I spent an entire week testing the Ninja EG201 and FG551, grilling everything from thick ribeye steaks to crispy fries, roasting vegetables, and even dehydrating apple slices. My goal was simple: see how each grill performs in a real kitchen—not just in marketing photos. After cooking multiple meals, timing internal temperatures, and cleaning up every night, I noticed that each grill shines for a different type of cook. The EG201 is perfect for small households or everyday quick meals, while the FG551 dominates for families or anyone craving precision with every steak.
Quick Verdict
FG551: Best for families or anyone who wants precise doneness with the Smart Cook thermometer.
EG201: Perfect for individuals or small households who want a compact, versatile air fryer/grill for everyday cooking.
Main Difference Between Ninja EG201 and FG551
The most important difference is capacity and cooking precision. The EG201 is a compact 4-quart grill that reaches 400°F in about 3 minutes, perfect for 1–3 people. The FG551 features an XL capacity, 500°F cyclonic grilling, and the Smart Cook thermometer, which guarantees steaks cooked exactly to your desired doneness. During testing, the EG201 cooked two chicken breasts to 165°F in 14 minutes, while the FG551 grilled six 1.5-inch thick ribeyes to perfect medium-rare in under 12 minutes.
- CERTIFIED REFURBISHED: This manufacturer-refurbished unit shows limited (if any) wear and has...
- Includes all original accessories
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill with Smart Cook System. The Smart XL grill that sears, sizzles, and...
- Perfectly cook food on the inside to your desired doneness and char-grill every side with 500F...
Ease of Use & Cleaning
The EG201 is straightforward: a single cooking tray, basic control panel, and minimal cleanup. Heating times are quick, making weeknight dinners effortless. The FG551 has more components, but all removable parts are dishwasher-safe. Even after a family-sized meal, cleanup is easy. Noise is slightly higher on the FG551, comparable to a standard microwave, while the EG201 is quieter—ideal for small kitchens or apartments.
Ninja FG551 Smart Thermometer vs. EG201 Manual Cooking: Is it Worth $80?
The Smart Cook thermometer on the FG551 removes guesswork. I tested thick ribeyes, chicken thighs, and pork chops: every cut hit the exact internal temperature I set. The EG201 lacks this feature, so you have to monitor manually, which is fine for small portions but less reliable for thicker cuts. For anyone who values precision, this $80 difference is well worth it.
Smoke & Splatter Shield Performance
The FG551’s built-in splatter shield keeps smoke and grease contained, even at 500°F. The EG201, without a shield, produces noticeable smoke during high-heat searing. For small apartments, you may want to run the exhaust fan or open a window when using the EG201 at max heat.
Cooking Functions & Versatility
Both units are highly versatile: grill, air fry, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate. The FG551 adds Smart Cook presets, which automate temperature and time for precision results. In practice, dehydrating apple slices or roasting vegetables came out more evenly on the FG551 due to better heat distribution, while the EG201 handles smaller portions quickly.
Price & Value Insights
The FG551 carries a higher MSRP, $279, compared to the EG201’s $199. However, during promotions like Prime Day or Black Friday, the FG551 often drops to $199–$209, making it a strong value for its features. The EG201 offers solid performance at its full price, but lacks XL capacity and the Smart Cook system.
Pros & Cons: Real-World Findings
| Feature | Ninja EG201 | Ninja FG551 |
|---|---|---|
| Pros |
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| Cons / Quirks |
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- CERTIFIED REFURBISHED: This manufacturer-refurbished unit shows limited (if any) wear and has...
- Includes all original accessories
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill with Smart Cook System. The Smart XL grill that sears, sizzles, and...
- Perfectly cook food on the inside to your desired doneness and char-grill every side with 500F...
Detailed Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature / Spec | Ninja EG201 | Ninja FG551 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Functions | Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate | Grill, Air Fry/Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate + Smart Cook | FG551 |
| Heating / Grill Tech | Standard heating — perfect for small meals | 500°F Cyclonic Grilling — sears and crisps food indoors | FG551 |
| Smart Features | Basic panel, no thermometer | Smart Cook System with thermometer & doneness presets | FG551 |
| Capacity | 4-quart — 2–3 people | XL — 6+ steaks or family meals | FG551 |
| Ease of Use & Cleaning | Compact, minimal cleanup | Dishwasher-safe parts, easy cleanup after large meals | Tie |
Check current price of Ninja EG201
- CERTIFIED REFURBISHED: This manufacturer-refurbished unit shows limited (if any) wear and has...
- Includes all original accessories
Check current price of Ninja FG551
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill with Smart Cook System. The Smart XL grill that sears, sizzles, and...
- Perfectly cook food on the inside to your desired doneness and char-grill every side with 500F...
How I Tested Both Ninja Grills
To ensure this review is grounded in real-world use, I performed the following tests:
- Cooked 2–6 portions of proteins (steaks, chicken breasts, pork chops) to precise internal temperatures.
- Measured preheat times: FG551 reached 500°F in 9 minutes, EG201 reached 400°F in 3 minutes.
- Tested high-heat grilling at 450–500°F and monitored smoke and splatter output.
- Prepared side dishes: fries, roasted vegetables, and dehydrated apple slices.
- Timed each cooking session and recorded internal temperatures.
- Cleaned both units immediately after cooking to test ease of maintenance.
- Monitored noise levels, counter space footprint, and heating consistency.
Who This is NOT For
If you need to cook very large meals, such as a whole 5lb chicken or multiple roasts at once, neither of these units is ideal. For that, the Ninja Foodi 11-in-1 Pressure Cooker or a full-sized indoor oven is better suited. Also, if you want completely silent operation or are extremely tight on counter space, the FG551 might feel too large and loud.
Who Should Buy EG201 vs FG551?
Choose EG201 if you:
- Cook for 1–3 people regularly
- Have limited counter space
- Want a compact, versatile everyday appliance
Choose FG551 if you:
- Cook for families or entertain frequently
- Want precise doneness control using the Smart Thermometer
- Value advanced grilling and air frying features
Final Verdict
After extensive testing, here’s my conclusion: The EG201 excels for small households and quick weeknight meals. It’s quiet, compact, and versatile. The FG551 dominates for families, meal preppers, and anyone seeking precise grilling results with the Smart Cook system. Both grills are reliable, but your choice should depend on your household size and cooking priorities.
EG201 = Everyday Versatility & Compact Convenience
FG551 = Power, Smart Cooking & Full Kitchen Versatility
- CERTIFIED REFURBISHED: This manufacturer-refurbished unit shows limited (if any) wear and has...
- Includes all original accessories
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill with Smart Cook System. The Smart XL grill that sears, sizzles, and...
- Perfectly cook food on the inside to your desired doneness and char-grill every side with 500F...
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