If you’re looking at the Ninja DT201 vs DT501, I’ve cooked with both in my Dallas kitchen. At first, they seem almost the same. But once I used them side by side, the differences stood out. Both ovens heat fast, cook evenly, and save me from turning on my big oven.
Still, one feature made my weeknight meals much easier. From roasting chicken for family dinners to baking pizzas on game nights, I’ve seen how each one fits real U.S. kitchens. In this review, I’ll share my honest take so you can choose the right one for your home.
Table of Contents
Ninja DT201 Review
When I set up the Ninja DT201 Foodi XL Pro Air Fry Oven, I asked myself one thing: Can this replace my big oven? After weeks of use, the answer is yes. It does more than I hoped.
I’ve roasted chicken, baked cookies, and reheated pizza. It has become one of the busiest tools in my kitchen.
The first thing I noticed was speed. It preheats in about 90 seconds. On busy nights, that’s a game changer. I’ve cooked salmon and vegetables on two racks at once. Both came out even, and I never had to swap trays. It felt like having a double oven on my counter.
The DT201 has 10 preset functions. I use “Reheat” more than I expected—fries and pizza stay crisp. They don’t go soggy like in a microwave. For family dinners, the “Whole Roast” mode works well for chicken and even turkey.
What I Like
- Fast preheat: Ready in 90 seconds.
- Two-level cooking: Chicken on one tray, veggies on the other. Both cooked well.
- 10 functions: Reheat and Dehydrate stand out.
- Big capacity: Fits a 12-lb turkey.
- Digital handle: Tells you the right rack spot.
- Crispier results: Toast and pizza beat my old toaster oven.
What Could Be Better
- Cleaning takes effort: Grease collects in corners.
- Air fry is good, not great: Fries are tasty, but not as crisp as a basket fryer.
- Gets hot outside: I keep kids away while it’s on.
- Takes counter space: It’s large, so measure first.
- Noise level: The fan is louder than my microwave.
Product Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Model | Ninja DT201 Foodi XL Pro Air Fry Oven |
| Functions | 10-in-1: Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Whole Roast, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Pizza, Reheat, Dehydrate |
| Capacity | Fits 2 × 12″ pizzas, a 12-lb turkey, or a 5-lb chicken with veggies |
| Power | 1800W (120V, US outlet) |
| Size | 17.09″D × 20.22″W × 13.34″H |
| Weight | 33.6 lbs |
| Accessories | 2 sheet pans, 2 wire racks, air fry basket, roast tray, crumb tray |
| Material | Stainless steel with glass door |
Recommendation
If you want a countertop oven that feels like a full oven, the Ninja DT201 is a strong pick. It’s great for families of three to five, meal preppers, or anyone who doesn’t want to fire up a big oven every night.
The 10 functions add flexibility. The two-level design saves time.
If ultra-crisp fries are your main goal, you may still want a basket air fryer. And if counter space is tight, measure first—it’s not small.
But for roasting, baking, air frying, and reheating without soggy results, the Ninja DT201 is hard to beat. I’d recommend it to any friend who wants a reliable, family-sized countertop oven.
Ninja DT501 Review
When I tried the Ninja DT501, I wanted to see if it could match my DT251. At first glance, they look the same—big, sleek, and built for family meals. But after weeks of use in my Dallas kitchen, I noticed some clear changes. The DT501 is quick and powerful but does not have the smart thermometer. That feature made the DT251 special.
I used the DT501 for many weeknight meals. It baked chicken thighs with veggies, and the results were even every time. It preheats in about 90 seconds, which saves time. The oven fits two 12-inch pizzas at once. For snacks, it toasted bread and bagels well without burning. This is a good pick if you want a large oven but don’t need the probe.
What I Like
- Fast Preheat: Heats up in about 90 seconds. Great for busy nights.
- Large Capacity: Two frozen pizzas fit with no crowding.
- Even Baking: Cookies turned golden on both racks. No tray switching.
- Versatile Modes: Air fry, roast, toast, bake, and more in one.
- Solid Build: Feels sturdy and well-made, not cheap.
What Could Be Better
- No Smart Thermometer: I missed the Foodi Smart Probe. I had to use my own.
- Cleaning: Grease builds up on the back wall, just like the DT251. Needs extra effort.
- Size: It’s big and heavy. Smaller U.S. kitchens may feel cramped.
- Air Frying: Fresh wings were crisp, but frozen fries came out softer.
Ninja DT501 Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Model | Ninja DT501 Prestige 10-in-1 XL Oven |
| Power | 1800 watts |
| Temp Range | 85°F – 450°F |
| Capacity | Two 12-inch pizzas or family meals |
| Functions | Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Broil, Toast |
| Smart Thermometer | Not included |
| Preheat Time | About 90 seconds |
| Dimensions | 17.09” D x 20.22” W x 13.34” H |
| Weight | ~33 lbs |
Recommendation
The Ninja DT501 is a strong pick for speed, power, and space. It works well for:
- Families: Handles pizza night or holiday sides.
- Busy parents: Heats in under two minutes. A lifesaver on school nights.
- Home cooks: Great for baking and roasting.
But if you cook meat often, the Ninja DT251 is the better choice. The smart thermometer saves stress and gives perfect doneness.
