How does the Ninja DZ201 Foodi rank as the best air fryer? Full review inside!

Description

The Ultimate Two-Basket Air Fryer Experience

Cooking has always been a bit of a balancing act in my household, especially when you’re trying to juggle multiple dishes at once. Enter the Ninja DZ201 Foodi Air Fryer. This two-basket air fryer has completely reshaped how I prepare meals, and I’ve been testing it daily. Whether it’s whipping up crispy fries while roasting chicken or broiling veggies alongside reheating leftovers, it’s been a game-changer.

Design and Functionality

The dual-basket design immediately stood out. It’s not just a gimmick; it’s genuinely practical. Each 4-quart basket operates independently, meaning I can cook two entirely different dishes at separate temperatures. For instance, I’ve made salmon on one side and roasted Brussels sprouts on the other, and both were done at the same time thanks to the Smart Finish feature. This clever technology ensures that both baskets finish cooking together, even with different settings. It eliminates the constant back-and-forth that used to drive me nuts with my old single-basket air fryer.

The Match Cook function is another smart touch. If you’re cooking a big batch of the same food, you can sync the settings across both baskets for the full 8-quart capacity. I recently experimented with this to make crispy chicken wings for a family get-together, and let me tell you, the results were nothing short of spectacular.

Cooking Features and Settings

What I appreciate most is the versatility. With six cooking programs—Air Fry, Roast, Air Broil, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate—there’s almost nothing this device can’t handle. I’ve even used the dehydrate setting to make homemade apple chips, which turned out far better than store-bought versions. The temperature range (105°F to 450°F) offers flexibility, whether you’re slow-cooking or blasting food for a crispy finish.

One evening after a long day, I tossed in some frozen fries and chicken nuggets. Using the Air Fry program, both came out golden and crispy—no oil needed. It claims to use up to 75% less fat than traditional frying, and I believe it. The results were delicious with zero guilt.

The control panel is intuitive, with simple push-button controls. My 10-year-old niece even helped me bake cookies in it, which turned out surprisingly well. It’s so user-friendly that I’ve started delegating tasks to my partner, who usually avoids cooking gadgets like the plague.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning this appliance is, dare I say, enjoyable. Both baskets and crisper plates are nonstick and dishwasher safe. After a messy batch of barbecue-glazed wings, I just tossed the parts in the dishwasher, and they came out spotless. If you’re someone like me who dreads the cleanup part of cooking, this is a huge win.

Pros

• Dual-Basket Convenience: Cook two different dishes at once with independent settings.
• Versatile Cooking Programs: Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
• Large Capacity: Perfect for families or meal preps.
• Smart Features: Match Cook and Smart Finish simplify multi-dish cooking.
• Easy to Clean: Nonstick baskets and dishwasher-safe components.

Cons

• Takes Up Counter Space: Its large size can dominate smaller kitchens.
• Learning Curve with Settings: Some trial and error needed to perfect time and temperature combos.
• No Recipe App: Unlike some competitors, it doesn’t come with a dedicated recipe library.
• Plastic Smell Initially: Like many new appliances, there was a slight odor during the first few uses.

Comparison to Competitors

When I compared this to other popular air fryers like the Instant Vortex Plus and Cosori Pro II, a few differences became clear. The Ninja’s dual baskets give it a significant advantage in convenience. While the Instant Vortex Plus offers a rotisserie function, it’s limited to a single cooking chamber. The Cosori Pro II, on the other hand, has a larger single basket but lacks the flexibility of dual zones.

In terms of build quality, the Ninja feels durable with its stainless-steel accents. Both the Vortex and Cosori have solid builds but lean more toward plastic finishes. However, the Ninja’s Smart Finish feature is something neither competitor offers, and it’s a lifesaver for multi-dish meals.

Cost Analysis and Value for Money

This air fryer sits in the mid-to-high price range, which aligns with its feature set. While it might seem like a splurge compared to budget options, the dual-basket functionality and versatility make it worth the investment. If you’re someone who cooks frequently and values time-saving features, it justifies its cost. Plus, considering the health benefits of air frying versus traditional methods, it’s a step toward better eating habits without sacrificing flavor.

For those on the fence about the price, think of how much you’d spend eating out or ordering takeout. This appliance pays for itself over time, especially if you’re feeding a family or meal prepping regularly. It’s not perfect, but it’s as close as I’ve seen in an air fryer.

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