The first time I brought home a dual-basket air fryer, I realized how much of a game-changer it could be for family meals. No more juggling oven racks or cooking in shifts—suddenly dinner prep felt a lot less stressful. Ninja has become the go-to brand in this category, and two models often compared are the Ninja DZ071 and the Ninja DZ401.
Both promise versatility, speed, and healthier cooking, but they’re designed for slightly different needs. After using both, I want to share how they stack up against each other and which one might be the better fit depending on your kitchen and lifestyle.
Key Difference at a Glance: Ninja DZ071 vs DZ401 Air Fryer
The biggest difference comes down to capacity and configuration. The DZ071 offers a flexible 7-quart MegaZone basket that can be divided into two smaller sections, making it perfect for families who want the option of cooking large proteins in one go.
On the other hand, the DZ401 has two permanent 5-quart baskets (10-quart total) for true side-by-side cooking of mains and sides. In short: DZ071 = versatility in one big basket; DZ401 = maximum capacity with two separate baskets.
- FLEXBASKET: Use the divider to cook with two 3.5 qt baskets for foods that require different cooking times or temps or...
- The XL air fryer with 2 independent baskets that lets you cook 2 foods, 2 ways, at the same time, eliminating...
Comparison Table: Ninja DZ071 vs DZ401 Air Fryer
| Feature | Ninja DZ071 | Ninja DZ401 |
| Capacity | 7 quarts (single MegaZone or 2×3.5 qt) | 10 quarts (2×5 qt independent baskets) |
| Dimensions | 11.79″D x 18.19″W x 11.24″H | 13.9″D x 17.1″W x 12.8″H |
| Special Feature | FlexBasket divider for dual or single cooking | 2 independent baskets with IQ Boost |
| DualZone Technology | Yes – Smart Finish & Match Cook | Yes – Smart Finish & Match Cook |
| Cooking Functions | 6-in-1 (Air Fry, Broil, Bake, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate) | 6-in-1 (Air Fry, Broil, Bake, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate) |
| Family Size Fit | 4 lb pork roast or 2 lbs fries per basket | 6 lb whole chicken per basket or 8 lbs wings total |
| Cleaning | Nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket & plates | Nonstick, dishwasher-safe baskets & plates |
| Temperature Range | Up to 450°F | 105°F–450°F |
| Material | Plastic | Plastic & stainless steel accents |
| Color | Black | Grey |
| Check on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
Design and Build
The DZ071 feels sleeker and a bit more compact despite having a 7-quart capacity. I liked the black finish—it blended into my kitchen without taking too much counter presence. The FlexBasket divider is really the star here. You can split the basket into two smaller sections or keep it as one big MegaZone, which comes in handy for larger proteins like a roast or a whole fish.
The DZ401, on the other hand, is chunkier but feels sturdier thanks to its mix of plastic and stainless-steel accents. With two dedicated 5-quart baskets, it takes up more width on the counter. It’s not oversized for what it offers, but if you have a smaller kitchen, you’ll definitely notice the footprint.
- FLEXBASKET: Use the divider to cook with two 3.5 qt baskets for foods that require different cooking times or temps or...
- The XL air fryer with 2 independent baskets that lets you cook 2 foods, 2 ways, at the same time, eliminating...
Ease of Use
Both models come with Ninja’s DualZone Technology, which makes cooking two foods at once a breeze. The Smart Finish function ensures both items finish at the same time, while Match Cook lets you duplicate settings across both sides.
With the DZ071, switching between a single MegaZone and two smaller baskets is seamless. I found this especially convenient when I wanted to roast a big pork shoulder without worrying about space. But when I needed fries and chicken strips, I could just pop the divider in and cook them separately.
The DZ401 simplifies things because the two baskets are always ready. There’s no divider to insert or remove, and I never worried about cross-flavors since each side is completely independent. The IQ Boost feature also impressed me—it balances power across baskets so even bigger loads cook evenly without adding time.
Cooking Functions and Performance
Both models feature the same 6 cooking modes: Air Fry, Broil, Bake, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate. Performance-wise, they’re equally impressive, delivering crispy fries, juicy chicken, and evenly roasted vegetables.
The DZ071 shines when you want to cook one big meal. I roasted a 4-pound pork roast with veggies in one go, and it turned out perfectly—moist on the inside and browned on the outside.
The DZ401, though, is unbeatable for multitasking. I cooked salmon fillets in one basket and Brussels sprouts in the other, and both finished at the same time thanks to Smart Finish. For game nights, the ability to air fry 8 pounds of wings in one batch was a huge win.
- FLEXBASKET: Use the divider to cook with two 3.5 qt baskets for foods that require different cooking times or temps or...
- The XL air fryer with 2 independent baskets that lets you cook 2 foods, 2 ways, at the same time, eliminating...
Space Considerations
Counter space is always at a premium, and this is where your choice may hinge. The DZ071 is slightly more compact and works well if you have limited space. Its single basket also means fewer bulky accessories to store.
The DZ401 demands more room, but it pays off if you regularly cook large quantities. If you have a bigger family or host gatherings, the trade-off is worth it.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Both units make cleanup straightforward. The baskets and crisper plates are nonstick and dishwasher-safe, which is a lifesaver after cooking greasy foods. The DZ071 has just one large basket to clean (plus a divider), which feels simpler if you use it in MegaZone mode. The DZ401 has two baskets, so it’s double the parts, but everything still fits easily in the dishwasher.
Ninja Foodi DZ071 FlexBasket Air Fryer with
- FLEXBASKET: Use the divider to cook with two 3.5 qt baskets for foods that require different cooking times or temps or...
Pros:
- Flexible design with single or dual-basket option
- Compact footprint for a family-sized air fryer
- Great for cooking larger proteins in one go
- Easy to clean with one basket setup
- Fast and even cooking with dual fans
Cons:
- Smaller total capacity than DZ401
- Divider can feel limiting for bulk cooking
- Plastic build may not feel as premium
Ninja DZ401 Foodi DualZone Air Fryer
- The XL air fryer with 2 independent baskets that lets you cook 2 foods, 2 ways, at the same time, eliminating...
Pros:
- Huge 10-quart capacity with two permanent baskets
- Perfect for cooking mains and sides together
- IQ Boost ensures even cooking for large loads
- Stainless-steel accents add durability and style
- Can handle party-sized portions (8 lbs wings!)
Cons:
- Larger footprint takes up more counter space
- More parts to clean after every use
- Less flexible—no option for one oversized basket
My Recommendation / Conclusion
After using both, I’d say the choice really depends on your household and cooking habits.
If you’re like me and often cook large proteins (roasts, whole fish, family-style meals), the Ninja DZ071 is a brilliant option. The MegaZone flexibility means you’re not stuck with two smaller baskets when you want one large cooking space. It’s also easier to manage if counter space is tight.
But if you’ve got a big family, love entertaining, or often find yourself cooking mains and sides at the same time, the Ninja DZ401 is the better long-term investment. Its sheer 10-quart capacity and two fully independent baskets make it the workhorse of weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings.
For my own kitchen, I lean toward the DZ401 because I often prepare different foods simultaneously and appreciate the added capacity. But if I had a smaller kitchen or mainly cooked single large dishes, I’d happily go with the DZ071.
Both are excellent air fryers, and whichever you choose, you’re upgrading to faster, healthier, and more convenient cooking.