Both ovens are solid. But if you must choose, I’d lean toward the DT251. That probe feature is worth it.
Ninja DT201 vs DT501 – Detailed Comparison
I’ve cooked with both the Ninja DT201 and Ninja DT501 in my own kitchen. At first glance, they look almost the same. But after side-by-side use, I found some small details that make a big difference.
Cooking Capacity: Ninja DT201 vs DT501
Both ovens are roomy enough for family meals. The DT201 fits a 12-lb turkey, which makes it feel like a “holiday oven.” The DT501 is better for pizza, chicken, and quick weeknight meals.
| Feature | Ninja DT201 | Ninja DT501 |
| Max Size | 12-lb turkey | 2 × 12″ pizzas |
| Best For | Big roasts, family dinners | Pizza, chicken, sides |
| Rack Design | Two-level, good spacing | Two-level, same design |
Rating: DT201 – 9/10, DT501 – 8.5/10
Heating Speed: Ninja DT201 vs DT501
Both heat up in just 90 seconds. That’s much faster than a full oven. I didn’t see any difference in speed or energy use. Both save me stress on busy nights.
| Feature | Ninja DT201 | Ninja DT501 |
| Preheat Time | 90 seconds | 90 seconds |
| Heat Distribution | Even on both racks | Even on both racks |
| Energy Use | 1800 watts | 1800 watts |
Rating: DT201 – 9/10, DT501 – 9/10
Cooking Functions: Ninja DT201 vs DT501
The DT201 has 10 functions plus a smart thermometer. This makes roasting easier since it removes guesswork. The DT501 has the same number of modes but lacks the probe, which I missed for meat.
| Feature | Ninja DT201 | Ninja DT501 |
| Preset Functions | 10-in-1 | 10-in-1 |
| Smart Thermometer | Yes | No |
| Best Extra Mode | Whole Roast + Dehydrate | Bake + Toast |
Rating: DT201 – 9.5/10, DT501 – 8/10
Build Quality: Ninja DT201 vs DT501
Both are solid and heavy. The stainless steel feels sturdy. Cleaning is tricky in corners, and grease builds up fast. The outside also gets hot, so I keep kids away.
| Feature | Ninja DT201 | Ninja DT501 |
| Build Material | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Weight | 33.6 lbs | ~33 lbs |
| Cleaning | Hard in corners | Hard in corners |
Rating: DT201 – 8.5/10, DT501 – 8.5/10
Performance: Ninja DT201 vs DT501
The DT201 shines for roasting thanks to the probe. The DT501 still bakes, toasts, and air fries well but works best for pizza and smaller meats.
| Feature | Ninja DT201 | Ninja DT501 |
| Roasting | Even, probe helps | Even but no probe |
| Baking | Great on both racks | Great on both racks |
| Air Frying | Good, not basket crisp | Good, fries softer |
Rating: DT201 – 9/10, DT501 – 8.5/10
Ease of Use: Ninja DT201 vs DT501
Both have clear digital controls and helpful rack guides. The DT201 felt easier since the thermometer removed roasting guesswork.
| Feature | Ninja DT201 | Ninja DT501 |
| Controls | Digital + probe | Digital |
| Rack Guidance | Yes | Yes |
| Learning Curve | Quick | Quick |
Rating: DT201 – 9/10, DT501 – 8.5/10
Value for Money: Ninja DT201 vs DT501
The DT201 usually costs more, but the probe makes it worth it if you roast often. The DT501 is cheaper and still powerful. It’s a better pick if you don’t need extras.
| Feature | Ninja DT201 | Ninja DT501 |
| Price Range | Higher | Slightly lower |
| Best For | Families, meal preppers | Pizza nights, daily meals |
| Key Trade-off | More functions + probe | Lower cost, fewer extras |
Rating: DT201 – 9/10, DT501 – 8/10
Overall: Ninja DT201 vs DT501
Both ovens are strong choices. The DT201 is best if you want a smart probe, more modes, and family-sized roasting. The DT501 is great if you want speed, pizza nights, and a lower price.
| Feature | Ninja DT201 | Ninja DT501 |
| Strength | Probe + modes | Cheaper + simple |
| Weakness | Takes counter space | Missing probe |
| Best For | Families, meal prep | Everyday meals, pizza nights |
Final Rating: DT201 – 9/10, DT501 – 8.5/10
FAQs About Ninja DT201 vs DT501
What is the main difference between the Ninja DT201 and DT501?
The DT201 has a smart thermometer for roasting. The DT501 does not. Both ovens heat fast, but the probe makes cooking meat easier.
Which oven is better for families, Ninja DT201 or DT501?
The DT201 is better for families who cook big meals like turkey. The DT501 works best for pizza nights and quick weekday dinners.
Do both Ninja DT201 and DT501 preheat quickly?
Yes. Both preheat in about 90 seconds. They are faster than a standard oven and great for busy nights.
Is the Ninja DT201 worth the higher price over the DT501?
If you cook meat often, yes. The probe in the DT201 removes guesswork. If you want a cheaper oven for daily meals and pizza, the DT501 is solid.
Which one makes food crispier, Ninja DT201 or DT501?
Both give crisp results. Fries are softer than a basket fryer. Pizza and toast come out better than in a regular toaster oven.