Ninja Foodi DZ201 6-in-1 vs Ninja Foodi
We compare the Ninja Foodi DZ201 6-in-1 and the Ninja Foodi 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 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 9.1/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 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
A practical way to judge the air fryer is by its capacity, since the cooking functions matter only when the pot and basket can handle the meal size. This model is listed as a 6L multi-cooker, so it suits family portions more than single-serve cooking. Its size is best assessed in terms of what fits inside the main bowl, because the lid and cooking inserts affect usable space. For larger roasts, stacked ingredients, or thick cuts, allow extra clearance so food turns or cooks evenly.
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
Cooking performance on the Ninja is assessed by how consistently it delivers different results across its listed cooking functions, including Pressure Cook, Air Fry, Slow Cook, and Grill. Pressure Cook is intended for faster tenderising, while Air Fry is designed to crisp foods without using a conventional oven. Slow Cook focuses on steady, low heat for longer meals, and Grill supports browning for meats and vegetables. Pre-planning cook steps is recommended, with the expectation of minor trial and error.
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
For most meal prep, the biggest question is whether this model uses one cooking area or two separate zones, because that changes how many different foods can cook at once and how well they match each other's needs. The air fryer, a 6L 9-in-1 multi cooker, is not described as having dual cooking zones in the provided facts, so it should be treated as a single cooking chamber. That means it can handle one main dish style at a time, then switch functions such as pressure cook, air fry, or slow cook. It suits coordinated batches, but it does not support simultaneous cooking of foods with very different requirements.
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
Ease of use matters because multi cookers can feel simple at first, but they still require a little learning to achieve consistent results. This air fryer includes 9 cooking functions spanning pressure cook, air fry, slow cook, grill, and more, so the right mode needs to be selected before cooking begins. The controls are typically organised around mode selection, then time and temperature style inputs, followed by a confirmation step. Switching between functions may mean checking the basic guidance, since each programme behaves differently. For the 6L capacity, portions should be planned in advance, and trial runs are needed to find settings that suit preferences.
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
Cleaning and Maintenance matters because a multi cooker that's used often needs consistent care to keep performance predictable and smells under control. After cooking, unplug the Foodi 9-in-1 multi cooker and allow it to cool. Remove the inner pot and accessories for washing. Wipe surfaces with warm, soapy water, then soak stubborn spots briefly before scrubbing. Brushed steel parts need gentle cleaning to avoid streaks. Dry all pieces fully, since dampness can create odours. If grease builds up around the lid area, wipe it carefully, then check that air circulation is not obstructed.
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
Noise and energy use will vary by which cooking function the Ninja Foodi OP350UK is running, because pressure cooking, air frying, and grilling apply heat and airflow differently. The unit produces different operating noise levels across its cooking functions, with airflow and heating contributing to the sound during use. Pressure cooking is often quieter than air frying, since the main cooking action is sealed heat rather than strong circulation. Air frying and grilling can sound louder during active cycles, particularly when the fan is running at higher output. Energy use depends on cook time and temperature, so longer programmes such as slow cook typically draw more overall.
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
This model is best suited to people who want a single countertop appliance that does more than air frying. The Ninja is a 6L 9-in-1 multi cooker with nine cooking functions, including pressure cook, air fry, slow cook, and grill. The 6L capacity suits households that cook for several people, since it supports batch cooking. It also fits busy cooks who prefer switching between cooking modes in one place, rather than using separate appliances for frying, grilling, and slow cooking. If a household only needs basic, occasional air frying, the additional functions may feel unnecessary.
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: pros
- 6L 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 is still worth it if it is cheaper when you check, or if it better matches your specific needs.