Ninja AG301 vs EG201: Which One Should You Buy?

The Ninja AG301 was one of the first indoor grills that could genuinely recreate outdoor-style searing. It’s compact, powerful, and easy to clean. The Ninja EG201 is the updated version — it retains the same high-heat grilling capability but adds refinements, a cleaner design, improved airflow, and one additional cooking function. Both reach 500°F, delivering char-grilled flavor with very little smoke, but the EG201 feels more polished in everyday use.

I analyzed specifications, performance tests, and real customer feedback to show how these two models differ — and which one fits your cooking style better.

Winner Purchase Link: Ninja EG201 Foodi 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fry

Is the Ninja Foodi AG301 Good?

Yes. The Ninja Foodi AG301 is a 5-in-1 indoor grill that can grill, air fry, roast, bake, and dehydrate. It uses Cyclonic Grilling Technology to circulate hot air at up to 500°F, producing grill marks and smoky flavor similar to an outdoor BBQ.

Users consistently praise its ability to cook evenly and retain moisture in steaks, chicken, salmon, and burgers. Fries and wings also come out crispy with minimal oil. The ceramic-coated parts (grill grate, basket, and pot) are nonstick and dishwasher-safe, which makes cleaning much easier than traditional grills.

It does have a few drawbacks: the unit is fairly bulky, needs some counter clearance for the lid, and takes a few minutes to preheat. Some users mention minor grease buildup under the base over time — regular cleaning prevents this.

What I Like

• Produces real sear marks at 500°F with strong grill performance

• Five cooking functions: Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate

• Nonstick ceramic parts are dishwasher-safe and easy to clean

• Compact footprint compared to owning multiple appliances

• Reliable, steady temperature control that cooks evenly

What Could Be Better

• Preheat time is usually 6–8 minutes

• Large and heavy; needs space for lid to open fully

• Grease may accumulate under the base if not cleaned often

• Slightly less crisping on the bottom during Roast/Bake mode

Recommendation

The AG301 is excellent for couples or small families who want outdoor-style grilling without the space or weather constraints. For its price and performance, it remains one of Ninja’s most reliable and versatile indoor grills.

Is the Ninja Foodi EG201 Good?

Yes. The Ninja Foodi EG201 refines what people love about the AG301 and adds a sixth function — Broil — making it a 6-in-1 indoor grill and air fryer.

It uses the same 1760-watt heating system and reaches 500°F, but the airflow has been improved. This results in more consistent browning, especially on meats, and noticeably better crisping on fries and wings. The redesigned display and control layout make it easier to use, and the smoke-control system helps keep odor and smoke to a minimum.

The splatter shield is also improved, reducing grease buildup and making maintenance easier. The only downside is that the higher airflow can brown thin foods faster than expected until you adjust cooking times.

What I Like

• 6-in-1 versatility adds Broil, useful for finishing steaks or melting toppings

• Improved airflow gives better crisping and more even heat distribution

• Cleaner design with a brighter display and intuitive controls

• Consistent 500°F searing with reduced smoke

• Easy-to-clean ceramic parts and better splatter control

What Could Be Better

• Still a large appliance; not ideal for very small kitchens

• Food may over-brown at the highest setting if not monitored

• Costs more than AG301 for mostly refinements rather than major feature upgrades

• Requires some learning when switching between heat intensities

Recommendation

The EG201 is better suited for frequent grillers who value control, ease of use, and cleaner cooking. If you don’t already own the AG301, the EG201 is the better long-term purchase because of improved usability and airflow.

Detailed Comparison: Ninja Foodi AG301 vs EG201

I compared both models based on specs, real-world cooking results, noise level, ease of use, and user reviews.

Power & Temperature Range

Both appliances use a 1760-watt motor and reach 500°F, providing the same searing capability. The difference is that the EG201 holds temperature more consistently during longer cooking sessions thanks to improved airflow. This helps maintain heat even when you’re cooking multiple batches.

