If you’re looking for a compact yet powerful countertop oven, Ninja has some of the best options on the market. Two of their most popular models—the Ninja SP101 Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven and the Ninja SP201 Digital Air Fry Pro Countertop Oven—offer a versatile 8-in-1 cooking experience. Both can air fry, roast, bake, broil, toast, dehydrate, and more, making them excellent all-in-one kitchen appliances.
At first glance, these two models seem almost identical. They share the same sleek stainless-steel design, powerful 1800-watt heating system, and Digital Crisp Control Technology for precise temperature control. But there’s one key difference: the SP201 has an extended height, allowing it to accommodate larger meals like a 2-pound roast—something the SP101 struggles with.
So, which one is the better buy? That depends on what you need. If you have limited counter space and want a compact air fryer oven, the SP101 might be the smarter choice. But if you frequently cook larger meals and need extra height, the SP201 could be worth the upgrade.
In this detailed comparison, I’ll break down everything you need to know—from design and performance to ease of use and value for money—so you can decide which model fits your kitchen best. Let’s dive in!
Quick Comparison Table – Ninja SP101 vs SP201
Choosing between the Ninja SP101 and Ninja SP201 comes down to size, capacity, and what you plan to cook. Both models share the same 8-in-1 functionality, 1800-watt power, and Digital Crisp Control Technology, but the SP201 offers extra height for larger meals. Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | Ninja SP101 | Ninja SP201 |
| Functions | 8-in-1: Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, Keep Warm | 8-in-1: Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, Keep Warm |
| Capacity | Fits a 13” pizza, 6 chicken breasts, or 9 slices of toast | Fits a 13” pizza, 4 lbs of ingredients, or 9 slices of toast |
| Height | Standard (approx. 3” interior height) | Extended height (fits a 2-lb roast) |
| Cooking Speed | 60% faster than a traditional oven | 60% faster than a traditional oven |
| Flip-up Storage | Yes (50% less space when flipped up) | Yes (45% less space when flipped up) |
| Power & Wattage | 1800W | 1800W |
| Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Weight | 18.56 lbs | 21.1 lbs |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 19.72” x 14.96” x 7.56” | 20.21” x 15.33” x 8.15” |
| Control Type | Knobs & Digital Display | Knobs & Digital Display |
| Price | Generally lower | Slightly higher |
| Best For | Small kitchens, light meals, limited counter space | Larger meals, taller foods like roasts and whole chickens |
If you need a space-saving, budget-friendly countertop oven, the SP101 is a solid choice. But if you often cook larger meals and want extra height, the SP201 is the better investment. Now, let’s take a closer look at each model in detail.
In-Depth Review – My Honest Experience with Ninja SP101 & SP201
After using both the Ninja SP101 and Ninja SP201, I can confidently say that they deliver on performance. But the experience with each one is different, mainly due to size and cooking capacity. While both ovens offer fast cooking, crisp results, and versatile functions, the SP201 provides extra space that can make a huge difference depending on what you cook.
Let’s break down my experience with each model, starting with the more compact SP101 before moving on to the larger SP201.
Ninja SP101 Review – Compact & Versatile for Small Kitchens
The Ninja SP101 is one of the most space-efficient air fryer ovens I’ve used. Right out of the box, it has a sleek stainless-steel finish, and despite its relatively low height, it doesn’t feel flimsy. At just 7.56 inches tall, it fits easily under most cabinets, and the flip-up storage feature is a game changer if you have limited counter space.
Design & Build Quality
The SP101’s compact design makes it perfect for smaller kitchens, apartments, or anyone who doesn’t want a bulky appliance sitting out all the time. It flips up vertically when not in use, reclaiming 50% of counter space, which is one of its biggest advantages over traditional toaster ovens.
The stainless steel exterior gives it a premium look, and the digital controls with knob adjustments make it easy to set precise temperatures and cooking times. However, the interior height is just about 3 inches, which means taller foods like whole chickens or roasts won’t fit.
