Ninja SP351 vs SP301: Which Countertop Oven Is Worth Buying?

There’s no denying that countertop ovens have changed how I cook at home. They’re fast, versatile, and save me from firing up the full-sized oven for smaller meals. Ninja has been leading this space, and after using both the Ninja SP351 and SP301, I’ve noticed important differences that could impact which one is right for you.

Both are impressive 13-in-1 ovens, equipped with Ninja’s Dual Heat Technology that allows you to sear and air fry at the same time. However, after cooking everything from weeknight chicken breasts to homemade pizzas, I found each model has unique strengths. Let me walk you through my experience so you can decide which one fits your kitchen better.

Key Difference at a Glance: Ninja SP351 vs SP301 Air Fryer Toaster Oven

The main difference between the Ninja SP351 and SP301 is that the SP351 comes with the Smart Cook System and integrated Foodi Smart Thermometer, while the SP301 does not. That single feature makes the SP351 better for people who want precise cooking results without guesswork. On the other hand, the SP301 offers nearly the same performance and cooking capacity at a slightly lower cost.

Ninja SP351 vs SP301 Air Fryer Toaster Oven Comparison Table

Feature	Ninja SP351	Ninja SP301
Dimensions	20.21″D x 15.33″W x 8.15″H	15.33″D x 20.21″W x 8.15″H
Capacity	0.62 cubic feet	4 lbs (fits 6 chicken breasts or a 2-lb roast)
Functions	13-in-1 (Air Fry, Sear Crisp, Rapid Bake, Frozen Pizza, Fresh Pizza, Griddle, Air Roast, Bake, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, and Reheat)	13-in-1 (Air Fry, Sear Crisp, Rapid Bake, Frozen Pizza, Fresh Pizza, Griddle, Air Roast, Bake, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, and Reheat)
Special Feature	Smart Cook System with Foodi Smart Thermometer	Dual Heat Technology, Multi-use SearPlate
Control Type	Touch control	Knob control
Wattage	1800W	1800W
Material	Stainless steel	Plastic with stainless accents
Weight	21.5 lbs	21.3 lbs
Flip-Away Storage	Yes	Yes
Included Accessories	Air fry basket, SearPlate, wire rack, crumb tray, Foodi Smart Thermometer	Air fry basket, SearPlate, wire rack, crumb tray
Check Price & Reviews	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

Detailed Comparative Review

1. Design and Build Quality

Both ovens look sleek on the counter with stainless finishes, though the SP351 feels a little more premium thanks to its stainless steel construction. The SP301 mixes plastic and metal, which is lighter but doesn’t have the same sturdy feel.

Another difference is in controls:

• The SP351 uses touch controls, which give it a more modern look and make switching between functions simple.
• The SP301 uses knob controls, which are straightforward and tactile, but slightly less precise in my opinion.

Both have the flip-up design, which I love because it gives me back counter space when I’m not using the oven.

Winner: SP351 for sturdier build and touch controls

2. Ease of Use

Here’s where the Smart Thermometer in the SP351 really stood out. I cooked a medium-rare steak and a roast chicken, and the thermometer removed all guesswork. I just set the doneness I wanted, and the oven adjusted itself until the meat was perfectly cooked. That’s a game-changer if you’re not confident with meat temperatures.

With the SP301, I had to rely on my own thermometer, which isn’t a deal-breaker but definitely less convenient.

Winner: SP351 for smart cooking precision

3. Cooking Functions

Both models pack the same 13 functions: Air Fry, Sear Crisp, Rapid Bake, Frozen Pizza, Fresh Pizza, Griddle, Air Roast, Bake, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, and Reheat.

I tested air frying fries, reheating leftovers, and baking small cakes in both. Performance was nearly identical: fast preheating, even cooking, and crisp results. Both ovens heat up in about 60 seconds, which makes weeknight meals so much faster.

Where I noticed a difference was in searing. Both use Ninja’s Dual Heat Technology with the 500°F SearPlate, but the SP351 delivered slightly more consistent browning. That might come down to its better construction and precise controls.

Winner: Tie, but SP351 edges ahead for searing consistency.

4. Cooking Capacity

Capacity is pretty much the same. Both can fit:

• A 2-lb roast
• Up to 6 chicken breasts
• A 12-inch pizza
• 4 lbs of fries

The internal dimensions are nearly identical, so you won’t notice a real difference in how much food you can cook.

Winner: Tie

5. Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning both ovens was simple. The removable crumb tray makes it easy to dump crumbs, and the nonstick SearPlate wipes down without fuss.

One thing I appreciated about the SP301 is that its SearPlate doubles as a sheet pan for baking, which saved me from pulling out extra pans. The SP351’s accessories are great too, but that dual-use feature in the SP301 gave it a slight edge in convenience.

Winner: SP301 for multi-use SearPlate

Ninja SP351 Flip Up Air Fryer Toaster Oven

Pros:

• Smart Thermometer with Smart Cook System
• Sleek stainless steel build
• Touch controls are easy to navigate
• Excellent searing performance
• 13 versatile functions

Cons:

• Pricier than SP301
• Slightly heavier build
• Requires more careful cleaning of touch panel

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Ninja SP301 Flip Up Air Fryer Toaster Oven

Pros:

• Same 13 functions as SP351
• Multi-use SearPlate doubles as a sheet pan
• Simple knob controls (great for those who prefer tactile settings)
• Slightly more affordable
• Compact with flip-away design

Cons:

• No Smart Thermometer
• Plastic build feels less premium
• Knob controls can be less precise

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Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

After using both ovens, here’s my honest takeaway:

• If you want precision cooking and premium build quality, the Ninja SP351 is the better choice. The Smart Cook System with the Foodi Thermometer takes the stress out of cooking meats, and the touch controls feel more modern.
• If you want to save a little money and still get the same cooking performance, the Ninja SP301 is a fantastic option. It’s reliable, versatile, and the multi-use SearPlate adds convenience.

For me, the SP351 is the winner because I like the precision and the confidence of knowing my food will come out exactly the way I want. But if budget is a bigger factor, the SP301 won’t disappoint, it cooks just as well.

Recommendation: Go for the SP351 if you want the best Ninja has to offer in this lineup. Choose the SP301 if you want nearly the same power and versatility at a lower price.