Ninja SP301 vs SP351: Which Countertop Oven Is Best For You?

Choosing between two top-tier countertop ovens from a trusted brand like Ninja can be difficult. Both the SP301 and SP351 are excellent, versatile models, but the Ninja SP351 takes the lead with its integrated Foodi Smart Thermometer. This feature removes the guesswork from cooking proteins, ensuring perfect results every time. If you want unmatched precision and convenience, the SP351 is the clear winner. Let’s dive into the details to see why.

Why Do I Recommend The Ninja SP351?

While both the Ninja SP301 and SP351 are powerful and versatile kitchen appliances, the SP351 includes a critical upgrade that makes it the superior choice for anyone who values precision and ease, especially when cooking meats. Here’s why I recommend it:

• The Foodi Smart Thermometer: The standout feature of the Ninja SP351 is its integrated Foodi Smart Thermometer. This allows you to achieve the perfect level of doneness, from rare to well-done, at the touch of a button. In contrast, the Ninja SP301 requires you to manually check the internal temperature of your food, which involves more effort and guesswork.
• Smart Cook System: With the SP351’s Smart Cook System, you can insert the thermometer, select your desired outcome, and let the oven handle the rest. This is a game-changer for cooking steak, chicken, and roasts, as it ensures consistent results without constant monitoring. The SP301, while efficient, lacks this automated precision.
• Perfect for Every Cook: Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, the SP351’s thermometer simplifies the cooking process. It eliminates the risk of undercooking or overcooking, giving you confidence in the kitchen. While the SP301 is user-friendly, it doesn’t offer the same level of guided, foolproof cooking.
• Touch Controls: The Ninja SP351 features a sleek touch control interface, offering a more modern user experience compared to the knob controls on the SP301.
• Added Value: For a small price difference, the Ninja SP351 provides a significant technological advantage with the thermometer. This tool enhances its versatility and makes it a more complete cooking system than the already impressive SP301.

Side By Side Comparison Chart (ninja sp301 vs sp351)

Feature	ninja sp301	ninja sp351
Smart Thermometer	No	Yes, included
Smart Cook System	No	Yes
Control Type	Knob	Touch Control
Price	$324.99	$239.99 (Price may vary)
Main Advantage	Versatile 13-in-1 cooking	Precision cooking with thermometer

What Common Can ninja sp301 vs sp351 Do?

Despite the key difference of the smart thermometer, the Ninja SP301 and SP351 share a powerful set of core features that make them both fantastic additions to any kitchen. They are built on the same foundation of efficiency, versatility, and space-saving design.

Dual Heat Technology

Both ovens are equipped with Ninja’s signature Dual Heat Technology. This innovative system combines an up to 500°F directly heated SearPlate on the bottom with rapid cyclonic air from the top. This allows you to get a beautiful, cast-iron-like sear on proteins while simultaneously roasting them to perfection. It’s ideal for creating restaurant-worthy meals with crispy exteriors and juicy interiors.

13-in-1 Versatility

You get much more than just a toaster oven with either model. The Ninja SP301 and SP351 both offer thirteen versatile cooking functions: Air Fry, Sear Crisp, Rapid Bake, Frozen Pizza, Fresh Pizza, Griddle, Air Roast, Bake, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, and Reheat. This huge range of functions allows you to tackle almost any recipe, from crispy fries and roasted vegetables to baked goods and even homemade jerky, all in one compact appliance.

XL Family-Sized Capacity

Designed for families and entertaining, both ovens feature an XL capacity with increased height compared to original Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Ovens. You can fit up to 6 chicken breasts, cook a 2-lb roast, or air fry up to 4 lbs of ingredients. This provides ample space to prepare full meals, mains, and sides all at once, saving you valuable time in the kitchen.

Fast Cooking and Preheat

Both the SP301 and SP351 are designed for speed. They cook up to 65% faster than a full-size electric oven. Furthermore, the air oven functions are ready for cooking in just 60 seconds, eliminating the long preheating times required by traditional ovens and helping you get meals on the table faster.

