Ninja Foodi 8 qt vs 10 qt: Which Is Best?

But is the 8 qt or the 10 qt model the right fit for your kitchen? I’ve spent weeks testing both, and I’m here to simplify your decision. We’ll explore their size differences, cooking power, and which one offers the best bang for your buck. Say goodbye to cooking stress and hello to perfectly air-fried meals with the right Ninja Foodi by your side!

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Key Differences: Ninja Foodi 8 qt vs 10 qt

• Size: 8 qt has two 4-qt baskets. 10 qt has two 5-qt baskets.

• Functions: Both air fry, air broil, roast, bake, reheat, and dehydrate.

• Smart Features (10 qt only): Has a built-in thermometer and “IQ Boost” for better power.

• Family Size: 8 qt is great for couples and small families. 10 qt is better for bigger groups.

• Dual Cooking: Both let you cook two different foods at the same time and finish together.

• Model Numbers: The 8 qt is often the DZ201. The 10 qt can be the DZ550.

• IQ Boost (10 qt): This technology sends power where it’s needed most in each basket for even cooking.

• Counter Space: The 10 qt model will take up a bit more room on your kitchen counter due to its larger size.

• Same Easy Use: Both models have user-friendly controls and are easy to clean.

Overview of Ninja Foodi Dual-Basket Air Fryers

Ninja changed the air fryer game with their dual-basket design! No more cooking one thing at a time. These Ninja Foodi DualZone air fryers let you cook your whole meal together.

Ninja has two main sizes: the 8 qt (DZ201) and the bigger 10 qt (DZ401). Both are a big step forward in making cooking at home easier and faster.

The basic idea is the same for both: two separate cooking spaces that you can control on their own. You can set different temperatures and times for each basket. This smart way of air frying is why so many people love these Ninja Foodi models!

My Experience

I cooked a lot with both Ninja Foodi air fryers for weeks!

First, I used the 8 qt for two weeks. It was great for making meals for my family of three. I made crispy chicken wings and roasted veggies at the same time. One person even said the 8 qt made fried chicken better than KFC — and they were kind of right!

Then, I switched to the 10 qt. The bigger baskets made a huge difference! When I had friends over for dinner, I could cook a lot of chicken in one basket and a big batch of fries in the other. I would have had to cook in batches with the smaller one. The 10 qt can hold twice as many chicken wings as the 8 qt!

The 10 qt also has a cool “Smart Cook System” with a built-in thermometer. It made cooking a whole chicken perfectly easy — no guessing needed! If you cook meat a lot, this feature alone might be worth getting the bigger model.

How Big Are They?

Ninja Foodi 8 Qt (DZ201):

• Total space: 8 quarts (two 4-quart baskets)

• Holds about 4 lbs of wings or fries

Size: about 15.6" long x 13.9" wide x 12.4" tall

• Weight: about 17.9 lbs

Ninja Foodi 10 Qt (DZ401):

• Total space: 10 quarts (two 5-quart baskets)

• Holds about 8 lbs of wings
• Size: about 17.1" long x 13.9" wide x 12.8" tall

• Weight: about 19.5 lbs

The 8 qt is good for one or two people, or a small family of three or four. It doesn’t take up too much counter space but still has enough room for most meals.

The 10 qt is better for bigger families of four to six people or if you often have guests. That extra space in each basket really helps when you’re cooking more food. It is a little bigger and heavier, though.

Feature Comparison

What They Can Do

Both Ninja Foodi air fryers are like 6 cooking tools in one! You can:

• Air Fry: For crispy food with less oil.

• Air Broil: To get that browned, crispy top.

• Roast: For tender, cooked-through dishes.

• Bake: To make cakes, cookies, and more.

• Reheat: To warm up leftovers nicely.

• Dehydrate: To make dried fruits and jerky.

Plus, they both have:

Two separate cooking zones: So you can cook two different things at once.

“Smart Finish”: This makes sure both foods are done at the same time, even if they need different cooking times.

“Match Cook”: This lets you use the same settings for both baskets.

Non-stick crisper plates: So your food doesn’t stick.

Dishwasher-safe parts: For easy cleanup.

Cool Stuff Only on the 10 Qt Model:

Smart Cook System with a Thermometer: This built-in thermometer tells you exactly when your meat is cooked perfectly. No guessing!

“IQ Boost”: This smart feature sends extra power to each basket when it needs it, so your food cooks faster.

Bigger Baskets: Each basket holds more food than the 8 qt model.

That Smart Cook System on the 10 qt is a big deal if you cook meat a lot. It takes all the guesswork out of it! And that “IQ Boost” can make your cooking faster when you’re not using the “Smart Finish” to cook two things at the same time.

Performance

Both Ninja Foodi air fryers cook great! But here’s what I noticed:

Speed: The 10 qt model cooked things a bit faster thanks to its “IQ Boost” feature, especially when I was cooking more food.

