If you’re in the market for a countertop oven that can roast, bake, air fry, and handle family-sized meals without taking up your entire kitchen, the Ninja DT201 and Ninja DT202BK are two strong contenders. Both belong to Ninja’s XL Pro Air Oven lineup, known for exceptional cooking speed, True Surround Convection, and the ability to make entire meals in one go.
At first glance, they look almost identical — similar power, same 1800 watts, and that signature stainless-steel look. But under the hood, there are a few key differences that may sway your choice depending on how (and how often) you cook.
Let’s break down both models in detail and find out which one offers the better deal for your kitchen.
Key Difference Between Ninja DT201 vs DT202BK Pro Air Fry Oven
The Ninja DT201 is a 10-in-1 smart oven that brings slightly more cooking versatility to the table compared to the 8-in-1 Ninja DT202BK. While both share the same core functions like Air Fry, Roast, Bake, and Toast, the DT201 adds Dehydrate and Reheat options, expanding its usefulness beyond standard cooking tasks.
Beyond functions, the DT201 is also a bit larger, with a 21-liter capacity versus the DT202BK’s 12-liter chamber, allowing you to fit more food at once. In short, the DT201 is designed for bigger households and multi-dish cooking, while the DT202BK caters to smaller kitchens or users who want a slightly more compact model without sacrificing power.
- TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster, crispier, and juicy results.Cord length (in.):...
- TRUE SURROUND CONVENTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster, crispier, and juicy results
Comparison Table: Ninja DT201 vs DT202BK Pro Air Fry Oven
| Feature | Ninja DT201 | Ninja DT202BK |
| Functions | 10-in-1 | 8-in-1 |
| True Surround Convection | Yes | Yes |
| Power | 1800 Watts | 1800 Watts |
| Capacity | 21 Liters | 12 Liters |
| Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Dimensions (inches) | 17.09”D x 20.22”W x 13.34”H | 19.8”D x 17.4”W x 13.3”H |
| Weight | 33.6 lbs | 25.6 lbs |
| Control Type | Knob + Digital Display Handle | Knob + Digital Display Handle |
| Color Options | Stainless Steel | Matte Black |
| Cooking Levels | 2 | 2 |
| Included Accessories | 2 sheet pans, 2 racks, air fry basket, roast tray, crumb tray | 2 sheet pans, 2 racks, air fry basket, roast tray, crumb tray |
| Preheat Time | 90 seconds | 90 seconds |
| Price Range | Slightly Higher | More Affordable |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
Before diving into the categories, let’s set the scene. Both of these ovens represent Ninja’s mission to replace multiple kitchen appliances with one versatile device. During my testing, I found that each performed impressively well in everything from roasting whole chickens to baking cookies and even making air-fried fries.
That said, there are subtle — but important — differences in their cooking efficiency, design, and ease of use that make them distinct choices for different types of cooks.
Design & Build Quality
Both ovens share Ninja’s professional-grade design language — sleek stainless steel with a premium finish that looks good in any kitchen setup. However, there’s a slight aesthetic difference: the DT201 carries the traditional stainless-steel color, while the DT202BK sports a modern matte-black finish. The latter gives it a slightly more minimalistic, contemporary look.
In terms of build, both are solid and sturdy. The DT201 feels heavier and more robust, which makes sense given its larger capacity. Inside, both models have two cooking racks, allowing for two-level cooking — ideal for making sheet pan dinners or baking cookies on one level while roasting vegetables on the other.
The Digital Display Handle is one of Ninja’s smartest design touches. As soon as you select a function, the display lights up to show optimal rack placement. And when you open the door, the settings automatically pause, preventing accidental button presses. It’s the kind of thoughtful engineering that shows how much Ninja focuses on real-world usability.
- TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster, crispier, and juicy results.Cord length (in.):...
- TRUE SURROUND CONVENTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster, crispier, and juicy results
Ease of Use
Operating both ovens is straightforward. The control knob and digital interface make it easy to switch between modes, adjust time and temperature, and monitor progress. The DT201’s slightly larger control panel makes it a touch more intuitive, especially when toggling between the 10 available cooking modes.
Both models preheat in about 90 seconds, which is much faster than a traditional oven, and their internal lights make it easy to monitor your food mid-cook.
