If you’re torn between the Ninja SP101 vs SP201, you’re not alone—I’ve been there too. Both models offer incredible versatility, but they suit different needs. The SP101 is perfect for smaller spaces and quick meals, while the SP201 handles bigger family dinners with ease. I’ve used both and found surprising differences that might help you decide. Let me share what I’ve learned!
Table of Contents
Ninja SP101 Review
The Ninja SP101 Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven is compact but versatile, offering quick meals with minimal effort. It fits well in small kitchens while delivering big results.
What I Like
- Compact Design: The flip-up feature allows you to reclaim counter space, making it ideal for smaller kitchens.
- Quick Preheat: Preheats in just 60 seconds, making it perfect for busy days when you need a fast meal.
- 8-in-1 Versatility: It offers a range of cooking methods—air fry, roast, broil, bake, toast, and more—all in one appliance.
- Less Oil: The air fry function lets you enjoy crispy foods with up to 75% less fat compared to deep frying.
- Even Toasting: You can customise the doneness of your toast and bagels, ensuring they come out just right.
- Fast Cooking: Meals are done up to 60% faster than with a conventional oven, saving time.
What Could Be Better
- Height Limitations: The oven’s low height (about 3 inches) makes it hard to cook big meals like whole chickens or layered casseroles.
- Cleaning Challenges: The crumb tray and the sheet pan have grooves that can trap food, making cleaning a bit more work.
- Overheating: The exterior can get quite hot during cooking, which could be a safety concern for some users.
- Uneven Air Frying: The left front corner of the basket tends to cook hotter, sometimes burning food in that area.
My Personal Cooking Experience
I’ve been using the Ninja SP101 for about two weeks now, and I’m impressed with how well it fits into my daily routine. The first thing I tried was air frying frozen French fries, and they came out crispy in just minutes! It’s much faster than using my traditional oven, and I love that I don’t have to wait for it to heat up for ages.
Next, I used the bake function to make cookies. The preheat time was quick, and the cookies were evenly cooked with a nice golden color. Though the oven is a bit shallow, it didn’t impact the result for this type of recipe.
One minor hiccup was with toast—while it browns nicely, it takes a little longer than expected for such a powerful oven. But that’s a small trade-off for the versatility it offers.
Recommendation
The Ninja SP101 is perfect for small households or anyone short on kitchen space. Its compact design and range of functions make it a good fit for those who don’t want multiple appliances crowding their counters. If you mostly cook for 1-2 people and enjoy quick, crispy meals with minimal oil, this is a great choice.
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But if you cook for a big family or need to roast large foods like whole chickens, you may want an oven with more space. Also, if you’re concerned about cleaning or safety, it’s worth doing more research.
Ninja SP201 Review
The Ninja SP201 Digital Air Fry Oven promises versatility, compact design, and a faster, healthier way to cook. Here’s how it holds up.
The Ninja SP201 stands out with its slim design and 8-in-1 cooking features, making it a great fit for any kitchen.
What I Like
- Multifunctionality: This air fryer replaces multiple appliances. From air frying to roasting, baking, and broiling, it handles all of these tasks with ease.
- Digital Crisp Control Technology: The temperature control is precise, and the results are consistent. Whether it’s crispy fries or a roasted chicken, this feature nails it every time.
- Compact, Space-Saving Design: The flip-up feature is a real game-changer for smaller kitchens. It takes up 45% less space when stored.
- Quick Cooking: This air fryer heats up faster than a regular oven, saving a lot of time.
- Large Capacity: Despite its compact design, it can hold up to 4 pounds of food, bake a 13″ pizza, or toast up to 9 slices of bread, which is perfect for families.
What Could Be Better
- Durability Concerns: Some users say the unit stops working after a few months, which is frustrating given the cost.
- Customer Service Issues: Getting help when the product malfunctions can be a hassle. Users have faced long waits and additional charges to replace faulty units under warranty.
- Overheating Risk: The air fry basket sits close to the heating elements, which can cause food to burn or even pose a fire hazard in some cases.
- Cleaning Difficulties: Some parts are dishwasher-safe, but the slim design makes it hard to clean certain spots.
My Personal Cooking Experience
In my kitchen, the Ninja SP201 quickly became a go-to appliance. One of my favorite experiences was air frying chicken wings. They came out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside with almost no oil—perfect for a healthier take on a classic favorite.
Another time, I tried baking a pizza, and while it cooked fast, I noticed the edges burned slightly. I had to keep a close eye on it, but the overall cooking time was much shorter than my regular oven.
I also love using it for reheating leftovers. Rather than getting soggy food in the microwave, the air fryer revives them with a crispy texture, especially with foods like fries or pizza slices.
Recommendation
The Ninja SP201 is perfect for families, small kitchens, and anyone looking for a versatile appliance that saves both time and space. If you love trying new cooking methods or need something efficient for weeknight meals, this air fryer is a great choice.
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But if you cook a lot or need something reliable for a long time, it’s worth looking into durability issues. Frequent users should watch out for malfunctions and customer service problems.
Ninja SP101 vs SP201: A Comprehensive Brand Review
Ninja is known for innovative countertop appliances. Their air fryers, like the Ninja SP101 and SP201, are very popular. Let’s compare these models by key features. We’ll focus on performance, ease of use, value, and more. This review helps you decide which one suits you best.
Cooking Capacity: Ninja SP101 vs SP201
Cooking capacity matters, especially for families or meal preppers.
| Feature | Ninja SP101 | Ninja SP201 |
| Capacity | 8-in-1, smaller | 10-in-1, larger |
| Batch Cooking | Best for 1-2 people | Best for 3-4 people |
| Usable Space | Compact and space-saving | Larger and family-friendly |
Winner: Ninja SP201 offers more space, making it ideal for families.
