Ninja SP101 vs SP351: Which Should You Buy?

Blender-style air fry ovens have become a must in many kitchens but picking the right one can feel confusing. The Ninja SP101 and Ninja SP351 look very similar at first glance. Both flip up for storage, both save counter space, and both can air fry, bake, and toast in minutes.

But once you look closer, the differences start to show. One is simple and compact, while the other packs in more features, more cooking options, and smart technology. After going through specs, reviews, and real user feedback, I've put together everything you need to know. This way, you can choose the model that actually fits your kitchen and cooking style.

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Ninja SP101 vs SP351: Similarities

Multi-Function Kitchen Appliances

Both the SP101 and SP351 do more than toast. They work as an air fryer, convection oven, and toaster in one. You can cook almost anything—crispy wings, frozen pizza, toasted bagels, or roasted veggies—without switching appliances.

Flip-Up Storage Design

Both ovens have Ninja's popular flip-away design. You can tilt them up against the backsplash when not in use, which saves a lot of counter space. This feature is especially helpful in smaller U.S. kitchens, apartments, or RVs.

XL Family-Sized Capacity

Each oven can fit a 13-inch pizza, several slices of toast, or up to 4 pounds of food. The inside height is different between the two, but both are built to handle family meals and everyday cooking.

Fast Preheat & Cooking Speed

Both models heat up in about 60 seconds and cook much faster than a full oven. This is perfect for quick dinners, reheating leftovers, or cooking without heating up the whole kitchen.

Core Cooking Modes

Each oven includes the main cooking settings: air fry, bake, roast, broil, toast, bagel, dehydrate, and keep warm. These cover most everyday tasks, from breakfast bagels to crispy chicken wings.

Easy Cleanup

Both come with removable crumb trays, non-stick pans, and dishwasher-safe parts. This makes cleaning much easier compared to traditional ovens.

Trusted Ninja Build Quality

Ninja is known for sturdy, long-lasting products, and both ovens reflect that. Many users say they have been using these ovens daily for years, even in busy family kitchens.

Healthier Cooking

Both ovens let you make fried-style foods with much less oil than deep frying. For anyone in the U.S. looking to cut fat but keep flavor, these ovens are a great fit.

Included Accessories

Each oven comes with a sheet pan, wire rack, crumb tray, air fry basket, and a small recipe guide to get started.

Secure & Stable Use

Both models are well built, with locking doors and non-slip feet to stay steady while cooking.

Energy & Space Efficiency

Both ovens save energy compared to a full-size oven but give you the same results. Their slim shape and flip-up design make them ideal for compact spaces like U.S. kitchens, dorms, or motorhomes.

Ninja SP101 vs SP351: Key Differences

Cooking Functions

The SP101 has eight modes—air fry, roast, broil, bake, bagel, toast, dehydrate, and keep warm. It's simple and covers everyday cooking. The SP351 has 13 modes, adding Sear Crisp, Rapid Bake, Frozen Pizza, Fresh Pizza, Griddle, and Reheat. If you like variety, the SP351 offers more.

Heat Technology

The SP101 uses standard convection heat. The SP351 adds Dual Heat Technology, which combines a 500°F sear plate with hot air circulation. This lets you sear meats and crisp pizza crust at the same time.

Smart Cooking System

The SP351 includes a smart thermometer that measures food temperature so you can cook meats exactly how you want—rare, medium, or well-done. The SP101 doesn't have this, so you'd need a separate thermometer.

Control Panel

The SP101 has a dial and knob setup for time and temperature. It works fine, but feels old-fashioned. The SP351 has a digital touch panel with bright LED displays showing both the set and actual temperature, which makes it more modern and precise.

Size and Capacity

Both ovens fit a 13-inch pizza, but the SP351 has more height inside. That extra space means you can roast a small chicken or cook up to six chicken breasts. The SP101 is slimmer and better for small kitchens or RVs, but it's less roomy for family meals.

Accessories

The SP101 comes with the basics: a crumb tray, sheet pan, wire rack, and air fry basket. The SP351 includes all of those plus a heavy SearPlate and the smart thermometer, giving you more tools.

Build and Finish

The SP101 sometimes comes in colors like red, especially in renewed versions. The SP351 is finished in stainless steel, giving it a sleeker, more premium look that matches modern kitchens.

Cleaning Experience

The SP101 has a back panel that opens for easier deep cleaning. The SP351 doesn't, so it can take more effort to reach crumbs and grease.

Price Point

The SP101 is the more affordable option and works well if you just need the basics. The SP351 is the higher-end model with more features, smart tech, and extra space for people who want more flexibility in cooking.

Longevity Reports

SP101 owners often say theirs lasts about three years with daily use, which is fair for the price. The SP351 is praised for strong performance, but some U.S. users report overheating or power issues after a year. Warranty service for both can be hit or miss.

Best Use Case

The SP101 works best for smaller households, apartments, or RV kitchens where space and cost matter most. The SP351 suits families and home cooks who want more cooking options, bigger capacity, and smart features.

Ninja SP101 Pros

1. Compact design with a flip-up feature that saves counter space.

2. Heats up fast, ready to cook in about 60 seconds.

3. Covers all the basics with 8 cooking modes.

4. Easy to clean with a back panel that opens up.

5. Good choice for small kitchens, apartments, or RVs.

Cons

1. Smaller inside space, not ideal for big meals.

2. Doesn't include smart features like a thermometer.

3. Dial and knob controls feel a bit old-fashioned.

Ninja SP351 Pros

1. Offers 13 cooking functions, including pizza and sear options.

2. Dual Heat Technology gives better searing and crisping.

3. Comes with a smart thermometer for perfect doneness.

4. Larger interior fits more food for family meals.

5. Sleek stainless steel finish that matches modern kitchens.

Cons

1. No back panel for easy deep cleaning.

2. Bigger size takes more counter space than the SP101.

3. Higher-end model, so not the most budget-friendly.

User Review and Feedback

Many users praise both ovens for cooking quickly and saving counter space with the flip-up design. The SP351 often gets recommended more because of its extra cooking functions, larger space, and smart thermometer. People say it's great for families and pizza lovers. On the other hand, some reviews mention that cleaning can be tricky, and a few users report durability issues over time.

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Final Thoughts & Recommendation

I would personally go with the Ninja SP351. It has more cooking functions, extra space, and smart features like the built-in thermometer that make cooking easier and more precise.

That said, both models are solid choices. The SP101 is better if you want something simple, compact, and easy to use in a small kitchen or RV. The SP351 is the better fit if you want more flexibility, modern controls, and restaurant-style results at home.

In the end, it depends on what you need most—simplicity and size with the SP101, or versatility and power with the SP351.

FAQs for Ninja SP101 vs SP351

What is the key difference between Ninja SP101 and SP351?

The Ninja SP101 is a compact air fry oven, while the SP351 adds Smart Cook features with a thermometer for precise cooking.

Does the Ninja SP351 cook better than the SP101?

Yes, the SP351 can cook more accurately thanks to its Smart Cook system. The SP101 still performs well but lacks this advanced feature.

Which Ninja oven is better for air frying, SP101 or SP351?

Both ovens air fry well, but the SP351 offers more control over doneness. The SP101 is simpler and best for basic air frying needs.

Is the Ninja SP351 worth the extra price over SP101?

If you want Smart Cook and a built-in thermometer, the SP351 is worth it. For budget buyers, the SP101 gives solid performance at a lower cost.

Which should I buy: Ninja SP101 or SP351?

Choose the Ninja SP101 for a compact, affordable air fry oven. Pick the SP351 if you want Smart Cook technology and more precise cooking results.

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