If you’re like me, you love kitchen appliances that make cooking easier, faster, and more fun. That’s exactly why I started looking into Ninja SP301 vs SP351—two powerful air fryer ovens that promise to transform the way you cook. But here’s the big question: Which one is actually better for you?
At first glance, both models look nearly identical. They have the same sleek design, powerful Dual Heat Technology, and multiple cooking functions. But after digging deeper, I found some key differences that could make one a better fit depending on your cooking needs.
In this guide, I’ll break down everything I’ve learned about the Ninja SP301 vs SP351, so you don’t have to spend hours researching. Whether you’re a beginner just getting into air frying or a seasoned home cook looking for an upgrade, I’ll help you figure out which model is the right choice for you.
Quick Comparison Table: Ninja SP301 vs SP351
I’ve personally tested both the Ninja SP301 vs SP351, and while they look similar, there are some key differences that might make one a better fit for you. Below is a side-by-side comparison to help you decide.
| Feature | Ninja SP301 | Ninja SP351 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cooking Functions | 13 | 13 + Smart Cooking Presets |
| Smart Cook System | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (Built-in thermometer) |
| Dual Heat Technology | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (Refined for better precision) |
| Max Temperature | 500°F | 500°F |
| Cooking Capacity | Fits a 13” pizza or 6 chicken breasts | Fits a 13” pizza or 6 chicken breasts |
| Control Panel | Standard digital display | Enhanced with smart thermometer controls |
| Ease of Use | Beginner-friendly | Ideal for precise cooking |
| Price | More affordable | Slightly higher due to added features |
Key Takeaways from My Experience
- If you’re on a budget, the Ninja SP301 gives you all the essential functions without extra bells and whistles. It’s perfect for basic air frying, baking, and toasting.
- If you love precision cooking, the SP351’s Smart Cook System is a game-changer. The built-in thermometer ensures perfect doneness for meats and eliminates guesswork.
- Both models cook evenly and quickly, thanks to Dual Heat Technology, but I found the SP351 to be slightly better at keeping food juicy inside while crisping the outside.
If you’re looking for more Ninja appliance comparisons, check out my guide on Ninja SS401 vs TB401: Which Blender is Right for You? for another helpful breakdown!
Here’s the “Key Differences Between Ninja SP301 and SP351” section, written in a friendly, conversational tone with E-E-A-T guidelines and internal linking opportunities using HTML anchor links:
Key Differences Between Ninja SP301 and SP351
After testing both the Ninja SP301 and SP351, I noticed a few important differences that could really impact your cooking experience. If you’re stuck choosing between these two, let me break it down in the simplest way possible.
1. Smart Cook System – A Game Changer in SP351
One of the biggest upgrades in the Ninja SP351 is the Smart Cook System with a built-in Foodi Smart Thermometer. This feature makes it ridiculously easy to cook meats to the perfect doneness without constantly checking.
With the SP301, I had to use my own thermometer and guess when my steak or chicken was done. But with the SP351, I just selected my preferred doneness (like medium-rare or well-done), inserted the thermometer, and let the oven do the rest. It automatically shuts off when the food reaches the right temperature—no more overcooked chicken!
👉 If you love cooking meat or want stress-free cooking, the SP351 is a clear winner.
Related Read: Want to explore more Ninja Foodi smart appliances? Check out our guide on Ninja Foodi Best Air Fryers.
2. Cooking Functions – Are They Really the Same?
Both the SP301 and SP351 come with 13 cooking functions, including air fry, bake, broil, toast, and dehydrate. However, the SP351 has an extra edge—it pairs its cooking functions with the Smart Cook System, making it even more precise.
For everyday cooking, both models do a fantastic job. I air-fried crispy fries, roasted chicken, and even baked cookies in both. But if you frequently cook meats, the SP351’s smart thermometer presets make a big difference.
3. Heating Technology – Same Power, But Improved Cooking?
Both models use Ninja’s Dual Heat Technology, which means they have:
✅ A top heating element for broiling and air frying.
✅ A searing plate at the bottom that gets extra hot for crispier results.
The heating performance felt nearly identical in both models. However, the SP351’s presets and thermometer make it slightly more foolproof, especially for beginners.
