I love a clean kitchen counter. But I also love fried food. That made choosing a space-saving air fryer oven really tough. I spent weeks staring at screens trying to decide. Today, I am sharing my thoughts on the Ninja SP351 Vs SP101 after testing both. Let me tell you what happened when the grease started flying.
Ninja SP351 Review
I got this oven on a busy Tuesday when I was too tired to cook. It felt like a giant step up with its fancy meat thermometer. The dual heat plate got extremely hot, making my steaks sizzle loudly. It is a bit bulky, but the flip-up design saves the day.
Pros and Cons
Here is a quick look at what I liked and what annoyed me.
| Pros | Cons |
| Smart thermometer prevents dry meat | Fan runs a bit loud |
| Bottom heat plate sears food well | Taller shape blocks low cabinets |
| Fits a whole roast chicken | Hard to clean the top inside |
| Flips up to save counter space | Costs more than older models |
Cooking With The SP351
After using this for a couple of months, I really like the sear function. I threw in a thick ribeye, and the heated plate gave it a crust like an outdoor grill. The smell of roasted meat filled the house, making everyone super hungry.
However, it is a bit loud when the fan runs on high. I also found the top inside hard to wipe down after splashing grease. Still, the smart tool means I never serve dry chicken anymore. It truly takes the guesswork out of dinner.
Recommendation
This oven is perfect for families who cook big meals, like whole chickens, and want a smart thermometer. It is not good for someone with a tiny budget or low kitchen cabinets.
Ninja SP101 Review
This was my first love in the air fryer oven world. I bought it on a whim because my old toaster caught fire. It is super flat and looks like a shiny pizza box on the counter. The best part is how it flips up and completely hides against the wall.
Pros and Cons
Here is the good and the bad from my time using it.
| Pros | Cons |
| Very flat and easy to store | Cannot fit tall foods |
| Back panel drops down for cleaning | No smart meat thermometer |
| Makes perfect toast and bagels | Air flow is basic, no bottom sear |
| Heats up in just one minute | Buttons can feel a bit stiff |
Daily Life With The SP101
After using this for a couple of months, I am hooked on how fast it makes toast and bagel bites. On lazy weekend mornings, it crisps up hash browns in a flash. The flat layout means everything cooks evenly without shaking the basket.
But you cannot cook anything tall in it. I tried to roast a big chicken once, and it simply did not fit. It is strictly for flat foods, sheet pan meals, and pizza. If you know its limits, it does a great job.
Recommendation
This is perfect for single folks or couples who make lots of toast, pizza, and flat meals. It is not good for anyone who wants to roast whole birds or bake tall loaves of bread.
Detail Comparison for Ninja SP351 Vs SP101
Choosing between these two comes down to how you cook. Let us break down the exact differences. Here is my side-by-side look at the Ninja SP351 Vs SP101 in daily use.
Capacity & Size: Ninja SP351 Vs SP101
Both ovens flip up to save space. But the SP351 is taller inside, allowing for a whole roast chicken. The SP101 is very flat and only fits sheet meals.
| Feature | Ninja SP351 | Ninja SP101 |
| Height Inside | Tall, fits a 4-lb chicken | Short, fits flat foods only |
| Footprint | Takes up more counter depth | Very compact |
| Flip-up Design | Yes | Yes |
Rating: Ninja SP351: 9/10 | Ninja SP101: 7/10
Cooking Performance: Ninja SP351 Vs SP101
The SP351 brings high heat to the bottom plate, giving a true sear to meats. The SP101 just uses standard hot air, which is fine for fries but weak for steaks.
| Feature | Ninja SP351 | Ninja SP101 |
| Searing Power | Excellent (Dual Heat Plate) | Basic (Air Heat Only) |
| Even Cooking | Very good | Very good for flat items |
| Best For | Steaks, roasts, dense meals | Fries, toast, frozen snacks |
Rating: Ninja SP351: 9/10 | Ninja SP101: 7/10
Ease of Use: Ninja SP351 Vs SP101
Both have clear dials and bright screens. However, the SP351 adds a smart thermometer that tells you exactly when food is done. The SP101 makes you guess and check.
| Feature | Ninja SP351 | Ninja SP101 |
| Controls | Dial and buttons | Dial and buttons |
| Smart Thermometer | Yes, built-in | No |
| Auto Shut-off | Yes | Yes |
Rating: Ninja SP351: 9/10 | Ninja SP101: 8/10
Cleaning & Maintenance: Ninja SP351 Vs SP101
The SP101 has a drop-down back panel that makes reaching the inside very easy. The SP351 is a bit harder to wipe down around the heavy heating elements.
| Feature | Ninja SP351 | Ninja SP101 |
| Easy Access Back | No | Yes |
| Dishwasher Parts | Yes | Yes |
| Grease Splatter | Harder to clean | Easier to clean |
Rating: Ninja SP351: 7/10 | Ninja SP101: 9/10
Cooking Speed: Ninja SP351 Vs SP101
Both ovens preheat in just one minute. They blast hot air fast, cooking meals much quicker than a standard wall oven. The SP351 cooks thick cuts faster due to the hot bottom plate.
| Feature | Ninja SP351 | Ninja SP101 |
| Preheat Time | 60 seconds | 60 seconds |
| Speed on Thick Meat | Very fast | Slower |
| Speed on Toast | Fast | Very fast |
Rating: Ninja SP351: 9/10 | Ninja SP101: 8/10
Conclusion
After a long year of greasy tests, I have a clear favorite. If you cook thick meats and want a smart tool to guide you, the Ninja SP351 is the clear winner. But if you only need an everyday toaster and air fryer for flat foods, save your cash and get the SP101.