Cooking a steak in the dead of winter used to mean settling for a lackluster pan-sear or braving the freezing wind to fire up the propane grill. That changed the moment indoor grills started hitting 500°F with cyclonic airflow. I’ve spent the last several weeks flipping burgers and air-frying wings in both the Ninja EG201 (the 2nd Generation 6-in-1) and the Ninja AG301 (the 5-in-1 Original).
At first glance, you might think you’re looking at the same machine with a slightly different paint job. They both boast that heavy-duty 1760-watt engine and the signature 10″ x 10″ grill grate. But after running them through a gauntlet of frozen-to-grilled salmon and batches of dehydrated apple chips, the “generational” shift in the EG201 becomes apparent in ways that aren’t just cosmetic.
The Key Difference: Ninja Foodi EG201 vs AG301 Grill
If you are standing in a store aisle looking at these two, the “deal-breaker” difference is the Broil function and the Physical Profile.
- The Ninja EG201 (The 2nd Gen Refinement): This is the newer iteration. It adds a “Broil” setting to the existing mix, giving you 6 functions total. It also features a deeper, more rectangular footprint (17.16W) compared to the square shape of the original. The interface has been streamlined for a more “intuitive” touch-and-button experience.
- The Ninja AG301 (The Original Workhorse): This is the 5-in-1 classic that started the craze. It lacks the dedicated Broil function but matches the EG201 in raw BTU power and capacity. It has a perfectly square footprint (14.9W), which some might find fits better in corner countertop spots.
Technical Comparison Table: Ninja Foodi EG201 vs AG301
| Feature | Ninja EG201 (2nd Gen) | Ninja AG301 (Original) |
| Cooking Functions | 6-in-1 (Adds Broil) | 5-in-1 |
| Max Temperature | 500°F (Cyclonic Air) | 500°F (Cyclonic Air) |
| Wattage | 1760 Watts | 1760 Watts |
| Grill Grate Size | 10″ x 10″ Ceramic Coated | 10″ x 10″ Ceramic Coated |
| Crisper Basket | 4-Quart | 4-Quart |
| Cooking Pot | 6-Quart | 6-Quart |
| Dimensions | 17.16″D x 14.19″W x 11.02″H | 14.9″D x 14.9″W x 11.02″H |
| Weight | ~20 lbs | 20 lbs |
| Smoke Control | Integrated Shield + Cool Zone | Integrated Shield + Cool Zone |
| Buy On Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review: My Kitchen Experience
Design: Modern Sleekness vs. Sturdy Squareness
When I placed the EG201 next to the AG301, the visual evolution was striking. The AG301 has that classic, slightly boxy “early Foodi” look – lots of silver and a very square stance. It’s a tank, and it feels like one.
The EG201, however, feels much more “2026.” It’s slightly deeper, which I actually preferred when sliding it against the backsplash. The black-and-silver finish feels more integrated, and the control panel is tilted at an angle that’s much easier to read while you’re standing over it. One thing I noticed: the lid hinge on the EG201 feels a bit smoother. When you’re flipping four steaks at 500°F, you want a lid that stays put and opens without a fight, and the 2nd Gen model definitely delivers there.
- NINJA FOODI GRILL: The grill that sears, sizzles, and air fry crisps. New exterior look with all the great functions you love from the...
- 6 VERSATILE FUNCTIONS: Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate functions enabled by wide temperature range.
- THE ORIGINAL NINJA FOODI GRILL: The grill that sears, sizzles, and air fry crisps. Indoor grill and air fryer.
- CYCLONIC GRILLING TECHNOLOGY: Uses 500°F cyclonic air to perfectly cook or char grill your food to your desired doneness on the grill...
Ease of Use: Navigating the GrillControl
Both units use what Ninja calls “GrillControl” settings (Low, Medium, High, Max). This is essential because grilling a delicate piece of asparagus (Low) is a world away from searing a New York Strip (Max).
In my testing, the EG201’s intuitive display felt snappier. Selecting the temperature and time felt like it required fewer “clicks” than the AG301. However, the AG301 is remarkably simple because it has fewer options. If you don’t care about the extra functions and just want to hit “Grill” and “Start,” the AG301 is as foolproof as it gets.
Functions: Does the “Broil” Mode Matter?
The big question: Do you need a 6th function? The EG201 includes a Broil mode, while the AG301 stops at Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate, and Grill.
