includes the integrated Smart Thermometer. This feature lets you monitor the food's internal temperature for perfect doneness every time, taking the guesswork out of cooking.

What cooking functions are included in the Ninja AG301 and AG400?

Both Ninja Foodi Grill models, the AG301 and AG400, typically offer multiple cooking functions. These usually include Grill, Air Crisp (air fry), Roast, Bake, and Dehydrate, giving you great versatility.

Is the cooking capacity the same for the Ninja AG301 and AG400?

Yes, the Ninja AG301 and AG400 generally share the same core capacity. This means they can both cook meals for the same size family. Always check the specific product listing for exact volume details.