The Ninja DT501 and DT551 are both 10-in-1 XL Pro Air Fry Ovens, offering versatile cooking for your kitchen. While they share the same physical dimensions and interior capacity, the key difference lies in the Smart Cook System – a leave-in thermometer included with the DT551 that allows precise monitoring of meats.
Design and Build Quality
Both models feature sleek stainless-steel exteriors, compact enough for most countertops. They have digital displays integrated into the door handle. The DT501 and DT551 are physically identical, so countertop space and footprint are the same. Build quality is durable and long-lasting for both ovens.
Cooking Capacity
Contrary to some reports, both ovens have the same interior size:
- Can fit a 12-inch pizza or a 5-lb chicken.
- Supports two 12-inch pizzas if using both rack levels.
- There is no 13-inch difference between DT501 and DT551.
Smart Features
- DT551: Includes the Smart Cook System with a leave-in digital thermometer. Automatically adjusts cooking times for meats, whole chickens, and roasts to reach desired doneness.
- DT501: Does not include the Smart Cook System. Manual monitoring of cooking times and temperatures is required. Perfect for general baking, air frying, and toasting.
Controls
Both ovens feature a fully digital interface integrated into the door handle:
- DT501: Digital buttons with straightforward menus.
- DT551: Digital touchscreen interface with automated Smart Cook functions.
- SMART SURROUND CONVECTION: High velocity fan and rear heat source completely surrounding food...
- 2 LEVEL EVEN COOKING: Even cooking on 2 levels with no rotation, flipping, or shaking.
- SMART SURROUND CONVECTION: Completely surround food for an all-around crisp.
- PRO COOK SYSTEM: Achieve the perfect doneness from rare to well done at the touch of a button...
Performance and Cooking Speed
Both models use Ninja’s True Surround Convection technology for faster, even cooking. Cooking times are similar, but the DT551’s Smart Cook System provides more precise results for meats and roasts without guesswork.
Cleaning and Maintenance
- Removable, dishwasher-safe crumb trays and racks for both models.
- Non-stick interiors simplify cleaning.
- DT551’s larger automation does not complicate maintenance.
Price and Value
- DT501: Lower cost, excellent value for air frying, baking, and general use.
- DT551: Higher cost due to Smart Cook System, ideal for precision cooking and larger households.
Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | Ninja DT501 | Ninja DT551 |
|---|---|---|
| Model Name | Foodi XL Pro Air Fry Oven | Foodi Smart XL Pro Air Fry Oven |
| Integrated Thermometer | No | Yes (Leave-in Smart Probe) |
| Cooking Levels | 2-Level Even Cooking | 2-Level Even Cooking |
| Capacity | 2 Pizzas / 5-lb Chicken | 2 Pizzas / 5-lb Chicken |
| Functions | 10-in-1 | 10-in-1 |
| Interface | Handle-integrated Digital | Handle-integrated Digital (Touchscreen with Smart Cook) |
| Price | More affordable | Higher price with thermometer |
- SMART SURROUND CONVECTION: High velocity fan and rear heat source completely surrounding food...
- 2 LEVEL EVEN COOKING: Even cooking on 2 levels with no rotation, flipping, or shaking.
- SMART SURROUND CONVECTION: Completely surround food for an all-around crisp.
- PRO COOK SYSTEM: Achieve the perfect doneness from rare to well done at the touch of a button...
Conclusion
Both the Ninja DT501 and DT551 are exceptional XL Pro Air Fry Ovens with identical size and 10-in-1 functionality. The DT551 adds the Smart Cook System with leave-in thermometer for precision cooking, while the DT501 provides the same physical capacity and digital controls without the thermometer. Choose the DT551 for precision meats and automated cooking, or the DT501 for excellent value and general-purpose air frying, baking, and roasting.
- SMART SURROUND CONVECTION: High velocity fan and rear heat source completely surrounding food...
- 2 LEVEL EVEN COOKING: Even cooking on 2 levels with no rotation, flipping, or shaking.
- SMART SURROUND CONVECTION: Completely surround food for an all-around crisp.
- PRO COOK SYSTEM: Achieve the perfect doneness from rare to well done at the touch of a button...
Leave a Comment