Where I felt the DT201 had a slight advantage was in its ability to handle larger meal preps without crowding. I managed to fit a 5-lb chicken and a tray of vegetables comfortably, and it still had room to spare. The DT202BK, while also spacious, is better suited for smaller families or those who rarely cook multiple dishes at once.
- TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster, crispier, and juicy results.Cord length (in.):...
Cooking Performance
This is where both ovens truly shine. The True Surround Convection technology is impressive — it circulates hot air evenly, giving you crispy, golden textures without burning or uneven spots.
In my testing, both ovens delivered crispy fries, evenly baked cookies, and beautifully roasted chicken. The DT201 had a slight edge when baking, likely due to its larger chamber, which allows for better airflow and more consistent heat distribution.
The DT201’s extra functions — particularly Dehydrate and Reheat — also add versatility. I used the Dehydrate mode for apple slices, and they turned out perfectly crisp without burning. The DT202BK, lacking those two functions, still nails the basics but feels slightly limited for users who enjoy experimenting with more cooking styles. So, while both models perform exceptionally well in everyday use, the DT201 simply offers a wider performance range.
- TRUE SURROUND CONVENTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster, crispier, and juicy results
Health and Efficiency
Both ovens promote healthier eating through air frying, reducing oil usage by up to 75% compared to deep frying. During my tests, fries and chicken wings came out crispy with minimal oil, and the texture was spot-on.
In terms of energy efficiency, both units heat up and cook faster than a traditional oven. The DT201’s larger capacity means it might consume slightly more energy per session, but since it can cook entire meals in one go, it balances out over time.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Cleaning either model is hassle-free. The crumb tray slides out easily, and both ovens include non-stick sheet pans and racks that can be wiped down or loaded into the dishwasher.
The stainless-steel interior of the DT201 tends to show less staining than the black-coated interior of the DT202BK, but both clean up nicely with a quick wipe. Ninja’s thoughtful internal design (with removable accessories) makes these ovens much easier to maintain than traditional toaster ovens.
- TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster, crispier, and juicy results.Cord length (in.):...
Value for Money
The Ninja DT201 is slightly more expensive, but its 10 functions, larger size, and broader flexibility make it a clear winner for anyone cooking for families or groups.
The DT202BK, on the other hand, is priced lower and provides the same core power and performance in a more compact form. It’s ideal for smaller households, apartments, or those who just want a capable air fry oven for everyday use without all the extra modes.
Ninja DT201 Air Fryer Toaster Oven
- TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster, crispier, and juicy results.Cord length (in.):...
Pros:
- 10-in-1 functionality (includes Dehydrate & Reheat)
- True Surround Convection for fast, even cooking
- Large 21-liter capacity
- Family-friendly double-rack design
- Digital Display Handle prevents errors
- Great for meal prep and big batches
Cons:
- Slightly heavier and bulkier
- Higher price tag
Ninja DT202BK Pro Air Fryer Oven
- TRUE SURROUND CONVENTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster, crispier, and juicy results
Pros:
- Same True Surround Convection performance
- Compact and lighter design
- 8-in-1 versatility covers all major functions
- Modern matte-black finish
- More affordable price
- Perfect for smaller kitchens
Cons:
- Smaller 12-liter capacity
- Lacks Dehydrate and Reheat modes
- Slightly fewer customization options
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
After testing both ovens side by side, my takeaway is clear: both the Ninja DT201 and DT202BK deliver exceptional cooking results, but they cater to slightly different users.
If you want maximum versatility, capacity, and value for families or frequent hosts, the Ninja DT201 is the clear winner. It offers two additional cooking modes, handles larger meals effortlessly, and feels like a true replacement for a full-sized oven.
However, if you’re short on counter space or prefer a lighter, budget-friendly model that still delivers the same cooking quality, the DT202BK won’t disappoint. It’s a compact powerhouse perfect for everyday meals and smaller households.
In short:
👉 Choose the DT201 if you want bigger capacity and more cooking options.
👉 Choose the DT202BK if you want compact efficiency without paying extra for features you won’t use.
Both ovens embody Ninja’s best-in-class convection performance — it just depends on whether you want a little more space or a little more simplicity.
