Ninja SL201 vs SL401: Which One Fits Better?

Picking between the Ninja SL201 and SL401 can be tough. Both are strong tools with solid features. One gives you better power and more ways to cook. The other gives you great value and still gets the job done. 

I’ve used both in my own kitchen for weeks. I’ve cooked full meals, cleaned them, and tested how they fit in my space. 

In this guide, I’ll walk you through what worked well—and what could be better. My goal is to help you pick the one that fits your home and the way you cook.

Is Ninja SL201 Good?

I’ve been using the Ninja SL201 every day for weeks now. It lets me cook meat and sides at the same time without stress. My kids eat early, and this helps me get food on the table fast. I don’t need lots of pans, and cleanup is quick.

It has two 4-quart baskets, runs on 1690 watts, and fits on my small shelf. I use the Smart Finish to cook both trays right—no guesswork. The dishwasher safe baskets save time, and the size works well for my family of four. If your space is tight but you want big meals, this is one tool to check out.

What I Like

After weeks of using the Ninja SL201 DoubleStack air fryer, here’s what stood out the most to me. These are the things that made my daily cooking easier and even a little fun:

• DoubleStack design saves counter space
  I live in a small apartment in Texas, and counter space is precious. The stacked baskets let me cook two different meals without spreading out across my entire kitchen.
• Dual-zone cooking made dinner a breeze
  I can cook chicken in one basket and veggies in the other—both finish at the same time. The Smart Finish feature is a game-changer for multitasking during meal prep.
• Quiet operation with powerful results
  It’s much quieter than my old fryer, yet still gives that crispy finish. Great when you have kids napping in the next room.
• Large 8-quart capacity in a compact size
  Despite being compact, it easily cooks enough for my family of four. It could even handle meals for six if needed.
• Easy-to-clean, dishwasher-safe baskets
  The cleanup is almost too easy. After cooking, I just pop the baskets into the dishwasher, and done!

What Could Be Better

Even with all its perks, no product is perfect. While the Ninja SL201 impressed me overall, here are a few things I think could be improved—not dealbreakers, just ideas for future upgrades:

• Slight learning curve for new users
  If you’re new to dual-zone or double-layer air fryers, figuring out the timing can take a few tries. A quick-start guide would’ve helped.
• Front display visibility at lower angles
  The control panel is on top, so if you’re shorter or have the fryer under cabinets, it’s not always easy to read. A front-facing screen might be better.
• No see-through basket windows
  It would’ve been nice to see the food as it cooks. I sometimes had to open the basket just to check—nothing serious, but a minor convenience missing.

Recommendation

If you want an air fryer that fits a small space but still cooks big meals, the Ninja SL201 is a smart pick. I use it in my kitchen, and it helps me cook two meals at once without fuss. It’s great for busy folks, small homes, or meal prep lovers. The two baskets are easy to use and dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup fast. 

It’s big enough to work as a family-sized air fryer for 6 people, yet still fits on a shelf. I also like how it saves time when I cook for my kids after work. If your space is tight, just make sure there’s room above it for the lid. For me, it’s one of the best kitchen tools I’ve added this year.

Is Ninja SL401 Good?

I’ve been using the Ninja SL401 in my kitchen for a few months now, and it’s made dinner time much easier. I can cook a full meal—like chicken and veggies—at the same time, and both come out hot and crisp. It saves me time and cuts down on dishes too. I like that I don’t need much oil, but still get that golden crunch my family loves.

The Ninja SL401 has a 10-quart size, 1,690 watts of power, and six ways to cook—like air fry, roast, bake, and more. The DoubleStack trays and Smart Finish tool help me prep meals faster without switching between tools. It’s a good pick for busy homes, and cleanup is quick. If you want a smart way to cook, this one is worth a closer look.

What I Like

After using the Ninja SL401 for a while, I’ve found a lot to love. If you’re juggling family meals like I do or prepping for the week ahead, this air fryer really steps up.

• Double Stack baskets save time
  It has two baskets that work on their own. I often cook chicken in one and veggies in the other. The Smart Finish feature makes sure they both finish at the same time. It’s like having two air fryers in one.
• Big size fits full meals
  I cook for six people most nights. The 10-quart size lets me make one big meal in one go. I don’t need to cook in rounds anymore.
• Crispy food without the oil
  Fries, wings, and even roast veggies come out crisp. I get that fried crunch without deep-frying. That’s a win for me.
• More than just air fry
  It can roast, reheat, bake, broil, and even dry food. I stopped using my toaster oven and my old dehydrator. This one tool does it all.
•  Easy to clean
  Both baskets go in the dishwasher. That saves time. I don’t need to scrub or soak them.
• Cooks fast and saves power
  It heats up and cooks faster than my oven. I’ve even seen a small drop in my power bill since I started using it more.

What Could Be Better

No product is perfect. I really like the SL401, but there are a few small things I noticed.

• Takes up space
  It’s a bit big. If your counter is tight, that could be a problem. But for me, it replaced a few tools, so I don’t mind.
• Takes time to learn
  The stacked trays took me a few tries to get right. If you don’t place food well, it won’t cook even. Once I learned that, it got easy.
• Screen smudges
  The touch screen works well but shows prints fast. I wipe it down often to keep it clean.
• No way to peek inside
  There’s no glass to see how food is cooking. I wish it had that. But the timer and even heat mean I don’t need to check much.

Recommendation

If you’re looking to save time in the kitchen and make meals that please everyone, the Ninja air fryer line is a solid pick. It’s great for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone who wants fast, easy dinners without all the oil. 

I love how the multi-level air frying lets me cook more at once, and the Smart Finish technology makes sure it’s all done together. The baskets go right into the dishwasher, which is a big help after long days. It cooks fast, uses less power, and takes the stress out of daily cooking. 

