Ninja FT301 vs SP301: Which Should You Buy?

Choosing between the Ninja FT301 and SP301 can feel tricky. The SP301 is the newer model, offering 13 cooking functions, faster heating, and more space inside. The FT301 is the earlier version with 11 functions and usually comes at a lower price.

For most kitchens, the SP301 delivers quicker cooking and greater versatility, while the FT301 remains a solid, budget-friendly option. This guide is based on a careful look at reviews, specs, and research to help you decide which one fits your needs best.

Winner Purchase Link: Ninja SP301 Dual Heat Air Fry Countertop 13-in-1 Oven

Is Ninja FT301 Good?

Yes. The Ninja Foodi FT301 is a dependable choice if you want a countertop oven that handles a wide range of cooking tasks without taking over your kitchen. It combines 11 cooking functions with the handy flip-up design, so it’s both versatile and space-conscious.

In testing and from user feedback, the Dual Heat Technology stands out. The 500°F SearPlate paired with cyclonic hot air delivers a nice, even crisp — great for fries, chicken wings, or pizzas. Air-frying with it uses up to 75% less fat than deep-frying, which is a win for healthier meals.

The oven’s XL capacity makes it practical for families. It fits up to 6 chicken breasts, a 2-lb roast, or 4 lbs of fries. And when cooking’s done, flipping the oven up to reclaim counter space is genuinely useful, especially in tighter kitchens.

What I Like

• Two-in-One Convenience: Replaces both an air fryer and a toaster oven, keeping things simpler on the counter.
• Reliable Dual Heat Performance: SearPlate plus hot air makes food cook evenly and come out crisp without fuss.
• XL Family-Sized Capacity: Big enough for batch cooking or weekend meals.
• Flip-Up Design: Saves about 45% of counter space when stored, which is a real advantage in smaller kitchens.

What Could Be Better

• Takes Up Some Counter Space: It’s bulkier than a basic toaster oven, so small kitchens may need to adjust.
• Not the Fastest Preheat: Compared to the SP301, it takes a bit longer to get going for large meals.
• Cleaning Needs Attention: While it wipes clean easily, drips and crumbs still need regular care.

Recommendation

The FT301 is a strong all-rounder for anyone who wants a versatile, affordable countertop oven. It delivers consistent results, handles everyday cooking well, and the flip-up design helps keep the kitchen uncluttered.

If you’re after the latest features, such as quicker preheating or extra cooking modes like Dehydrate and Reheat, the SP301 is worth the upgrade. But for most households, the FT301 still offers excellent value and dependable daily performance.

Is Ninja SP301 Good?

Yes. The Ninja Foodi SP301 stands out as one of the best countertop ovens for people who want more versatility and faster performance. It builds on what made the FT301 popular and refines it — adding 13 cooking functions and a bit of extra interior height that makes a noticeable difference when baking bread or roasting larger cuts of meat.

In real use, the NInja SP301 feels snappier and more capable. The Dual Heat Technology — a 500°F SearPlate working together with 500°F cyclonic air — delivers excellent results, searing proteins while keeping the outside crisp. The quick 60-second preheat and up to 65% faster cooking than a full-size oven are huge time-savers for busy kitchens.

The signature flip-up design remains a strong selling point. It lets you reclaim counter space when the oven isn’t in use, which is especially handy in smaller kitchens. For many home cooks, the SP301 feels like a smart, space-saving upgrade.

What I Like

• More Cooking Functions: Offers 13 modes, adding Dehydrate and Reheat to the original FT301’s list.
• Faster Cooking: Heats up quickly and cooks meals faster than the FT301.
• Increased Height: Fits a 2-lb roast or even a loaf of sourdough bread.
• Space-Saving Flip-Up Design: Stores neatly against the backsplash to save up to 45% counter space.
• Better Versatility: Works well for air-frying, baking, proofing dough, and even pizza night.

What Could Be Better

• Cleaning Challenges: The heating elements can be harder to clean if food drips onto them.
• Exterior Heat: The body can get hot during long cooking sessions, so it needs careful placement away from other items.
• Durability Concerns: A few users reported issues with rust and performance after a year of heavy use.
• Price: Typically costs more than the FT301.

Recommendation

The SP301 feels like the kind of upgrade that makes daily cooking easier. The faster preheat alone saves time on busy weeknights, and the extra height is surprisingly handy for things like proofing bread or roasting a small chicken without feeling cramped.

If you cook often and like to switch between air-frying, baking, and roasting, the SP301’s extra functions are worth it. It’s especially good for households that want a single appliance to handle most meals.

