Choosing between the Ninja DT201 and DT251 can be tough. The big difference? The DT251 has a smart thermometer for easy, precise cooking. If you love roasting meats, this feature makes things simple.
I’ve tried both, and the DT251’s thermometer helped me cook perfect meals. Still, the DT201 is great if you don’t need that extra tool. Let’s break down the details so you can pick the right one for your kitchen.

Table of Contents
Is the Ninja DT201 Good?
The Ninja DT201 is a powerful tool for your kitchen. It’s big, but it can handle many cooking tasks. I’ve used it for months, and it’s been a great help in my busy kitchen.
When I first saw the Ninja DT201, I was impressed. It looked sleek but had plenty of space inside. I was excited to try all the cooking options it offers.

I’ve used this oven for roasting, air frying, and baking. It heats up fast, and the convection fan makes sure food cooks evenly. Whether I’m roasting veggies or baking pizza, the results are always great.
What I Like
- 10-in-1 Versatility: This oven does it all. I’ve used it to air fry, roast, bake, and dehydrate. It’s perfect when cooking for my family or hosting friends.
- True Surround Convection: I love this feature. It cooks food evenly without moving pans around. I’ve roasted whole chickens and made two pizzas at once, and both turned out perfect.
- Fast Cooking: The Ninja DT201 heats up in just 90 seconds. On busy nights, this saves me so much time. It also cooks faster than my old oven, which is a big win.
- Healthier Meals: The air fry option is my favorite. I make crispy chicken wings and fries with little to no oil. They taste great without the extra fat.
- Large Capacity: This oven holds a lot of food. I can cook dinner for my whole family without using extra pans or baking in batches.
- Easy-to-Use Controls: The digital handle makes things simple. The oven suggests where to place the racks for the best results, which removes the guesswork.
What Could Be Better
- Takes Up Space: This oven is large, so it needs its own spot on the counter. If you have a small kitchen, it may feel bulky.
- Cleaning Can Be Hard: After cooking fatty foods, splatter builds up fast. I often have to scrub baked-on grease, which can be frustrating.
- Uneven Toasting and Baking: While roasting and air frying are great, I’ve noticed baked goods don’t always brown evenly. Toasting takes longer than expected too.
- Power Usage: This oven draws a lot of energy. I learned this the hard way when I tripped my breaker while using it alongside other appliances.
Recommendation
The Ninja DT201 is perfect for busy families who want quick, easy meals. It’s also great for anyone looking to cook healthier with less oil. If you like to meal prep or cook in large batches, this oven’s size and speed make it a great choice.
But if your counter space is small, this oven may feel too big. Also, if you want a perfect toaster or an oven for delicate baking, you may want to look at other options. Cleaning can take some effort too, so keep that in mind.
👉🏻👉🏿 Check Latest Price and Offer at Amazon 👈🏿👈🏻
Is the Ninja DT251 Good?
Yes, the Ninja DT251 is a solid choice if you want fast, even cooking with smart features. I’ve used this oven for over two years, and it’s now my go-to for baking, air frying, and toasting.
It heats up fast, which helps a lot when I’m in a rush. I’ve cooked fries, roasted chickens, and even baked a Bundt cake. Everything turned out crisp or golden brown.