Performance & Cooking Results
For everyday meals, the SP101 handles most tasks well. I tested it with air frying, baking, and toasting, and the results were consistently impressive.
- Air Frying: The Air Fry function crisps food beautifully while using up to 75% less fat than deep frying. Frozen fries and chicken wings came out golden brown and crispy in less than 15 minutes.
- Baking & Roasting: The oven preheats in just 60 seconds and bakes evenly. A 13-inch pizza fit perfectly, and chicken breasts cooked through in about 20 minutes.
- Toasting & Bagels: It fits up to 9 slices of bread, and the toast darkness selector lets you get the exact crispness you want.
Ease of Use & Cleaning
The SP101 is straightforward to use, thanks to its simple knob-based controls and digital display. There’s no complicated programming—just turn the dial to select the function and adjust the temperature.
Cleaning is also easy. The crumb tray is removable, and the back panel opens up for deep cleaning. However, the low interior height means you have to be careful when removing food, as it’s easy to touch the heating elements.
Who Should Buy the Ninja SP101?
The SP101 is ideal for smaller households, couples, or anyone who needs a compact, space-saving appliance. It’s also great for those who primarily cook thin foods like pizza, toast, or air-fried snacks. However, if you frequently roast whole meats or need more capacity, the SP201 might be the better option.
Ninja SP201 Review – Extra Space for Bigger Meals
If you loved everything about the SP101 but wished it had more room, the Ninja SP201 is the solution. It’s essentially an upgraded version with increased height, which makes a significant difference when cooking larger meals.
Design & Build Quality
At first glance, the SP201 looks very similar to the SP101—same stainless-steel finish, same flip-up storage design. But the moment you open the door, you notice the difference: it’s taller. The extra height allows it to fit a 2-pound roast, which is something the SP101 simply can’t do.
While it’s slightly larger overall (8.15 inches tall compared to 7.56 inches on the SP101), it still flips up to save 45% of counter space. It’s not quite as compact, but the added cooking flexibility makes up for it.
Performance & Cooking Results
Since the SP201 has the same 1800-watt power and Digital Crisp Control Technology, I expected it to perform just as well as the SP101—and it did. But the increased height opened up more cooking possibilities.
- Air Frying: Just like the SP101, it produces crispy, golden-brown fries, chicken wings, and veggies with less oil.
- Baking & Roasting: The extra space means you can roast a full 2-pound chicken or bake a taller casserole dish—something the SP101 can’t accommodate.
- Toasting & Bagels: Works just as well as the SP101, with the toast darkness selector ensuring consistent results.
Ease of Use & Cleaning
The SP201 is just as easy to use as the SP101. The knob-based controls with a digital display are intuitive, and the preheat time is still just 60 seconds.
Cleaning is slightly easier, since the extra height makes it less cramped inside. Like the SP101, it has a removable crumb tray and an accessible back panel for deep cleaning.
Who Should Buy the Ninja SP201?
If you love the SP101 but need more height, the SP201 is worth the upgrade. It’s perfect for families or anyone who cooks larger meals like roasts, whole chickens, or big casseroles. While it takes up slightly more space, it’s still a compact, flip-up design, making it a great fit for most kitchens.
Pros & Cons – Ninja SP101 vs SP201
No kitchen appliance is perfect, and both the Ninja SP101 and Ninja SP201 have their strengths and weaknesses. Below, I’ll break down the pros and cons of each model based on my experience, so you can decide which one suits your needs best.
Ninja SP101 – Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Compact & Space-Saving – The flip-up design saves 50% of counter space, making it ideal for small kitchens.
- Fast & Efficient – Cooks up to 60% faster than a traditional oven, with a 60-second preheat time.
- 8-in-1 Functionality – Covers essential cooking needs: Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Bake, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, and Keep Warm.
- Crispy Results with Less Oil – Air fries with up to 75% less fat, making healthier meals without sacrificing texture.
- Affordable – Generally costs less than the SP201, making it a great budget-friendly option.