I used the Broil mode on the EG201 to finish off some French Onion Soup crostini and to put a quick bubble on top of a macaroni bake. Since the heating element is at the top, the Broil mode concentrates that 1760 watts of heat downward without the heavy fan circulation of the Air Crisp mode. In the AG301, I had to use “Air Crisp” to achieve a similar result, but the high fan speed tended to blow my cheese around. If you like finishing dishes with a melted, browned top, the EG201 is a clear step up.
Maintenance: The Battle of the Splatter Shield
If you grill indoors, you’re going to deal with grease. Both models use a removable mesh splatter shield that snaps onto the top heating element.
I found that the EG201’s ceramic-coated parts felt slightly more “slick” than the original AG301. After a particularly messy session with marinated chicken thighs, the EG201’s grill grate wiped clean with just a soapy sponge. The AG301 grate is also excellent, but after a few years of heavy use, the original coatings can sometimes lose their “oomph.” Since the EG201 is the 2nd generation, the ceramic application seems slightly more refined. Both are dishwasher safe, but I’d still recommend hand-washing the grates to keep that non-stick surface perfect for years.
Ninja EG201 (2nd Generation) Foodi Grill
- NINJA FOODI GRILL: The grill that sears, sizzles, and air fry crisps. New exterior look with all the great functions you love from the...
- 6 VERSATILE FUNCTIONS: Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate functions enabled by wide temperature range.
Pros:
- Added Versatility: The Broil function is surprisingly useful for melting and browning.
- Modern Interface: Easier to read and more responsive touch controls.
- Improved Airflow: The 2nd Gen design seems to circulate air slightly more efficiently in “Air Crisp” mode.
- Sleek Profile: Looks more like a high-end appliance than a gadget.
Cons:
- Depth: At 17+ inches deep, it might hang off the edge of shallow counters.
- Price: Usually sits at a slightly higher MSRP than the original.
Ninja AG301 (The Original) Foodi Grill
- THE ORIGINAL NINJA FOODI GRILL: The grill that sears, sizzles, and air fry crisps. Indoor grill and air fryer.
- CYCLONIC GRILLING TECHNOLOGY: Uses 500°F cyclonic air to perfectly cook or char grill your food to your desired doneness on the grill...
Pros:
- Compact Footprint: The square shape is a dream for tight kitchen corners.
- Proven Durability: These machines are known to last for years under heavy daily use.
- Simplicity: No unnecessary bells and whistles – just raw grilling power.
- Price: Often found at a bargain, offering the best BTU-per-dollar ratio.
Cons:
- Lacks Broil: You lose that specific top-down high-heat capability.
- Dated Looks: The interface feels a bit “old school” compared to newer Ninja models.
Conclusion & My Recommendation
After a month of back-to-back testing, I’ve reached a solid conclusion. Both of these machines will give you a steak that rivals an outdoor propane grill, and both will make your fries crispier than a traditional oven ever could.
Go with the Ninja AG301 if:
You have a square space on your counter and you just want the essentials. If you already own a toaster oven with a broil function, you won’t miss the 6th setting on the AG301. It’s a sturdy, reliable classic that won’t let you down.
Go with the Ninja EG201 if:
This is your primary “all-in-one” countertop cooker. The addition of Broil makes it much more capable for one-pot meals that need a crispy finish. The updated design and more intuitive controls make it feel like a truly modern kitchen tool.
The Winner: Personally, I’m sticking with the Ninja EG201. The 2nd Generation refinements, especially the smoke control and the Broil function, make it a more complete kitchen partner. It’s the grill I find myself reaching for when I want “perfect” results without the guesswork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the EG201 really “smokeless”?
Ninja calls it a “Smoke Control System.” In my experience, if you keep the splatter shield clean and use high-smoke-point oils (like avocado oil), it is 99% smoke-free. If you use butter or olive oil at 500°F, you will see some smoke, regardless of the model.
Can I fit a whole chicken in these?
Both units come with a 6-quart pot that can technically fit a small (3 lb) chicken for roasting. However, these are “Grills” first. If you want to roast large 6-lb chickens regularly, you might be better off with a Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker or a 10-qt Air Fryer.
Do I need to flip the food?
For the “Grill” function, yes. You want those char marks on both sides! For “Air Crisp,” I recommend shaking the basket or flipping the food halfway through to ensure even browning.
How loud are these machines?
They sound like a powerful microwave or a small hairdryer. The fan is necessary to move that 500°F air, so they aren’t silent, but they aren’t loud enough to disrupt a conversation.
Can I use metal utensils?
No. Both the EG201 and AG301 use ceramic non-stick coatings. Use silicone or wooden tongs to avoid scratching the surface and ruining the non-stick properties.
