Ninja GR101 vs GR100: Which Indoor Grill Is Actually Worth Buying?

Thinking about buying a Ninja indoor grill but can’t decide between the Ninja GR101 vs GR100? You’re not alone. I've been there too, staring at product pages like I was picking a starter Pokémon.

On the surface, they look almost identical, but once you dig in, the differences start to matter especially if you care about flexibility, value, and real cooking performance. I’ve grilled, griddled, and even pancake-flipped on both models, and there’s a clear winner depending on what kind of cook you are.

Ninja GR101 Electric Grill Review

When I first unboxed the Ninja GR101, I felt like a kid on Christmas morning. The sleek design and compact size immediately caught my attention. But as someone who's tested countless kitchen gadgets, I knew looks could be deceiving.

What Makes This Grill Special

The Ninja brand has always impressed me with their innovation. This electric grill continues that trend. It heats up fast - just seven minutes to reach cooking temperature. That's faster than my morning coffee routine.

The dual-plate system is genius. One day I'm grilling salmon with perfect char marks. The next morning, I'm making pancakes for the kids. It's like having two appliances in one compact package.

The Good Stuff

Let me share what really works here. The heat spreads evenly across the entire surface. No more cold spots that leave half your burger raw. The non-stick coating makes cleanup a breeze. I can wipe it down in seconds.

The dial lets you crank it up to high heat—up to 500°F—but it doesn’t show the exact temperature. That's hot enough to get those restaurant-quality sear marks. Your steaks will look like they came from a fancy steakhouse.

Storage is simple too. It stores easily on most shelves or in lower kitchen cabinets when plates are removed. No need to sacrifice counter space when you're not cooking.

The Not-So-Perfect Parts

Honesty time - it's not completely smokeless. Despite what the name suggests, you'll still get some smoke. It's less than a regular pan, but don't expect zero smoke. Keep your exhaust fan handy.

Some users report grease splatter. The lid helps, but it's not foolproof. You might need to wipe down nearby surfaces after cooking bacon.

The temperature indicator only shows power, not actual heat. This means guessing when it's ready. A simple thermometer would fix this issue.

Real Kitchen Performance

I've cooked everything from thick steaks to delicate fish. The results are consistently good. Vegetables get nice char without burning. Burgers cook evenly throughout.

The griddle side works great for breakfast foods. Eggs slide around easily. Pancakes flip without sticking. It's become my go-to for weekend brunch.

Ninja GR100 Electric Grill Review

It's a rainy Tuesday evening, and you're craving that perfect grilled taste. Your outdoor grill sits cold and wet on the patio. This is where the Ninja GR100 steps in like a kitchen superhero.

What Makes This Grill Special?

The Ninja GR100 brings outdoor flavors indoors. It heats up to 500°F. That's hot enough to sear meat properly. The grill marks look real. They taste real too.

I've tested many indoor grills. Most barely warm your food. This one actually grills. The heat spreads evenly across the 14-inch plate. No cold spots. No burnt edges.

The Good Stuff

Heat That Works

This grill gets seriously hot. In just 7 minutes, it's ready to cook. The temperature stays steady. Your steaks get that perfect sear. Your veggies get those nice char marks.

Smart Design

Grease flows into a front channel to help reduce splatter, but it’s not a deep drip tray. This keeps smoke low. Your kitchen won't smell like a campfire. The perforated lid helps too. It catches splatters but lets steam escape.

Easy Cleanup

Everything comes apart. The grill plate lifts out. The lid pops off. Both go in the dishwasher. No scrubbing burnt-on mess.

Family Size

Six burgers fit at once. Or four chicken breasts. It feeds a family without cooking in batches.

The Not-So-Good

Counter Space

This thing takes up room. It's not huge, but it's not tiny either. You need about 15 inches of counter space.

Some Smoke

While it's called smokeless, you'll get some steam. Maybe a little smoke too. It's way less than a regular grill. But it's not zero.

Temperature Quirks

A few users report uneven heating. Most don't have this issue. But it's worth noting.

Key Features Comparison: Ninja sizzle GR100 vs GR101

When comparing the Ninja sizzle GR101 vs GR100, both models offer solid indoor grilling, but they differ in keyways that may affect your decision. While both heat up to 500°F and offer non-stick cooking surfaces, the GR101 stands out with its interchangeable plates. This small feature makes a big difference in what you can cook and how.

