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Ninja SP101 vs SP151: Which Digital Air Fry Oven Is Best?

Ninja SP151 vs SP101: What’s the Real Difference?

By Mohammed mamunPublished 7 months ago Updated 3 months ago 7 min read

After using several countertop ovens and air fryers, I was intrigued by the Ninja SP101 and the upgraded SP151. These aren't just air fryers—they're full-fledged countertop ovens with air fry, bake, toast, and more, all packed into a sleek, flip-up design.

Both models offer fast, even cooking and serious space-saving convenience, but the SP151 introduces digital controls, more presets, and improved airflow. Here's my full breakdown of the Ninja SP101 vs SP151 to help you pick the right one for your kitchen.

Winner Purchase Link: Ninja SP151Flip Toaster Oven&Air Fryer

Ninja sp101 Review

What I Like

  • Multiple cooking functions in one compact unit
  • Cooks food quickly and evenly
  • The flip-up design saves counter space.
  • The large interior fits a 13" pizza or 9 slices of toast.

What I Don't Like

  • The exterior gets hot during use.
  • Can be noisy while cooking

The Ninja SP101 Digital Air Fryer impressed me with its versatility—it's not just an air fryer but a full-fledged countertop oven. It comes with eight functions, including air fry, air roast, bake, toast, broil, dehydrate, and even a bagel mode. I used it to cook everything from chicken wings and roasted veggies to toast, and it handled each task evenly and much faster than my regular oven.

Honestly, it performs on par with some of the more expensive, bulkier appliances I've tried, which makes it perfect for small kitchens or busy weeknights.

One of my favorite features is the flip-up design—it allows me to store the oven vertically when not in use, which saves a significant amount of counter space. Despite its smaller footprint, the inside is surprisingly roomy and easily fits meals for my whole family.

Cleanup is a breeze, too, thanks to the removable crumb tray and air fry basket. It's a bit louder than some other air fryers, and the exterior gets warm during use, but the speed, versatility, and convenience more than make up for it.

Type: Countertop oven-style | Capacity: Fits a 13” pizza | Dimensions: 19.7 x 7.6 x 15 inches | Maximum Temperature: 450 degrees

Ninja sp151 Review

What I Like

  • Extra-wide design with a large cooking capacity
  • 10-in-1 functionality, including air frying, reheating, and dehydrating
  • Flip-up storage saves space.
  • Cooks meals quickly and evenly

What I Don't Like

  • Cleaning in tight corners can be tricky.
  • Slightly bulky footprint despite vertical storage

The Ninja SP151 felt like a serious upgrade from other countertop air fryers I've used, offering a full 10-in-1 cooking setup in one sleek and powerful unit. I used it for everything—from air frying and baking to broiling and dehydrating—and it consistently delivered fast, even results.

What really stood out was how it cooked complete meals, such as sheet pan dinners and pizzas, without requiring any preheating. I also loved how easy it made breakfast prep, fitting up to 9 slices of toast or a 13" pizza without feeling cramped.

This Pro version features a slightly wider build and enhanced cooking performance, reaching temperatures of up to 450°F. The digital controls were straightforward to use, and I appreciated the angled display—it made checking the time and temperature a lot more convenient.

One of the most innovative features is the flip-up design, which lets me store it vertically and free up counter space. While it takes a bit more effort to clean than a basic air fryer, I think the versatility and performance easily make up for it.

Type: Countertop oven-style | Capacity: Fits a 13” pizza | Dimensions: 20.09 x 15.33 x 8.14 inches | Maximum Temperature: 450 degrees

Ninja sp101 vs sp151: Detail Comparison

Capacity

SP101: The SP101 offers a spacious cooking surface that fits up to 9 slices of toast or a 13" pizza. I found it perfect for preparing meals for two to four people, especially quick sheet-pan dinners or a batch of fries and nuggets. Despite its compact height, it handles full meals impressively well due to its wide layout.

SP151: The SP151 features a similar capacity footprint but with added depth and slight enhancements in airflow. It accommodates the same volume,13" pizza, 9 slices of toast, but I noticed more even cooking when preparing denser foods like chicken thighs or baked salmon. The upgrade feels subtle but practical for bigger, thicker items.

Quality of Build

SP101: The build is sleek, sturdy, and functional, with stainless steel accents and a solid door hinge. After months of use, it still feels tight and well-constructed, though the knobs and buttons feel a bit dated in design. The flip-up feature is a major space-saver, but the underside can get hot after prolonged use.

