Air fryers have become one of the most talked-about kitchen appliances in recent years, and for good reason. They save time, cut down on oil, and make cooking so much easier. I’ve been testing air fryers for quite a while, and two models that really caught my attention are the Ninja DZ302 and the Ninja DZ401. Both are part of Ninja’s DualZone lineup, which means they come with two independent baskets so you can cook multiple foods at once.
At first glance, they seem almost identical—but after using them side by side, I realized there are subtle yet important differences that could make one model a better fit depending on your cooking needs. In this article, I’ll walk you through those differences, share my hands-on experience, and give you my final recommendation.
Key Difference Between Ninja DZ302 vs DZ401 Dual Basket Air Fryer
The biggest difference between the Ninja DZ302 and the DZ401 lies in their preset functions. While both offer six cooking modes, the DZ302 has Keep Warm, whereas the DZ401 replaces that with Reheat. This small change can actually make a big difference depending on whether you want to preserve already-cooked meals or bring leftovers back to life.
- 2 INDEPENDENT BASKETS: The XL air fryer with 2 independent baskets that lets you cook 2 foods, 2 ways, at the same time,...
- The XL air fryer with 2 independent baskets that lets you cook 2 foods, 2 ways, at the same time, eliminating...
Comparison Table: Ninja DZ302 vs DZ401 Dual Basket Air Fryer
| Feature | Ninja DZ302 | Ninja DZ401 |
| Capacity | 10 Quarts (2 × 5 Qt baskets) | 10 Quarts (2 × 5 Qt baskets) |
| Functions | Air Fry, Broil, Roast, Keep Warm, Dehydrate, Bake | Air Fry, Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate |
| Dimensions | 17.1″ D × 14.65″ W × 12.87″ H | 13.9″ D × 17.1″ W × 12.8″ H |
| Color | Black | Grey |
| Material | Metal, Plastic | Plastic, Stainless Steel |
| DualZone Technology | Yes (Smart Finish & Match Cook) | Yes (Smart Finish & Match Cook) |
| IQ Boost | Yes | Yes |
| Temperature Range | 105°F – 450°F | 105°F – 450°F |
| Dishwasher Safe Parts | Yes | Yes |
| Weight Capacity | Up to 8 lbs chicken wings | Up to 8 lbs chicken wings |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Review
Before diving into the pros and cons, let’s look at my personal experience with both air fryers across different aspects.
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Design & Build Quality
The Ninja DZ302 comes in black with a slightly more compact look, while the DZ401 has a sleeker grey finish that feels a bit more premium on the countertop. In terms of dimensions, the DZ302 is a little wider, while the DZ401 is deeper.
Build quality is solid in both models, but the DZ401 uses stainless steel accents, which makes it look slightly higher-end. Both have sturdy baskets and handles that don’t feel flimsy at all. If I had to pick on looks alone, the DZ401 wins by a small margin.
- 2 INDEPENDENT BASKETS: The XL air fryer with 2 independent baskets that lets you cook 2 foods, 2 ways, at the same time,...
- The XL air fryer with 2 independent baskets that lets you cook 2 foods, 2 ways, at the same time, eliminating...
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Ease of Use
Both models feature the same DualZone technology, meaning you can either cook two different foods with different settings that finish at the same time (Smart Finish) or simply copy the same settings across both baskets (Match Cook).
Personally, I love the Smart Finish feature because I often cook protein in one basket and veggies in the other. For example, I cooked salmon in one and roasted potatoes in the other—the timing lined up perfectly.
The control panels on both are intuitive, but I found the DZ401’s slightly larger buttons easier to press, especially when cooking in a hurry.
- 2 INDEPENDENT BASKETS: The XL air fryer with 2 independent baskets that lets you cook 2 foods, 2 ways, at the same time,...
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Cooking Functions & Performance
Here’s where the real difference comes in:
- DZ302 Functions: Air Fry, Broil, Roast, Keep Warm, Dehydrate, Bake
- DZ401 Functions: Air Fry, Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate
I noticed the Keep Warm function in the DZ302 was great when I cooked food ahead of time and wanted to serve it later without it drying out. On the other hand, the Reheat function on the DZ401 worked wonders for leftovers, giving me crisp pizza and fries without that soggy microwave texture.
Performance-wise, both are almost identical. The IQ Boost ensures even cooking, and I had no issues with uneven crisping. I managed to cook a 6-lb chicken in both models, and they came out golden, juicy, and perfectly done.
- The XL air fryer with 2 independent baskets that lets you cook 2 foods, 2 ways, at the same time, eliminating...
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Capacity & Family Use
Both the DZ302 and DZ401 come with 10 quarts of total space (two 5-qt baskets each). This size is perfect for a family of four to six. I often batch-cooked 8 lbs of chicken wings during game night, and both handled it effortlessly.
So, if capacity is your main concern, both are equally good.
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Cleaning & Maintenance
Cleaning is another strong point for both models. The baskets are nonstick and the crisper plates are dishwasher safe. I usually just give them a quick rinse with warm soapy water, and grease comes right off.
Between the two, I didn’t notice any difference in terms of cleaning.
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Energy Efficiency & Noise
Both models heat up quickly and are much quieter compared to some other air fryers I’ve tested. I could carry on a conversation in the kitchen without needing to raise my voice.
Ninja DZ302 Dual Basket Air Fryer
- 2 INDEPENDENT BASKETS: The XL air fryer with 2 independent baskets that lets you cook 2 foods, 2 ways, at the same time,...
Pros:
- Includes Keep Warm function (useful for serving later)
- Slightly wider design fits well on countertops
- Powerful heating and even cooking performance
- Family-sized dual baskets
Cons:
- Lacks Reheat option (microwave or oven might be needed for leftovers)
- Bulkier than the DZ401
Ninja DZ401 Foodi DualZone XL 2-Basket Air Fryer
- The XL air fryer with 2 independent baskets that lets you cook 2 foods, 2 ways, at the same time, eliminating...
Pros:
- Includes Reheat function (perfect for leftovers)
- Sleeker grey design with stainless steel finish
- Larger control buttons for easier operation
- Same strong performance with IQ Boost
Cons:
- No Keep Warm option (food has to be served immediately or reheated later)
- Slightly deeper design may take more counter space
Conclusion: My Recommendation
After using both air fryers extensively, I can confidently say that you can’t go wrong with either model. They both deliver excellent results, are easy to clean, and make cooking faster and healthier.
If you often cook meals ahead of time and serve later, I’d recommend the Ninja DZ302 because of its Keep Warm feature.
However, if you’re someone who regularly reheats leftovers and wants a sleeker, more modern design, then the Ninja DZ401 is the better choice.
Personally, I lean towards the DZ401 because I find the Reheat function more practical in my everyday life. But if you host big family dinners and don’t mind reheating later, the DZ302 still holds its ground as a reliable, family-friendly air fryer.