Just keep in mind that it’s a bit big, so make sure your counter has the space. Still, for me, it’s been a real upgrade—kind of like having a second oven, but smarter and quicker. If you want one tool that does it all, this energy-efficient air fryer is a smart choice.

Ninja SL201 vs SL401: Details Comparison

After trying out different meals with both air fryers, I noticed how much each one brings to the table—literally. While they share some common traits, they also offer unique benefits depending on what kind of cook you are or how much counter space you have.

Design: Ninja SL201 vs SL401

Both models are built with a sleek black finish and digital controls. The SL401 adds a vertical double-stack design, which feels a bit futuristic but still practical.

Rating

• SL201: 8.5/10
• SL401: 9/10

Size and Counter Space vs. Weight: Ninja SL201 vs SL401

The SL401 takes up more width, while the SL201 goes up instead of out. This matters if your counter space is tight.

Rating

• SL201: 9/10
• SL401: 8.5/10

Cooking Capacity: Ninja SL201 vs SL401

Both offer two baskets, but the stacking on the SL401 gives you more room in less space.

Rating

• SL201: 8/10
• SL401: 9.5/10

Material, Build Quality and Durability: Ninja SL201 vs SL401

Both feel solid and premium, but the SL401 has a tighter basket fit and a smoother sliding action.

Rating

• SL201: 8.5/10
• SL401: 9/10

Included Accessories: Ninja SL201 vs SL401

Both models come with crisper plates, but the SL401 adds more detailed labeling and slightly thicker inserts.

Rating

• SL201: 8/10
• SL401: 8.5/10

Smart Features Comparison: Ninja SL201 vs SL401

Both use Smart Finish and Match Cook, but the SL401’s controls are more responsive.

Rating

• SL201: 9/10
• SL401: 9/10

Temperature Adjustment vs Cooking Functions: Ninja SL201 vs SL401

Both go up to 450°F, but the SL401 adds a bit more accuracy during preheat and cooking.

Rating

• SL201: 8.5/10
• SL401: 9/10

Performance & Cooking Speed: Ninja SL201 vs SL401

The SL401 preheats faster and finishes slightly quicker in real-time tests.

Rating

• SL201: 8.5/10
• SL401: 9.5/10

Smoke Control System: Ninja SL201 vs SL401

Neither unit has a built-in smoke filter, but both are designed to reduce smoke during cooking. SL401 seems to trap steam better due to the vertical setup.

Rating

• SL201: 7.5/10
• SL401: 8/10

Noise Level: Ninja SL201 vs SL401

Both air fryers are quiet, but the SL401 runs a little smoother when fans are active.

Rating

• SL201: 8/10 
• SL401: 9/10

Energy Efficiency: Ninja SL201 vs SL401

Both units use energy wisely, heating up fast and shutting off once done. The SL401 finishes faster, which saves a bit more power.

Rating

• SL201: 8/10 
• SL401: 8.5/10

Ease of Use: Ninja SL201 vs SL401

Both are beginner-friendly. The SL401’s display is simpler to understand and easier to see from a standing angle.

Rating

• SL201: 8.5/10 
• SL401: 9.5/10

Safety Features: Ninja SL201 vs SL401

Both include auto shut-off and cool-touch handles. SL401’s stacked design also keeps hot air vents higher up.

Rating

• SL201: 8/10
• SL401: 8/10

Cleaning and Maintenance: Ninja SL201 vs SL401

Both baskets and crisper plates are dishwasher-safe. The SL401’s plates are easier to remove and rinse by hand.

Rating

• SL201: 8.5/10 
• SL401: 8.5/10

Ideal For: Ninja SL201 vs SL401

Both fit well into busy homes. The SL401 is better for small kitchens or big families due to its size and capacity combo.

Rating

• SL201: 8.5/10
• SL401: 9.5/10

Value for Money: Ninja SL201 vs SL401

The SL201 is slightly more affordable. But the SL401 brings more features and higher capacity for a bit more cash.

Rating

• SL201: 8.5/10
• SL401: 9/10

My Honest Opinion

I’ve cooked with both, and here’s what I think. If you want to save money and still get great food, go with the Ninja SL201. It’s easy to use and does the job well. 

But if you cook for more people or want more room, the SL401 is the better fit. It gave me faster results and saved space on my counter. When it comes to Ninja SL201 vs SL401, pick what fits your space and your needs best.

FAQ’s: Ninja SL201 vs SL401

Is the Ninja SL201 worth it? 

The Ninja SL201 is worth it for small homes. It saves counter space well. You can cook many foods at once. It has a learning curve. It also makes some noise. Learn more about its features.

What’s the difference between Ninja SL201 and SL401? 

The Ninja SL201 holds 8 quarts. It uses buttons. The Ninja SL401 holds 10 quarts. It has a dial. The SL401 is a bit wider. Both save kitchen space. Find full details in our guide.

Which is better for small kitchens, Ninja SL201 or SL401? 

Both the Ninja SL201 and Ninja SL401 suit small kitchens. Their tall shape saves counter space. The SL201 is a bit more compact. Pick the SL401 for more food. See full size details now.

Does Ninja SL401 cook faster than SL201? 

No, the Ninja SL401 does not cook faster than the Ninja SL201. Both have 1690 watts. Their cook times are quite close. Some users say they take longer than old single air fryers. Check our speed test.

Who should buy the Ninja SL201 vs SL401?

Buy the Ninja SL201 for fewer people. It is great for space. The Ninja SL401 suits bigger families. It cooks more food at once. Both are good if space is tight. See our full review.

Raju Dey