Ninja DZ401 vs DZ201: My Surprising Everyday Choice

If you can’t decide between the Ninja DZ401 and DZ201, here’s the simple truth: both are great, but they fit different needs.

I live in Dallas, Texas, and I’ve cooked with both for family dinners, meal prep, and game-day snacks. The DZ401 is bigger and stronger. The DZ201 is smaller and faster.

From my own use, I’ve seen that each has its own sweet spot. The right one depends on your kitchen and your family size.

Is the Ninja DZ401 Good?

Yes. The Ninja DZ401 is a solid pick for family meals. I use it a lot for fast dinners. One basket for wings, the other for fries. Both come out hot and crispy at the same time. That dual-zone setup makes weeknights much easier.

The DZ401 has two 5-quart baskets. That’s 10 quarts total. Big enough for a full family dinner or meal prep in one round. It also has six cooking modes: air fry, roast, bake, broil, reheat, and dehydrate. With Smart Finish and Match Cook, you can sync two dishes or cook a large batch at once.

For busy U.S. kitchens, the size and power are a real help. It keeps meals simple and quick. That’s why I keep using it.

What I Like

• Large cooking space – Enough for my whole family in one go. I’ve even used it for game-day snacks and it handled them with no trouble.
• Smart Finish and Match Cook – Roast veggies in one basket, fry chicken in the other, and both are ready at the same time. No waiting or reheating.
• Easy setup – The controls are simple. Once you try it, it’s easy to use. Even my teen picked it up fast.

What Could Be Better

• No built-in thermometer – Unlike the DZ550, this model has no Smart Cook Thermometer. I use a separate probe for steak.
• Takes counter space – It’s large. In a U.S. kitchen with other gadgets, you’ll need to make room.
• Some noise – It’s not too loud, but with both baskets running you hear the fan. Fine during the day, a bit much at night.

Recommendation

Get the Ninja DZ401 if you want a reliable dual-basket air fryer without extras. It’s perfect for families who need to cook two dishes or big meals fast.

If you cook meat often and want exact temps, the DZ550 with the thermometer may fit you better. But for value and the same cooking power, the DZ401 is a strong pick.

For U.S. homes where dinner means mains and sides, the Ninja DZ401 is practical. It’s not fancy, but it’s steady and easy to trust every day.

Is the Ninja DZ201 Good?

Yes. The Ninja DZ201 is a great pick if you want fast and simple meals. I’ve used it many times on busy nights. One basket for chicken wings, the other for fries. Both came out hot at the same time. No waiting, no reheating.

The air fryer has two 4-quart baskets, so 8 quarts total. That’s enough for a family dinner or meal prep. It also has five cooking modes: air fry, roast, bake, reheat, and dehydrate. The Smart Finish and Match Cook features make cooking easy. One basket can roast veggies while the other fries chicken, and both finish together.

For U.S. homes, the size feels just right. It holds plenty of food but does not overwhelm the counter. Meals come out fast, even, and crispy.

What I Like

• Dual baskets save time – I cook two foods at once. Mains and sides finish together.
• Smart Finish – Both baskets end at the same time, so dinner is hot and ready.
• Easy cleanup – The nonstick baskets are dishwasher safe. Rinse or load them in and you’re done.

What Could Be Better

• Takes counter space – It’s wide, so small kitchens may struggle.
• Noise from the fan – Not loud, but you’ll notice at night.
• No built-in thermometer – Unlike the DZ550, you need your own probe for steak or chicken.

Recommendation

I recommend the Ninja DZ201 if you want a budget-friendly dual-basket air fryer that still delivers great results. It’s ideal for families, meal preppers, or anyone who likes quick meals.

If you cook meat often and want exact doneness, check out the Ninja DZ550 with its built-in thermometer. But for everyday use, the DZ201 gives you strong value at a lower cost.

For most U.S. kitchens, the 8-quart size is perfect. It may not have all the extras, but it’s reliable, simple, and makes weeknights stress-free.

Ninja DZ401 vs DZ201: Which One is Better?

I’ve cooked with both the Ninja DZ401 and the Ninja DZ201. They look alike, but they do not cook the same. Each one has its own strengths. Here’s my easy side-by-side breakdown.

Cooking Capacity: Ninja DZ401 vs DZ201

The DZ401 is bigger. It has two 5-quart baskets, so 10 quarts total. Great for big families or game night snacks. The DZ201 is smaller at 8 quarts. Still enough for my family of four.

Rating: Ninja DZ401 – 9/10, Ninja DZ201 – 8/10

Temperature Control: Ninja DZ401 vs DZ201

Both heat fast and hold steady temps. The DZ401 goes up to 450°F, which makes wings extra crisp. The DZ201 tops at 400°F. Still fine for daily use.

Rating:  DZ401 – 9/10, Ninja DZ201 – 7.5/10

Basket Material: Ninja DZ401 vs DZ201

Both use nonstick, dishwasher-safe baskets. Cleanup is simple. The DZ401 baskets are larger, so they feel bulky in the dishwasher. The DZ201 baskets fit easier.

Rating: Ninja DZ401 – 8/10, Ninja DZ201 – 8.5/10

Preheating Time: Ninja DZ401 vs DZ201

Neither takes long. The DZ201 heats faster thanks to smaller baskets (2–3 minutes). The DZ401 needs a bit more time (3–4 minutes), but cooks more food at once.

Rating: Ninja DZ401 – 8/10, Ninja DZ201 – 9/10

Cooking Consistency: Ninja DZ401 vs DZ201

Both give crispy, even results. The DZ401 shines on big portions. The DZ201 works best for small runs.

Rating: Ninja DZ401 – 9/10, Ninja DZ201 – 8/10

Performance: Ninja DZ401 vs DZ201

The DZ401 wins in power and size. The DZ201 is strong but more compact.

Rating: Ninja DZ401 – 9/10, Ninja DZ201 – 8/10

Ease of Use: Ninja DZ401 vs DZ201

Both are simple to learn. The DZ201 is lighter and easier to move. The DZ401 takes more counter space.

Rating: Ninja DZ401 – 8/10, Ninja DZ201 – 9/10

Value for Money: Ninja DZ401 vs DZ201

The DZ201 costs less and meets most needs. The DZ401 costs more but adds space and higher temps.

Rating: Ninja DZ401 – 8/10, Ninja DZ201 – 9/10

Overall: Ninja DZ401 vs DZ201

Both are great. I use the DZ401 for guests and meal prep. I grab the DZ201 for quick dinners.

Final Rating: Ninja DZ401 – 8.5/10, Ninja DZ201 – 8.5/10

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