Ninja Combi vs. Emeril lagasse Air Fryer 360: Choosing Between Steam Innovation and Rotisserie Tradition

Deciding between the Ninja Combi and the Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer 360 is essentially a choice between two different kitchen philosophies. I spent a week putting both through a rigorous gauntlet of weeknight dinners and weekend projects to see which one truly earns its spot on a crowded countertop. While both appliances aim to be the “everything” solution for your kitchen, they cater to very different types of cooks.

The Ninja Combi feels like a tech-heavy disruptor, using steam to slash cooking times for complex meals, whereas the Emeril 360 is a refined take on the classic convection oven, perfected with rotisserie capabilities and industrial-grade heating. Whether you are a “dump-and-go” cook or someone who enjoys the visual process of roasting and baking, one of these machines is significantly better suited for your lifestyle.

Comparison Specs: Ninja Combi vs. Emeril 360

Feature	Ninja Combi (SFP701)	Emeril Lagasse 360
Form Factor	Modern Multi-Cooker (Box Style)	Countertop Convection Oven
Capacity	Large (Feeds 8 People)	930 Cubic Inches (XL)
Core Tech	HyperSteam + Cyclonic Air	360° Convection (5 Elements)
Pre-sets	14-in-1 Versatility	12 Pre-set Functions
Standout Mode	Combi Meals (15 Mins)	Rotisserie & Dehydrate
Material	Stainless Steel / Plastic Hybrid	Full Stainless Steel
Best For	One-Pot Meals & Speed	Rotisserie & Traditional Baking
Buy NOW on Amazon	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

The Fundamental Difference: HyperSteam vs. Multi-Element Convection

The core key difference between the Ninja Combi and the Emeril Lagasse 360 comes down to how they move heat and moisture. The Ninja Combi is built around HyperSteam Technology. By utilizing a closed-system design, it creates a high-moisture environment that can cook grains and proteins simultaneously, finishing them with a blast of air fry heat. It is a specialized tool for “Combi Meals” where you want succulent insides and crisp outsides in a fraction of the time.

The Emeril Lagasse 360, meanwhile, is a high-performance convection toaster oven. It relies on five independent heating elements to create a “whirlwind” of super-heated air. Unlike the Ninja, the Emeril includes a motorized rotisserie spit, which allows for 360-degree browning of whole chickens and roasts. It focuses on dry-heat convection rather than the steam-injection method found in the Ninja, making it a more traditional replacement for a wall oven.

My Personal Take: Living with the Combi and the 360

Cooking Efficiency: The 15-Minute Meal Challenge

When I tried the Ninja Combi’s signature “15-minute meal” feature, I was skeptical. I put dry rice and water in the bottom pan and seasoned chicken thighs on the top tray. To my surprise, the rice was fluffy and the chicken was perfectly cooked in exactly 15 minutes. The steam prevents the chicken from drying out while the rice absorbs the moisture. It’s a level of efficiency that actually changed my weeknight routine.

With the Emeril 360, I tried a similar meal, but it had to be done in stages or on separate trays without the benefit of steam. It took about 25-30 minutes for the same result. However, the browning on the Emeril was more traditional—the chicken skin had that deep “roasted” flavor that only dry heat can produce.

Ease of Use: Controls and Visibility

The Emeril 360 features a large glass window and an internal light, which I found myself using constantly. There’s a certain satisfaction in watching a rotisserie chicken spin or seeing a pizza crust bubble up. The interface is a classic LCD with knobs and buttons that feel very intuitive.

The Ninja Combi is a closed box. You can’t see what’s happening inside, which requires a bit more trust in the pre-set timers. The digital interface is sleek and modern, but there is a steeper learning curve when it comes to understanding how the “Combi” modes differ from standard air frying.

Cleanup: One Pan vs. Multi-Accessory

Cleaning the Ninja Combi was remarkably simple. Because the Combi Pan acts as both the cooking vessel and the serving dish, I had very few dishes to deal with. The interior is non-stick and wipes down easily.

The Emeril 360, while stainless steel and durable, has more “nooks and crannies.” If you use the rotisserie spit, you’ll be cleaning the spit, the forks, and the drip tray. If grease splatters onto the five heating elements, it can be a bit of a chore to clean once the oven cools down.

Functionality: Specialty Modes

I was particularly impressed with the Sous Vide and Proof settings on the Ninja. If you like to bake bread, the proofing mode is a dream. On the other hand, the Emeril 360 is a vastly superior Dehydrator. The horizontal airflow in the oven-style layout is much better for making beef jerky or dried fruit than the deeper, boxier layout of the Ninja.

Ninja Combi (SFP701) Multicooker/ Oven/ Air Fryer

Pros:

• Unmatched Speed: Cooks proteins and grains together in 15 minutes.
• Superior Moisture: Steam tech keeps leftovers and fresh meals from drying out.
• Large Capacity: Easily feeds a family of 6 to 8.
• Baking Versatility: Excellent proofing and steam-bake functions.

Cons:

• Height: It’s a tall unit that may not fit under all kitchen cabinets.
• No Window: You cannot see the food while it is cooking.

Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer 360 Oven

Pros:

• Rotisserie Mode: Professional-quality spit-roasting at home.
• Even Cooking: 5 elements provide very consistent convection heat.
• Visibility: Large viewing window and internal light.
• Toaster Performance: Replaces a 6-slice toaster perfectly.

Cons:

• Counter Space: Very wide footprint takes up significant horizontal room.
• Heat Management: The exterior gets very hot during long roasting sessions.

The Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

I recommend the Ninja Combi if your primary goal is solving the “what’s for dinner?” problem on a Tuesday night. If you want a machine that can cook a complete meal of pasta and meatballs or salmon and rice in one shot with minimal cleanup, the Ninja is the most innovative tool for the job. It’s for the cook who wants modern efficiency and juicy, steam-assisted results.

I recommend the Emeril Lagasse 360 if you want a high-end, versatile oven replacement. If you enjoy making rotisserie chickens, dehydrating snacks, or baking pizzas with a perfect crust, the Emeril 360’s multi-element design is superior. It’s the better choice for those who prefer traditional “oven-style” results and the ability to watch their food as it cooks.

Personally, I lean toward the Ninja Combi for its sheer innovation in speed, though I still find the Emeril 360 hard to beat when it comes to a classic Sunday roast chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Does the Ninja Combi replace a slow cooker?

A: Yes, it has a dedicated Slow Cook function. Because of the sealed design, it holds heat very well for long, slow-cooking tasks like stews or pot roasts.

Q: Can the Emeril 360 fit a whole turkey?

A: While it is an “XL” capacity, a full-sized turkey is too large. It is perfectly sized for a 4-5 lb chicken or a small turkey breast.

Q: Is the Ninja Combi safe to use on granite counters?

A: Yes, but like any appliance that uses steam, you should ensure the vent at the top is not blocked and that it isn’t sitting directly under wooden cabinets that could be damaged by moisture.

Q: How many functions does the Emeril 360 actually have?

A: It features 12 pre-set functions including Air Fry, Bake, Rotisserie, Dehydrate, Toast, Reheat, Roast, Broil, Bagel, Pizza, Slow Cook, and Warm.