Ninja AG301 vs FG551: Which One Should You Buy?

The Ninja Foodi AG301 brought indoor grilling to small kitchens with impressive searing power and minimal smoke. The Ninja Foodi FG551 Smart XL Grill takes everything further — adding a built-in smart thermometer, more cooking capacity, better airflow, and refinements that make cooking thicker cuts easier and more precise.

Both reach 500°F using Ninja’s Cyclonic Grilling Technology, circulating hot air and heat for outdoor style grilling indoors. The difference is in usability: the FG551 makes grilling almost hands-free with its Smart Thermometer and larger cooking space.

I examined specs, hands-on performance, and real user reviews to break down the differences clearly.

Winner Purchase Link: NinjaFG551 Indoor Grill and Air Fryer

Is the Ninja Foodi AG301 Good?

Yes. The Ninja Foodi AG301 remains one of the most well-rounded indoor grills on the market. It combines grilling, air frying, roasting, baking, and dehydrating — all in one countertop unit.

With Cyclonic Grilling Technology, the AG301 pushes heated air around the food while the grill plate reaches up to 500°F, so you get real grill marks without needing to flip constantly. This dual heat flow helps foods brown evenly on the outside while staying juicy inside.

Users love how the AG301 performs with meats like steak, chicken breast, salmon, and thick burgers. Fries and wings also crisp nicely thanks to its air frying capability, and because the ceramic parts are fully nonstick, cleanup is far easier than a stovetop grill pan or outdoor barbecue.

There are a few trade-offs: the unit is bulky, the lid requires vertical clearance, and it takes several minutes to preheat. In roast or bake mode, bottom crisping can sometimes be uneven because airflow is more focused toward the top. A few users also mention grease accumulation beneath the base after several months of use, but regular cleaning prevents this.

What I Like

• Produces real grill marks at 500°F, similar to outdoor grilling

• 5 cooking modes: Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate

• All main parts are nonstick and dishwasher-safe

• Consistent and reliable temperature control

• Compact compared to larger indoor grills

What Could Be Better

• Preheat time is 6–8 minutes depending on mode

• Takes counter space and vertical clearance for the lid

• Some grease can collect under the base over time

• Slightly uneven bottom crisping with Roast/Bake

Recommendation

The AG301 is best for people who want a compact, dependable indoor grill that delivers outdoor-style flavor without complexity. It’s an excellent choice for singles, couples, or small families who want fast, consistent grilling results without having to rely on weather or outdoor space.

Is the Ninja Foodi FG551 Good?

Yes. The Ninja Foodi FG551 Smart XL Grill is a major upgrade, especially if you want automation and precision cooking. It builds on everything the AG301 does well but adds:

• Smart Thermometer with dual sensors that track internal food temperature

• More cooking room (fits up to 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs at once)

• improved smoke-control and airflow system

The built-in Smart Thermometer is the standout feature — once you insert the probe and select doneness (rare, medium, well done), the FG551 automatically adjusts heat and stops cooking when the target temperature is reached. This eliminates guesswork, especially for steaks and thicker proteins like chicken breast, pork chops, or salmon fillets.

The FG551 is also more versatile. It’s a 6-in-1 appliance, adding Broil to the existing modes found in AG301. With the larger cooking surface, it suits bigger households, meal preppers, or anyone who hosts guests.

The downside? The FG551 is large and can dominate counter space. Some users say that full preheat temperature takes a bit longer to reach — understandable due to its increased cooking capacity. A few users reported occasional customer-service delays, though overall satisfaction remains high.

What I Like

• Built-in Smart Thermometer prevents overcooking

• 6-in-1 versatility: Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate

• XL capacity: fits 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs

• Better smoke control and more even heat distribution

• Easy cleanup thanks to ceramic-coated, dishwasher-safe parts

What Could Be Better

• Takes significant counter space

• Preheat time can be slightly longer due to size

• Higher price point compared to AG301

• Occasional complaints about delayed customer service

Recommendation

The FG551 is perfect for people who grill frequently and want hands-free precision and larger capacity. If you cook steaks regularly and prefer exact doneness without monitoring, the Smart XL Grill is worth the investment.

