Ninja DZ401 vs DZ201: My Honest, Hands-On Review

Picking between the Ninja DZ401 and DZ201 can be tough. Both air fryers offer great ways to cook. But each one has its own good points for different users. One gives you more power and space for bigger meals. The other is a great, strong pick for less money.

I have used both of these in my own kitchen. I will help you see the good and bad of each. This guide will help you pick the best one for your home.

Is Ninja DZ401 Good?

I’ve been using the Ninja DZ401 Foodi Air Fryer for over a year, and it’s been a big help in my kitchen. I cook dinner faster now, and I don’t have to stand by the stove. I often use one basket for meat and the other for sides. It saves time, cuts down oil, and keeps the food full of taste.

The 10-quart size fits big meals, which is great for my family. The DualZone cooking lets me make two foods at once, and the Smart Finish syncs the time. With 1,690 watts of power, it heats fast and cooks even. If you cook often and want less mess, the Ninja DZ401 is worth a look—check out the full review to see why it works for me.

What I Like

After months of using the Ninja DZ401 Foodi Air Fryer, I can say it’s made dinner prep faster and easier. Here’s what stood out to me:

• DualZone Cooking is a game-changer
  Being able to cook two completely different dishes at once—like salmon in one basket and veggies in the other—is super helpful. It saves me time and keeps everyone happy at home.
• Smart Finish is actually smart
  Both baskets finish cooking at the same time, even if you start them at different times. That feature alone makes it feel like a personal kitchen assistant.
• 10-quart capacity is perfect for families
  This large capacity air fryer easily handles meals for my family of five. No more cooking in shifts!
• Crisps without the guilt
  I love that it gives that crispy texture with very little oil. Makes healthy cooking easier and tastier.
• Simple control panel
  The buttons are clear and intuitive. I didn’t even need the manual after the first use.

What Could Be Better

While I’m really happy with this air fryer, a few small things could be improved. These aren’t deal-breakers, just areas where I think Ninja could make it even better.

• It’s big and needs counter space
  Because of the large capacity, it takes up more room than a standard air fryer. If you have a small kitchen, just make sure to plan where it’ll live.
• The baskets aren’t dishwasher-safe
  I wish they were. Hand washing is simple but I miss the convenience of tossing them into the dishwasher.
• The price is a bit higher than others
  It’s not the cheapest dual basket air fryer, but with the features and performance, I think it’s worth it in the long run.
  

Recommendation

If you want an air fryer that saves time, the Ninja Dual-Zone is a smart pick. I’ve used it for over a year, and it’s made weeknight meals so much easier. The dual zone cooking helps me make two foods at once without stress. 

Its 10-quart size is great for large meals or when guests come over. I use less oil now, and the food still comes out crisp and full of taste. It’s a good fit for busy folks, big families, or anyone who wants fast, healthy cooking. Just know it’s a bit big, so make sure you have the space. For me, it’s been one of the best tools in my kitchen.

Is Ninja DZ201 Good?

After using the Ninja DZ201 for a few months, I can say it’s a big help in my kitchen. I often cook meat in one side and fries or greens in the other. Both cook at once, and both come out well. It cuts down my time, which means less stress at dinner.

The 8-quart size is just right for my home. The DualZone tech makes it easy to cook two things at once. I also like the six cook modes—it can air fry, roast, warm food, or dry snacks. The baskets are easy to clean, which saves me time after meals. If you want to cook fast, eat well, and clean less, this one works great. I’ve tried a few air fryers, and this one has fit best in my daily use.

What I Like

After using the Ninja DZ201 for quite some time, here’s what really stands out to me. These features make it a great choice, especially if you cook for your family like I do.

• Dual-Zone Technology is a game-changer
  I can cook two totally different meals at once. Chicken in one basket, fries in the other—no waiting, no mixing flavors.
  
• 8-quart capacity fits family-size meals
  Whether it’s dinner for four or snacks for the weekend, there’s plenty of space. I no longer need to cook in batches.
• It’s easy to clean
  The baskets are non-stick and dishwasher-safe. After dinner, I just pop them in the dishwasher and relax. That alone saves so much time.
• Multiple cooking functions in one
  It’s not just an air fryer. I’ve used it to roast veggies, reheat pizza, even dehydrate fruit. One device, so many uses!
• Low-oil meals that still taste great
  I cook crispy food with barely any oil. The fries come out golden, not greasy. My kids love it—and I feel better about it too.
• Looks good on the counter
  The sleek design matches my kitchen. It doesn’t scream “appliance,” but still does the heavy lifting behind the scenes.

What Could Be Better

Nothing is perfect, but the things I wish were better don’t make me like it any less. They’re more like gentle suggestions than real complaints.

• It’s a bit bulky for small kitchens
  If you have limited counter space, you might need to rearrange. But honestly, for what it does, I think it’s worth it.
• No window to see the food cooking
  Sometimes I’d love to watch the crisping magic in action. Still, the results speak for themselves every time.
• Takes a little learning at first
  The settings can seem like a lot in the beginning. But after two or three tries, it becomes second nature.

Recommendation

If you want to save time and cook more in one go, the Ninja DZ201 is a smart pick. I use it almost every day to make meals fast and easy. The DualZone technology lets me cook two foods at once, which helps a lot when my kids want different things. Its 8-quart capacity is big enough for a full meal, even for a large group.

It’s also one of the best air fryers for families in the USA, in my view. The baskets are easy to clean, and that makes cleanup fast, which I love after long workdays. It may be large for small kitchens, so just check your counter space first. But if you want less stress and more good food, this air fryer is a real help.

