Ninja DZ201 Foodi Air Fryer Review DualZone Technology for Perfect Cooking

Description

The Impressive Design and Build Quality

I’ll admit, the Ninja DZ201 Foodi 6-in-1 2-Basket Air Fryer caught my eye right away with its sleek Dark Grey Stainless finish. It has a modern, clean aesthetic that blends effortlessly into my kitchen, even complementing other stainless steel appliances. The dual-basket design, which sets it apart from conventional single-basket air fryers, is not just a gimmick—it’s a game-changer. Each basket is spacious, and the 8-quart capacity makes it perfect for families or even meal prepping enthusiasts. I could easily fit mains and sides in one go, or cook up to 4 pounds of chicken wings for a weekend gathering, which is a win in my book.

Its compact dimensions (10″ D x 15″ W x 10″ H) ensure it doesn’t dominate countertop space, though it is a bit hefty at 19.12 pounds, so you might not want to move it around too often. The stainless steel material feels sturdy and durable, and the nonstick coating makes cleaning up less of a headache. However, I do wish it were dishwasher-safe, as scrubbing by hand can be a chore after cooking greasy foods.

Key Benefits of DualZone Technology

The standout feature here is the DualZone Technology, and it’s honestly a lifesaver during busy evenings. With two independent baskets, I can cook two completely different dishes at the same time, each with its own settings. For example, I once air-fried crispy chicken wings in one basket while roasting veggies in the other—both finished cooking simultaneously thanks to the Smart Finish feature. This eliminates the “cook this, then that” back-to-back routine of traditional air fryers.

There’s also the Match Cook button, which is perfect for syncing the settings across both baskets when preparing larger quantities of the same dish. It’s intuitive and saved me from fiddling with buttons unnecessarily. Cooking versatility is another huge plus, with six programmable functions like Air Fry, Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate. I tested the dehydration feature on apple slices, and they turned out perfectly crisp without being overly dry.

Positive Features

• Dual independent baskets for simultaneous, versatile cooking.
• Smart Finish and Match Cook features simplify meal preparation.
• Offers six customizable cooking programs for diverse cooking needs.

Performance and Cooking Results

Performance-wise, the 1690-watt output means this air fryer heats up quickly and cooks efficiently. The results have been consistently impressive, with food emerging crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. I particularly loved how evenly it cooked frozen foods like fries and chicken nuggets. The temperature range, which goes up to 450°F, provides flexibility for various recipes, from roasting to baking.

That said, there were moments when I noticed a slight inconsistency in cooking between the two baskets. For example, when I tried broiling salmon fillets, one side seemed slightly more cooked than the other. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s worth noting if you’re someone who demands absolute precision.

Areas of Concern

• Cleaning can be tedious since it’s not dishwasher safe.
• Occasionally, there are minor inconsistencies in cooking across the baskets.

Competing Products

In a market flooded with air fryers, the Ninja DZ201 Foodi 6-in-1 stands out because of its dual-basket system, but it’s not without competition. I’ve used the Philips Premium Airfryer XXL before, and while it delivers exceptional results, it only has a single basket. That makes it less versatile for cooking multiple dishes simultaneously. On the other hand, the Instant Vortex Plus has a similar multi-functionality but doesn’t match the Ninja’s seamless DualZone technology.

Where the Ninja excels is in its ease of use and programmable settings, though its lack of dishwasher-safe parts gives competitors an edge in terms of convenience. Philips and Instant brands often employ more straightforward cleaning systems, which could sway those prioritizing quick cleanup.

Value for Money

Considering its features, the Ninja DZ201 Foodi 6-in-1 offers excellent value for money. The capacity, cooking versatility, and innovative DualZone technology justify the investment, particularly for families or those who cook multiple dishes often. While it’s not the cheapest option on the market, the functionality and quality more than make up for it. It delivers performance akin to premium air fryers but at a price point that feels reasonable.

That said, if you’re someone who rarely cooks large meals or prefers simpler gadgets, this might feel like overkill. For me, though, the ability to prepare complete meals in one go has been worth every penny.

Additional information