The Ninja Foodi line has built a reputation for turning countertop ovens into full-blown cooking powerhouses. If you’ve been considering one of their XL models, chances are you’ve come across the Ninja Foodi DT251 and the Ninja Foodi DT201. At first glance, they look almost identical, and both promise 10-in-1 functionality, faster cooking times, and excellent convection performance.
But after using both models side by side, I quickly realized there are a few subtle yet important differences that could easily sway your buying decision. Let me walk you through my hands-on comparison.
Key Difference Between Ninja DT251 and DT201 Foodi Smart Air Fryer Oven
While both ovens share the same design, wattage, and overall cooking functions, the biggest difference lies in the Smart Cook System with Thermometer, which is exclusive to the Ninja DT251.
- The DT251 includes an integrated Foodi Smart Thermometer, allowing you to set doneness levels (from rare to well-done) for meats with absolute precision—no guesswork.
- The DT201 offers the same cooking functions but does not include the thermometer, so you’ll need to rely on manual temperature and time settings.
In simple terms:
👉 If you want intelligent, guided cooking that prevents overcooking or undercooking, the DT251 is worth it.
👉 If you don’t need that feature and are happy setting your own cooking times, the DT201 will save you some money.
- TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster,...
- TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster,...
Ninja DT251 vs DT201: Comparison Table
| Feature | Ninja DT251 | Ninja DT201 |
| Functions | 10-in-1 | 10-in-1 |
| Smart Cook System | ✅ Yes, with Thermometer | ❌ No |
| Dimensions | 17.09″D x 20.22″W x 13.34″H | 17.09″D x 20.22″W x 13.34″H |
| Capacity | 12 Liters | 21 Liters |
| Preheat Time | 90 Seconds | 90 Seconds |
| Max Temp | 450°F | 450°F |
| Control Type | Touch | Knob |
| Weight | 33.75 lbs | 33.63 lbs |
| Included Accessories | 2 Sheet Pans, 2 Wire Racks, Air Fry Basket, Roast Tray, Crumb Tray, Foodi Smart Thermometer | 2 Sheet Pans, 2 Wire Racks, Air Fry Basket, Roast Tray, Crumb Tray |
| Best For | Precision cooking, meats, hands-free doneness | Everyday cooking, baking, roasting |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
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Design & Build Quality
Both ovens look nearly identical at first glance—sleek stainless steel finish, premium feel, and large viewing window. They’re on the heavier side (over 33 pounds), so you’ll want to give them a dedicated countertop spot.
The digital display handle is a feature I really liked in both. When you select a cooking function, it automatically highlights the correct rack position. It might sound small, but it takes away the second-guessing when cooking.
The DT251, however, looks slightly more modern thanks to its touch controls, whereas the DT201 uses knob controls. Personally, I preferred the DT251’s touch interface because it felt more intuitive.
Winner (Design): DT251 for its touch controls and Smart Cook display.
- TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster,...
- TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster,...
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Ease of Use
This is where the models start to diverge.
With the DT251, the integrated thermometer takes away a lot of the stress. When I roasted a whole chicken, I simply inserted the probe, selected the doneness level, and the oven automatically shut off when the bird was perfectly cooked. It felt like having a built-in cooking assistant.
With the DT201, I had to rely on my own instincts and a separate meat thermometer. While it wasn’t difficult, it required more monitoring.
Both ovens preheat in just 90 seconds, which is a huge time saver compared to traditional ovens.
Winner (Ease of Use): DT251—that thermometer makes all the difference.
- TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster,...
-
Cooking Functions & Performance
Both ovens are 10-in-1 multi-cookers offering:
- Air Fry
- Air Roast
- Bake
- Whole Roast
- Broil
- Toast
- Bagel
- Dehydrate
- Reheat
- Pizza
Cooking performance is excellent in both thanks to True Surround Convection, which circulates air evenly across multiple racks. I tested them with a batch of French fries, chicken wings, and even baked cookies—and the results were consistent across the board.
The Air Fry function in both reduced oil usage by up to 75% while still delivering that crispy crunch. Fries came out golden and crunchy without tasting dry.
Winner (Cooking Performance): Tie—both are exceptional here.
- TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster,...
-
Capacity
Here’s where the DT201 gets a slight advantage.
- The DT251 is listed at 12 liters capacity, which easily fits two 12-inch pizzas, a full chicken, or even a 12-lb turkey.
- The DT201, however, boasts a 21-liter capacity, which is noticeably larger and better suited for bigger families.
I found the DT201 more useful when meal-prepping multiple trays of vegetables or when cooking for guests.
Winner (Capacity): DT201
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Accessories & Cleaning
Both models come with:
- 2 Sheet Pans
- 2 Wire Racks
- Air Fry Basket
- Roast Tray
- Crumb Tray
The only extra you get with the DT251 is the Foodi Smart Thermometer.
Cleaning is relatively easy since the accessories are nonstick and dishwasher safe. I particularly appreciated the removable crumb tray, which made post-baking cleanup much easier.
Winner (Accessories): DT251—because of the thermometer.
Ninja DT251 Foodi 10-in-1 Smart XL Air Fry Oven
- TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster,...
Pros:
- Integrated Smart Thermometer for precise cooking
- Touch controls are sleek and modern
- Takes the guesswork out of meats
- Same great cooking performance as DT201
- Excellent accessory set
Cons
- More expensive
- Slightly smaller capacity than DT201
Ninja DT251 Air Fryer & Toaster Oven
- TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster,...
Pros:
- Larger 21L capacity—better for families
- Same powerful cooking performance
- Slightly cheaper than DT251
- Includes the same accessories (minus thermometer)
- Knob controls are simple for those who dislike touchscreens
Cons:
- No Smart Thermometer
- Requires manual monitoring for doneness
- Interface feels a little dated compared to DT251
Conclusion: Ninja DT251 vs DT201 – Which Should You Buy?
After testing both ovens extensively, I can confidently say that both are excellent choices and you can’t really go wrong with either.
- If you’re the type of cook who values precision and convenience, the Ninja DT251 is worth the extra investment. That Smart Thermometer is a game-changer for meats and roasts, especially if you’re prone to overcooking or undercooking.
- If you’re cooking for a larger family and don’t mind manually checking doneness, the Ninja DT201 offers more space and comes in at a lower price.
👉 My Recommendation: Go for the Ninja DT251 if you want guided, worry-free cooking. Choose the Ninja DT201 if you need more space and prefer a budget-friendly option.
Either way, you’ll be upgrading to one of the most versatile and powerful countertop ovens on the market.