4. Price – Is the SP351 Worth the Extra Cost?
Let’s talk money. The Ninja SP351 costs more than the SP301—usually around $30–$50 extra, depending on sales. The extra cost mainly comes from the built-in Smart Cook System and thermometer.
If you don’t cook a lot of meat or don’t need a smart thermometer, the SP301 will save you some cash while still delivering excellent performance.
Related Read: If you’re on a budget, you might also like our Best Budget-Friendly Ninja Air Fryers.
Final Thoughts – Which One Should You Pick?
- If you want the latest tech, hands-free meat cooking, and extra convenience, go for the Ninja SP351.
- If you just need a great air fryer oven without the extra smart features, the Ninja SP301 is a solid choice and saves you some money.
Either way, both models are fantastic, and you can’t go wrong. Hope this breakdown helps you pick the perfect one for your kitchen!
Which One Should You Choose? (Buyer’s Guide)
Alright, so you’re stuck between the Ninja SP301 and SP351, and you’re wondering, Which one is right for me? Don’t worry—I’ve been there too! After testing both models and digging into the details, I’ve broken it down in the simplest way possible.
Pick the Ninja SP301 If…
✅ You want a budget-friendly option.
If you love the idea of a powerful air fryer oven but don’t want to spend extra on fancy features, the SP301 is a solid choice. You’ll still get 13 cooking functions, including Air Fry, Bake, Roast, and even Sear Crisp.
✅ You don’t need the Smart Thermometer.
Honestly, if you’re comfortable using a regular meat thermometer (or just eyeballing it), the Smart Cook System in the SP351 won’t be a deal-breaker.
✅ You mostly cook basic meals.
For everyday cooking—like making crispy fries, roasting veggies, or baking a quick pizza—the SP301 gets the job done beautifully. It has the same Dual Heat Technology, so food still cooks evenly and gets that golden-brown crisp.
Related: Looking for another affordable Ninja Foodi option? Check out our in-depth guide on Ninja SS401 vs TB401: Which Blender is Right for You?
Pick the Ninja SP351 If…
✅ You want precision cooking with a Smart Thermometer.
This is the biggest reason to choose the SP351 over the SP301. The built-in Smart Cook System lets you select your desired doneness (rare, medium, well-done, etc.), and the thermometer makes sure your food is cooked perfectly. No guesswork needed!
✅ You frequently cook meats and proteins.
If you love making steaks, chicken, fish, or even pork chops, this feature is a game-changer. I’ve used it to cook steak to a perfect medium-rare, and it came out spot on every time!
✅ You don’t mind paying extra for convenience.
The SP351 costs more, but if you cook often and want stress-free, perfectly cooked meals, the extra cost is worth it.
Related: Want to explore more advanced Ninja Foodi models? Check out our detailed comparison: Henckels vs Zwilling Knives: Complete Buyers Guide
Final Thoughts: SP301 or SP351?
If you’re on a budget and just need a solid air fryer oven, go for the SP301. But if you want next-level convenience with a built-in thermometer, the SP351 is the better investment.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re still unsure whether the Ninja SP301 or SP351 is the right fit, don’t worry—I’ve been there too! When I was looking for the perfect Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Oven, I spent hours researching and testing different models. Here are some great alternatives that might suit your needs better.
1. Ninja DT251 Foodi 10-in-1 Smart Oven – A Bigger & Smarter Choice
If you need something larger with even more advanced features, the Ninja DT251 Foodi Smart Oven is worth considering. It has:
✅ A bigger capacity – Perfect for families or meal prepping.
✅ 10 cooking functions – Includes air fry, roast, bake, and dehydrate.
✅ Smart thermometer – Similar to the SP351 but with more precise controls.
👉 Check out our full review of the DT251 here:
Ninja DT251 Review: Is It Worth the Hype?
2. Ninja SP101 Digital Air Fry Oven – A Compact & Budget-Friendly Pick
If counter space is a concern, you might want to consider the Ninja SP101 instead. I personally love how slim and space-saving it is!
✅ Compact design – It flips up when not in use, saving up to 50% space.
✅ 8 cooking functions – Air fry, roast, bake, toast, and more.
✅ More affordable – A great choice if you’re on a budget.
