Ninja SP101 vs SP201: Which one should you buy?

Over the years, I've tried several countertop ovens and air fryers, so when I found the Ninja SP101 and its newer counterpart, the SP201, I was eager to see how they stack up. These aren't just basic air fryers—they combine multiple cooking functions to tackle a variety of meals.

Both models feature versatile cooking options like air fry, bake, roast, broil, and dehydrate. The SP201 improves on the SP101 with a larger capacity, faster cooking, and updated controls for a smoother experience. Here's my detailed comparison of the Ninja SP101 vs. SP201 to help you choose the right fit for your kitchen.

Ninja sp101 Review

What I Like

• Fast, even cooking
• The flip-up design saves counter space.
• Eight versatile cooking functions
• Easy to clean

What I Don't Like

• Louder than most air fryers
• The exterior gets hot during use.

The Ninja SP101 has been a game-changer in my kitchen. It's more than just an air fryer—it's a full countertop oven with eight functions, including air frying, toast, broiling, and dehydration. I've made everything from crispy wings to roasted veggies and perfectly toasted bagels. What won me over is how fast it cooks—often skipping preheat—and how evenly it handles every meal.

Its flip-up design is a space-saver, especially in my small kitchen, and it fits a 13" pizza or nine slices of toast with ease. Cleanup is quick, thanks to the removable crumb tray and dishwasher-safe parts. It's a bit louder than a standard air fryer, and the outside gets warm, but those are minor trade-offs for such performance.

Type: Oven-style | Capacity: Fits 13" pizza or 9 toast slices | Dimensions: 19.7 x 7.5 x 15 inches | Max Temperature: 450°F

Ninja sp201 Review

What I Like

• Large capacity for family-sized meals
• Multiple cooking functions, including air frying, baking, roasting, and dehydrating
• Intuitive digital controls with a clear display
• Space-saving flip-up design

What I Don't Like

• Slightly bulkier than smaller models
• Takes some effort to clean oven racks

The Ninja SP201 impressed me with its roomy interior and versatile 10-in-1 cooking functions. Whether I'm air frying crispy chicken, roasting veggies, or dehydrating snacks, it consistently delivers even and fast results. The digital controls are straightforward, and the tilted display makes it easy to monitor cooking progress.

One feature I appreciate is the flip-up design, which lets me store the oven upright to save valuable counter space. It handles larger meals easily, fitting a 13-inch pizza or multiple slices of bread at once, making it ideal for families or meal prepping.

While it's a bit bulkier and cleaning the oven racks requires some extra effort, the overall convenience and performance outweigh these minor downsides. For anyone seeking a multifunctional, high-capacity air fry oven, the SP201 is a fantastic choice.

Type: Oven-style | Capacity: Fits 13" pizza and large meals | Dimensions: 19.7 x 7.5 x 15 inches | Max Temperature: 450°F

Ninja sp101 vs sp201: Detail Comparison

Capacity

SP101: The SP101 offers a generous interior that fits up to a 13-inch pizza or 9 slices of toast at once. It's perfect for small families or individuals who want to prepare full meals without constantly cooking in batches. The compact design feels roomy enough for most everyday cooking tasks.

SP201: The SP201 steps up the game with a slightly larger interior and the same 13-inch pizza capacity but with more vertical space, allowing for bigger or taller dishes. I found it ideal for meal prepping or cooking family-sized portions more comfortably without crowding.

Quality of Build

SP101: The SP101 is solidly built with a sleek black finish and stainless accents. It feels durable, and the flip-up design adds a clever space-saving element. It's a bit heavier but stable on the counter. After weeks of use, the quality has remained consistent.

SP201: The SP201 refines the design with a slightly wider build but keeps the same sturdy feel. The digital controls and display feel more polished and responsive. The overall finish feels slightly more premium, and the oven racks are sturdier, which adds to the sense of quality.

Ease of Use

SP101: Using the SP101 is straightforward; the control panel is simple, and presets make it easy to jump into cooking. The flip-up design makes storing it upright a breeze, which I appreciated in my small kitchen.

SP201: The SP201 enhances ease with an improved digital interface and an angled display for better visibility during cooking. The controls are intuitive, and navigating between its 10 cooking functions feels smooth. Storage is equally convenient with the upright flip design.

Cooking Performance

SP101: The SP101 cooked everything evenly and quickly, from crispy wings to roasted veggies. It handled a variety of foods well, though the fan can get a little noisy at times. The max temperature of 450°F helped achieve excellent browning and crispiness.

SP201: The SP201 delivers consistent and slightly faster cooking with excellent heat distribution. I noticed that it browned meats and baked dishes more evenly, especially for larger or thicker items. The higher wattage and refined airflow system make a noticeable difference in cooking speed and results.

Cleanup and Storage

SP101: Cleanup is simple thanks to the removable crumb tray and dishwasher-safe air fry basket. The flip-up design helps keep counters clear when not in use, which I found very helpful in my limited kitchen space.

SP201: Cleaning the SP201 takes a bit more effort due to its oven-style racks, but they are dishwasher-safe. The flip-up storage design remains a favorite feature, making it easy to tuck away when not cooking, saving valuable countertop space.

Value for Money

SP101: The SP101 is a great mid-range air fry oven with versatile functions and an innovative design. It offers excellent value for those who want a compact but capable appliance without splurging on top-tier models.

SP201: The SP201 costs more but justifies it with enhanced capacity, faster cooking, and improved controls. If you cook often or want the best performance and flexibility, the SP201 is worth the extra investment.

Final Verdict: Ninja sp201 vs sp101

If you already have the Ninja SP101, there's no pressing reason to switch, but if you're picking between the two models for the first time, I'd lean toward the Ninja SP201.

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• Ninja SP201 Digital Air Fry Pro Countertop
• Ninja SP101 Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven

It enhances the SP101's strengths with a larger capacity, quicker cooking times, and a more intuitive control panel. While the changes aren't dramatic, they add up to a noticeably better cooking experience, especially if you use it often.

Ultimately, the Ninja SP201 emerges as the more advanced and versatile option, ideal for those seeking a reliable and efficient countertop oven.

FAQs for Ninja SP101 vs SP201

What’s the main difference between the Ninja SP101 and SP201?

The Ninja SP201 has a larger capacity and higher wattage, while the SP101 is more compact. If you cook for a family, the SP201 is more convenient.

Which cooks faster, the Ninja SP101 or SP201?

Both models heat quickly, but the Ninja SP201 cooks slightly faster thanks to its 1800W power, compared to the SP101’s 1550W.

Is the Ninja SP201 worth the upgrade from the SP101?

Yes, if you need more space and power. The SP201 offers better versatility, especially for baking or cooking larger meals.

Do both Ninja SP101 and SP201 have the flip-up design?

Yes, both models feature the flip-up design that saves counter space when stored vertically after cooking.

Which is better for small kitchens, Ninja SP101 or SP201?

The Ninja SP101 is the better choice for small kitchens. It’s slimmer, lighter, and fits better in tight spaces without losing core features.

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