Countertop air fryer ovens have transformed home cooking, offering a combination of speed, versatility, and healthier meals. Ninja’s Prestige Smart XL series is particularly impressive, and the DT501 and DT551 models are two of the brand’s top contenders.
Both ovens promise Smart Surround Convection, 10-in-1 cooking functions, and XL family-sized capacity. After using them side by side, it’s clear that while they share many features, subtle differences in cooking intelligence, user controls, and included technology could influence your decision.
Key Difference Between Ninja DT501 vs DT551 Air Fryer Oven
The main difference between the two models lies in the Pro Cook System. The DT551 integrates the Pro Cook Thermometer, allowing the oven to automatically detect temperature and adjust cooking times for perfect doneness from rare to well done. The DT501, while equally versatile and capable, does not include this automatic temperature-detecting feature, relying on manual settings for precise cooking.
- SMART SURROUND CONVECTION: High velocity fan and rear heat source completely surrounding food for all-around crisp.
- 2 LEVEL EVEN COOKING: Even cooking on 2 levels with no rotation, flipping, or shaking.
- SMART SURROUND CONVECTION: Completely surround food for an all-around crisp.
- PRO COOK SYSTEM: Achieve the perfect doneness from rare to well done at the touch of a button with the integrated...
Comparison Table: Ninja DT501 vs DT551 Air Fryer Oven
| Feature | Ninja DT501 | Ninja DT551 |
| Capacity | 17 Cubic Inches | 17 Cubic Inches |
| Control Type | Button Control | Button Control |
| Wattage | 1800W | 1800W |
| Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Item Weight | 33.63 lbs | 33.75 lbs |
| Functions | 10-in-1: Air Fry, Air Roast, Broil, Bake, Whole Roast, Pizza, Toast, Bagel, Reheat, Dehydrate | Same 10-in-1 functions with Pro Cook Thermometer |
| Smart Cooking Feature | None | Pro Cook System with Auto Temp Detect Intelligence |
| Preheat Time | 90 seconds | 90 seconds |
| XL Capacity | Fits 2 x 9×9 baking trays, 12-lb turkey, 8-lb air fry capacity | Same capacity |
| Accessories Included | 2 Wire Racks, 2 Sheet Pans, Roast Tray, Crumb Tray, Air Fry Basket, Recipe Charts | Same accessories plus Pro Cook Thermometer |
| Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
After hands-on experience, here’s my detailed take on design, usability, and cooking performance for both ovens.
Design
The DT501 has a clean, elegant design with stainless steel construction and a digital display handle that illuminates optimal rack positions based on the selected cooking mode. Its button control panel is straightforward and user-friendly. Despite its XL capacity, the DT501 has a compact footprint, making it fit easily on most countertops.
The DT551 shares the same exterior design but includes the Pro Cook Thermometer, adding a small but impactful element to the countertop presence. This thermometer integrates seamlessly without cluttering the control panel, maintaining the Prestige Smart XL’s sleek aesthetic. Both ovens are visually appealing and match modern kitchen decor effortlessly.
- SMART SURROUND CONVECTION: High velocity fan and rear heat source completely surrounding food for all-around crisp.
- 2 LEVEL EVEN COOKING: Even cooking on 2 levels with no rotation, flipping, or shaking.
Ease of Use
The DT501 is simple to operate. Selecting functions is straightforward with the button controls, and preheating takes just 90 seconds. I loved using the 2-level cooking system for sheet pan meals—no flipping or rotating required, which saves time and effort.
The DT551 enhances ease of use significantly with the Pro Cook System. Cooking meat or baked dishes became more foolproof because the oven automatically adjusted cooking times and temperatures. I found this particularly useful for whole roasts or thick cuts of chicken, as it eliminated guesswork and prevented overcooking.
Functions & Cooking Performance
Both ovens share the same 10-in-1 functionality:
- Air Frying: Both delivered crispy, golden results with up to 75% less fat compared to traditional frying. DT551’s auto-temp adjustment ensures consistent results every time.
- Baking & Broiling: Both models excel at multi-level baking. I baked up to 20 cookies on two trays simultaneously with no uneven browning. The DT551 slightly reduced monitoring effort due to the Pro Cook system.
- Roasting & Reheating: I roasted a 12-lb turkey in each oven with excellent results. The DT551’s thermometer ensured precise internal temperature, which made it a little more reliable for large cuts of meat.
Both models use Smart Surround Convection, ensuring even cooking across all racks. Meals came out juicy, crisp, and evenly cooked, whether air frying, roasting, or baking.
- SMART SURROUND CONVECTION: High velocity fan and rear heat source completely surrounding food for all-around crisp.
- 2 LEVEL EVEN COOKING: Even cooking on 2 levels with no rotation, flipping, or shaking.
- SMART SURROUND CONVECTION: Completely surround food for an all-around crisp.
- PRO COOK SYSTEM: Achieve the perfect doneness from rare to well done at the touch of a button with the integrated...
Cleaning & Maintenance
Both the DT501 and DT551 feature removable crumb trays, racks, and baking accessories, all dishwasher safe. I noticed the stainless steel exteriors resisted fingerprints and smudges well. The DT551’s thermometer did not complicate cleaning at all, and all components were easy to detach and wash.
Ninja DT501 Air Fryer & Toaster Oven
- SMART SURROUND CONVECTION: High velocity fan and rear heat source completely surrounding food for all-around crisp.
- 2 LEVEL EVEN COOKING: Even cooking on 2 levels with no rotation, flipping, or shaking.
Pros:
- Elegant stainless steel Prestige design
- XL family-sized capacity
- 10-in-1 versatile functions
- Fast preheat and even multi-level cooking
- Button controls are simple and reliable
Cons:
- No automatic temperature detection
- Slightly more monitoring needed for large meats
- Less “smart” compared to DT551
Ninja DT551 Air Fryer & Toaster Oven
- SMART SURROUND CONVECTION: Completely surround food for an all-around crisp.
- PRO COOK SYSTEM: Achieve the perfect doneness from rare to well done at the touch of a button with the integrated...
Pros:
- Pro Cook System with Auto Temp Detect ensures perfect doneness
- 10-in-1 functions with XL family-sized capacity
- Same elegant Prestige design
- Reduces need for manual monitoring during cooking
Cons:
- Slightly higher price due to thermometer integration
- Button controls still require manual adjustments for some dishes
Conclusion & Recommendation
Both Ninja DT501 and DT551 are top-tier air fryer ovens delivering excellent versatility, speed, and healthier cooking options.
If you want a reliable XL countertop oven with all the functions for everyday cooking, the DT501 is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for baking, air frying, roasting, and reheating with minimal fuss.
If you prefer smart assistance in cooking, especially for meats and complex dishes, the DT551 is worth the extra investment. The Pro Cook Thermometer and auto-temp detection reduce guesswork and provide peace of mind, making it ideal for busy cooks or those who love precise results without constant monitoring.
In short: DT501 = reliable XL oven for versatile cooking; DT551 = smart XL oven with precision cooking capabilities.
