Comprehensive review of Ninja SP101 toaster oven and air fryer combo

Description

A Compact Kitchen Powerhouse with Versatility

The Ninja SP351 is undoubtedly a multitasking beast. Its 13-in-1 functionality truly sets it apart, and I have put every single mode to the test. From air frying crispy fries with 75% less fat to baking a pizza that could rival your favorite pizzeria, this appliance delivers. You won’t believe how quickly it preheats—within seconds, it’s ready to go. I was particularly impressed with its Dual Heat Technology, which combines cyclonic air and a 500°F directly heated SearPlate. This feature gave my proteins an incredible sear and added a perfect crunch to my pizza crust.

The size is deceptive in the best way possible. Although compact enough to flip up and save 45% of counter space, it still fits 6 chicken breasts or a 2-lb roast. Perfect for my family dinners and meal prep marathons.

Key Benefits

• 13 Versatile Cooking Functions that make your kitchen feel like a professional setup.
• Up to 65% Faster Cooking compared to a traditional oven.
• Integrated Foodi Smart Thermometer for foolproof results—no more cutting into meat to check doneness.
• Remarkable space-saving design that flips up neatly against the backsplash.

Initial Impressions: Design and Build

The appliance has a sleek brushed stainless steel finish, giving it a premium look that blends seamlessly into modern kitchens. The dropdown door feels sturdy, and the touch controls are intuitive and responsive. It’s worth mentioning the removable crumb tray, which makes cleaning ridiculously easy.

What wowed me most was the thoughtful inclusion of accessories. The package comes with a non-stick SearPlate, air fry basket, Foodi Smart Thermometer, wire rack, and crumb tray—everything you need to experiment with its plethora of functions.

Positives and Negatives to Consider

Positives

• Healthier Meals: The air fryer cuts down fat by up to 75%, which is a game-changer for anyone watching their calories.
• Family-Friendly Size: Despite its compact footprint, it cooks enough food for a household.
• Broad Temperature Range: From gentle dehydration to a scorching 500°F, it handles a variety of cooking techniques.

Areas for Improvement

• Limited Internal Height: Taller foods like a whole chicken may struggle to fit comfortably.
• Noise Levels: While not unbearable, the fan does make some noise during operation.
• Learning Curve: With so many functions, it can take time to master all the settings.

Performance in Real-Life Scenarios

The Air Fry mode alone has made this gadget a staple in my kitchen. My fries came out crispy without any greasy residue, and reheating leftovers was a revelation—they tasted freshly cooked. The Sear Crisp mode was another standout, delivering restaurant-quality results for steaks and veggies.

I also tested the Dehydrate mode, crafting homemade apple chips that my kids devoured. The Rapid Bake function was perfect for whipping up cookies, and the even baking left me impressed. However, I did notice that the Toast function requires attention; it works well but tends to toast slightly unevenly if overloaded.

Competing Products

Comparing this to other countertop ovens like the Breville Smart Oven Air or the Instant Omni Plus, the Ninja excels in its compact design and fast preheating times. While Breville offers a slightly larger capacity and quieter operation, it lacks the flip-away storage feature that the Ninja offers. On the other hand, the Instant Omni Plus boasts competitive air frying capabilities but falls short in terms of build quality and accessory inclusions.

The Ninja SP351’s Dual Heat Technology and smart thermometer integration give it an edge over these competitors, especially for those who value precision cooking.

Cost Efficiency

For its multifunctionality and included accessories, this appliance offers outstanding bang for the buck. While the upfront cost might seem steep compared to simpler toaster ovens, the sheer number of features and the time it saves in the kitchen make it a worthy investment. It replaces multiple kitchen gadgets, from an air fryer to a dehydrator, making it a true value-for-money purchase.

Whether you’re a busy parent or a culinary enthusiast, this product finds a way to justify every penny spent.

Additional information