Some kitchen appliances feel like just another gadget, while others completely change how you cook. The Ninja Prestige Smart XL ovens fall into the second category. The Ninja DT501 and Ninja DT551 may look nearly identical on the outside, but after cooking with both, I found that their subtle differences can influence the way you prepare meals every day.
If you’re wondering whether you should spend extra on the DT551 or stick with the DT501, let me share my full experience using them side by side.
Key Difference Between Ninja DT501 vs DT551 Smart Oven
The Ninja DT551 includes Ninja’s Pro Cook System with an integrated thermometer that automatically detects temperature and helps you hit the perfect doneness every time. The DT501 offers the same design, convection technology, and 10-in-1 versatility but skips the Pro Cook thermometer.
In short:
- DT501 – Same powerful oven, but you control doneness manually.
- DT551 – Adds intelligence with a thermometer and Auto Temp Detect, making cooking meats and roasts practically foolproof.
- SMART SURROUND CONVECTION: High velocity fan and rear heat source completely surrounding food for all-around crisp.
- SMART SURROUND CONVECTION: Completely surround food for an all-around crisp.
Comparison Table: Ninja DT501 vs DT551 Smart Oven
| Feature | Ninja DT501 | Ninja DT551 |
| Capacity | XL – Fits 20 cookies, 12-lb turkey, 2 9×9 trays | XL – Same as DT501 |
| Wattage | 1800 watts | 1800 watts |
| Cooking Functions | 10-in-1 (Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Pizza, Whole Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate) | 10-in-1 (Same as DT501) |
| Convection System | Smart Surround Convection | Smart Surround Convection |
| Cooking Precision | Manual control | Pro Cook System with Auto Temp Detect + Thermometer |
| Preheat Time | 90 seconds | 90 seconds |
| Accessories | 2 wire racks, 2 sheet pans, roast tray, crumb tray, air fry basket, recipe guide | Same, plus Pro Cook Thermometer |
| Design | Stainless Steel Prestige | Stainless Steel Prestige |
| Weight | 33.63 lbs | 33.75 lbs |
| Check Price & Reviews | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
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Design and Build Quality
Both ovens share the Prestige Smart XL design—sleek stainless steel with a wide glass door and digital handle display. On my countertop, they looked identical, and both felt solidly built. The only giveaway was the DT551’s thermometer slot, which made it look a touch more professional.
Neither is compact, so you’ll need a good chunk of counter space. However, considering they replace a toaster oven, air fryer, and even parts of a full-sized oven, I didn’t mind giving them prime real estate in my kitchen.
- SMART SURROUND CONVECTION: High velocity fan and rear heat source completely surrounding food for all-around crisp.
- SMART SURROUND CONVECTION: Completely surround food for an all-around crisp.
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Ease of Use
The learning curve is minimal on both. The digital display handle highlights the correct rack placement depending on the cooking function, which I found very handy when juggling multiple trays.
Here’s where the real difference lies:
- With the DT501, I had to monitor food with my own thermometer when cooking roasts or steaks. It wasn’t hard, but it required attention.
- With the DT551, I simply inserted the Pro Cook Thermometer, selected the doneness level, and walked away. The oven did the rest. It was a relief not to second-guess whether my chicken was undercooked or my beef was overdone.
If you’re confident in your cooking, the DT501 feels natural. But if you want set-and-forget precision, the DT551 makes life easier.
- SMART SURROUND CONVECTION: High velocity fan and rear heat source completely surrounding food for all-around crisp.
- SMART SURROUND CONVECTION: Completely surround food for an all-around crisp.
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Functions and Versatility
Both ovens come with the same 10-in-1 functionality: Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Broil, Whole Roast, Toast, Bagel, Pizza, Dehydrate, and Reheat.
I tried a wide range of meals in both—sheet pan chicken dinners, homemade pizza, air-fried fries, and even dehydrated apple slices. The results were consistently crisp and evenly cooked in both ovens thanks to Smart Surround Convection.
The difference? The DT551’s Pro Cook System took the guesswork out of proteins. For me, that was the biggest win—especially with steak and roast turkey.
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Performance and Cooking Results
Both ovens impressed me with their 90-second preheat. Compared to my full-sized oven, which takes around 10 minutes, that felt like a small miracle on busy weeknights.
Cooking was up to 30% faster than a traditional oven, and the air frying function delivered that golden crispiness I normally associate with deep frying—minus most of the oil.
I’d say the DT501 and DT551 tie in overall performance, but the DT551 edges ahead if you’re cooking meat regularly.
- SMART SURROUND CONVECTION: High velocity fan and rear heat source completely surrounding food for all-around crisp.
- SMART SURROUND CONVECTION: Completely surround food for an all-around crisp.
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Capacity
Capacity is identical between the two. Both fit:
- A 12-lb turkey
- 20 cookies on two trays
- 9 slices of toast in a single layer
- Two 9×9 pans for batch baking
This made meal prepping and entertaining so much easier. For me, being able to do two sheet pan dinners at once was a game changer.
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Cleaning and Maintenance
Both models come with a removable crumb tray and dishwasher-safe accessories. After roasting chicken, the cleanup was surprisingly manageable. I found lining trays with foil or parchment made cleanup even faster.
The thermometer on the DT551 needs occasional wiping down, but that’s a small tradeoff for what it offers.
Ninja DT501 Air Fryer Toaster Oven
- SMART SURROUND CONVECTION: High velocity fan and rear heat source completely surrounding food for all-around crisp.
Pros:
- Same 10-in-1 versatility as DT551
- Powerful Smart Surround Convection
- Large family-friendly capacity
- Slightly cheaper than DT551
Cons:
- No Pro Cook thermometer
- Requires manual monitoring for precise doneness
Ninja DT551 Air Fryer Toaster Oven
- SMART SURROUND CONVECTION: Completely surround food for an all-around crisp.
Pros:
- Includes Pro Cook System + integrated thermometer
- Takes the guesswork out of cooking meats
- Same 10-in-1 versatility and XL capacity as DT501
- Elegant stainless-steel design
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive
- A bit bulky for small kitchens
Conclusion and Recommendation
After using both, here’s my verdict:
- The Ninja DT501 is a great choice if you want the versatility of a smart convection oven without paying extra for features you might not use often. It handles everything from air frying fries to baking cookies beautifully.
- The Ninja DT551, however, feels more future-proof. The Pro Cook System eliminates the stress of overcooked steak or underdone chicken, and if you cook a lot of meat or entertain guests, that feature alone makes it worth the upgrade.
For me personally, the DT551 is the winner. The convenience of having restaurant-level precision at home outweighed the slightly higher price tag. But if you’re confident with a food thermometer and want to save a bit, the DT501 will still deliver outstanding results.
