Air fryer ovens have become incredibly popular kitchen appliances for their ability to cook foods quickly and conveniently with little to no oil. Two of the top models on the market are the Ninja SP301 and SP351 air fryer ovens. But what exactly sets them apart?
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspect | Ninja SP301 | Ninja SP351 |
| Cooking Capacity | 3 qt | 4 qt |
| Wattage | 1500W | 1800W |
| Temperature Range | 105°F-450°F | 105°F-450°F |
| Functions | Air Fry, Air Roast, Air Broil, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate | Air Fry, Air Roast, Air Broil, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate |
| Included Accessories | Crumb Tray, Air Fry Basket, Roasting Rack, Recipe Book | Crumb Tray, 2 Air Fry Baskets, Roasting Rack, Recipe Book |
Overview of the Ninja SP301 Air Fryer Oven
The Ninja SP301 is a digital air fryer oven with a 3 quart cooking capacity. It uses 1500 watts of power and circulates hot air around food to cook and crisp it using little to no oil.
The temperature range goes from a low of 105°F for dehydrating up to 450°F for air frying. It comes with 6 built-in smart programs:
- Air Fry
- Air Roast
- Air Broil
- Bake
- Reheat
- Dehydrate
The digital display and dial controls make it easy to select settings and monitor cooking progress. The inside of the oven is non-stick and includes a removable crumb tray for easy cleanup.
Included with the SP301 are a multi-level air fry basket, roasting rack, and recipe book with over 15 recipes to get you started. The compact oven can fit on most countertops and has a modern, sleek design.
Overview of the Ninja SP351 Air Fryer Oven
The Ninja SP351 is very similar to the SP301 but offers a few upgrades. Most notably, it has a larger 4 quart cooking capacity.
To accommodate the bigger interior, the wattage on the SP351 is increased to 1800W for faster preheating and cooking. It includes the same 6 built-in smart programs and 105°F-450°F temperature range as the smaller model.
One of the biggest differences is that the SP351 comes with 2 air fry baskets instead of just 1. This allows you to cook two batches of food at once or use the divided basket to cook two foods separately.
The digital display, dial controls, non-stick interior, and crumb tray are all identical to the SP301. It also includes a roasting rack and recipe book.
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Key Differences Between the Ninja SP301 and SP351
While the SP301 and SP351 share many similarities, there are a few differences worth highlighting:
Cooking Capacity
SP301 (3 Quart Capacity):
- The SP301 boasts a cooking capacity of 3 quarts, making it ideal for smaller households or individuals.
- It can comfortably serve 1-4 portions, making it a great choice for singles, couples, or small families.
SP351 (4 Quart Capacity):
- In contrast, the SP351 offers a larger 4-quart cooking capacity, which is better suited for bigger families or those who frequently cook for larger groups.
- With its increased size, it can accommodate more food, making it a convenient choice for those who entertain or have larger appetites to satisfy.
Wattage
SP301 (1500 Watts):
- The SP301 operates at 1500 watts, which is sufficient for most air frying and cooking tasks.
- While it provides reliable performance, it may have slightly longer preheating and cooking times compared to the higher-wattage SP351.
SP351 (1800 Watts):
- The SP351, on the other hand, boasts a more powerful 1800-watt heating element.
- This extra wattage results in faster preheating and cooking, allowing you to get your meals on the table more quickly.
Accessories
SP301 (1 Multi-Level Air Fry Basket):
- The SP301 comes equipped with one multi-level air fry basket.
- This single basket design is suitable for most cooking needs and is efficient for smaller quantities of food.
SP351 (2 Air Fry Baskets for Dual-Zone Cooking):
- One of the standout features of the SP351 is its inclusion of two air fry baskets.
- This dual-zone cooking setup allows you to cook different foods simultaneously at different temperatures, increasing overall cooking efficiency.
Size
SP301:
- Due to its smaller 3-quart capacity, the SP301 is more compact in size.
- It takes up less counter space, making it a practical choice for kitchens with limited room.
SP351:
- The SP351 is slightly larger and heavier, primarily to accommodate its 4-quart cooking capacity.
- It offers more interior space for cooking larger quantities of food but may require a bit more counter space.
Price
SP301 (Budget-Friendly):
- Positioned as the entry-level model, the SP301 is known for its affordability.