Detailed Comparison: Ninja Foodi AG301 vs FG551

I compared both models using real user experiences, long-term feedback, and performance tests. Here’s how they compare.

Power & Temperature Range

Both reach 500°F for searing. The AG301 uses manual temperature adjustments, while the FG551 combines heat with the smart thermometer for automated doneness. FG551 monitors internal food temperature and adjusts heat accordingly, reducing overcooking risk.

• AG301: 8.5/10

• FG551: 9.5/10

Cooking Performance

Both deliver juicy meats and crisp textures, but FG551 excels with thicker foods. If you cook items like ribeyes or chicken breasts often, the Smart XL will be noticeably more consistent.

• AG301: 8.8/10

• FG551: 9.6/10

Capacity & Grill Surface

This is where the difference becomes very clear. AG301 fits meals for 1–3 people. FG551 fits meals for 4–6 people, making it ideal for families.

• Capacity examples:

o AG301: two steaks + veggies

o FG551: six steaks or 24 hot dogs at once

• AG301: 8/10

• FG551: 9.5/10

Build Quality & Design

Both are solid, with ceramic-coated parts. The AG301 is compact and easy to tuck away. The FG551 feels more premium with its modern look, but the size can be challenging in smaller kitchens.

• AG301: 8.5/10

• FG551: 9/10

Cleaning & Maintenance

Both offer dishwasher-safe and nonstick parts. FG551 has more parts due to the thermometer and larger cooking surface, but cleaning effort is still minimal.

• AG301: 8.5/10

• FG551: 8.8/10

Ease of Use

AG301 is straightforward — set temperature and cook. FG551 introduces automation: choose doneness and let the smart thermometer handle the rest.

• AG301: 9/10

• FG551: 9.3/10

Reliability & Value

AG301 gives excellent performance at a lower price. FG551 costs more but adds automation, size, and better smoke handling.

• AG301: 8.5/10

• FG551: 9.2/10

Check The latest price on Amazon

1. NinjaFG551 Indoor Grill and Air Fryer
2. Ninja Foodi AG301 5-in-1 Indoor Grill

Final Verdict

If you want smart temperature control, larger cooking capacity, and worry-free doneness, choose the Ninja Foodi FG551 Smart XL Grill. It’s ideal for regular grillers, steak lovers, and families who want restaurant-quality searing without monitoring the food.

If you prefer something compact, budget-friendly, and simpler, choose the Ninja Foodi AG301. It still grills beautifully and handles everyday meals without taking over your countertop.

Overall Scores:

• AG301: 8.5 / 10

• FG551: 9.3 / 10

FAQs for Ninja AG301 vs FG551

What is the main upgrade of the Ninja FG551 compared to the AG301?

The biggest upgrade in the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill FG551 is the inclusion of the Smart Cook System. This system uses a built-in Smart Thermometer that the older AG301 lacks, providing a more precise, perfect cook every time.

Does the Ninja FG551 have a larger cooking capacity than the AG301?

Yes, the Ninja FG551 is the XL version, typically offering a larger capacity than the standard AG301. The FG551's grill grate is designed to fit up to six steaks, making it better for cooking larger family meals.

How many cooking functions are included in the Ninja FG551 versus the AG301?

The Ninja AG301 is usually a 5-in-1 appliance, while the newer FG551 is a 6-in-1 appliance. The FG551 adds the dedicated Broil function, giving you an extra versatile cooking option over the AG301.

Do both Ninja Foodi Grills, the AG301 and FG551, feature Cyclonic Grilling Technology?

Yes, both the AG301 and the FG551 indoor grills use the patented Cyclonic Grilling Technology. This powerful air circulation cooks food quickly and evenly from all sides, ensuring great char and grill marks.

Is the built-in Smart Thermometer easy to use on the Ninja FG551 model?

Yes, the integrated Smart Thermometer in the Ninja FG551 is very easy to use. You simply insert the probe, select your protein type and desired doneness, and the system automatically tells you when your food is ready to rest.