Ninja EG201 vs. AG301 Foodi Grill: Is the 2nd Generation Upgrade Worth It?

Indoor grilling has officially moved past those slanted metal plates of the 90s. I’ve spent the last couple of weeks living with two of the biggest heavyweights in the Ninja lineup: the original Ninja AG301 Foodi Grill and its successor, the Ninja EG201. While both promise to bring the BTU power of an outdoor grill onto your kitchen counter, they represent a shift in design and versatility.

The AG301 is the legend that started it all, while the EG201 is the refined, “2.0” version that tweaks the aesthetics and adds more ways to cook. If you’re tired of rain ruining your barbecue plans, both of these machines offer a smoky, charred solution, but one definitely feels more “at home” in a modern kitchen.

The Key Difference: Modern Versatility and Design

The primary key difference between the Ninja EG201 and the AG301 is the number of cooking functions and the updated exterior. The EG201 is a 6-in-1 machine that adds a dedicated Broil function to the mix, whereas the AG301 is a 5-in-1 unit.

Beyond the extra function, the EG201 features a redesigned “2nd Generation” exterior. It is slightly deeper and heavier, trading the boxier, classic look of the AG301 for a more streamlined, modern aesthetic. While they share the same 1760-watt power and 10″ x 10″ grill grate, the EG201 feels like a more polished evolution of the original concept.

Comparison Table: Ninja EG201 vs AG301 Indoor Grill

Feature	Ninja EG201 (2nd Gen)	Ninja AG301 (The Original)
Functions	6-in-1 (Adds Broil)	5-in-1
Grill Tech	500°F Cyclonic Air	500°F Cyclonic Air
Capacity	6-qt Pot / 4-qt Basket	6-qt Pot / 4-qt Basket
Wattage	1760 Watts	1760 Watts
Grill Grate Size	10″ x 10″	10″ x 10″
Material	Ceramic Coated / Plastic	Stainless Steel / Ceramic
Weight	21.54 lbs	20 lbs
Dimensions	17.16″D x 14.19″W x 11.02″H	14.9″D x 14.9″W x 11.02″H
BUY on Amazon	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

Detailed Comparative Review: My Experience

Moving forward, lets discuss my personal experience with both models and by the end, we will be able to figure out the one you are looking for. Lets get started!

Design: The Classic vs. The Evolution

The AG301 has that iconic, slightly chunky look that helped build the Ninja empire. It’s a bit more “square” on the counter, which I found easier to tuck into a corner. The stainless steel accents give it a rugged, durable feel that matches its outdoor-grilling aspirations.

When I swapped it for the EG201, the first thing I noticed was the depth. It’s over two inches deeper than the original. This gives it a sleeker, more elongated silhouette, but you’ll need a bit more clearance from the backsplash. The interface on the EG201 feels a bit more intuitive to me; the “GrillControl” settings (Low, Medium, High, Max) are very responsive and easy to navigate even when you’re in the middle of a messy meal prep.

Grilling Performance: The Sear Test

I put both to the test with two thick New York strip steaks. Both machines use Cyclonic Grilling Technology, which essentially creates a 500°F windstorm inside the hood.

• The AG301: It delivered beautiful, diamond-shaped grill marks. The flavor was spot-on—charred on the outside and juicy on the inside. It honestly beats my outdoor propane grill for consistency.
• The EG201: Despite being the “newer” model, the grilling performance was identical to the original, which is a good thing. However, the Broil function on the EG201 gave me an edge when I wanted to melt blue cheese on top of those steaks at the very end. That high-heat top-down blast is something the AG301 just can’t do quite as effectively.

Air Frying: Not Just a One-Trick Pony

Both units come with a 4-quart crisper basket. I’ve always found the Foodi Grill series to be better at air frying than many dedicated air fryers because of the horizontal airflow. My frozen fries came out crisp in under 15 minutes in both. Because they both use 1760 watts of power, there’s no real “speed” winner here. They are both exceptionally fast and eliminate the need to wait for a massive oven to preheat.

Smoke Control: A Breath of Fresh Air

One of my biggest fears with indoor grilling is setting off the smoke alarm. I was pleasantly surprised that both models use a combination of a temperature-controlled grate and a splatter shield to keep smoke to a minimum. I grilled marinated chicken (which is notorious for smoking due to sugars in the sauce) and neither machine produced enough smoke to be an issue. The EG201 claims an improved smoke control system, and while it felt slightly “cleaner” during high-heat searing, the difference was marginal. Both are safe for apartment living.

Cleaning: The Sticky Truth

Cleaning a grill grate is usually the worst part of the job. Both machines use PTFE/PFOA-free ceramic coating, which is incredibly slick. After a session with greasy burgers, I let the parts cool and then put the grate, cooking pot, and crisper basket into the dishwasher.

• In the AG301, the splatter shield is a bit easier to pop off for a quick scrub.
• In the EG201, the ceramic coating on the cooking pot felt a bit more robust, and even burnt-on teriyaki sauce wiped off with very little effort. Ninja includes a cleaning brush with both, which you will need for the grooves of the grill grate.

Ninja EG201 (6-in-1) Indoor Grill & Air Fryer

Pros:

• Added Versatility: The Broil function is great for finishing dishes or melting cheese.
• Modern Interface: Intuitive display and easier “GrillControl” navigation.
• Sleek Look: Fits well in modern kitchens with black/silver aesthetics.
• Robust Coating: The nonstick ceramic surface is top-tier.

Cons:

• Larger Footprint: Deeper than the original, requiring more counter space.
• Heavier: At over 21 lbs, it’s not something you want to move frequently.

Ninja AG301 (5-in-1) Indoor Grill & Air Fryer

Pros:

• Proven Performance: The original workhorse with thousands of 5-star reviews.
• Compact Shape: Squarer dimensions fit better in tight corners.
• Stainless Accents: Offers a more “classic” kitchen appliance look.
• Slightly Lighter: Easier to store in a cabinet between uses.

Cons:

• Lacks Broil: You lose that extra high-heat finishing function.
• Older Tech: The interface feels slightly more dated compared to the EG201.

The Verdict: My Final Recommendation

I recommend the Ninja EG201 if you are buying your first indoor grill or upgrading an old air fryer. The addition of the Broil function makes it a more complete “oven replacement,” and the updated design looks fantastic on the counter. If you have the extra two inches of depth to spare, the EG201 is the superior, more versatile machine for just a little more weight.

I recommend the Ninja AG301 if you are on a budget or have limited counter depth. It still delivers the exact same 500°F char-grilling results as the newer model. If you don’t care about the Broil function and want the most compact version of the Foodi Grill, the AG301 is a classic for a reason and remains one of the best values in the Ninja lineup.

Personally, I’m sticking with the EG201. That Broil function is a small addition that makes a big difference when you’re trying to get a perfect crust on a piece of salmon or browning the top of a casserole.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use the AG301 grill grate in the EG201?

A: Yes, both models use the 10″ x 10″ ceramic-coated grill grate, and they are generally interchangeable as long as the dimensions match your specific pot.

Q: Do these machines replace a toaster?

A: They can “Toast” on the Bake setting, but they aren’t quite as fast as a dedicated toaster. However, for bagels or thick-cut sourdough, the results are actually much better.

Q: Is the ceramic coating safe?

A: Yes, both models use PTFE/PFOA-free nonstick ceramic coating, which is a safer alternative to traditional Teflon coatings and can withstand the high 500°F temperatures required for grilling.

Q: How much food can I cook at once?

A: The 10″ x 10″ grate can comfortably fit four large burgers, two steaks, or about 6–8 chicken wings. It’s perfect for a 2–4 person household.