Air fryer ovens have revolutionized the way we cook at home, combining speed, versatility, and healthier cooking. The Ninja Foodi DT251 and DT201 are two standout models in Ninja’s lineup, offering multiple functions from air frying to baking, roasting, and more. After spending time using both, I’ve noticed subtle yet important differences that could affect your choice depending on your kitchen needs.
Both models promise true surround convection for faster, crispier results, and both pack 10 versatile functions into one countertop appliance. But as I explored them side by side, differences in capacity, controls, and usability quickly became evident.
Key Difference Between Ninja Foodi DT251 vs DT201 Air Fryer Oven
The most significant difference is capacity and control type. The DT251 features a 12-liter capacity with a touchscreen control panel, while the DT201 offers a larger 21-liter capacity with knob controls. This makes the DT251 slightly more modern in appearance and digital usability, whereas the DT201 accommodates larger meals for family gatherings.
- TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster,...
- 10 VERSATILE FUNCTIONS: Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Whole Roast, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, Reheat, and Pizza,...
- TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster,...
- 10-IN-1 VERSATILITY: Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Whole Roast, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, Reheat, and Pizza all...
Comparison Table: Ninja Foodi DT251 vs DT201 Air Fryer Oven
| Feature | Ninja Foodi DT251 | Ninja Foodi DT201 |
| Capacity | 12 Liters | 21 Liters |
| Control Type | Touchscreen | Knob |
| Wattage | 1800W | 1800W |
| Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Weight | 33.8 lbs | 33.6 lbs |
| Functions | 10-in-1: Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, Reheat, Pizza, Whole Roast | Same 10-in-1 Functions |
| Preheat Time | 90 seconds | 90 seconds |
| Included Accessories | 2 Sheet Pans, 2 Wire Racks, Air Fry Basket, Roast Tray, Crumb Tray, Foodi Smart Thermometer, Recipe Guide | 2 Sheet Pans, 2 Wire Racks, Air Fry Basket, Roast Tray, Crumb Tray, Owner’s Guide |
| Special Features | Smart Thermometer, Digital Display Handle | Digital Display Handle, XL Family Capacity |
| Color | Silver | Stainless Steel |
| Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
After using both models extensively, here’s my hands-on take on how they differ in design, functionality, and user experience.
Design
The DT251 feels sleek and modern with its touchscreen interface. The digital display handle illuminates optimal oven rack positions based on the cooking mode, which I found incredibly convenient when prepping multiple dishes. The silver finish complements most kitchen decors, and the compact 12-liter footprint is easier to fit on smaller countertops.
The DT201, in contrast, emphasizes capacity over compactness. Its larger 21-liter interior is ideal for cooking big meals, including 12-lb turkeys or multiple sheet pan dinners. The knob controls feel robust and tactile but lack the immediate precision of the touchscreen. I did appreciate how intuitive the knobs were — you can adjust temperatures or functions without navigating menus.
- TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster,...
- 10 VERSATILE FUNCTIONS: Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Whole Roast, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, Reheat, and Pizza,...
- TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster,...
- 10-IN-1 VERSATILITY: Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Whole Roast, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, Reheat, and Pizza all...
Ease of Use
With the DT251, I was impressed by the Smart Cook System and integrated Foodi Thermometer, which automatically adjusts doneness. I could cook chicken, steak, or fish with no guesswork — the thermometer ensured it came out perfectly every time. The touchscreen also lets you select functions and cooking times quickly, making meal prep smooth.
The DT201 was just as capable but required more manual attention. Since it lacks a smart thermometer, you’ll need to rely on timing and experience to achieve precise doneness. However, the larger interior means you can cook two sheet pan meals simultaneously, which was a huge advantage for hosting family dinners or meal prepping for the week.
Functions & Cooking Performance
Both models deliver the same 10-in-1 versatility: Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Whole Roast, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, Reheat, and Pizza.
- Air Frying: Both appliances achieved crisp, golden results with up to 75% less fat compared to traditional frying. I particularly enjoyed making French fries and breaded chicken in both ovens. The DT251 air fried slightly faster due to its smaller interior and more concentrated heat distribution.
- Baking & Roasting: The DT201 excelled at baking larger batches due to its XL interior. I baked two sheet pans of cookies simultaneously without uneven cooking.
- Reheating & Toasting: The DT251’s digital controls allowed precise temperature and time adjustments, which made reheating leftovers or toasting bagels foolproof.
Both models achieve up to 30% crispier results than standard convection ovens, and their true surround convection ensures even heating across multiple racks.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Both ovens have removable crumb trays, racks, and baking accessories that are dishwasher safe, making cleanup hassle-free. The DT251’s interior is slightly easier to wipe due to its more compact size, while the DT201 requires a bit more effort due to its larger cavity. The stainless steel exteriors on both were resistant to smudges and easy to maintain with a microfiber cloth.
Ninja Foodi DT251 Air Fryer Toaster Oven
- TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster,...
- 10 VERSATILE FUNCTIONS: Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Whole Roast, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, Reheat, and Pizza,...
Pros:
- Smart Cook System with thermometer for perfect doneness
- Touchscreen control panel for easy operation
- Compact 12-liter footprint
- 10-in-1 versatile cooking functions
- Faster air frying due to concentrated heat
Cons:
- Smaller capacity may not suit large families
- Higher price for smaller capacity compared to DT201
Ninja Foodi DT201 Air Fryer Toaster Oven
- TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster,...
- 10-IN-1 VERSATILITY: Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Whole Roast, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, Reheat, and Pizza all...
Pros:
- XL 21-liter interior perfect for big meals
- Robust knob controls, simple and reliable
- 10-in-1 versatile functions
- Ideal for two sheet pan meals simultaneously
Cons:
- Lacks smart thermometer; doneness requires manual checking
- Knob interface less precise than touchscreen
- Larger footprint may be cumbersome on small countertops
Conclusion & Recommendation
Both the Ninja DT251 and DT201 are excellent air fryer ovens, delivering crisp, juicy, and evenly cooked meals.
If you value smart technology, a digital interface, and slightly faster air frying, the DT251 is perfect for small to medium kitchens or for tech-savvy users who want precision at their fingertips.
If your priority is capacity and cooking for large families or meal prep, the DT201 is the better choice, giving you plenty of space to cook multiple dishes simultaneously. While it lacks the smart thermometer, the larger interior and reliable knob controls make it a versatile powerhouse for XL cooking.
In short: DT251 = precision and tech; DT201 = capacity and family-friendly versatility.