SP151: The SP151 refines the same flip-up design with upgraded materials and a slightly more premium finish. It still feels robust, but the digital controls respond quicker, and the door seals more smoothly. It also runs quieter, and the heat seems better contained, which adds a sense of polish to everyday use.

Ease of Use

SP101: Operating the SP101 is intuitive: simply turn the dial, select your desired function, and press the start button. It comes with 8 preset functions, and once you get used to the vertical layout, it's very straightforward. However, the lack of a digital display limits some precision in time and temperature control.

SP151: The SP151 improves significantly with its digital interface. With 10 functions, including reheat and dehydrate, the touchscreen controls make setting time and temp faster and more accurate. I didn't need to look at the manual at all—it's that intuitive. Additionally, the display angle is more easily visible when standing.

Cooking Performance

SP101: The SP101 performs well, especially when air frying or toasting. It preheats quickly and gives consistent results for most standard recipes. My only gripe was with thick items like bone-in chicken—it needed extra flipping or repositioning for even browning.

SP151: This is where the SP151 justifies its upgrade. It heats faster and cooks more evenly, especially for proteins and roasts. I tested both with breaded chicken and roasted veggies—everything came out more golden and crisp in the SP151. If you batch cook or prep larger meals, you'll notice the improved airflow.

Cleanup and Storage

SP101: The SP101 features a removable crumb tray and air fry basket, making cleanup relatively simple. That said, getting into the back corners can be tricky, especially if cheese or grease drips onto the surfaces. The flip-up design helps free up counter space, but it's still a wide appliance when in use.

SP151: Cleanup is easier in the SP151 thanks to an upgraded nonstick interior and redesigned accessories. The air fry tray and basket feel easier to rinse and less prone to baked-on mess. While the footprint is nearly identical, I found the internal layout slightly easier to wipe down quickly after each use.

Value for Money

SP101: The SP101 remains a solid choice for those seeking a versatile countertop oven at a lower price. It covers all the basics, including air fry, roast, toast, and bake, and performs reliably across these functions. It's great for casual cooks or those new to air frying and doesn't feel like a compromise.

SP151: The SP151 costs more, but the added features, such as digital controls and reheat and dehydrate modes, make it worth it if you use your air fry oven frequently. You're paying for refinement, speed, and better results. If you want the most complete version of this design, go with the SP151.

Final Verdict: Ninja SP151 vs sp101

If you already own the SP101, there's no urgent need to upgrade—it's still a reliable, space-saving countertop oven with solid performance. But if you're deciding between the two for your first purchase, I'd recommend the Ninja SP151.

Check the latest price on Amazon

1. Ninja SP151Flip Toaster Oven&Air Fryer

2. Ninja sp101

It builds on the strengths of the SP101, offering more intelligent controls, improved airflow, and slightly greater cooking versatility, all without compromising space or design.

So, at last, Ninja SP151. It's the more refined, efficient version of an already excellent multi-function air fry oven.

FAQs for Ninja SP101 vs SP151

What’s the main difference between the Ninja SP101 and SP151?

The Ninja SP151 has Dual Heat technology for faster searing and cooking, while the SP101 offers standard heating. The SP151 also handles thicker foods better.

Which model has more cooking functions, Ninja SP101 or SP151?

The Ninja SP151 includes 13 functions, while the SP101 has 8. This makes the SP151 more versatile for roasting, baking, and air frying.

Does the Ninja SP151 cook faster than the SP101?

Yes, the Ninja SP151 cooks faster due to its Dual Heat system, which uses top and bottom heating elements for even, efficient cooking.

Are both the Ninja SP101 and SP151 easy to store?

Yes, both have the space-saving flip-up design, making them easy to store vertically and perfect for small kitchens.

Which is better for everyday use, Ninja SP101 or SP151?

If you cook often and need more power and options, the Ninja SP151 is better. For simple daily meals, the SP101 is efficient and compact.

Disclaimer: Some of the links above may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you click and purchase. This commission is paid by retailers at no extra cost to you, and it helps support us in continuing to bring you valuable information.

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About the Creator

Mohammed mamun

Hi, I'm Mohammed Mamun — a chef, food blogger, and content writer with 15 years of experience in the culinary world. I specialize in honest reviews of home appliances and create simple, flavorful recipes for home cooks and food lovers alike

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