Ninja Foodi DZ201 6-in-1 vs Ninja Foodi MAX Multi Cooker
We compare the Ninja Foodi DZ201 6-in-1 and the Ninja Foodi MAX Multi Cooker across every dimension that matters - our scores, the key specs, and how each performs on the things you will actually notice day to day.
At a glance
| Ninja Foodi DZ201 6-in-1 | Ninja Foodi MAX Multi Cooker | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 |
| Best for | Faster, lower-oil everyday cooking and reheating, cooking two foods at once | Faster, lower-oil everyday cooking and reheating |
| Not ideal for | Large family roasts and big-batch cooking, where a full-size oven still wins on capacity | Large family roasts and big-batch cooking, where a full-size oven still wins on capacity |
| Brand | Ninja | Ninja |
Capacity and Size
Ninja Foodi DZ201 6-in-1
With an 8-litre capacity, the air fryer DZ201 6-in-1 is sized for everyday cooking, with enough room for typical home portions. The model uses a dual-zone layout with 2 baskets (drawers), enabling cooks to split ingredients or prepare two different items during the same session. Overall, the footprint and total capacity suit regular family meal preparation.
Ninja Foodi MAX Multi Cooker
This air fryer is built around a 7.5L cooking capacity, so it is sized for households that want one pot for several meal types rather than a very large batch. This volume suits everyday family cooking, especially when dishes share the same base pot. It also limits how much food can be cooked at once, so very big gatherings may require batch cooking. The brushed steel and black exterior indicate a countertop form factor. Buyers should plan portions around a 7.5L pot, not a larger multi-cooker.
Cooking Performance and Functions
Ninja Foodi DZ201 6-in-1
Cooking performance on the Ninja DZ201 6-in-1 is shaped by its dual-zone layout, with two separate drawers (baskets) for cooking different foods at the same time. That makes it practical for splitting items with different cooking needs, such as fries in one drawer and wings in the other. The unit offers 6 cooking functions. The 8-quart capacity indicates space for larger batches, but results depend on food size and spacing. When using only one drawer, browning performance will rely on single-zone loading, so crowded baskets may brown unevenly.
Ninja Foodi MAX Multi Cooker
With 9 cooking functions built into the Ninja, the unit is designed to handle multiple meal styles without switching appliances. For everyday performance, pressure cooking supports faster tenderising, air frying targets crisping, and slow cooking suits set-and-forget comfort meals. The grill mode adds browned surfaces, which can improve texture on meats and vegetables.
Single or Dual Zone
Ninja Foodi DZ201 6-in-1
Dual-zone capability is the main reason the air fryer earns attention for everyday batch cooking, because it uses two separate drawers (baskets) instead of a single shared cavity. The two-basket design helps when items need different cooking times or textures, for example, cooking chips in one side while warming chicken on the other. Each side can be loaded independently, so overcooking one food to match another is avoidable. The trade-off is space and portion planning, since the total 8-quart capacity must be split across two drawers. For dishes that only require one mix, a single-zone approach can be simpler.
Ninja Foodi MAX Multi Cooker
Single-zone cooking suits people who usually prepare one dish at a time. A dual-zone setup can help when two foods require different cooking methods or different levels of doneness at the same time. For the air fryer Cooker, the 7.5L bowl capacity supports batch cooking. With single-zone handling, one cooking mode typically leads, then the next step follows, which reduces timing conflicts.
Ease of Use and Controls
Ninja Foodi DZ201 6-in-1
The Ninja Foodi DZ201 6-in-1 is designed to be straightforward to operate. It uses a dual-basket setup, with each side loaded and managed separately, so different dishes can run with their own timing and food placement. It also offers 6 cooking functions, allowing users to select a cooking mode rather than guessing temperature and method. Controls are kept simple, focused on choosing the programme, setting the cooking time, and starting the unit. The main limitation is that matching food across the two zones may still require some trial.
