Choosing between the Ninja SP101 Digital Air Fry Oven and the Ninja ST101 Digital Air Fry Oven can be tricky. While presets, wattage, and cooking modes look similar on paper, the real difference — and the reason most buyers make a choice — is how each flips to save counter space and how that affects everyday cooking.
Main Differences Between Ninja SP101 and ST101 Digital Air Fry Oven
1. Flip Design & Counter Space
The main difference in flip design is the way each oven manages your kitchen real estate. The SP101’s vertical flip keeps most of your countertop free when stored, making it ideal for small kitchens or crowded counters. By contrast, the ST101 uses a 90-degree rotation; it flips down to horizontal oven mode and flips upright for toaster mode. While versatile, the ST101 always occupies some counter depth.
- SP101: Flips upward for vertical storage — excellent for tight kitchens.
- ST101: Rotates 90 degrees; occupies some counter depth even when upright.
2. Cooking Capacity & Interior Height
The main difference in capacity affects what you can cook. The SP101 fits a 13-inch pizza and standard sheet-pan meals, but its interior height is limited to ~3 inches. Taller items like thick chicken breasts or muffin trays may sit close to the heating elements, risking uneven browning. The ST101 has a shorter interior (~2 inches) in oven mode, making it best for toasting, open-faced melts, or small pizzas.
- SP101: Interior height ~3 inches; fits sheet pans and 13-inch pizzas.
- ST101: Interior height ~2 inches; narrower, ideal for toast or small bakes.
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3. Performance & Everyday Experience
The main difference in performance comes down to speed versus precision. The SP101 uses convection air frying and cooks faster than most conventional toaster ovens. In testing, chicken wings cooked ~20% faster than in a standard oven. The ST101 is better suited for toast, bagels, and reheating, offering more consistent browning due to its traditional upright slots.
- SP101 air fries quickly; fan can be slightly loud but delivers crisp results.
- ST101 excels at toast, bagels, and reheating small items; less suited for full meals.
- Flip safety: SP101 base stays cool immediately after cooking, but wait 5–10 minutes to avoid trapped steam contacting cabinets.
Cleaning & Maintenance
The main difference in maintenance is accessibility. Both models have non-removable back heating elements, which can accumulate grease. The SP101 includes a removable crumb tray that flips out, allowing deeper cleaning and visibility. The ST101’s upright toaster design limits full interior access.
- SP101: Removable crumb tray; interior can be wiped while warm.
- ST101: Limited interior access; wipe racks and tray after each use.
Pro Tip: Neither oven has a ‘Self-Clean’ cycle like a full-sized oven. Manually cleaning the back panel every 2–3 uses is the only way to prevent smoke during high-heat air frying.
Countertop Footprint & Space Requirements
The main difference in footprint is important for small kitchens. The SP101 requires ~15 inches vertical clearance plus ~1 inch for handle swing. The ST101 requires less vertical clearance but more counter depth due to its 90-degree rotation.
- SP101: Clears counter when flipped up; ideal for under-cabinet kitchens if measured carefully.
- ST101: Rotates 90 degrees; always occupies some depth; suited for small spaces without overhead cabinets.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feature | Ninja SP101 | Ninja ST101 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Role | Oven + Air Fryer | Toaster + Compact Oven |
| Flip Design | Flips Up (Vertical Storage) | Rotates 90° (Oven & Toaster) |
| Counter Space | Clears counter when stored | Always occupies depth |
| Interior Height | ~3 inches (best for sheet pans) | ~2 inches (tight for oven use) |
| Pizza Capacity | Up to 13 inches | Personal-size pizzas |
| Whole Chicken | No | No |
| Max Temperature | 450°F (232°C) | 450°F (232°C) |
| Best For | Sheet-pan meals & air frying | Daily toasting & light baking |
- 2-IN-1 FLIP FUNCTIONALITY: Toaster and Compact Toaster Oven in one small footprint. Flip up for...
- PERFECT TOAST: More even toasting vs. a traditional toaster based on front to back evenness, in...
Who Should Buy Which Model?
Buy the Ninja SP101 if:
- You cook full meals regularly and want air-fry capability.
- You need to maximize counter space with vertical flip storage.
- You want faster convection cooking for sheet-pan meals.
- Your kitchen cabinets allow ~16 inches vertical clearance (including handle swing).
👉 Buy Ninja SP101
Buy the Ninja ST101 if:
- You mainly want a toaster with occasional oven use.
- You live in a dorm, studio apartment, or have limited vertical clearance.
- You cook small portions or personal pizzas.
- You prefer upright toaster slots for consistent browning.
👉 Buy Ninja ST101
- 2-IN-1 FLIP FUNCTIONALITY: Toaster and Compact Toaster Oven in one small footprint. Flip up for...
- PERFECT TOAST: More even toasting vs. a traditional toaster based on front to back evenness, in...
Frequently Asked Questions
Can either oven fit a 9×13 pan?
No. The SP101 comes close in width, but interior height is limiting. The ST101 is narrower and shorter, only suitable for small pans or flat items.
Do these ovens get hot on the outside?
Yes. Both get warm during air frying. The SP101 is safer to flip immediately after cooking, but wait 5–10 minutes to avoid steam contacting cabinets.
Is the ST101 just a smaller SP101?
No. The ST101 is toaster-first with a 90-degree rotation, while the SP101 is a true countertop oven with vertical storage capability.
Final Verdict
The main difference in user experience between the SP101 and ST101 is workspace management and intended use. Choose the SP101 for real cooking power, air frying, and reclaimable counter space. Opt for the ST101 if you mainly want a toaster with occasional oven use. Once you understand the flip mechanics, the right choice becomes clear.
- 2-IN-1 FLIP FUNCTIONALITY: Toaster and Compact Toaster Oven in one small footprint. Flip up for...
- PERFECT TOAST: More even toasting vs. a traditional toaster based on front to back evenness, in...
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