Indoor grilling has come a long way, and Ninja has been at the front of making it both convenient and enjoyable. Recently, I had the chance to test out two of their compact smokeless indoor grills — the Ninja GR101 and the Ninja GR100. At first, they seemed nearly identical, but after using them side by side, I discovered important differences that will matter depending on how you like to cook.
If you’re trying to decide between these two models, let me walk you through what stood out to me, what they do well, and which one ultimately deserves a spot in your kitchen.
Key Difference Between Ninja GR101 and GR100 Sizzle Grill
The main difference comes down to versatility:
- The Ninja GR101 comes with two interchangeable plates — a grill plate and a flat-top griddle plate — making it more versatile for everything from pancakes to steak.
- The Ninja GR100 only includes the grill plate, so it’s focused strictly on grilling.
Both reach the same high heat of 500°F and have the same size, wattage, and smokeless technology, but if you want the flexibility of grilling and griddling, the GR101 is the more complete package.
- INTERCHANGEABLE GRILL & GRIDDLE PLATES: From char-grilled strip steaks to sizzling fajita veggies, unlock delicious...
- 500F MAX HEAT: Reach temperatures of up to 500F for high-heat grilling and searing and get better char-grilled marks...
Comparison Table: Ninja GR101 vs GR100 Grill
| Feature | Ninja GR101 | Ninja GR100 |
| Brand | Ninja | Ninja |
| Power | 1450 watts | 1450 watts |
| Cooking Plates | Grill + Griddle | Grill only |
| Heat Capacity | Up to 500°F | Up to 500°F |
| Size (Dimensions) | 14.7″D x 15.1″W x 6.1″H | 14.7″D x 15.1″W x 6.1″H |
| Weight | 7.8 lbs | 7.8 lbs |
| Material | Metal & Plastic | Stainless Steel |
| Special Features | Smokeless, interchangeable plates, dishwasher safe, nonstick coating | Smokeless, dishwasher safe, nonstick coating |
| Included Components | Grill plate, griddle plate, mesh lid, recipe guide | Grill plate, mesh lid |
| Best For | Families who want both grill and griddle cooking | Users who just want grilling functionality |
| Check Price & Reviews | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
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Design and Build Quality
Both models share the same footprint and feel fairly sturdy for countertop appliances. The GR101 has a slightly more modern look in silver/grey, while the GR100 leans into a classic black and stainless-steel finish.
I personally liked the GR101’s finish better because it blended in nicely with my other appliances. Both are lightweight enough to move around but not so flimsy that they slide when you’re flipping food.
Winner: GR101 for style and versatility.
- INTERCHANGEABLE GRILL & GRIDDLE PLATES: From char-grilled strip steaks to sizzling fajita veggies, unlock delicious...
- 500F MAX HEAT: Reach temperatures of up to 500F for high-heat grilling and searing and get better char-grilled marks...
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Ease of Use
Operating both grills was straightforward. Plug them in, set your temperature, and let them preheat. The flat cooking surface on both models heats evenly across the plate — I tested with strips of bacon and didn’t notice cold or hot spots.
Where the GR101 edges ahead is in plate swapping. I could quickly switch from making grilled chicken for dinner to pancakes for breakfast without dragging out another appliance. That flexibility saved counter space and made me reach for it more often.
Winner: GR101 for ease of use with interchangeable plates.
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Cooking Performance
Both models reached 500°F reliably, which is impressive for indoor grills. The sear marks on steaks and burgers were legit — no need to run outside to the gas grill. The smokeless feature also worked well; with the mesh lid on, I barely had any smoke even when cooking fattier cuts.
Here’s where I noticed the difference:
- On the GR101, I used the griddle plate for stir-fry veggies, fajitas, and pancakes. Everything cooked evenly and cleanup was simple.
- The GR100 grilled beautifully but was limited to, well, grilling. It did its job really well but didn’t give me as many cooking options.
Winner: GR101 for versatility, though both delivered excellent grilling results.
- INTERCHANGEABLE GRILL & GRIDDLE PLATES: From char-grilled strip steaks to sizzling fajita veggies, unlock delicious...
- 500F MAX HEAT: Reach temperatures of up to 500F for high-heat grilling and searing and get better char-grilled marks...
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Capacity
Both models are identical in size. The 14-inch plates comfortably fit six burgers or enough chicken to feed a family of 4–6. I made breakfast for my family one Saturday — eggs on one side, bacon on the other — and it was the perfect size for us.
Since capacity is the same, this one’s a tie.
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Cleaning
Both the GR100 and GR101 are dishwasher safe, and that was a lifesaver after greasy meals. The nonstick surface was genuinely effective; a quick wipe-down after cooking was often enough, but I still liked having the option to toss plates and the mesh lid in the dishwasher.
The GR101 has more to clean since it comes with two plates, but that’s a small tradeoff for the flexibility.
Winner: Tie — both are easy to clean.
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Value for Money
This is where you need to think about your cooking style.
- The GR100 is generally the cheaper of the two, and if all you want is a reliable indoor grill, it’s a solid pick.
- The GR101 costs a little more, but you’re essentially getting two appliances in one (a grill and a griddle). For me, the extra plate made the difference — I used it way more often than I expected.
Winner: GR101 — better overall value for the added functionality.
Ninja GR101 Griddle and Indoor Grill
- INTERCHANGEABLE GRILL & GRIDDLE PLATES: From char-grilled strip steaks to sizzling fajita veggies, unlock delicious...
Pros:
- Includes both grill and griddle plates
- Reaches 500°F for searing and grilling
- Even heating across the surface
- Dishwasher safe and easy to clean
- Large enough for family meals
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than GR100
- More parts to store and clean
Ninja GR100 Sizzle Indoor Grill
- 500F MAX HEAT: Reach temperatures of up to 500F for high-heat grilling and searing and get better char-grilled marks...
Pros:
- Same powerful 500°F high-heat cooking
- Compact and lightweight
- Simple, straightforward grill-only design
- Dishwasher safe plates and lid
- More budget-friendly
Cons:
- Limited to grilling (no griddle plate)
- Fewer included accessories
- Feels like a stripped-down version of the GR101
Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?
After spending time with both, here’s my honest take:
- If you want just a grill and nothing more, the Ninja GR100 is fine. It’s budget-friendly and does exactly what it promises.
- If you want more cooking options — like pancakes in the morning, fajitas at lunch, and steak at dinner — then the Ninja GR101 is absolutely worth the extra cost.
Personally, I’d recommend the GR101. The added griddle plate transforms it into a much more versatile appliance, and I found myself reaching for it more often because it replaced multiple pans and gadgets in my kitchen.
✅ Final Verdict: Both grills cook beautifully, but the Ninja GR101 wins for versatility and overall value.