Ninja Foodi MAX Multi Cooker
Controls on the Ninja Cooker are built around preset programmes, so day-to-day cooking relies on selecting a mode rather than constant manual adjustment. The front panel includes cooking modes such as pressure cook, air fry, slow cook, and grill, with 9 cooking functions in total. A typical workflow is to choose the programme first, then set the time and temperature if that mode allows, before starting with a single confirmation. This structure keeps operation consistent, but it can limit fine control where a recipe needs unusual time or temperature settings that fall outside what each function supports.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Ninja Foodi DZ201 6-in-1
For everyday upkeep, the Ninja's cleaning approach is straightforward thanks to its dual-basket layout, which allows the drawers to be handled separately. After cooking, the drawers can be pulled out and washed by hand, or placed in the dishwasher if their care method allows it (not stated). Grease build-up is easiest to remove once the unit has cooled, so wiping the outer housing with a damp cloth helps keep grime under control. The baskets should be dried fully before reassembly, and liners, if used, need inspection for any residue. Periodic deep-cleaning may be needed around the drawer edges where food can catch.
Ninja Foodi MAX Multi Cooker
Cleaning and maintenance on the air fryer Cooker are fairly straightforward, mainly because it uses removable parts for everyday mess. After each use, he lets the unit cool, then removes the cooking vessel and accessories, and washes them by hand or in a dishwasher if the item allows it. He wipes the brushed steel exterior with a damp cloth, avoiding harsh scouring pads. For stubborn residue, he soaks parts in warm soapy water first, then scrubs gently with a non-abrasive sponge. The main pot and lid should be fully dried, because dryness can affect future performance.
Noise and Energy Use
Ninja Foodi DZ201 6-in-1
How much noise and energy the air fryer creates during daily cooking can vary, because it depends on how often it is used and which cooking function is selected. It is a dual-zone 2-basket air fryer with an 8-quart capacity, and it can cook with both drawers together or separately, which affects how long heat stays active across the sessions. In general, shorter cooking periods and single-function use tend to keep total noise exposure lower, while longer or repeated batches increase cumulative noise. Energy use also rises with more frequent cycles, but it remains limited to the cooking duration needed for the selected task.
Ninja Foodi MAX Multi Cooker
Even though cooking styles vary, the Ninja Foodi MAX Multi Cooker's noise level mainly depends on which cooking function is running, such as pressure cooking or air frying. In general, pressure cooking is quieter than high-heat air frying, because stronger airflow and heating cycles can create more noticeable sound, particularly when the lid is active. Different cooking modes can also alter fan sound, and grilling may produce intermittent sizzling. Energy use follows the same pattern, since longer programmes and higher-heat steps typically draw more power overall. For practical use, shorter cooking cycles and accurate portion sizes help reduce waste.
Who Is This Air Fryer For?
Ninja Foodi DZ201 6-in-1
Who the Ninja is best suited for depends on cooking habits and tray size needs. It fits people who cook for two, because it has two drawers that run independently, so one side can cook a different item while the other runs a separate cook. It suits households that like batch meals, since the total capacity is 8-Quart. It may not suit very large families who need bigger trays at once, or anyone who prefers one large basket. The cooking functions are designed for mixed routines within a single meal, switching between styles as required.
Ninja Foodi MAX Multi Cooker
Who is this multi cooker best suited for? It suits shoppers who want one appliance for multiple cooking styles, including pressure cooking, air frying, slow cooking and grilling. With a 7.5L capacity, it is well matched to families and meal-prepping, since larger batches can be cooked in fewer rounds. It also suits households that value flexibility, with 9 cooking functions including the listed modes and more (not stated). By contrast, anyone cooking for one or focusing mainly on air frying may find the larger capacity less practical.
Ninja Foodi DZ201 6-in-1: pros
- Dual zone - cook two foods at once
- 6 cooking functions
- 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
Ninja Foodi MAX Multi Cooker: pros
- 7.5L capacity
- 9 cooking functions
- Faster and cheaper to run than a full-size oven
Cons
- Takes up worktop space
- Cooks smaller batches than a full-size oven
- Some foods still need a light spray of oil to crisp up
Our verdict
Our pick is the Ninja Foodi DZ201 6-in-1 (our score 9.1/10) - A practical air fryer (dual zone, 6 functions) that crisps food fast with little oil and costs less to run than an oven. The Ninja Foodi MAX Multi Cooker is still worth it if it is cheaper when you check, or if it better matches your specific needs.