The era of the “one-trick pony” toaster oven is officially over, replaced by massive, high-powered convection beasts that promise to make your full-sized oven obsolete. For the past several weeks, I’ve surrendered my kitchen counters to the Ninja Foodi DT201 and the Ninja DT202BK, two XL Pro Air Ovens that look nearly identical but cater to slightly different culinary ambitions.
These machines aren’t just for toast; they are 1800-watt powerhouses designed to roast entire turkeys and air fry family-sized batches of wings with 10 times the convection power of a traditional oven. If you’ve been caught between the classic stainless steel 10-in-1 and the sleek black 8-in-1, I’ve done the roasting, baking, and cleaning to help you decide which one earns its stay.
The Key Difference: Cooking Functions and Aesthetic Finish
The fundamental key difference between the Ninja DT201 and the DT202BK lies in the breadth of their programming and their exterior design. The Ninja DT201 is a “10-in-1” appliance that includes specialized modes for Dehydrating and Reheating, which are notably absent from the DT202BK’s “8-in-1” menu.
Additionally, the DT201 features a classic brushed stainless steel finish that matches most modern professional kitchens. In contrast, the DT202BK (as the “BK” suffix suggests) comes in a bold black finish. While both share the “XL Pro” moniker and identical 1800-watt True Surround Convection technology, the DT201 is the more “complete” kitchen tool for those who want to make their own beef jerky or revive leftovers without losing their crispiness.
- TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster, crispier, and juicy results.Cord length (in.): 36..Special Features: Programmable
- 10-IN-1 VERSATILITY: Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Whole Roast, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, Reheat, and Pizza all in one powerful, 1800-watt appliance
- TRUE SURROUND CONVENTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster, crispier, and juicy results
- ULTIMATE VERSATILITY: Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Whole Roast, Broil, Toast, Bagel, and Pizza, all in one powerful 1800-watt appliance
Comparison Table: Ninja DT201 vs. Ninja DT202BK Air Fryer Toaster Oven
| Feature | Ninja Foodi XL Pro (DT201) | Ninja Foodi XL Pro (DT202BK) |
| Cooking Functions | 10-in-1 | 8-in-1 |
| Unique Functions | Dehydrate, Reheat | None |
| Wattage | 1800 Watts | 1800 Watts |
| Color/Finish | Stainless Steel | Black |
| Preheat Time | 90 Seconds | 90 Seconds |
| Capacity | 21 Liters (Fits 12lb Turkey) | 12 Liters (Stated) / XL Frame |
| Display | Digital Display Handle | Digital Display Handle |
| Included Pans | 2 Sheet Pans, 2 Racks, Basket | 2 Sheet Pans, 2 Racks, Basket |
| Buy NOW | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review: My Personal Kitchen Chronicles
Cooking in an XL countertop oven changes the way you think about meal prep; you stop thinking about “side dishes” and start thinking about “levels.”
Design: The Control is in the Handle
The first thing I loved about both of these units is the Digital Display Handle. It is a genius design move. Instead of cluttering the face of the machine with buttons, the controls are built into the door handle. When I selected a function on the DT201, the display actually illuminated the optimal rack positions (Level 1 through 4) for that specific task.
The DT201 has that timeless, high-end appliance look with its stainless steel body. It feels like a piece of professional equipment. The DT202BK, with its black finish, felt a bit more modern and “stealthy” on my counter. It’s worth noting that the black finish on the DT202BK was slightly better at hiding the inevitable grease splatters that come with frequent air frying.
- TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster, crispier, and juicy results.Cord length (in.): 36..Special Features: Programmable
- 10-IN-1 VERSATILITY: Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Whole Roast, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, Reheat, and Pizza all in one powerful, 1800-watt appliance
Ease of Use: 90 Seconds to Go Time
I am notoriously impatient when it comes to preheating a giant wall oven. Both of these Ninja models boast a 90-second preheat, and in my testing, they actually hit temperature in that window.
One “quality of life” feature I noticed on both is that the display settings freeze when you open the door. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve accidentally bumped a button on other ovens while checking my food, only to realize later I’d turned the heat down. Ninja solved that. The racks also slide in and out smoothly, though you do have to be careful with the XL pans; they are a tight fit, which is the price you pay for that massive internal capacity.
- TRUE SURROUND CONVENTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster, crispier, and juicy results
- ULTIMATE VERSATILITY: Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Whole Roast, Broil, Toast, Bagel, and Pizza, all in one powerful 1800-watt appliance
Functions: Do You Really Need to Dehydrate?
This is where the DT201 pulls ahead. I spent a Sunday using the Dehydrate function to make apple chips. It’s a slow process, but the True Surround Convection kept the air moving perfectly, and the results were uniform. The Reheat function is also a sleeper hit; it uses a specific fan speed to warm up pizza without making the crust turn into a brick, which is what usually happens in a standard toaster oven.
