Ninja SP101 Air Fryer Toaster Oven review Large Capacity and Space-Saving Design

Description

Design and Build Quality

The Ninja SP101 Foodi 8-in-1 Air Fry Large Toaster Oven immediately stands out with its sleek, space-saving design. I was particularly impressed by the Flip-Away for Storage feature, which allows the unit to pivot upwards against the backsplash when not in use. This is a game-changer for someone like me who constantly battles for counter space. The stainless steel and tempered glass door gives it a premium look, while the painted finish ensures it blends well with most kitchen aesthetics. At 22.9 pounds, it feels sturdy but not overly bulky. Its dimensions—7.56″ deep, 19.72″ wide, and 14.96″ high—make it compact yet capable of handling larger cooking tasks. The dropdown door adds convenience, though it can get a bit hot during use, so I had to be cautious while handling it.

Features and Functionality

What truly amazed me is the 8-in-1 functionality of this appliance. It’s not just an air fryer; it bakes, broils, roasts, dehydrates, and even toasts. The air fry option worked wonders for me when I wanted to make guilt-free crispy fries, while the bake feature was perfect for a 13-inch pizza. Additionally, it can toast up to 9 slices of bread simultaneously, which is a lifesaver for family breakfasts. I also found the toast darkness selector surprisingly accurate, letting me customize the crispness of my bread with ease. The keep-warm function is a thoughtful touch, ensuring that my meals stayed hot for those inevitable moments when life got in the way.

Ease of Use

Operating this appliance is straightforward with its knob control system. The interface is intuitive, and switching between the various cooking modes felt seamless. I appreciated the 60-second preheat feature, which saved time, especially when I was in a rush to get dinner ready. Cleaning is another area where this product shines. The removable crumb tray and accessible back panel make it easy to maintain. However, I did notice that some crumbs tend to get stuck in tight corners, requiring a bit more effort to clean thoroughly.

Key Benefits

• Space-Saving Design: The Flip-Away for Storage feature is perfect for small kitchens.
• Versatile Functions: With 8 cooking modes, it replaces several appliances.
• Fast Cooking: A 60-second preheat and quick cooking times deliver meals faster.
• Customizable Toasting: The darkness selector ensures perfect toast every time.

Areas for Improvement

• Hot Exterior: The dropdown door and surrounding area can get quite hot during use.
• Crumb Management: Cleaning tight corners can be a bit tricky.
• Single Shelf Limitation: With only one shelf included, multitasking isn’t always convenient.

Competing Products

When comparing the Ninja SP101 to other air fryers and toaster ovens, a few notable competitors come to mind. The Instant Vortex Plus offers similar air frying capabilities, but its bulkier design lacks the flip-away storage feature that I’ve grown to appreciate. On the other hand, the Breville Smart Oven Air excels in capacity and precision but comes at a significantly higher price point. Cuisinart’s TOA-60 is another solid contender, yet it doesn’t match the Ninja’s compact design or quick preheat functionality. Where the Ninja truly shines is in its combination of versatility, compactness, and ease of storage, making it a strong choice for those balancing performance and space efficiency.

Price Performance

From my perspective, this appliance offers excellent value for money. While it may not be the cheapest option available, the combination of 8-in-1 functionality, durability, and smart design makes it well worth the investment. I’ve certainly saved on buying multiple appliances since this one does it all. The trade-offs in cleaning and minor heat concerns feel negligible when weighed against the convenience and performance it delivers. For those looking for a budget-friendly yet feature-rich option, this product ticks most of the right boxes.

Additional information