Ninja EG201 vs FG551 Grill Comparison: Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re searching for a versatile indoor grill that can do much more than just grill, Ninja’s Foodi line often comes up as a top contender. Two of its most popular models are the Ninja EG201 and the Ninja FG551. Both are 6-in-1 indoor grills with the ability to air fry, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate.

But once I put them side by side in my kitchen, it became clear that while they share similarities, they’re designed with slightly different users in mind.

In this detailed review, I’ll walk you through my experience with both grills—their design, ease of use, cooking performance, and extra features—so you can figure out which one is the better fit for your needs.

Key Difference Between Ninja EG201 vs FG551 Grill

The Ninja EG201 is a reliable, mid-sized indoor grill that gives you solid performance with intuitive controls and easy cleanup. Meanwhile, the Ninja FG551 takes it up a notch with a larger XL capacity and a Smart Cook System that includes a built-in thermometer for precise doneness. If you love set-it-and-forget-it convenience and often cook for more people, the FG551 may justify its bigger size and higher price.

Comparison Table: Ninja EG201 vs FG551 Grill

Feature	Ninja EG201	Ninja FG551
Brand	Ninja	Ninja
Material	Ceramic	Ceramic
Color	Black/Silver	Black/Silver
Dimensions	17.16″D x 14.19″W x 11.02″H	11.1″D x 15.7″W x 16″H
Weight	21.54 lbs	25 lbs
Wattage	1760 watts	1760 watts
Voltage	110 volts	120 volts
Grill Grate Size	10″ x 10″	9″ x 12″
Crisper Basket	4-qt	4-qt
Cooking Pot	6-qt	4-qt
Functions	Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate	Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate
Smart Features	None	Smart Cook System + Thermometer
Smoke Control System	Yes	Yes
Dishwasher Safe Parts	Yes	Yes
Buy Now	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

Detailed Comparative Review

Design & Build

The EG201 is compact, which makes it easier to fit on my countertop. Its black and silver design blends in well with other kitchen appliances. On the other hand, the FG551 is taller and bulkier, but this added size comes with more cooking space. The FG551 looks sleeker and a bit more premium, especially with its updated controls and smart thermometer integration.

If you’re short on counter space, the EG201 is a better fit. But if you have room to spare, the FG551 definitely feels more modern.

Ease of Use

Both models are easy to get started with, but I found the FG551’s Smart Cook System made cooking more effortless. The built-in thermometer lets you pick the doneness level (rare, medium, well-done) and it adjusts automatically. For steaks and chicken, this was a game-changer—I didn’t have to worry about overcooking or constantly checking temperatures.

The EG201, while lacking the smart thermometer, still has intuitive controls. I never felt lost using it, and with some experience, I could still nail cooking results. If you don’t mind keeping an eye on your food, it’s simple enough to use.

Cooking Functions & Performance

Both grills come with the same 6 functions: Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate. In practice, they both heat up fast, reaching 500°F with their Cyclonic Grilling Technology.

Where I noticed a difference was in consistency: the FG551’s thermometer gave me more confidence when cooking thicker cuts of meat. The EG201 still produced great grill marks and crispy air-fried foods, but I had to rely on my instincts or a separate meat thermometer.

If you want precision, go FG551. If you’re fine with a bit more hands-on cooking, EG201 works beautifully.

Smoke Control System

Both models come with Ninja’s Smoke Control System, and I can confirm that it really works. Even when I grilled salmon, the kitchen didn’t turn smoky. The combination of the splatter shield, cool-air zone, and temperature control kept the smoke minimal. This feature is a win on both models.

Cleaning & Maintenance

The nonstick ceramic-coated parts (grill grate, crisper basket, cooking pot) are removable and dishwasher safe on both models. I tested cleaning both manually and in the dishwasher—cleanup was simple either way.

The only difference? The FG551 has a splatter shield as an extra piece to clean, but it didn’t add much hassle.

Ninja EG201 Foodi Indoor Grill with Air Fry

Pros:

• Compact, fits easily on countertops
• Same 6 versatile functions as FG551
• Affordable compared to FG551
• Easy to clean, dishwasher safe parts
• Reliable grilling performance

Cons:

• No smart thermometer
• Slightly smaller grill surface
• Less convenient for beginners who want precision

Buy on Amazon

Ninja FG551 Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill with Air Fry

Pros:

• Larger XL size for families or batch cooking
• Smart Cook System with thermometer = no guesswork
• Sleeker design and upgraded controls
• Same versatile cooking functions
• Consistent doneness levels with multiple presets

Cons:

• Bulkier, takes more counter space
• Heavier at 25 lbs
• Pricier than EG201

Buy on Amazon

Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?

After spending time with both the Ninja EG201 and Ninja FG551, my recommendation depends on your cooking style and household size.

• If you live in a smaller household, value space-saving design, and don’t mind a little hands-on monitoring, the Ninja EG201 is more than capable. It’s reliable, easy to use, and gives you the full indoor grilling experience without the higher cost.
• If you often cook for more people or want hassle-free precision, the Ninja FG551 is worth the upgrade. The Smart Cook System really shines when you want perfect doneness without babysitting your food.

Both are excellent choices, but personally, I lean toward the FG551 for its convenience and smarter cooking experience. Once you’ve tried the thermometer feature, it’s hard to go back.