- It provides an excellent value for those looking for a reliable air fryer oven without breaking the bank.
SP351 (Premium Option):
- With its added features and larger capacity, the SP351 comes at a slightly higher price point.
- While it offers upgraded performance, it may be a bit more expensive, costing approximately $20 to $30 more than the SP301.
Performance
SP301:
- The SP301’s 3-quart capacity is perfect for everyday air frying needs.
- However, for larger families or when cooking substantial quantities, you may need to prepare food in batches to ensure even cooking.
SP351:
- The SP351’s 4-quart capacity is notably roomier, allowing it to accommodate approximately 25% more food in a single batch compared to the SP301.
- This makes it a superior choice for those who frequently cook larger meals or batches of food.
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Additional Features
Both the SP301 and SP351 share several common features, including:
- Digital Controls: Both ovens utilize the same user-friendly digital control interface, making it easy to set cooking times and temperatures.
- Temperature Range: They offer identical temperature ranges, allowing you to adjust the heat to suit your specific cooking needs.
- Roasting Rack: Each model comes with a roasting rack, enhancing versatility by allowing you to elevate your food for better air circulation.
- Recipe Book: Ninja includes a recipe book with both models, providing inspiration for delicious meals and snacks.
Both ovens use the same digital controls, have identical temperature ranges, and come with a roasting rack and recipe book.
The added interior space and second air fry basket make the SP351 the better option for larger families that cook big batches frequently. But the SP301 still performs impressively given its smaller footprint and price point.
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Pros and Cons of the Ninja SP301 Air Fryer Oven
Pros
- Compact 3 quart capacity takes up minimal counter space
- 1500 watts cooks food quickly and evenly
- Digital controls are intuitive and easy to use
- 6 built-in smart programs for air frying, roasting, broiling, baking, reheating, and dehydrating
- Temperature goes up to 450°F with minimum preheating time
- Multi-level air fry basket provides maximum cooking surface
- Dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup simple
- Affordable price point around $120
Cons
- Smaller capacity only fits 1-4 portions at a time
- Only comes with 1 air fry basket
- May need to cook food in batches for larger families
- Basket may be snug fit for larger cuts of meat or whole chickens
Pros and Cons of the Ninja SP351 Air Fryer Oven
Pros
- 4 quart capacity fits 25% more food
- 1800 watts for faster preheating and cooking
- Includes 2 air fry baskets for cooking two zones
- Accommodates larger portions of fries, wings, vegetables, etc.
- Divided basket keeps foods separate while cooking
- Good for bigger households and batch cooking
- All other features match the smaller SP301
Cons
- More expensive than the SP301, around $150
- Larger size takes up more counter space
- May be too bulky for dorms or RVs
- Single people or couples may not need the extra capacity
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For most people, yes. It delivers fast, crispy air fried foods using little oil with its high-powered 1500W heating system and digital controls. The 3 quart capacity can cook 1-4 portions at a time. It’s an affordable and compact option perfect for small households.
The SP351 is the best Ninja air fryer oven for larger families that cook big batches frequently. Its 4 quart capacity, faster 1800W heating, and dual air fry baskets make it the top choice if you have the counter space. For smaller households, the SP301 offers great performance and value given its smaller size and price.
The FT102 is a dedicated foodi grill while the SP101 is an air fryer oven. The FT102 uses 500°F direct heat to char-grill meats and has a crisper basket for vegetables. It only grills/crisps and lacks baking or dehydration functions. The SP101 is an oven that air fries, bakes, roasts, broils, reheats, and dehydrates with temperatures up to 400°F.
The product code for the Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Electric Countertop Grill with 4-Quart Air Fryer is FT301. This is the model number used to identify this particular appliance. The FT301 combines a grill and air fryer in one device.
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Final Thoughts
The Ninja SP301 and SP351 air fryer ovens may appear very similar on the surface, but the SP351’s larger capacity and accessories make it better suited for big households.
The SP301 remains an impressive compact model for its price though. Ultimately, choose based on your cooking needs. If you regularly cook large batches, the 4 quart SP351 is likely the better investment.
But the SP301 can still air fry up to 3 quarts of food quickly and evenly thanks to its 1500W heating system and digital programs. Either way, Ninja makes high-performing air fryer ovens that will serve you well for years to come.