Choosing between the Ninja Foodi DT251 and the Ninja Foodi DT201 isn’t as straightforward as it looks. Both models belong to Ninja’s premium XL Pro Air Oven lineup, both boast the same 10-in-1 cooking functions, and both are built for families who want speed, versatility, and crispier results without relying on a bulky traditional oven. But after putting them side by side in my own kitchen, I realized the differences—though subtle—can have a real impact on how you cook daily.
Let me break it all down for you in detail.
Key Difference Between Ninja Foodi DT251 vs DT201 Air Fryer Oven
At first glance, the biggest difference is that the DT251 comes with Ninja’s Smart Cook System and integrated thermometer, while the DT201 does not. That means the DT251 takes the guesswork out of roasting meats by automatically cooking to your chosen doneness level—rare, medium, or well done—without you hovering around.
On the other hand, the DT201 offers the same capacity, functions, and design but leaves the precision cooking entirely in your hands.
So, the decision really boils down to: Do you want built-in smart cooking help, or are you confident managing temperatures yourself?
- TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster, crispier, and juicy results.
- 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.):...
Comparison Table: Ninja Foodi DT251 vs DT201 Air Fryer Oven
| Feature | Ninja Foodi DT251 | Ninja Foodi DT201 |
| Capacity | 12 liters (XL, fits 2 pizzas or 12-lb turkey) | 21 liters (XL, fits 2 pizzas or 12-lb turkey) |
| Wattage | 1800 watts | 1800 watts |
| Functions | 10-in-1 (Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Pizza, Dehydrate, Reheat, Whole Roast) | 10-in-1 (Same as DT251) |
| Smart Cook System | Yes, with integrated thermometer | No |
| Convection Power | True Surround Convection (10X faster vs. traditional ovens) | True Surround Convection (same) |
| Display Handle | Yes | Yes |
| Preheat Time | 90 seconds | 90 seconds |
| Accessories | 2 sheet pans, 2 wire racks, air fry basket, roast tray, crumb tray, thermometer | 2 sheet pans, 2 wire racks, air fry basket, roast tray, crumb tray |
| Weight | 33.75 lbs | 33.63 lbs |
| Check Price & Reviews | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
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Design & Build Quality
Both ovens are nearly identical in design. They share the same stainless-steel finish, wide glass door, and digital display handle that lights up the correct rack position for your cooking function. On my counter, they both looked sleek and premium, but the DT251 feels slightly more futuristic thanks to the added thermometer that tucks neatly into the side when not in use.
In terms of size, they take up a decent chunk of counter space. If you’re replacing a toaster oven, expect these to dominate that spot—but for me, it felt worth it given how many appliances they replaced.
- TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster, crispier, and juicy results.
- 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.):...
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Ease of Use
Here’s where I noticed a clear difference.
- With the DT251, I could just insert the thermometer into a chicken breast, set the doneness level, and let the oven do its job. No babysitting. The digital readout gave me peace of mind that my food wouldn’t be under or overcooked.
- With the DT201, I had to rely on my own food thermometer and instincts. That’s fine if you’re confident in the kitchen, but I personally found myself checking more often.
Both ovens preheat in just 90 seconds, which feels almost magical when you’re used to waiting 10–15 minutes for a regular oven.
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Functions & Versatility
Both models deliver the same 10-in-1 versatility: Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Pizza, Dehydrate, Reheat, and Whole Roast. I tested air frying fries, roasting vegetables, baking cookies, and reheating leftovers. The results were consistent in both—crispy fries, evenly baked cookies, and reheated pizza that didn’t turn soggy.
However, the DT251’s Smart Cook system shined during roasts and steaks. Cooking a medium-rare ribeye to perfection without poking and checking constantly was a game-changer for me.
- TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster, crispier, and juicy results.
- 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.):...
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Performance & Cooking Results
Both ovens boast Ninja’s True Surround Convection, and I can confirm it works as advertised. Foods cooked evenly across both racks without needing rotation. I managed two sheet pan dinners (salmon on top, veggies on bottom) and everything came out cooked at the same time.
Crispiness is where these ovens excel. Fries had that golden crunch without oil, and baked goods browned beautifully.
The DT251 didn’t necessarily cook faster than the DT201—it’s the precision cooking feature that gives it the edge.
- TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster, crispier, and juicy results.
- 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.):...
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Capacity
Technically, the DT201 is listed with a slightly larger capacity (21L vs. 12L), but in practice, I didn’t find a real-world difference. Both fit a 12-lb turkey, two 12-inch pizzas, or a 5-lb chicken with vegetables. For family dinners or meal prepping, either one can handle the workload.
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Cleaning & Maintenance
Cleanup was simple on both models. The crumb tray slides out easily, and the accessories are dishwasher-safe. I recommend lining trays with parchment paper if you want to avoid scrubbing sticky messes.
Ninja Foodi DT251
- TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster, crispier, and juicy results.
Pros:
- Integrated Smart Thermometer for precision cooking
- Same 10-in-1 versatility as DT201
- Perfect for meats and roasts
- Digital handle display helps with rack placement
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than DT201
- Bulkier than a regular toaster oven
Ninja Foodi DT201
- 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:
- Same powerful convection and functions as DT251
- Slightly lighter and simpler interface
- Great for those who already own a food thermometer
- Usually cheaper than DT251
Cons:
- No Smart Cook thermometer
- Puts more responsibility on you for perfect doneness
Conclusion & Recommendation:
After testing both, I’d sum it up like this:
- The Ninja Foodi DT251 is for people who want foolproof cooking with the Smart Thermometer. If you do a lot of roasting or like your meats cooked to precise doneness, the DT251 makes life easier.
- The Ninja Foodi DT201 is essentially the same oven minus the Smart Cook feature. If you’re confident with your cooking skills and don’t mind managing doneness yourself, the DT201 gives you the same power and capacity at a lower price.
Personally, I lean toward the DT251 because that Smart Cook system saved me stress and delivered consistently perfect results. But if budget is your top concern, the DT201 won’t leave you disappointed—it’s still a powerhouse oven that can replace several appliances at once.
✅ Final Takeaway: If you love convenience and precision, go with the DT251. If you want the same functionality at a friendlier price, the DT201 is the smarter buy.