One time, I roasted cashews using the air fryer setting. They came out crisp and perfect. The 2-level cooking system also saves me time. I can cook two dishes at once without rotating pans. The only issue is the pizza setting. It tends to overcook the top if I leave it too long. Now, I shorten the cooking time, and my pizzas turn out just right.
What I Like
- True Surround Convection: This oven cooks faster and makes food crispier. It has 10 times more power than many ovens I’ve tried.
- Smart Cook System: The built-in thermometer makes cooking easier. It helps me cook meat just right without guessing.
- Versatile Cooking Modes: With 10 settings, like air fry, bake, and roast, I can make quick snacks or big meals.
- Large Capacity: The 2-level system lets me cook two dishes at once. It’s perfect when I’m making dinner for guests.
- Quick Preheat Time: It heats up in 90 seconds. This saves me time, especially when I’m in a hurry.
What Could Be Better
- Size and Weight: At 33.75 pounds, it’s heavy and takes up a lot of counter space. This could be a problem if you have a small kitchen.
- Power Usage: It uses a lot of energy, so I have to be mindful if I’m running other appliances at the same time.
- Pizza Function: The pizza setting cooks fast. I had to reduce the cooking time to avoid burning the top.
Recommendation
The Ninja DT251 is a great pick for families or those who love cooking big meals. It’s also ideal if you want one tool that can replace many. If you like trying new ways to cook, this oven offers a lot of options.
However, if your kitchen is small or you want to save energy, you may need to think twice. It’s large and uses a lot of power. If you’re unsure, I recommend measuring your space before buying. If space isn’t an issue, this oven is a smart buy that can make cooking easier and faster.
👉🏻👉🏿 Check Latest Price and Offer at Amazon 👈🏿👈🏻
Ninja DT201 vs DT251: Detailed Comparison
I’ve used both the Ninja DT201 and DT251, and they have some clear differences. Let’s break it down so you can see which one fits your needs best.
Cooking Capacity: Ninja DT201 vs DT251
Both models offer a spacious interior. The DT251, however, has a slight edge with its added smart thermometer for better cooking control.
Feature | Ninja DT201 | Ninja DT251 |
Interior Capacity | 12 lbs of food | 12 lbs of food |
Smart Thermometer | No | Yes |
Rack Positions | 2 | 2 |
Rating: DT201 – 8/10 | DT251 – 9/10
Temperature Control: Ninja DT201 vs DT251
Both ovens heat up fast and hold steady temperatures. The DT251’s thermometer makes it easier to hit precise internal temperatures.
Feature | Ninja DT201 | Ninja DT251 |
Temperature Range | 180°F to 450°F | 180°F to 450°F |
Smart Thermometer | No | Yes |
Preheat Time | 90 seconds | 90 seconds |
Rating: DT201 – 8/10 | DT251 – 9/10
Cooking Programs: Ninja DT201 vs DT251
Both models offer versatile cooking options, but the DT251 has an extra preset for improved results with certain dishes.
Feature | Ninja DT201 | Ninja DT251 |
Number of Programs | 10 | 10 + Smart Cook System |
Air Fryer Function | Yes | Yes |
Dehydrator Function | Yes | Yes |
Rating: DT201 – 8/10 | DT251 – 9/10
👉🏻👉🏿 Check Latest Price and Offer at Amazon 👈🏿👈🏻
Read More: Ninja AG301 vs EG201
Performance: Ninja DT201 vs DT251
Both models deliver even cooking results. The DT251’s thermometer, however, makes it easier to achieve perfect roasts.
Feature | Ninja DT201 | Ninja DT251 |
Cooking Evenness | Excellent | Excellent |
Smart Control | No | Yes |
Best for Roasting | Good | Great |
Rating: DT201 – 8/10 | DT251 – 9/10
Ease of Use: Ninja DT201 vs DT251
Both are simple to operate, but the DT251 offers more hands-off cooking with its thermometer.
Feature | Ninja DT201 | Ninja DT251 |
Control Panel | Digital Display | Digital Display + Thermometer |
Cleaning | Easy-to-clean Interior | Easy-to-clean Interior |
Smart Features | No | Yes |
Rating: DT201 – 8/10 | DT251 – 9/10
👉🏻👉🏿 Check Latest Price and Offer at Amazon 👈🏿👈🏻
Value for Money: Ninja DT201 vs DT251
The DT251’s added features increase the price slightly, but it offers better value for those who want precise cooking control.
Feature | Ninja DT201 | Ninja DT251 |
Price Range | Lower | Slightly Higher |
Extra Features | Standard Features | Thermometer + Extra Presets |
Best for | Budget Buyers | Precision Cooking |
Rating: DT201 – 9/10 | DT251 – 9/10
👉🏻👉🏿 Check Latest Price and Offer at Amazon 👈🏿👈🏻
Overall: Ninja DT201 vs DT251
Both ovens are impressive, but the DT251’s smart thermometer makes it the better choice for precise cooking.
Feature | Ninja DT201 | Ninja DT251 |
Best for | Standard Cooking Needs | Precision Cooking |
Extra Features | None | Smart Thermometer |
Value for Money | Good | Great |
Rating: DT201 – 8/10 | DT251 – 9/10
👉🏻👉🏿 Check Latest Price and Offer at Amazon 👈🏿👈🏻
Read More: Ninja SP101 vs SP201
FAQs for Ninja DT201 vs DT251
What is the main difference between the Ninja DT201 and DT251?
The Ninja DT251 has a Smart Cook System and advanced True Surround Convection. The DT201 doesn’t have these features, but it costs less.
Does the Ninja DT251 cook faster than the DT201?
Yes, the Ninja DT251 has stronger convection power, which speeds up cooking times and provides more even results, especially for larger meals.
Can both the Ninja DT201 and DT251 air fry?
Yes, both models have air frying capabilities. They allow you to enjoy crispy, fried-like foods with much less oil, making them healthier options.
Is the Ninja DT201 easier to use than the DT251?
Both are easy to use, but the DT251’s digital display handle and Smart Cook System make it easier to understand. It’s especially helpful for cooking meats and more complex meals.
Which Ninja oven is better for small kitchens, DT201 or DT251?
Both models are large, but the DT201 may be slightly better for smaller kitchens due to its simpler design. The DT251 requires more counter space for its added features.