Temperature Control: Ninja SP101 vs SP201
Good temperature control ensures consistent results.
| Feature | Ninja SP101 | Ninja SP201 |
| Temperature Range | 250°F – 450°F | 150°F – 450°F |
| Temperature Accuracy | Consistent | Highly consistent |
| Additional Settings | Basic | Includes presets |
Winner: Ninja SP201 provides better temperature range and presets.
Basket Material: Ninja SP101 vs SP201
Basket quality affects durability and cooking ease.
| Feature | Ninja SP101 | Ninja SP201 |
| Basket Coating | Non-stick and durable | Non-stick and reinforced |
| Ease of Cleaning | Easy to clean | Dishwasher-safe |
| Durability | High | Higher |
Winner: Ninja SP201 stands out with dishwasher-safe and reinforced baskets.
Preheating Time: Ninja SP101 vs SP201
Fast preheating is great for busy schedules.
| Feature | Ninja SP101 | Ninja SP201 |
| Preheat Speed | ~1-2 minutes | ~30 seconds |
| Heat Distribution | Even heating | Even heating |
| Energy Efficiency | Moderate | High |
Winner: Ninja SP201 preheats faster and is more energy-efficient.
Cooking Consistency: Ninja SP101 vs SP201
Consistent cooking gives even, tasty results.
| Feature | Ninja SP101 | Ninja SP201 |
| Even Cooking | Reliable | Superior |
| Crispiness Level | Excellent | Excellent |
| Multi-Layer Cooking | Limited | More efficient |
Winner: Ninja SP201 excels in multi-layer cooking and consistency.
Performance: Ninja SP101 vs SP201
Performance includes efficiency, results, and versatility.
| Feature | Ninja SP101 | Ninja SP201 |
| Functionality | 8-in-1 functions | 10-in-1 functions |
| Cooking Results | Reliable | More advanced |
| Versatility | High | Very high |
Winner: Ninja SP201 offers advanced functions and better versatility.
Read More: Ninja AG301 vs EG201
Ease of Use: Ninja SP101 vs SP201
Ease of use makes daily cooking simpler.
| Feature | Ninja SP101 | Ninja SP201 |
| Controls | Simple and user-friendly | Intuitive, more options |
| Cleaning Effort | Minimal | Even easier |
| Compact Design | More compact | Slightly larger |
Winner: Ninja SP201 is more intuitive and easier to clean.
Value for Money: Ninja SP101 vs SP201
When looking at value for money, it really depends on what you need. The SP101 is more affordable and still packs a punch. It does everything you’d expect from a versatile countertop oven. I found that for smaller households or casual use, it offers great value.
The SP201, while pricier, is worth it if you cook for larger groups. Its larger capacity and stronger performance justify the extra cost, especially if you’re cooking frequently. I personally felt the SP201 was worth the investment for bigger meals, but if you’re just cooking for two, the SP101 might be the smarter choice.
| Feature | Ninja SP101 | Ninja SP201 |
| Price Point | Lower cost | Higher cost |
| Features Offered | High value | Exceptional value |
| Long-Term Use | Reliable | Outstanding |
Winner: Ninja SP201 offers better value for its price and features.
Overall: Ninja SP101 vs SP201
Overall, both models have a lot to offer. The Ninja SP101 stands out for its compactness and ease of use. It’s ideal for those with limited space and smaller cooking needs. The Ninja SP201, however, takes the lead in performance and versatility.
I loved how the SP201 handled larger meals with ease, and for anyone who needs more capacity or cooks often, it’s the better choice. It’s a bit bulkier, but the improved performance makes it worth the trade-off.
| Feature | Ninja SP101 | Ninja SP201 |
| Strengths | Compact, affordable | Larger, versatile |
| Weaknesses | Smaller capacity | Larger footprint |
| Ideal For | Singles, couples | Families, meal prep |
Winner: Ninja SP201 is the better choice for versatility, space, and features.
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Quick Comparison:
| Feature | Ninja SP101 | Ninja SP201 |
| Size | Compact, with flip-up design for easy storage | Larger, also flips up for space-saving |
| Functions | 8-in-1: Air fry, bake, broil, toast, and more | 8-in-1: Air fry, roast, bake, broil, and more |
| Capacity | Smaller, good for 1-2 people | Larger, fits a 13″ pizza or 9 slices of toast |
| Power | Moderate, works well for small meals | Higher power, better for bigger meals |
| Cooking Speed | Fast (60% quicker than a traditional oven) | Slightly faster than SP101, great for large meals |
| Preheat Time | 60 seconds | Quick preheat |
| Cleaning | Can be tricky to clean, small parts may trap food | Similar cleaning issues due to slim design |
| Ease of Use | Simple, quick to learn | More features, but with a small learning curve |
| Best For | Small households or limited kitchen space | Families or those who cook bigger meals |
| Price | More affordable | Higher price, but offers more capacity and power |
| Drawbacks | Smaller cooking height, uneven air frying in spots | Some durability concerns, parts hard to clean |
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FAQs: Ninja SP101 vs SP201
Which Ninja oven is better for small kitchens?
The Ninja SP101 is better for small kitchens due to its compact design and flip-up feature that saves counter space.
Can I cook large meals in the Ninja SP101 or SP201?
The Ninja SP201 is better for bigger meals, as it has a larger capacity. The Ninja SP101 is best for smaller, quick-cooking tasks.
Do both the Ninja SP101 and SP201 cook food faster than a regular oven?
Yes, both the Ninja SP101 and SP201 cook food faster than a regular oven, saving time and energy.
Is the Ninja SP101 easier to clean than the SP201?
Both models can be tricky to clean, but the Ninja SP101 may be a bit easier due to its smaller size. However, both require extra care with parts like crumb trays.