Flip-Up and Away Storage

One of the most praised features of both models is the clever flip-up design. When you’re finished cooking, you can simply flip the oven up and store it against your kitchen backsplash. This reclaims up to 45% of your counter space, making these ovens a perfect solution for kitchens where space is at a premium.

Common Features of ninja sp301 vs sp351

Feature	ninja sp301	ninja sp351
Dual Heat Technology	Yes	Yes
Number of Functions	13	13
XL Capacity	Yes	Yes
Wattage	1800 watts	1800 watts
Max Temperature	500°F	500°F
Flip-Up Storage	Yes	Yes
Dimensions	20.21″W x 15.33″D x 8.15″H	20.21″W x 15.33″D x 8.15″H
Weight	21.3 lbs	21.5 lbs

A Detailed Comparison Of the ninja sp301 vs sp351

Smart Cook System & Thermometer

The most significant difference lies in the cooking intelligence. The Ninja SP351 comes with the integrated Foodi Smart Thermometer and Smart Cook System. You insert the probe into your food, select the protein type and desired doneness, and the oven automatically monitors the internal temperature, shutting off when it’s perfectly cooked. It’s a truly hands-off approach for items like steak, chicken, and fish, delivering flawless results.

On the other hand, the Ninja SP301 does not have this feature. While it cooks just as powerfully, you are responsible for monitoring the food’s internal temperature with a separate thermometer if you want precise results. This requires more attention and introduces the possibility of human error. For those who value consistency and ease, the SP351’s smart system is a clear advantage.

Controls and User Interface

The way you interact with these ovens also differs. The Ninja SP301 uses a physical knob control to cycle through the cooking functions, time, and temperature settings. This is a straightforward and tactile method that many users are comfortable with.

In contrast, the Ninja SP351 features a more modern touch control interface. Selections are made by tapping the screen, which gives the appliance a sleeker and more contemporary feel. The choice between a knob and touch controls often comes down to personal preference, but the SP351’s interface aligns with its more advanced, tech-forward feature set.

Conclusion

Both the Ninja SP301 and SP351 are outstanding countertop ovens that can transform your kitchen. They share the same powerful 1800-watt motor, Dual Heat Technology, and space-saving design. However, the Ninja SP351 offers a significant upgrade with its integrated Foodi Smart Thermometer for a small price difference. This feature removes all the guesswork from cooking proteins, guaranteeing perfect results every time. If you want maximum convenience, precision, and flawless results, the SP351 is the smartest investment.

FAQs

1. Can I use the Foodi Smart Thermometer in any cooking function on the Ninja SP351?
   The thermometer is designed to be used with specific functions like Air Roast and Bake to monitor the internal temperature of proteins. It provides the most value when you need to cook food to a precise level of doneness.
2. Are the accessories for the Ninja SP301 and SP351 interchangeable?
   Yes, since both ovens have the same internal dimensions, the included accessories like the SearPlate, air fry basket, and wire rack are the same size and can be used in either model.
3. Is there a big difference in cooking time between the SP301 and SP351?
   No, both ovens have the same 1800-watt power and Dual Heat Technology, so their raw cooking performance and speed are identical. The SP351’s advantage is in precision and automation, not speed.
4. How easy are these ovens to clean?
   Both models come with a removable crumb tray and a nonstick SearPlate. Many users find them easy to clean, especially if you soak the baskets and wipe down the interior after it cools. However, as with any oven, heavy splatters can require more effort.
5. Can I buy a Ninja Smart Thermometer separately for the SP301?
   No, the Foodi Smart Thermometer is designed to integrate with the SP351’s Smart Cook System. The SP301 lacks the specific port and software required for the thermometer to function with it.
6. Do these ovens get hot on the outside?
   Yes, like most countertop ovens, the exterior casing will get hot during use. It’s important to ensure there is adequate space around the appliance and to use caution when touching it while it’s operating.
7. Can the flip-up feature be used immediately after cooking?
   No, you must allow the oven to cool down before flipping it up for storage. The user manual provides specific instructions on the cooling period required for safety.