Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone Review UK 2026
Quick verdict
Score: 9.5/10
Best for: Faster, lower-oil everyday cooking and reheating, cooking two foods at once
Not for: Large family roasts and big-batch cooking, where a full-size oven still wins on capacity
Bottom line: A practical air fryer (9.5L, dual zone, 6 functions) that crisps food fast with little oil and costs less to run than an oven.
Overall, the Ninja Foodi MAX Dual is a practical choice for households that want to cook more food at once, supported by its 9.5L capacity and dual-zone design with two drawers. It suits batch cooking, as the two separate drawers help keep foods separate when timings differ. It uses little or no oil, which can suit people looking to cut down on added fats, but the dual-zone layout can feel less intuitive initially and the larger capacity may be wasted for smaller meals. For many, it fits the best ninja air fryer list.
Key specifications
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 9.5L total |
| Drawers | 2 |
| Functions | 6 |
| Baskets | Dishwasher safe |
Pros
- 9.5L capacity
- Dual zone - cook two foods at once
- 6 cooking functions
- Dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning
- Faster and cheaper to run than a full-size oven
Cons
- Takes up worktop space (dual-zone models are bulky)
- Cooks smaller batches than a full-size oven
- Some foods still need a light spray of oil to crisp up
Capacity and Size
With a total capacity of 9.5L, this air fryer is designed for families or batch cooking, since its food is split across two separate drawers. Each drawer can hold different items, which helps when cooking for multiple people, or when preparing one fresh portion alongside another. The baskets are non-stick and dishwasher safe, so removing cooked food and cleaning are simpler. The 9.5L total is a useful guideline.
Cooking Performance and Functions
The Ninja delivers practical cooking performance through its dual-drawer design and multiple preset functions. It offers 6-in-1 cooking styles: Max Crisp, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate and Cook, allowing settings to be matched to different food types. For day-to-day use, the baskets are non-stick and dishwasher safe, which makes cleaning simpler after cooking. The unit has a 9.5L capacity and a claim of cooking 8 portions, making it suitable for families, although portion comfort can depend on food shape and how items stack within the drawers. Results depend on arranging food evenly, as overcrowding or uneven placement can affect browning consistency.
Single or Dual Zone
The air fryer is built around a dual-drawer cooking setup. With a 9.5L total capacity, the design is intended for separate zones inside the unit, so different foods can be cooked at the same time without packing everything into a single basket. This split layout supports cooking sessions where timings differ, such as reheating one item while crisping another. It also encourages loading both drawers and portion planning, as smaller batches may feel less efficient. The non-stick parts are dishwasher-safe, helping with cleanup after either single-drawer or dual-drawer use.
Ease of Use and Controls
How easy the Ninja is to use depends on how comfortable a household is with digital preset cooking and loading two drawers at once. The controls support digital functions, and it offers 6 cooking functions for tasks like air frying, roast, bake, reheat, dehydrate, and cook. With two drawers, one meal can run while another runs separately, which suits batch cooking, but it also means both zones need correct timing and food placement. A typical process involves selecting a function, setting the cook time, and monitoring both drawers until done.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning and maintenance for the air fryer is relatively straightforward, as the baskets and drawers are non-stick and the dishwasher-safe parts can be washed in a dishwasher. After cooking, it is best to let the drawers cool before removing them carefully. Loose food residue can be wiped away with a soft cloth, and tougher spots can be soaked briefly before washing. The baskets and drawers can be placed in a dishwasher to save time, while hand-washing can be used for stubborn grime. The main unit should be wiped clean with a damp cloth only, and it must be fully dry before the next use.
Noise and Energy Use
Noise and energy use are recurring considerations for dual drawer air fryers, and the day-to-day impact of this model is tied to how long it runs and which cooking function is selected. The Ninja Foodi MAX Dual uses fan-assisted air frying for tasks including Max Crisp, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate and Cook. For quieter moments, shorter cooking batches and brief reheating sessions can reduce run time. On energy use, dual-zone cooking can fit multiple foods into one cooking session, while larger meals may require longer cooking.
Who Is This Air Fryer For?
This air fryer suits best depends on meal size, cooking variety, and how often you want to run two separate drawers in the same session. For families or regular batch cooks, the 9.5L dual drawers can handle up to 8 portions, without needing to cook in rounds. It is also a good fit for people who want multiple cooking functions, since it includes 6-in-1 options covering Max Crisp, Roast, Bake, Reheat and Dehydrate. Cleanup is straightforward too, with non-stick dishwasher-safe baskets that can be cleaned after each session. Those making small single dishes may find two drawers unnecessary.
Where to Buy in the UK
In the UK, the Ninja is typically available from major retailers that stock The air fryer appliances. Availability is often strongest online, and shoppers should confirm the model number is AF400UK before ordering to ensure the correct dual-drawer, 9.5L version with 6-in-1 functions (Max Crisp, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate, Cook). In-store options can vary by branch, so stock status may differ between locations. As the baskets are non-stick and dishwasher safe, buyers may also want to check the after-sales support terms offered by the retailer. Third-party sellers can appear in marketplaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ninja worth it?
For faster, lower-oil cooking of chips, chicken, veg and reheats, the air fryer earns its place with 9.5L capacity and two drawers so you can cook two things at once. It is also cheaper to run than heating a full-size oven - check the current Amazon UK price, as it changes often.
Is this air fryer big enough for a family?
The Ninja has 9.5L capacity, split across two drawers, so the usable space per drawer is smaller than the total suggests. As a rough guide, 4-5L suits 1-2 people, 6-8L suits 3-4, and larger or dual-drawer models suit families of 4 or more.
What are the downsides of the Ninja Foodi MAX Dual?
Air fryers take up worktop space (dual-zone models are bulky), cook smaller batches than a full oven, and some foods still need a light oil spray. They are best for crisping and reheating rather than replacing every oven job, which is why they suit some kitchens better than others.
Is the air fryer cheaper to run than an oven?
For small and medium portions, usually yes - this air fryer heats a much smaller space than a full-size oven and cooks faster, so it uses less energy. For large meals that fill a big oven anyway, the saving is smaller. Exact cost depends on its wattage and your tariff.
Can the Ninja cook two things at once?
Yes - the air fryer has two separate drawers, so you can cook two foods at different temperatures and times, and finish them together. It is ideal for a main and a side, though it takes up more worktop space than a single-drawer model.
What can you cook in the Ninja?
The air fryer has 6 cooking functions covering jobs like air-fry, roast, bake, grill and reheat. Beyond chips it handles chicken, fish, veg, bacon and reheating leftovers crisply; baking and dehydrating are possible on models that offer those modes.
Is the Ninja Foodi MAX Dual easy to clean?
This air fryer has dishwasher-safe parts, so the drawer and crisper plate can go in the dishwasher; a quick wipe of the inside after use keeps it fresh.
Do you need oil in the Ninja?
Little or none - the air fryer circulates hot air to crisp food, so most things need only a light spray of oil or none at all. Naturally fatty foods like sausages need no added oil, while a fine mist helps fresh chips and breaded items crisp up.