Cons:
- Limited Interior Height – With only about 3 inches of height, it can’t accommodate bulkier foods like whole chickens or large roasts.
- Tighter Cooking Space – While it fits a 13-inch pizza or 9 slices of toast, it feels cramped when handling larger dishes.
- More Careful Handling Required – The heating elements sit relatively close to the food, which means you need to be cautious when removing trays.
Ninja SP201 – Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Increased Cooking Height – The taller design allows for roasting a full 2-pound chicken or larger cuts of meat, making it more versatile.
- Larger Cooking Capacity – Fits more food at once, making it ideal for family-sized meals or bulk cooking.
- Same Fast Preheat & Cooking Speed – Like the SP101, it preheats in 60 seconds and cooks 60% faster than a conventional oven.
- 8-in-1 Cooking Functions – Includes Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Bake, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, and Keep Warm, just like the SP101.
- Easier Food Handling – The extra space inside means less risk of touching the heating elements when retrieving food.
Cons:
- Slightly Larger Footprint – While it still flips up for storage, it takes up more space compared to the SP101.
- Higher Price – Costs more than the SP101, which might not be justified if you don’t need the extra height.
- Same 8 Cooking Functions – Despite being a larger model, it doesn’t add any new features beyond increased space.
Side-by-Side Comparison – Which One Wins?
Now that we’ve gone over my personal experience with both the Ninja SP101 and Ninja SP201, it’s time to break them down head-to-head. While both models share similar technology, functions, and power, their differences in size, cooking capacity, and overall convenience will determine which one is better suited for your needs.
Design & Build Quality
At first glance, the Ninja SP101 and SP201 look nearly identical. Both have a modern stainless-steel exterior that looks sleek and fits well in most kitchens. The control panels are similar, featuring digital displays with knobs for easy adjustments. The biggest design difference? Height and internal capacity.
- The SP101 is more compact, measuring 7.56 inches in height, while the SP201 is slightly taller at 8.15 inches. This extra space makes a difference when cooking bulkier foods.
- Both models have the flip-up & away storage feature, but the SP101 reclaims 50% of counter space, while the SP201 reclaims 45%—a small but notable difference.
Verdict: If counter space is your main concern, the SP101 wins because it’s slightly more compact when flipped up. But if you need more cooking height, the SP201 is the better option without taking up too much extra room.
Performance & Cooking Capabilities
Both the Ninja SP101 and SP201 have 1800 watts of power and use Digital Crisp Control Technology, ensuring precise temperature control, efficient heating, and excellent crisping performance. The difference mainly comes down to cooking capacity.
- Air Frying: Both models deliver crispy results with up to 75% less fat than deep frying. The SP101 and SP201 performed equally well with fries, chicken wings, and roasted vegetables.
- Baking & Roasting: Here’s where the SP201 pulls ahead—its taller design lets you roast a full 2-lb chicken or a large cut of meat. The SP101’s lower height (about 3 inches) limits the types of dishes you can cook.
- Toasting & Bagels: Both models toast up to 9 slices of bread at once, and the toast darkness selector ensures even browning. Performance here is identical.
- Preheat & Cooking Speed: Both models preheat in 60 seconds and cook up to 60% faster than a traditional oven. No real difference in cooking speed.
Verdict: If you’re cooking larger meals like roasts or casseroles, the SP201 is the winner thanks to its increased height. But for everyday tasks like toasting, air frying, and baking pizzas, the SP101 performs just as well.
Ease of Use & Cleaning
Both the Ninja SP101 and SP201 are easy to use, featuring straightforward knob-based controls with a digital display. Setting cooking functions, adjusting temperatures, and monitoring cooking progress are intuitive on both.
- SP101 feels more compact but also a bit cramped inside. If you’re trying to remove food, you need to be careful not to touch the heating elements, as they sit fairly low.
- SP201’s extra height makes maneuvering food easier, especially for larger dishes. It’s less likely you’ll burn your hand while taking out a tray of roasted chicken or vegetables.