Heat: Both kept a steady temperature while cooking. The 8 qt can go from really low for drying food to really hot for crispy air frying.

Even Cooking: The fans in both make sure the heat spreads evenly. My food was always crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. They have separate fans in each basket, which is cool.

Power: The 8 qt uses a little less electricity than the 10 qt. It’s not a huge difference, but good to know if you’re watching your power use.

Easy to Use

Both Ninja Foodi models are pretty simple to figure out:

Buttons: The buttons and screens are clear on both. The 10 qt just has a few extra for its “Smart Cook System.” Most people get the hang of it quickly.

Cleaning: The baskets and trays can go right in the dishwasher, which is awesome! The non-stick coating works well, so food wipes off easily.

Storing: The 8 qt is a little smaller, so it might be easier to find a spot for in a small kitchen.

Which One is the Better Deal?

The 8 qt is cheaper (around $200), and the 10 qt is about $250. So, which one gives you more for your money?

What You Get for the Price: The 10 qt costs more, but you get a bigger size, that “Smart Cook System” with the thermometer, and the “IQ Boost” for faster cooking. If you cook a lot or have a big family, these extras are probably worth it.

Think Long Term: Both have a 1-year warranty. But if you’re a serious cook, the extra features of the 10 qt might be more useful in the long run. If you only cook for a few people sometimes, the 8 qt is a good deal.

Price per Size: If you look at how much you pay for each quart of space, both models are about the same. So, you’re not really paying extra just for the bigger size; you’re paying for the extra features on the 10 qt.

My Recommendation

Get the 8 Qt If:

• You’re cooking for just yourself, a couple, or a small family.
• You don’t have a lot of counter space.
• You’re trying to save money and don’t need all the fancy features.
• You only air fry sometimes.

Get the 10 Qt If:

• You have a big family (4 or more people).
• You often cook for groups of friends.
• You want that built-in thermometer for perfectly cooked meat.
• You want your food to cook a little faster.
• You often cook larger amounts of food.

My Ninja Foodi Isn’t Working Right!

Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

Food Not Cooking Evenly:

• Don’t put too much food in the baskets.
• Try shaking or flipping the food halfway through.
• Make sure the air vents aren’t blocked.
• Check that the trays are in the right way.

Won’t Turn On:

• Make sure it’s plugged in.
• Check your circuit breaker.
• Make sure the baskets are pushed in all the way.
• Try a different wall outlet.

Error Messages:

• Check the manual for what the error code means.
• Let the unit cool down if it seems too hot.
• Take the baskets out and put them back in.

Too Much Smoke:

• Use less oil.
• Clean out any old grease.
• Turn down the heat.
• Add a little water to the bottom of the basket if you’re cooking fatty foods.

Cool Tricks for Your Ninja Foodi

Cook Two Things at Once: Use the “Match Cook” button for big batches of the same food. Cook foods that need the same temperature but different times by starting one a little earlier. Use “Smart Finish” to make sure everything is done at the same time. If you have the 10 qt, put meat in the left basket to use the thermometer easily.

Yummy Recipe Ideas: Try cooking chicken and roasted veggies together, or salmon and shrimp. You can even make a whole meal like meatloaf and potatoes, or breakfast like bacon and potatoes. And yes, you can even make dessert like air-fried apple pie!

Keep it Clean: Clean the baskets and trays after every use. Wipe down the inside when it’s cool. Use soft cleaning tools to keep the non-stick coating nice. You can even rub a little oil on the baskets now and then to help keep them non-stick.

Common Problems People Have

The non-stick coating might wear off after a lot of use.

Sometimes the baskets can be hard to slide in and out.

The temperature might not always be exactly what you set.

How to Fix It:

Only use wooden or silicone tools.

Rub a little cooking oil on the basket tracks if they stick.

If you need exact temperatures, you might want to use a separate food thermometer.

Warranty

Both models come with a 1-year warranty. If you buy directly from Ninja, they also give you 60 days to return it if you don’t like it.

The Final Fry-Down: Which Ninja Foodi is Your Winner?

After cooking up a storm with both the Ninja Foodi 8 qt and 10 qt dual-zone air fryers, it’s clear they’re both awesome kitchen gadgets that make cooking easier and faster. The one you choose really depends on you!

Pick the 8 qt if:

• You have a smaller family.
• You don’t have a ton of counter space.
• You want a great dual-zone air fryer without spending too much.
• It’s a fantastic choice for everyday cooking!

Pick the 10 qt if:

• You have a bigger family or often cook for friends.
• You love the idea of a built-in thermometer for perfect meat.
• You want your food to cook a little faster.
• It’s worth the extra money for those extra features and that bigger cooking space!

No matter which Ninja Foodi you go with, you’ll be saying goodbye to cooking foods one after the other and hello to making whole meals at once. These air fryers are a game-changer in the kitchen, making crispy and delicious food with way less oil. Happy air frying!