The more I use dual-basket air fryers, the more I realize how much time they save in the kitchen. Cooking two foods at once with different settings, and having them finish together, is a game-changer. Recently, I’ve been testing two of Ninja’s most popular models—the Ninja DZ550 and the Ninja DZ401. At first glance, both look nearly identical with their 10-quart capacity and sleek dual-basket design. But after spending a few weeks using them side by side, I’ve discovered some key differences that set them apart.
In this review, I’ll break down the differences, share my personal cooking experience, and help you figure out which model is the right fit for your needs.
Key Difference: Ninja DZ550 vs Ninja DZ401 Dual Zone Air Fryers
The biggest difference between the Ninja DZ550 and the DZ401 is that the DZ550 comes with a built-in Smart Cook System and integrated Foodi Smart Thermometer, while the DZ401 does not. This makes the DZ550 a better choice if you want precision cooking for proteins like steak, chicken, or fish. The DZ401 still delivers excellent performance, but you’ll need to rely on your own judgment for doneness.
- 2 FOODS, 2 WAYS, AT THE SAME TIME: Eliminating back-to-back cooking like a traditional single-basket air fryer with 2 independent XL air fryer baskets.
- The XL air fryer with 2 independent baskets that lets you cook 2 foods, 2 ways, at the same time, eliminating back-to-back cooking like a traditional...
Comparison Table: Ninja DZ550 vs Ninja DZ401 Dual Zone Air Fryers
| Feature | Ninja DZ550 | Ninja DZ401 |
| Capacity | 10 Quarts (2 × 5 Qt baskets) | 10 Quarts (2 × 5 Qt baskets) |
| Functions | Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate | Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate |
| Dimensions | 17.1″ D × 13.9″ W × 12.8″ H | 13.9″ D × 17.1″ W × 12.8″ H |
| Color | Grey | Grey |
| Material | Plastic, Stainless Steel | Plastic, Stainless Steel |
| Smart Cook Thermometer | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| DualZone Technology | ✅ Yes (Smart Finish & Match Cook) | ✅ Yes (Smart Finish & Match Cook) |
| IQ Boost | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Dishwasher Safe | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Temp Range | 105°F – 450°F | 105°F – 450°F |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Design & Build Quality
Both air fryers share a very similar design—two side-by-side 5-quart baskets, digital touch control panel, and a sleek grey finish with stainless steel touches.
The DZ401 feels a little wider because of its control layout, while the DZ550 is slightly deeper. On my kitchen counter, the DZ550 looked a bit more modern thanks to the inclusion of the thermometer dock.
Both models are built solidly, with sturdy handles and nonstick baskets that slide in and out smoothly. If you’re into aesthetics, I’d say they look equally premium—but the DZ550 edges out slightly because of its smart thermometer integration.
- 2 FOODS, 2 WAYS, AT THE SAME TIME: Eliminating back-to-back cooking like a traditional single-basket air fryer with 2 independent XL air fryer baskets.
- The XL air fryer with 2 independent baskets that lets you cook 2 foods, 2 ways, at the same time, eliminating back-to-back cooking like a traditional...
Ease of Use
One of the reasons I enjoy using Ninja’s dual-basket models is how straightforward they are. Both the DZ550 and DZ401 feature DualZone Technology, letting me choose between Smart Finish (two foods finish at the same time) or Match Cook (same settings across both baskets).
With the DZ401, I found myself doing a lot of guesswork when it came to meat doneness—cutting into chicken breasts to check or using a separate thermometer. With the DZ550, the built-in thermometer made things effortless. I just selected “medium rare” for steak or “well done” for chicken, inserted the probe, and the machine adjusted automatically. It was a big time-saver and gave me confidence that I wouldn’t undercook or overcook.
- 2 FOODS, 2 WAYS, AT THE SAME TIME: Eliminating back-to-back cooking like a traditional single-basket air fryer with 2 independent XL air fryer baskets.
Cooking Functions & Performance
Both air fryers come with six cooking programs: Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
- The DZ401 performed flawlessly across all functions. Reheating pizza tasted better than the microwave, fries came out crispy, and baking was surprisingly even.
- The DZ550, however, added precision with the Smart Cook System. I cooked a salmon fillet at “medium” doneness, and it came out flaky, moist, and exactly how I wanted. With steak, I tested rare, medium, and well-done, and it nailed every level without me hovering around.
Performance-wise, both crisp food evenly thanks to IQ Boost distributing heat across baskets. But if you care about accuracy and consistency, the DZ550 clearly stands out.
- The XL air fryer with 2 independent baskets that lets you cook 2 foods, 2 ways, at the same time, eliminating back-to-back cooking like a traditional...
Capacity & Family Use
Both models are 10-quart capacity air fryers with two 5-quart baskets, which is plenty for families. I cooked 8 lbs of chicken wings for game night, and both handled it perfectly.
I also tried cooking two whole chickens (about 6 lbs each), and both air fryers managed them quicker than my oven—roughly 30% faster.
If you’re cooking for 4–6 people regularly, either will serve you well.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Cleaning was equally easy on both models. The baskets are nonstick and the crisper plates are dishwasher safe. I often just gave them a quick rinse, and even sticky marinades washed off without scrubbing.
The thermometer probe on the DZ550 is also easy to wipe clean, so it didn’t add much hassle to cleaning.
Energy Efficiency & Noise
Noise levels were about the same—much quieter than my traditional oven fan. Both heated up quickly, which helped cut down cooking time.
Since the DZ550 automatically adjusts cooking time based on internal temperature, I noticed I avoided overcooking, which indirectly saves energy by not running longer than needed.
Ninja DZ550 Foodi DualZone Smart Air Fryer
- 2 FOODS, 2 WAYS, AT THE SAME TIME: Eliminating back-to-back cooking like a traditional single-basket air fryer with 2 independent XL air fryer baskets.
Pros:
- Smart Cook System with built-in Foodi Smart Thermometer
- Removes guesswork for meat doneness (rare to well done)
- Same 10-quart dual basket capacity for family meals
- Wide temperature range and fast cooking times
- Sleek design with thermometer dock
Cons:
- Higher price than the DZ401
- Slightly bulkier footprint
- Thermometer feature may be unnecessary if you rarely cook meat
Ninja DZ401 Foodi DualZone Air Fryer
- The XL air fryer with 2 independent baskets that lets you cook 2 foods, 2 ways, at the same time, eliminating back-to-back cooking like a traditional...
Pros:
- Same powerful performance as DZ550, but at a lower price
- 10-quart dual baskets perfect for family cooking
- Simple, intuitive design and controls
- Great for air frying, baking, reheating, and dehydrating
- Sleek grey design fits most kitchens
Cons:
- No Smart Cook Thermometer—requires manual checking for doneness
- Slightly wider design may take more counter space
- Less precise for meats compared to DZ550
Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?
After spending plenty of time with both air fryers, I’d say the decision comes down to one thing: how much you value precision cooking.
If you often cook meats and want perfectly cooked results without guesswork, the Ninja DZ550 is absolutely worth the upgrade. The Smart Cook System with the built-in thermometer makes it almost foolproof to hit your desired doneness every time.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that still offers the same size, dual baskets, and cooking power, the Ninja DZ401 is a fantastic choice. It may lack the thermometer, but it delivers excellent results across all functions at a lower cost.
For me personally, I’d choose the DZ550 simply because I cook a lot of chicken, steak, and fish, and I appreciate the precision. But if you’re not the type to stress about exact doneness, the DZ401 will serve you just as well.
