Ninja Toaster Oven Air Fryer Review Exploring 13-in-1 Versatility and Dual Heat Technology

Description

Strong Points of the Ninja Foodi SP351 13-in-1 Air Fry Oven

I have to admit, the versatility of this multifunctional toaster oven air fryer combo is impressive. The 13 cooking functions, including Air Fry, Sear Crisp, Rapid Bake, and Dehydrate, really cover almost everything I want in a compact kitchen appliance. What I found particularly useful is the Dual Heat Technology; the combination of a directly heated SearPlate and rapid cyclonic air up to 500°F means I can sear a steak to perfection and crisp fries simultaneously. This feature gave my meals a restaurant-quality finish, which is rare for countertop ovens.

• The Smart Cook System with the integrated Foodi Smart Thermometer removes all the guesswork from cooking meat, which is fantastic for someone like me who hates cutting into steaks mid-cook.
• It cooks up to 65% faster than a conventional oven, which is a blessing for quick meals.
• The air fryer function uses up to 75% less fat than traditional deep frying, so I can indulge without the guilt.
• Its flip-away design is genius for small kitchens; it saves about 45% of counter space, keeping my clutter to a minimum.

Limitations That Caught My Attention

Despite the many perks, a few quirks deserve mention. The size and weight of this appliance are not exactly travel-friendly—at 21.5 pounds and over 20 inches deep, it’s a beast to move around. If you have a small kitchen, even with the flip-away feature, it might still feel bulky.

• The single shelf limits simultaneous cooking of multiple items that require different temperatures or settings.
• A touch control panel sounds modern, but sometimes it’s unresponsive, especially if your fingers are greasy from cooking.
• The dropdown door feels a bit heavy, and you have to be careful opening it so you don’t accidentally knock something off the counter.
• Although it has a lot of functions, I noticed some recipes, especially delicate dehydrating tasks, require constant monitoring to avoid over-drying.

Smart Cook System: Game Changer or Gimmick?

The Smart Thermometer integrated with this oven is one of the features I appreciated most. I’m not the best at judging meat doneness by sight or feel, so this thermometer takes the pressure off. You just insert the probe, set your desired doneness, and the oven alerts you when ready. I tried cooking a roast, and it came out perfectly medium-rare without me hovering over it like a hawk.

That said, the thermometer has a limited reach inside the oven, so it only works well if the food is placed correctly. Also, cleaning the probe after each use can be a bit tedious, especially when handling sticky marinades.

Cooking Performance and Versatility

With 1800 watts of power, this air fryer toaster oven combo handles everything from frozen pizza to fresh bagels with ease. The air fry basket is roomy enough for up to 4 pounds of food, and it crisps up fries and chicken wings beautifully. I threw in some homemade fries and was genuinely surprised by how crispy and evenly cooked they were compared to my old air fryer.

The Sear Crisp function is a standout. It provides a cast-iron-like sear on proteins, which I never expected from a countertop appliance. Plus, the rapid bake and broil settings allow for baking casseroles or broiling fish quickly without sacrificing quality.

However, the dehydrate function requires patience and experimentation. It’s not as straightforward as dedicated dehydrators, and I had to try a few batches of dried fruit before getting the timing right.

Design and Usability Features

The stainless steel brushed finish gives this oven a sleek, modern look that fits nicely in my kitchen. The dropdown door is sturdy, and the removable crumb tray makes cleanup easier than anticipated. I also liked the included accessories, like the wire rack, sear plate, and air fry basket, which cover a variety of cooking needs.

The touch controls are simple to navigate once you get the hang of them, although the lack of physical buttons might frustrate some users. Having only one shelf means I sometimes wish I could cook multiple dishes at different levels, but the overall cooking space is generous enough for family meals, accommodating up to six chicken breasts or a 2-pound roast comfortably.

Value for Money in a Crowded Market

Considering the multiple functions and powerful heating elements, this appliance offers solid value for money. It replaces multiple gadgets — air fryer, toaster oven, dehydrator, and even a grill — which saves space and potentially cash in the long run.

Compared to standalone air fryers or toaster ovens, this combo seems pricier upfront. However, the dual heat technology and smart thermometer justify the investment if you want more control and faster cooking times. It’s a budget-friendly alternative to buying several appliances separately, especially for those who enjoy experimenting with various cooking styles.

Product Comparisons: How It Stacks Against Competitors

In a market saturated with air fryer toaster ovens, this model holds its ground well against competitors like the Breville Smart Oven Air or the COSORI Air Fryer Toaster Oven. The Ninja Foodi’s dual heat system offers a distinct advantage in achieving a deeper sear and faster cooking, which the others don’t quite match.

On the downside, competitors often have more cooking shelves or easier-to-use control interfaces. For instance, Breville’s model includes multiple racks, which is handy for batch cooking or simultaneous dishes. The COSORI might be more compact and user-friendly but lacks the powerful searing capabilities.

If countertop space is a priority, the flip-away design here is a clever innovation that most rivals don’t offer. However, if you want a lighter, more portable option, some competitors might be easier to move and store.

Drawbacks Worth Considering Before Buying

• The heavy and bulky design isn’t ideal for frequent relocation or small kitchen setups.
• Single shelf limits multi-level cooking.
• Touch controls can become unresponsive during greasy cooking sessions.
• The dropdown door might feel cumbersome for some users.
• Dehydrating function demands patience and close monitoring to avoid overcooking.

Using this toaster oven air fryer combo has made me appreciate how far countertop appliances have come. While it’s not perfect, especially if you’re tight on space or want multiple cooking racks, its power, versatility, and smart features make it a valuable addition for anyone who loves cooking a range of meals efficiently and healthily.

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