The aroma of sizzling steak or perfectly roasted vegetables doesn’t have to come from an outdoor grill. The Ninja AG301 and Ninja EG201 bring grilling power to your kitchen counter, making them popular choices for those who love versatility in cooking. I spent time with both models, putting them through everyday cooking scenarios, grilling salmon, air frying fries, baking chicken, and even dehydrating snacks, to see how they compare. Here’s my honest take.
Key Difference Between Ninja AG301 vs EG201 Grill
The Ninja AG301 is the original Foodi Grill, offering five functions: grill, air fry, roast, bake, and dehydrate. The EG201 is its upgraded sibling with an extra cooking function (broil), a refined exterior design, and an intuitive display for simpler operation. While the AG301 has impressive performance, the EG201 adds small but meaningful improvements that make it more user-friendly.
- THE ORIGINAL NINJA FOODI GRILL: The grill that sears, sizzles, and air fry crisps. Indoor grill and...
- NINJA FOODI GRILL: The grill that sears, sizzles, and air fry crisps. New exterior look with all the...
Comparison Table: Ninja AG301 vs EG201 Indoor Grill
| Feature | Ninja AG301 | Ninja EG201 |
| Functions | 5-in-1: Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate | 6-in-1: Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate, Broil |
| Smoke Control System | Yes | Yes, with improved airflow |
| Wattage | 1760 watts | 1760 watts |
| Display | Basic | Intuitive digital display |
| Dimensions | 14.9″ x 14.9″ x 11.02″ | 17.16″ x 14.19″ x 11.02″ |
| Weight | 20 lbs | 21.54 lbs |
| Included Accessories | Grill grate, crisper basket, cooking pot, cleaning brush, recipe guide | Same as AG301 |
| Exterior Design | Classic Ninja styling | Sleeker second-gen design |
| Best For | Budget-friendly indoor grilling | More features and ease of use |
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Design & Build Quality
Both grills feel sturdy, with nonstick ceramic-coated components that clean up easily. The AG301’s design is straightforward, but the EG201’s updated look is sleeker and has a more intuitive control panel, making it easier to switch functions. I also noticed the EG201’s lid feels more secure when opening and closing.
- THE ORIGINAL NINJA FOODI GRILL: The grill that sears, sizzles, and air fry crisps. Indoor grill and...
- NINJA FOODI GRILL: The grill that sears, sizzles, and air fry crisps. New exterior look with all the...
Ease of Use
Both models are user-friendly, but the EG201 wins for its improved control panel. The GrillControl settings, Low, Medium, High, Max; are easier to read and navigate. Preheating is quick in both models, and switching between air frying and grilling is seamless. The AG301, while easy enough, feels a bit more manual in comparison.
Cooking Performance
Performance-wise, both grills excel. I grilled a 1-inch ribeye steak, and both units delivered perfect sear marks and juicy centers. Frozen chicken breasts cooked evenly without thawing, and fries turned out golden and crispy. The EG201’s added broil function gives it a slight edge, especially for crisping and finishing dishes like casseroles.
- THE ORIGINAL NINJA FOODI GRILL: The grill that sears, sizzles, and air fry crisps. Indoor grill and...
- NINJA FOODI GRILL: The grill that sears, sizzles, and air fry crisps. New exterior look with all the...
Smoke Control
Both units feature Ninja’s Smoke Control System, which works remarkably well. Even while grilling fatty cuts of meat, the smoke stayed minimal. The EG201 does seem to circulate air slightly better, keeping odors down.
Versatility
The AG301 is versatile enough for most households, but the EG201 offers that extra function for broiling, which expands your cooking options. Both come with the same grill grate, crisper basket, and cooking pot, so accessories don’t make a difference here.
Cleaning Experience
Cleanup is a breeze with both models thanks to dishwasher-safe, nonstick parts. The crisper basket and grill grate slide out easily, and the nonstick surface holds up well after repeated use.
Ninja AG301 Indoor Grill
- THE ORIGINAL NINJA FOODI GRILL: The grill that sears, sizzles, and air fry crisps. Indoor grill and...
Pros:
- More affordable option
- Compact, easy to store
- Great grilling power and versatile cooking
- Dishwasher-safe parts
Cons:
- No broil function
- Less intuitive controls
- Slightly dated exterior design
Ninja Foodi EG201 Indoor Grill
- NINJA FOODI GRILL: The grill that sears, sizzles, and air fry crisps. New exterior look with all the...
Pros:
- Sleeker design and improved interface
- Additional broil function
- Even better smoke control
- Excellent cooking consistency
Cons:
- Slightly bulkier
- Higher price point
Conclusion & Recommendation:
If you’re looking for a reliable, versatile indoor grill, both the Ninja AG301 and EG201 deliver exceptional results. The AG301 is still a fantastic option if you want to save money without compromising performance. However, if you’re willing to spend a little more, the EG201’s updated design, broil function, and user-friendly controls make it a clear winner for modern kitchens.
Recommendation: Choose the Ninja EG201 if you want the best Ninja indoor grilling experience with a polished interface. Go with the AG301 if you want nearly identical performance at a lower cost.