Heat Capacity and Cooking Performance

Both grills reach up to 500°F, which is ideal for searing meats and cooking vegetables. The GR100 focuses only on grilling, while the GR101 offers more flexibility by letting you switch between grill and griddle. This makes it easier to go from burgers at dinner to pancakes in the morning—without switching appliances.

Cooking Plates

The GR100 keeps it simple with a single, non-stick grill plate, perfect for standard grilling tasks. The GR101, however, includes a grill and a griddle plate, giving you more ways to cook different foods. That extra plate may seem small, but it opens the door to a full breakfast or even stir-fry-style meals.

Temperature Control

Both units use a manual temperature dial. Some users say the GR100 has occasional heat inconsistency, and the GR101 gets similar feedback. While they don’t have smart temperature sensors, they generally get the job done if you let them preheat fully.

Design and Size

The design differences between the Ninja GR101 and GR100 are minor but worth noting especially if you have limited space or a small kitchen setup.

Size and Footprint

The GR100 has a slightly smaller and more compact build, which makes it a great fit for small kitchens or tight counter spaces. The GR101 is just a bit bulkier due to the extra griddle plate but still easy to store. Both fit comfortably in most cabinets.

Materials and Durability

Both models are made from a combo of metal and plastic, with non-stick coatings that resist scratches and make cleanup easier. The GR100 is praised for its low profile and lightweight feel. The GR101 offers the same durability but adds more versatility with its extra plate and slightly sturdier feel.

Cooking Versatility

This is where the Ninja GR101 pulls ahead in the GR101 vs GR100 comparison. If you’re someone who cooks a variety of meals, this might be the deciding factor.

Cooking Options

The GR100 handles grilling tasks very well—steaks, burgers, veggies, and more. But that’s where it stops. The GR101 can do all of that plus breakfast foods like eggs and pancakes, thanks to its flat-top griddle plate. It’s the more flexible option overall.

Food Capacity

Both grills can handle about 4–6 burgers at once, making them suitable for couples or small families. But the GR101’s extra plate means you can split your cooking—grill on one day, griddle on the next which adds variety to your meals.

Smoke Control and Cleanup

Let’s be honest: no indoor grill is 100% smokeless. But both of these models do a decent job keeping smoke low and cleanup quick.

Smokeless Technology

The perforated mesh lid on both models helps reduce smoke and control splatter. That said, some users report the GR101 handles smoke just a little better—likely because of slightly better grease management when switching between plates.

Cleaning Ease

Both units shine when it comes to cleanup. The non-stick surfaces make wiping down simple, and the plates are removable and dishwasher-safe. The GR100 has only one plate, so cleanup is a bit faster. The GR101 has two plates, which takes a bit more time but not by much.

Price

There’s a small price gap between these two models, and it comes down to features and flexibility. The GR100 usually sells for a bit less. It’s a great deal for anyone looking for a straightforward grill. The GR101 costs a little more, but you’re getting a griddle plate and more versatility for just a few bucks extra. If you use both functions, the value is definitely there.

Customer Feedback

Most buyers love the GR100 for its simplicity and ease of use. It’s great for quick meals and grilling basics. A few users mention the heat isn’t always perfectly even, but most are happy with the results for the price. The GR101 gets high marks for versatility and cooking performance.

Many say they love being able to cook breakfast and dinner on the same unit. Some mention minor issues like splatter or inconsistent heat, but overall, reviews are very positive.

Check the latest price

1. Ninja griddle GR101 electric grill
2. Ninja Sizzle Indoor Grill GR100

Final Thoughts

After comparing the Ninja GR101 vs GR100 electric grill, it’s clear that the GR101 is the better pick for most people. If you want an appliance that’s versatile, powerful, and easy to clean, the GR101 delivers on all fronts.

With both a grill and a griddle plate, it lets you cook everything from juicy burgers to fluffy pancakes all in one compact machine. It’s perfect for anyone who wants more flexibility without cluttering their kitchen. It also holds a strong customer rating in the U.S., with many verified buyers praising its versatility.

While it costs a bit more, the extra value is worth it. You’re not just buying a grill, you're getting a full cooking system that handles breakfast, lunch, and dinner with ease. For that reason, the Ninja griddle GR101 electric grill is my top recommendation.

That said, if you’re looking for something simple and budget-friendly, the Ninja sizzle indoor grill GR100 still holds its own. It’s great for basic grilling tasks and fits well in small kitchens. Just keep in mind that it’s limited to grilling only—no griddle, no multi-meal magic

Disclaimer: Some of the links above may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you click and purchase. This commission is paid by the retailers at no extra cost to you, and it helps support us to continue bringing you valuable information.