Versatile, powerful, and great for crisp results—mostly a solid yes for busy cooks.
Imagine wanting crispy wings, seared steaks, or quick roasted veggies without heating the whole oven. You’re short on time but still want better-than-frozen results. The Ninja EG201 Foodi 6‑in‑1 Indoor Grill with air fry and multiple modes promises to replace several appliances. It aims to save counter space, speed up weeknight dinners, and give consistent texture with less fuss. If you cook for 1–4 people and want flexible cooking modes, this unit is built to tackle many kitchen tasks while keeping cleanup manageable.
Is Ninja EG201 Foodi 6-in-1 Indoor Grill Good?
I’d say: yes — especially for home cooks who want grill marks, air-fry crisping, and quick roasting without an outdoor grill. In my kitchen it replaced both a small countertop grill and my old air fryer for most tasks. I used it to make crispy Brussels sprouts, a thin-cut steak with sear marks, and reheated leftover fries that came out surprisingly crisp. It’s not a full-size oven, so it’s best for families of up to four or couples who entertain occasionally. The controls are straightforward and the cooking times are reasonable, so you’ll save time and counter clutter. My overall experience was that the device is versatile, reliable, and worthwhile if you value multi-functionality.
My First Impression
When the Ninja EG201 arrived, packaging was tidy and protective. The grill and accessories sat snug in molded cardboard, which made unboxing simple. The unit feels solid — the lid and body use sturdy materials and the handle is firm. Setup took only a few minutes: plug in, wipe racks, and select a cooking mode. The first sear I tried produced clear grill marks and fast browning. I was pleasantly surprised at how little smoke I had compared to my old indoor grill. I felt excited and relieved that the device delivered on its promise of multi-mode cooking without complicated assembly or mystery buttons.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- 6 cooking functions: Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Grill, and Dehydrate
- High-heat searing for grill marks and Maillard browning
- Compact footprint that combines grill and air fryer in one
- Dishwasher-safe parts for easier cleanup
- Intuitive control panel with preset modes for quick selection
- Even heat distribution for consistent crisping across the basket/grill
What I Like
- Versatility — replaces multiple small appliances effectively
- Fast preheat and cooking times save busy evenings
- Produces crisp exteriors with tender interiors for many foods
- Simple controls and useful presets make it beginner-friendly
- Easy cleanup with removable, dishwasher-safe components
- Compact design that still handles full family portions for many meals
What Could Be Better
- Not as large as a full-size oven for big roasts or baking multiple trays
- Some foods near the edges may brown faster than center depending on load
- Lid height limits thickness of items you can grill (no very tall roasts)
- Learning curve for optimal time/temperature on some foods
- Can produce light smoke with fatty cuts unless drained or managed
My Recommendation
This Ninja EG201 Foodi 6‑in‑1 is best for cooks who want one compact machine to grill, air fry, and roast without fuss. If you want quick weeknight meals, crisp textures, and handy grill marks, it’s a strong pick. If you often cook large sheet-pan dinners for many guests, you may prefer a larger oven. For most homes, the balance of features and size makes it a smart value buy. I recommend checking ninja 6 in 1 air fryer reviews from other users for meal-specific tips, but from hands-on use, this model delivers reliable performance.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Busy Weeknights | Fast preheat and multi-mode cooking save time |
| Small Families / Couples | Compact size fits kitchens without taking over counter space |
| Multi-Function Fans | Replaces several appliances with one unit |
Alternative Products You Can Consider
– Philips Airfryer XXL — Best for users who want a roomy basket and proven air-frying tech. It’s focused on air fry performance and may outperform this Ninja on larger batch crisping but lacks the searing grill function.
– Cuisinart GR-150 Griddler — Best for those who prioritize grilling and panini pressing with interchangeable plates. It’s more grill-focused and less versatile for air-fry style crisping.
– Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 — Best for budget-conscious shoppers who want multiple functions. It’s similar in modes but sometimes faster preheat; performance is close, though materials and sear quality differ.
| Product | Best For | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Ninja EG201 Foodi 6‑in‑1 Indoor Grill | Versatility (grill + air fry) | Combines sear/grill with air-fry modes in one compact unit |
| Philips Airfryer XXL | Large batch air frying | Bigger basket, optimized air-fry airflow |
| Cuisinart GR-150 Griddler | Focused grilling/panini pressing | Interchangeable plates, more grill surface |
| Instant Vortex Plus 6‑in‑1 | Budget multi-function | Similar modes at a typically lower price point |
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you want one countertop appliance that grills, air fries, roasts, and dehydrates with reliable results, the Ninja EG201 Foodi 6‑in‑1 is a solid choice. It’s particularly good for busy households that value speed and versatility. Choose the Ninja if you want grill marks plus air-fry crisping in a compact footprint. Consider the Philips Airfryer XXL for large batch air frying, or the Cuisinart Griddler if grilling and press-style cooking are your top needs. Overall, the Ninja balances performance and convenience well for everyday cooking.
FAQs Of ninja 6 in 1 air fryer reviews
Does the Ninja EG201 produce a lot of smoke?
No — in my tests it produced only light smoke when cooking very fatty cuts. Trimming excess fat and using the built-in grease management helps reduce smoke a lot.
Is it easy to clean?
Yes. Most removable parts are dishwasher-safe. I wiped the interior and rinsed racks in the dishwasher, which saved time and kept maintenance simple.
Can I cook a whole chicken in this unit?
You can roast a small whole chicken if it fits under the lid. For larger birds, a full-size oven is better. The Ninja is ideal for chicken pieces, small roasts, and poultry breasts.
How loud is it during operation?
It hums like most air fryers/grills but wasn’t overly loud. You’ll hear the fan, but it’s unobtrusive for normal kitchen use.
Is this good for beginners?
Yes. Preset modes and simple controls make it beginner-friendly. Start with manufacturer-recommended times and adjust slightly based on your preference.
(Note: Affiliate links above point to the Amazon product listed in the product data.)