The DT202BK handles the “Big Three”—Air Fry, Roast, and Bake—with the exact same power as the 201. If you never plan on making jerky or drying herbs, you aren’t losing any actual cooking performance by going with the 8-in-1 model. Both machines produced the best “Whole Roast” chicken I’ve ever made at home—juicy on the inside with skin that looked like it was from a commercial.
Performance: True Surround Convection
Ninja claims “10X the convection power,” and you can hear it. When the fan kicks in on the Air Fry setting, it sounds like a small jet engine (but in a satisfying, “this is working” kind of way). I cooked two sheet pan meals at once—salmon on the top and asparagus on the bottom. In a traditional oven, the bottom tray usually ends up soggy. Here, the air circulated so well that both levels came out perfectly roasted without me ever having to rotate the pans.
Ninja DT201 (10-in-1) Air Fryer Toaster Oven
- TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster, crispier, and juicy results.Cord length (in.): 36..Special Features: Programmable
- 10-IN-1 VERSATILITY: Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Whole Roast, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, Reheat, and Pizza all in one powerful, 1800-watt appliance
Pros:
- Maximum Versatility: Dehydrate and Reheat functions add significant value for meal preppers.
- Premium Look: Stainless steel finish is durable and matches high-end kitchens.
- Smart Rack Guidance: The handle tells you exactly where to put your food.
- Huge Capacity: Genuinely fits a 12-lb turkey, which is wild for a countertop unit.
Cons:
- Price: Typically costs a bit more for the two extra functions.
- Footprint: It is a large machine; you need to measure your counter depth.
Ninja DT202BK (8-in-1) Air Fryer tOaster Oven
- TRUE SURROUND CONVENTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster, crispier, and juicy results
- ULTIMATE VERSATILITY: Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Whole Roast, Broil, Toast, Bagel, and Pizza, all in one powerful 1800-watt appliance
Pros:
- Sleek Aesthetic: The black finish is great for modern or minimalist kitchen designs.
- Same Core Power: You get the same 1800W convection performance as the top-tier model.
- Simpler Interface: Fewer functions mean a slightly less crowded menu.
- Value: Often found at a better price point for those who don’t need dehydrating.
Cons:
- No Dehydrate: If you want to make healthy dried snacks, you’re out of luck.
- Smaller Stated Capacity: While the frame is similar, some specs list a lower liter capacity than the 201.
The Final Recommendation: Which XL Pro Should You Buy?
Choosing between these two comes down to how much you want your toaster oven to replace your other small appliances.
I recommend the Ninja DT201 if you want the “Final Boss” of toaster ovens. The inclusion of the Dehydrate and Reheat settings makes it a true all-in-one replacement for a standalone air fryer, a dehydrator, and a microwave (for certain foods). It is the more versatile machine for a serious home cook who wants every possible tool at their fingertips.
I recommend the Ninja DT202BK if you want a high-performance roaster and air fryer without the “extra” fluff. If you already have a microwave for reheating and no interest in dehydrating food, the DT202BK gives you that same incredible “True Surround Convection” and XL capacity in a sharp black finish that looks fantastic on a modern countertop.
For my kitchen, the Ninja DT201 is the winner. The ability to properly reheat leftovers so they taste fresh-cooked is a feature I use almost daily, and that alone justifies the “10-in-1” badge.
- TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster, crispier, and juicy results.Cord length (in.): 36..Special Features: Programmable
- 10-IN-1 VERSATILITY: Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Whole Roast, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, Reheat, and Pizza all in one powerful, 1800-watt appliance
- TRUE SURROUND CONVENTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster, crispier, and juicy results
- ULTIMATE VERSATILITY: Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Whole Roast, Broil, Toast, Bagel, and Pizza, all in one powerful 1800-watt appliance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can these ovens really fit a 12-pound turkey?
A: Yes, but it’s a tight squeeze! You’ll need to use the lowest rack position. It’s perfect for a small Thanksgiving gathering or a large Sunday roast.
Q: How loud is the convection fan?
A: It is louder than a standard toaster oven because the fan is much more powerful. It’s comparable to a microwave or a vent hood on a medium setting.
Q: Is the exterior easy to clean?
A: The stainless steel on the DT201 requires a dedicated cleaner to stay streak-free. The black finish on the DT202BK is easier to wipe down with a damp cloth, but it can show dust more easily.
Q: Do I need to flip my food while air frying?
A: Ninja says “no rotating required,” and for the most part, that’s true. However, if you’re packing the air fry basket to the brim with fries, a quick shake halfway through will always yield even better results.