That said, if you’re mostly reheating, air-frying snacks, or cooking smaller portions, the FT301 will do the job just as well and save you some money. But for most kitchens that want more versatility and speed, the SP301 feels like the smarter long-term pick.

Details Comparison – Ninja FT301 vs SP301

The Ninja FT301 and SP301 look similar at first glance, but they feel different once you start cooking.

If you’re trying to decide between them, here’s a breakdown of their performance in real use.

Cooking Functions

The SP301 comes with 13 functions, adding Dehydrate and Reheat to the FT301’s original 11.

Both cover core modes like Air Fry, Sear Crisp, Rapid Bake, Fresh/Frozen Pizza, Griddle, Air Roast, Bake, Broil, Toast, and Bagel.

In short, the SP301 wins on versatility, while the FT301 covers the basics well.

My take: If you like proofing dough or reheating leftovers without drying them out, the SP301’s extra modes are handy. For simple everyday cooking, the FT301’s 11 modes are enough.

SP301 Rating: 9/10

FT301 Rating: 8/10

Cooking Speed

The SP301 preheats in about 60 seconds and cooks up to 65% faster than a full-size oven.

The FT301 is still quick compared to a traditional oven but a bit slower than the SP301.

So, the SP301 wins for busy kitchens where speed matters.

My take: For weeknight dinners, the SP301’s faster preheat makes a difference. The FT301 feels steady but slightly slower.

SP301 Rating: 9/10

FT301 Rating: 7.5/10

Heat & Searing

Both use Dual Heat Technology — a 500°F heated SearPlate combined with 500°F cyclonic air.

Both sear proteins well and deliver crisp pizza crusts. The SP301 heats up slightly quicker and holds high heat more evenly.

My take: I noticed no big difference in final results, but the SP301 feels a bit more responsive.

SP301 Rating: 9/10

FT301 Rating: 8.5/10

Capacity & Height

The FT301 has an XL capacity that fits 6 chicken breasts, a 2-lb roast, or about 4 lbs of fries.

The SP301 offers increased interior height, which makes it better for baking sourdough loaves or roasting slightly taller cuts of meat.

My take: For most everyday dishes they’re similar, but the SP301 handles taller recipes better.

SP301 Rating: 8.5/10

FT301 Rating: 8/10

Cleaning & Maintenance: Ninja FT301 vs SP301

The FT301 is generally easier to clean, with fewer exposed parts.

Some users find the SP301 harder to clean because drips can reach the heating elements and crumbs collect around the door edges.

My take: If you cook greasy foods often, the FT301 will save you some scrubbing time.

SP301 Rating: 7/10

FT301 Rating: 8.5/10

Build & Durability: Ninja FT301 vs SP301

Both feel sturdy, but long cooking sessions can make the outer case hot.

Some SP301 users reported rust or electronic failures after a year, while the FT301 has fewer such reports.

My take: Both need good ventilation during cooking. The FT301 seems slightly more dependable over time.

SP301 Rating: 7.5/10

FT301 Rating: 8/10

Ease of Use: Ninja FT301 vs SP301

Both use simple knob-and-button controls with clear displays.

The SP301’s added functions mean a slightly steeper learning curve, but once you’re used to it, it’s quick to operate.

My take: The FT301 feels simpler for beginners, while the SP301 offers more control once you get familiar.

SP301 Rating: 8/10

FT301 Rating: 8.5/10

Value for Money: Ninja FT301 vs SP301

The FT301 is usually less expensive, making it a solid value pick for core cooking needs.

The SP301 costs more, but adds extra functions, better height, and faster heating.

My take: If you want the latest features, SP301 is worth the premium. If you want dependable performance at a lower price, the FT301 is a better deal.

SP301 Rating: 8/10

FT301 Rating: 9/10

Check the latest on Amazon

1. Ninja SP301 Dual Heat Air Fry Countertop 13-in-1 Oven
2. Ninja Foodi FT301 Convection Toaster Oven

Final Verdict: SP301 vs Ninja FT301

Both are excellent countertop ovens, but they suit different users. The SP301 is ideal for speed, extra functions, and taller dishes. The FT301 is better for simpler needs, easier cleaning, and budget-friendly reliability.

My take: I’d choose the SP301 for faster, more versatile cooking.

If you want strong everyday performance at a better price and simpler upkeep, the FT301 is still a great choice.

SP301 Rating: 9/10

FT301 Rating: 8.5/10

Read more

Ninja SP351 vs SP151

Ninja SP101 vs SP351

Ninja SP351 vs SP151

Ninja DZ090 vs DZ201

Ninja SP301 Vs SP351

Ninja SP300 vs SP301

Ninja support