• AG301: 8.5/10

• EG201: 9/10

Cooking Performance

Both grills sear and crisp well, but the EG201’s airflow refinement makes cooking transitions smoother — for example, going from steak to vegetables or grilling multiple items back-to-back. The AG301 performs well but tends to release more smoke when cooking fatty foods such as ribeye or burgers.

• AG301: 8.5/10

• EG201: 9.3/10

Capacity & Basket Design

Both include:

• 6-quart cooking pot

• 4-quart crisper basket

• 10×10 grill grate

This makes them ideal for 2–4 servings at a time. The capacity is identical, but the EG201’s interior coating and improved splatter guard make it easier to clean and more durable over repeated heavy use.

• AG301: 8.8/10

• EG201: 9/10

Build Quality & Design

The AG301 feels solid and durable but shows its first-generation design. The EG201 is sleeker, quieter, and more modern-looking on the counter. The control panel is clearer, making it easier to adjust settings mid-cook.

• AG301: 8/10

• EG201: 9/10

Cleaning & Maintenance

Both models use nonstick, PTFE/PFOA-free ceramic components. They are dishwasher-safe and generally easy to clean. The EG201 has a redesigned splatter shield that collects less grease, cutting down on scrubbing time.

• AG301: 8/10

• EG201: 9/10

Noise & Ease of Use

The AG301 is simple: select the mode and temperature, then cook. The EG201 improves usability with a cleaner display and more defined grill settings (Low, Medium, High, Max). Both appliances are reasonably quiet, but the EG201 feels smoother during operation.

• AG301: 8.5/10

• EG201: 9/10

Reliability & Value

The AG301 provides excellent value by delivering the same power and core performance at a lower cost. The EG201 justifies its price with refinements that improve everyday use, especially if you grill often.

• AG301: 8.5/10

• EG201: 9/10

Chech the latest price on Amazon

1. Ninja EG201 Foodi 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fry
2. Ninja AG301 | Indoor Grill | Foodi | 5-in-1

Final Verdict

If you want the smoothest cooking experience, quieter performance, better airflow, and easier cleanup, go for the Ninja Foodi EG201. It feels more refined, more user-friendly, and better equipped for frequent indoor grilling.

If you want great performance without spending more, the Ninja AG301 still delivers excellent searing power and versatility — just without some of the modern refinements.

Overall Scores

• AG301: 8.4 / 10

• EG201: 9.0 / 10

FAQs for Ninja AG301 vs EG201

What is the primary functional difference between the Ninja AG301 and EG201?

The Ninja Foodi Grill EG201 is typically considered a newer generation with more functions than the AG301. The EG201 is often a 6-in-1 unit, adding an extra cooking function like Broil compared to the AG301's standard 5 functions.

Do both the Ninja AG301 and EG201 offer the air frying capability?

Yes, both the Ninja AG301 and the newer EG201 models include the popular Air Crisp (air fry) function. This allows you to create crispy results with up to 75% less fat than traditional deep frying.

How does the included air frying accessory differ between the Ninja AG301 and EG201?

The Ninja AG301 typically comes with an Air Crisp Basket for air frying. The Ninja Foodi Grill EG201 often replaces this with an Air Crisp Tray, which some users find offers a larger surface area and is easier to clean.

Are the maximum grilling temperatures the same on the Ninja AG301 and EG201 indoor grills?

Yes, both Ninja Foodi Grill models, the AG301 and EG201, use Cyclonic Grilling Technology. They can both reach up to 500°F to achieve the great char-grilled marks and flavors you expect from an outdoor grill.

Which Ninja Foodi Grill model, the AG301 or EG201, is considered the 2nd Generation?

The Ninja EG201 Foodi Grill is often marketed as the 2nd Generation model. It offers updated styling and may include extra functions, such as Broil and Dehydrate, making it a more versatile multi-cooker than the original AG301.