Indoor grills have changed the way I cook on busy weeknights. Instead of waiting for charcoal or propane, I can grill salmon, crisp fries, or roast vegetables right on my countertop—and still get those charred flavors I used to associate only with outdoor grilling. Two of the most popular models I’ve used are the Ninja EG201 Foodi Grill (2nd Generation, 6-in-1) and the Ninja AG301 Foodi Grill (the original 5-in-1).
At first glance, they look nearly identical, both offering cyclonic grilling power, air frying, and roasting functions. But after cooking dozens of meals in each, I’ve noticed some real differences in design, usability, and overall performance. If you’re trying to decide which one is right for your kitchen, here’s my detailed breakdown.
Key Difference Between Ninja EG201 vs AG301 Foodi Smart Grill
The main difference comes down to functionality and design updates.
- The Ninja EG201 (2nd Gen) adds one extra cooking function (6-in-1 instead of 5-in-1) and has a slightly refreshed exterior design with more intuitive controls.
- The Ninja AG301 is the original model with the same core performance but fewer functions.
So, if you want the latest features and a bit more versatility, the EG201 has the edge. If you just want a dependable, slightly simpler indoor grill, the AG301 still delivers.
- NINJA FOODI GRILL: The grill that sears, sizzles, and air fry crisps. New exterior look with all the great functions you...
- THE ORIGINAL NINJA FOODI GRILL: The grill that sears, sizzles, and air fry crisps. Indoor grill and air fryer.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table: Ninja EG201 vs AG301 Foodi Grill
| Feature | Ninja EG201 (6-in-1, 2nd Gen) | Ninja AG301 (5-in-1, Original) |
| Functions | Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate | Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate |
| Power | 1760 watts | 1760 watts |
| Cyclonic Grilling | 500°F Cyclonic Air | 500°F Cyclonic Air |
| Capacity | 10” x 10” Grill Grate, 4-qt Crisper Basket, 6-qt Pot | 10” x 10” Grill Grate, 4-qt Crisper Basket, 6-qt Pot |
| Smoke Control | Yes | Yes |
| Design | Updated look, intuitive display | Original design |
| Included Accessories | Grill grate, basket, pot, cleaning brush, recipe book | Grill grate, basket, pot, cleaning brush, recipe book |
| Ease of Cleaning | Dishwasher safe, ceramic-coated | Dishwasher safe, ceramic-coated |
| Weight | 20 lbs | 20 lbs |
| Voltage | 110V | 120V |
| Price Range | Slightly higher | More affordable |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Review
Before getting into pros and cons, let me share how each model felt in daily cooking.
Design & Build
The Ninja EG201 feels like a subtle refresh. The black and silver finish is modern, and the updated display makes switching between functions simpler. The control panel feels more user-friendly, especially if you’re toggling between grilling and air frying often.
The AG301 is chunkier in appearance, with more of that “first-gen appliance” vibe. It’s not unattractive, but side by side, the EG201 looks sleeker. Both weigh about 20 pounds, so once they’re on the counter, they’re not moving around much.
- NINJA FOODI GRILL: The grill that sears, sizzles, and air fry crisps. New exterior look with all the great functions you...
- THE ORIGINAL NINJA FOODI GRILL: The grill that sears, sizzles, and air fry crisps. Indoor grill and air fryer.
Ease of Use
Cooking with either grill is straightforward. Preheat times are fast (just a few minutes), and the smoke control system works better than I expected. With the EG201, I felt the temperature display and grill control settings were slightly more precise.
On the AG301, everything still works well—it’s just that the interface feels a little less refined. I didn’t struggle with it, but if you’re used to modern digital displays, the EG201 feels like a step up.
Cooking Functions
Here’s where the EG201 gains ground. The extra Broil function makes a difference when you want that high-heat top crisp, like melting cheese on burgers or getting extra color on roasted veggies.
The AG301 covers the essentials: Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, and Dehydrate. I made fries, wings, and roasted chicken in both, and the results were nearly identical. But the EG201’s sixth mode gave me that extra versatility when I wanted more of a browned finish.
- NINJA FOODI GRILL: The grill that sears, sizzles, and air fry crisps. New exterior look with all the great functions you...
Grilling Performance
Both use 500°F cyclonic grilling technology, and honestly, I couldn’t tell much difference in the grilling results. Steaks came out with authentic char marks, salmon was juicy, and chicken breasts were cooked evenly.
What impressed me in both was the ability to go straight from frozen to grilled—salmon fillets from the freezer were ready in under 25 minutes, perfectly cooked through.
Air Frying & Roasting
Both models deliver crisp fries and chicken wings with up to 75% less fat than traditional deep frying. The 4-qt crisper basket feels just right for small family meals, though if you’re cooking for more than four people, you’ll need multiple batches.
Roasting a whole chicken worked better than I expected, though you’re still limited by the 6-qt pot size. The results were evenly browned in both models.
- THE ORIGINAL NINJA FOODI GRILL: The grill that sears, sizzles, and air fry crisps. Indoor grill and air fryer.
Cleaning
This is one area where both models shine. The ceramic-coated grill grate, basket, and cooking pot are all dishwasher safe, and food rarely sticks. After grilling steaks, I gave the grate a quick scrub with the included brush, and it cleaned up easily.
Ninja EG201 (6-in-1, 2nd Gen) Indoor Grill With Air Fryer
- NINJA FOODI GRILL: The grill that sears, sizzles, and air fry crisps. New exterior look with all the great functions you...
Pros:
- Extra Broil function for added versatility
- Sleeker, updated design
- More intuitive display and controls
- Same powerful 500°F grilling
- Easy to clean, dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Slightly bulkier footprint
- Higher price than AG301
Ninja AG301 (5-in-1, Original) Indoor Grill
- THE ORIGINAL NINJA FOODI GRILL: The grill that sears, sizzles, and air fry crisps. Indoor grill and air fryer.
Pros:
- Proven, reliable performance
- All essential functions (Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate)
- Strong smoke control system
- Dishwasher safe parts
- Usually more affordable
Cons:
- No dedicated Broil mode
- Slightly older design and interface
- Controls feel less refined
Conclusion: My Recommendation
After cooking with both, I can confidently say the Ninja EG201 feels like the smarter buy if you want the most up-to-date, versatile indoor grill. The extra Broil mode might not sound huge on paper, but I found myself using it more often than I expected—it just makes meals look and taste more like restaurant quality. The modernized interface also made daily cooking feel a little smoother.
That said, the Ninja AG301 is still a fantastic grill. If you’re on a tighter budget or just want the core features without paying extra for the latest version, it gets the job done beautifully.
For me personally, the EG201 edges ahead because I like having that sixth function and the updated design. But no matter which one you choose, both models deliver on Ninja’s promise: delicious char-grilled results from your countertop, without the hassle of outdoor grilling.