Ninja DZ401 vs DZ201: Details Comparison

I’ve been experimenting with both the Ninja DZ401 and DZ201 in my kitchen for a while now. Here’s a full breakdown of how they compare, from design to value. Let’s dive in.

Design: Ninja DZ401 vs DZ201

Both air fryers have a modern look, but the DZ401 is slightly wider with a sleek touch. The DZ201 feels a bit more compact.

Rating:

• DZ401 – 9/10 
• DZ201 – 8/10

Size and Counter Space vs. Weight: Ninja DZ401 vs DZ201

DZ401 takes more counter space and is heavier. DZ201 fits better in smaller kitchens.

Rating:

• DZ401 – 7.5/10
• DZ201 – 9/10

Cooking Capacity: Ninja DZ401 vs DZ201

The DZ401 is built for families. It cooks more at once.

Rating:

• DZ401 – 9.5/10
• DZ201 – 8/10

Material: Ninja DZ401 vs DZ201

Both are made well. The DZ401 feels a bit sturdier.

Rating: 

• DZ401 – 9/10  
• DZ201 – 8.5/10

Build Quality and Durability: Ninja DZ401 vs DZ201

The DZ401 feels more premium and solid in hand.

Rating: 

• DZ401 – 9/10
• DZ201 – 8/10

Included Accessories: Ninja DZ401 vs DZ201

Both include basic accessories. DZ401 offers larger crisper plates.

Rating:

• DZ401 – 8.5/10
• DZ201 – 8/10

Smart Features Comparison: Ninja DZ401 vs DZ201

DZ401 has smarter cooking modes like “Smart Finish.”

Rating: 

• DZ401 – 9/10 
• DZ201 – 7.5/10

Temperature Adjustment vs Cooking Functions: Ninja DZ401 vs DZ201

Both offer wide ranges, but DZ401 heats a bit quicker.

Rating: 

• DZ401 – 9/10 
• DZ201 – 8/10

Performance & Cooking Speed: Ninja DZ401 vs DZ201

DZ401 is faster and handles big meals well.

Rating: 

• DZ401 – 9.5/10 
• DZ201 – 8/10

Smoke Control System: Ninja DZ401 vs DZ201

Both do well, but the DZ401 keeps the kitchen fresher.

Rating: 

• DZ401 – 9/10 
• DZ201 – 8/10

Noise Level: Ninja DZ401 vs DZ201

Both are quiet. DZ201 is slightly more whispery.

Rating: 

• DZ401 – 8.5/10 
• DZ201 – 9/10

Energy Efficiency: Ninja DZ401 vs DZ201

DZ201 uses a bit less power. Good for small homes.

Rating: 

• DZ401 – 8.5/10 
• DZ201 – 9/10

Ease of Use: Ninja DZ401 vs DZ201

Both are easy to use. DZ401’s larger panel helps.

Rating: 

• DZ401 – 9/10 
• DZ201 – 9/10

Safety Features: Ninja DZ401 vs DZ201

Both models are safe with auto shut-off and cool-touch handles.

Rating: 

• DZ401 – 9/10 
• DZ201 – 9/10

Cleaning and Maintenance: Ninja DZ401 vs DZ201

Both are easy to clean. DZ401’s larger trays need more sink space.

Rating: 

• DZ401 – 8.5/10 
• DZ201 – 9/10

Ideal For: Ninja DZ401 vs DZ201

DZ401 is great for big families. DZ201 suits couples or small kitchens.

Rating: 

• DZ401 – 9/10 
• DZ201 – 9/10

Value for Money: Ninja DZ401 vs DZ201

DZ201 is more budget-friendly. DZ401 gives more for what you pay.

Rating: 

• DZ401 – 9/10
• DZ201 – 9/10

Overall: Ninja DZ401 vs DZ201

Both are great. Choose DZ401 for size and power, DZ201 for space and savings.

Rating: 

• DZ401 – 9.2/10 
• DZ201 – 8.6/10

My Honest Opinion

My time with both the Ninja DZ401 and DZ201 has shown me they are great. For big families or large meals, the DZ401 is best. It gives you more space. 

But if you have less to spend or a small kitchen, the DZ201 is a smart pick. It still cooks two foods at once. Both are simple to use. They make my cooking fast and healthy. Choose the one that fits your home and food needs.

FAQ’s

What makes the Ninja DZ401 easy to clean?

The DZ401 has parts that food does not stick to. Its baskets and plates go in the dish washer. This makes clean-up simple for me. I just wipe them clean.

Is the Ninja Foodi DZ401 a good air fryer?

Yes! It cooks fast. It holds more food. You can air fry two foods at once. This is great for big families. I use mine all the time for dinner.

Ninja DZ401 vs DZ201: What’s the biggest difference?

The DZ401 holds 10 quarts. It has more power, 1690W. The DZ201 holds 8 quarts and has 1500W. The DZ401 works for bigger meals. It really helps when I cook for guests.

Ninja DZ401 vs DZ201: Which is better for families?

The DZ401 holds more food. So, it is best for large homes. The DZ201 works well for less food. Think about your family’s size. My friend loves her DZ201 for her smaller family.

Is the Ninja DZ201 good for small kitchens?

Yes, the Ninja DZ201 has a small size. It fits well in tight spots. This makes it a good pick for small kitchens. I find it leaves me more counter space than bigger models.

Raju Dey