Ninja DT551 vs DT501: My Honest Hands-On Verdict

If you can’t decide between the Ninja DT551 and DT501, here’s the key point: the DT551 has a smart thermometer, and the DT501 does not. Both ovens are big, fast, and heat in 90 seconds. But only the DT551 removes the stress of cooking meat.

I live in Dallas and tested both during busy weeknights. I roasted chicken, baked pizzas, and even tried a Thanksgiving turkey. After weeks of use, I know which one fits different homes and cooking styles.

Let’s break it down so you can choose the right Ninja oven for your kitchen.

Ninja DT551 Review

I’ve tried many countertop ovens. The Ninja DT551 is one of the easiest to use. It’s big, powerful, and feels like a second oven on my counter. The standout feature is the Pro Cook System. It has a built-in thermometer that takes the guesswork out of cooking meat.

The first time I used it, I roasted a whole chicken. I set my desired doneness, inserted the probe, and let it cook. No need to check often. No stress. For a busy weeknight, that’s a huge help.

What I Like

• Fast Preheat – It heats up in about 90 seconds. Perfect for quick dinners.
• Pro Cook Thermometer – The oven shuts off when the food hits the right temp. My chicken came out perfect.
• Family-Sized Capacity – It fit a 12-pound turkey with ease. That’s rare for a countertop oven.
• Versatile Functions – Air fry, bake, toast, pizza, and more. It replaces my big oven for most meals.
• Even Cooking – I can cook salmon and veggies at the same time. Both come out just right.

What Could Be Better

• Noise – The fan is strong, and you can hear it. It’s not loud, but you’ll notice.
• Cleaning – Some pans need hand-washing. That’s a bit of work after big meals.
• Thermometer Quirks – Mine worked fine. Some users say theirs was off. I still keep a backup.
• Size – It’s large and takes space. If you live in a small apartment, measure first.

Ninja DT551 At a Glance

Recommendation

If you love roasting meats, this oven is worth it. The Pro Cook System helps you avoid overcooking. It’s like having a helper in the kitchen.

Best for:

• Families cooking large meals.
• Busy home cooks who like “set it and forget it.”
• Anyone replacing a full-size oven.

Skip it if:

• You already have a good meat thermometer.
• You don’t cook big proteins.
• Your kitchen has very little counter space.

For me, the DT551 is my daily oven. From fast veggies to Sunday roasts, it makes life easier. And that’s what I need after a busy day.

Ninja DT501 Review

When I first tried the Ninja DT501, I wanted to see if it could handle my busy Dallas nights. At first look, it seemed a lot like the DT551 I used before—big, shiny, and made for family meals. But there’s one big change: the DT501 does not have a built-in thermometer.

Even without the probe, it worked well. I baked chicken with veggies, toasted bagels for my kids, and fit two frozen pizzas for movie night. It heats in about 90 seconds, which is a big help when dinner needs to be fast.

For me, it felt like having a second oven right on my counter.

What I Like

• Fast Preheat – It heats in about 90 seconds. Great for busy school nights.
• Big Capacity – It fits two 12-inch pizzas at once. No crowding or swapping trays.
• Even Baking – Cookies came out golden on both racks. I didn’t need to rotate pans.
• Versatile Modes – Air fry, roast, bake, toast, and more. It handled snacks, dinners, and desserts.
• Solid Build – The stainless steel body feels strong and lasting.

What Could Be Better

• No Smart Thermometer – I missed the probe from the DT551. For meats, I had to use my own.
• Cleaning – Grease builds up on the back wall. Scrubbing takes effort.
• Size – It’s large and heavy. If your kitchen is small, measure first.
• Air Frying Frozen Foods – Fresh wings came out crisp. Frozen fries were softer than I hoped.

Ninja DT501 Quick Overview

Recommendation

The Ninja DT501 is a good pick if you want speed, space, and even cooking. I’d suggest it for:

• Families who want an easy pizza night or a side dish oven.
• Busy parents who value fast heat and simple use.
• Home cooks who bake often and need a second oven.

But if you roast meat often, the DT551 or DT251 is better. That smart probe saves stress when cooking chicken, turkey, or roasts.

For me, the DT501 is still a great oven. It’s roomy, quick, and keeps up with family life. It may not have the thermometer, but it earns a spot on my counter.

Ninja DT551 vs DT501 – Side-by-Side Test

I used both the Ninja DT551 and DT501 in my Dallas kitchen. At first glance, they look almost the same—big ovens, quick heat, and made for families. But after weeks of use, the small things stood out. Here’s the clear, simple breakdown.

Cooking Capacity – Ninja DT551 vs DT501

Both ovens are roomy. The DT551 fit a 12-pound turkey with no trouble. The DT501 handled two 12-inch pizzas with ease.

Rating: DT551 – 9/10, DT501 – 8.5/10

Temperature Control – Ninja DT551 vs DT501

The DT551 wins here. Its smart probe takes the stress out of cooking meat. The DT501 needs manual checks with your own thermometer.

Rating: DT551 – 9.5/10, DT501 – 8/10

Preheating Time – Ninja DT551 vs DT501

Both ovens are fast. They heat in about 90 seconds. On busy nights, that speed is gold.

Rating: DT551 – 9/10, DT501 – 9/10

Cooking Consistency – Ninja DT551 vs DT501

Both cook food evenly. Salmon and veggies came out perfect in the DT551. Cookies baked well in the DT501 too.

Rating: DT551 – 9/10, DT501 – 8.5/10

Performance – Ninja DT551 vs DT501

For daily meals, both feel like a second oven. The DT551 is easier for meats. The DT501 is still strong for pizzas, snacks, and bakes.

Rating: DT551 – 9.5/10, DT501 – 8.5/10

Ease of Use – Ninja DT551 vs DT501

Both ovens are simple to run. Cleaning is the hard part. The DT551’s probe adds convenience.

Rating: DT551 – 9/10, DT501 – 8/10

Value for Money – Ninja DT551 vs DT501

The DT551 costs more but earns it if you roast often. The DT501 is cheaper and great for daily family meals.

Rating: DT551 – 9/10, DT501 – 8.5/10

Overall – Ninja DT551 vs DT501

Both ovens are winners. For me, the DT551 edges out for stress-free meat cooking. The DT501 is still a strong pick if you want space and speed on a budget.

Rating: DT551 – 9.2/10, DT501 – 8.5/10

FAQs About Ninja DT551 vs DT501