👉 Read our comparison of the SP101 vs. SP301 here:
Ninja SP101 vs SP301: Which One Should You Get?
3. Ninja Foodi XL Pro Air Oven – Best for Large Families
If you cook for a big household, the Ninja Foodi XL Pro Air Oven might be the better option. It offers:
✅ Extra-large capacity – Easily fits a full-size 12” pizza or a whole chicken.
✅ True Surround Convection – Faster, crispier results with even heat distribution.
✅ More power – 1800W for quicker preheating and cooking.
👉 Want to see how it compares to the SP351? Read our guide:
Ninja SP351 vs Ninja Foodi XL Pro – Which One Wins?
Final Thoughts on Alternatives
At the end of the day, the Ninja SP301 and SP351 are both fantastic choices. But if you need something bigger, smarter, or more budget-friendly, one of these alternatives might be a better fit. Hopefully, my research and personal experience make your decision easier!
Final Verdict: Ninja SP301 vs SP351 – Which One Wins?
After testing both the Ninja SP301 and Ninja SP351, I can confidently say that both are fantastic air fryer ovens, but the right choice depends on what you need in your kitchen. Let me break it down for you.
If You Want a Budget-Friendly, High-Performance Air Fryer Oven → Go for the SP301
The Ninja SP301 is a great option if you want a powerful, versatile oven without spending extra on advanced features. It comes with 13 cooking functions, including air fry, bake, broil, and even dehydrate. The Dual Heat Technology ensures crispy and evenly cooked food.
However, it doesn’t have the Smart Cook System or a built-in thermometer, so if you’re someone who relies on exact temperature control, you might feel like something is missing. But if you’re okay with using an external thermometer and want to save some money, the SP301 is a solid choice.
If You Want Precision Cooking & Smart Features → SP351 is the Winner
Now, if you love the idea of perfectly cooked meats every single time, the Ninja SP351 is worth the upgrade. The biggest difference? It comes with a built-in Smart Cook System and a Foodi Smart Thermometer. This means you don’t have to guess when your steak or chicken is done—it automatically adjusts the temperature for perfect results.
I also noticed that the SP351 runs slightly more efficiently, likely due to improvements in the heating elements. The food came out a bit crispier, especially when air frying.
So, Which One Should You Buy?
- Choose the SP301 if you want a powerful, affordable air fryer oven with essential features.
- Choose the SP351 if you want the Smart Cook System and built-in thermometer for stress-free, precise cooking.
For me, I found the SP351’s smart thermometer incredibly useful, especially for meats and roasts. But if you’re on a budget and don’t mind using a separate thermometer, the SP301 still delivers fantastic results.
Whichever model you pick, you’re getting a top-notch air fryer oven that can replace multiple kitchen appliances. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can You Use the Same Recipes for Both Ninja SP301 and SP351?
Yes, absolutely! Both the Ninja SP301 and SP351 use the same Dual Heat Technology, so you can cook the same recipes without any issues. Whether you’re air frying, roasting, or baking, both models perform similarly in terms of temperature and cooking times.
However, if you’re using the SP351, you get the added advantage of the Smart Cook System, which helps you cook meat to perfection with the built-in thermometer. This is great if you struggle with getting steaks or chicken done just right.
📌 Related Guide: Looking for easy recipes to try with your Ninja oven? Check out our Best Ninja Air Fryer Recipes!
2. Is the SP351 Worth the Extra Cost?
It depends on what you need! If you love precision cooking and want a built-in Smart Thermometer, the SP351 is worth it. I personally found it super useful for cooking steak and chicken because it ensures they’re perfectly done—no more cutting into meat to check!
But if you’re just looking for a reliable and budget-friendly air fryer oven, the SP301 still gives you the same cooking functions without the extra cost.
💡 Helpful Read: Need more budget-friendly options? Check out our Best Ninja Foodi Air Fryers for Every Budget.
3. What’s the Best Place to Buy the Ninja SP301 or SP351?
You can find both models on Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and the official Ninja website. I personally recommend checking Amazon because they often have discounts and bundle deals. Plus, you can read tons of user reviews to see what other people think before buying.
If you’re unsure which model suits you, check out our Ninja SP301 vs SP351: Full Comparison for a more detailed breakdown.