Cleaning is also similar for both models:
- Removable crumb trays make getting rid of crumbs and grease drippings easy.
- The back panels open for deep cleaning, which is a huge plus compared to other air fryer ovens.
- Nonstick accessories (like the air fry basket and sheet pan) are easy to wipe down.
Verdict: If you prefer more space to work with inside the oven, the SP201 wins. But in terms of ease of cleaning, both models are evenly matched.
Price & Value for Money
When it comes to price, the SP101 is typically more affordable than the SP201, making it a better budget option.
- The SP101 offers fantastic value if you don’t need extra height. It still has the same 8-in-1 functions, fast preheating, and compact storage.
- The SP201 costs slightly more but justifies the price increase with its larger cooking capacity. If you cook a lot of roasts, whole chickens, or need more space, it’s worth the investment.
Verdict: If budget is a priority, the SP101 offers better value. But if you want more versatility for larger meals, the SP201 is worth the extra cost.
If you’re considering the Ninja SP101 or SP201 but want even more features, you might be wondering how they compare to other models. Check out our detailed comparison of Ninja SP301 vs SP351 to see how these advanced models stack up in terms of performance, capacity, and smart features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When choosing between the Ninja SP101 and Ninja SP201, a few common questions come up. Below are the answers to help you make an informed decision.
Do both models flip up for storage?
Yes, both the SP101 and SP201 have a flip-up and away design, allowing them to be stored vertically against the backsplash when not in use. However, the SP201 is slightly taller, so it may require more clearance under cabinets.
Can I cook a whole chicken in these ovens?
The SP201 can accommodate a small whole chicken or a full 2-pound roast due to its increased height. The SP101, with its limited 3-inch interior height, is better suited for smaller cuts of meat, fillets, and thinner dishes.
Do they both have the same cooking functions?
Yes, both models offer 8 cooking functions: Air Fry, Air Roast, Air Broil, Bake, Bagel, Toast, Dehydrate, and Keep Warm. They share the same Digital Crisp Control Technology for precise temperature control and even cooking.
Which model is better for small kitchens?
The Ninja SP101 is the better choice for smaller kitchens because of its more compact design and space-saving flip-up feature, which reclaims 50% of counter space when stored vertically. The SP201 takes up more space, but it offers extra cooking capacity.
Which model is more budget-friendly?
The Ninja SP101 is the more affordable option, making it ideal for those looking for a versatile air fry oven at a lower price point. The SP201 is slightly more expensive due to its increased size and capacity, but it may be worth it for those who need extra space.
You May Also Read: Cosori vs Ninja Air Fryer – Which One Should You Buy?
Final Verdict – Which One Should You Buy?
After testing both the Ninja SP101 and Ninja SP201, I can confidently say that both are excellent countertop ovens, but they serve slightly different needs. Choosing the right one depends on your kitchen space, cooking habits, and budget.
Go for the Ninja SP101 if:
- You have limited counter space and need a compact, space-saving appliance.
- You’re looking for a budget-friendly option without sacrificing cooking versatility.
- You primarily cook smaller meals like pizza, toast, or air-fried snacks.
- You want a fast, efficient oven for everyday use with an easy flip-up storage design.
Choose the Ninja SP201 if:
- You often cook larger meals and need the extra interior height to accommodate bigger items.
- You want more capacity for family-sized portions without upgrading to a full-size oven.
- You don’t mind the slightly larger footprint in exchange for increased versatility.
- You’re willing to spend a little extra for additional cooking space and easier food handling.
My Honest Take
If you have a small kitchen or just need a secondary oven for quick meals, the SP101 is a fantastic pick. It’s efficient, powerful, and doesn’t take up too much space. However, if you regularly cook larger dishes and need more flexibility, the SP201 is worth the upgrade.Either way, both models deliver on performance, speed, and convenience—so whichever one you choose, you’re getting a solid air fry oven that can handle a variety of cooking tasks with ease.
