Ninja sp101 vs sp201: 8 Key Differences -

When I first tried the Ninja SP101, I was impressed by how quickly it cooked and how much counter space it saved. But after using the Ninja SP201, I started to see the extra benefits of its larger cooking area and higher heat options.

At first glance, both ovens look similar—they share the same sleek silver design, flip-up storage feature, and digital controls. But when you actually use them day to day, you’ll notice differences that could really affect how you cook. Based on my personal use of both models, here’s a simple breakdown to help you decide which one fits your kitchen and lifestyle best.

Winner Purchase Link: Ninja SP201 Digital Air Fry Pro on Amazon

Ninja SP101 Review

What I Like:

Compact design that flips up to save space
Toasts, air fries, and bakes really fast
Perfect for quick meals and snacks
Preheats in 60 seconds
Lower price compared to SP201

What I Don’t Like:

Smaller cooking space—can’t fit a full-size pizza
Only goes up to 450°F
No built-in temperature probe or higher-heat settings

The Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven SP101 is great if you want something slim, speedy, and space-saving. I used it to make toast, air fry chicken tenders, and even bake cookies. It heats up super fast, and everything cooks evenly.

The best part? After you’re done, you can flip it up against the wall to clear counter space. However, it’s not ideal for large families or big meals. You won’t be able to cook a whole chicken or use taller baking dishes. If you mostly cook for one or two people, though, this oven is a winner.

Type: Digital Air Fry Oven | Temperature Range: Up to 450°F | Functions: Toast, Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate, Keep Warm | Flip-Up Design: Yes | Ideal For: Small kitchens, fast meals, light baking

Ninja SP201 Review

What I Like:

Larger cooking space—fits a 13″ pizza or 6 chicken breasts
Reaches 500°F for better searing and roasting
Easy to use with more powerful cooking functions
Better for families or meal prepping
Still has a flip-up design to save counter space

What I Don’t Like:

Takes up more space when in use
Slightly heavier and more expensive
Slower preheat compared to SP101

The Ninja Foodi Digital Pro Air Fry Oven SP201 gives you more room and more power. I cooked a full tray of roasted veggies and seared steak in this oven, and it came out beautifully caramelised.

The temperature goes up to 500°F, which is perfect if you like a nice crisp finish or want to cook meat properly. It still flips up for storage like the SP101, but it does take more space on your counter when it’s in use.

If you cook often or need to prep larger portions, this is the better choice. The controls are simple, and the added heat settings really open up more cooking possibilities.

Type: Digital Pro Air Fry Oven | Temperature Range: Up to 500°F |
Functions: Toast, Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Reheat, Bagel, Roast, Keep Warm | Flip-Up Design: Yes | Ideal For: Bigger meals, families, high-heat cooking

Ninja SP101 vs SP201: Detailed Comparison

Both the Ninja SP101 and Ninja SP201 are part of Ninja’s Foodi digital air fry oven lineup. They share a similar flip-up design, multiple cooking functions, and a stainless-steel finish—but they are made for slightly different needs. While the SP101 is compact and perfect for fast meals in small kitchens, the SP201 adds more cooking space and higher temperature settings for added flexibility.

Here’s a detailed side-by-side comparison based on my experience with both ovens:

Design & Kitchen Fit

Ninja SP101
Sleek, minimal, and designed for smaller kitchens. The flip-up feature really helps save space, and it doesn’t overwhelm your counter. on the other hand

Ninja SP201
Also has a flip-up design, but it’s taller and a little bulkier. Still very space-efficient, just not quite as compact as the SP101. Looks more modern and sturdier.

Cooking Functions & Versatility

Ninja SP101
This oven offers 8 cooking functions: Air Fry, Air Roast, Air Broil, Bake, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, and Keep Warm. It’s a good selection for everyday cooking tasks like toasting bread, reheating leftovers, or air frying snacks. But it lacks advanced options like roasting at high temperatures.

In contrast, The SP201 takes it a step further with 10 functions. It includes all the features of the SP101, plus reheat and rapid bake modes. The extra functions and the ability to reach 500°F make it better for roasting meats, baking pizzas, and preparing larger or more complex meals.

Size & Cooking Capacity

The SP101 has a more compact build, which is great for tight counter spaces. It can fit up to 6 slices of toast or a 13″ pizza, but it’s a tight squeeze. It’s ideal for cooking small batches or for individuals and couples.

Ninja SP201
With a taller interior and larger tray, the SP201 fits more food. You can roast a full tray of vegetables, cook up to 6 chicken breasts, or fit bulkier dishes. If you cook for a family or like meal prepping, the added space really helps.

Heat Power & Temperature Range

The SP101 tops out at 450°F. This is enough for most baking and air frying needs but not ideal for high-heat searing or quick broiling. It also preheats quickly—in just about 60 seconds.on the other hand.
The SP201 goes up to 500°F, making it better for searing meats or getting crispy finishes on foods like pizza and roasted veggies. It takes slightly longer to preheat, but the higher heat expands your cooking options.

Build & Design

Ninja SP101
This oven is slim, lightweight, and has a space-saving flip-up feature. It’s easy to move and fits nicely in smaller kitchens. However, the tray and height are more limited, and the build feels a little lighter.

The SP201 is a bit bulkier and heavier, but in a good way—it feels sturdier and more solid. It also flips up for storage like the SP101, but it needs more counter depth when in use. Overall, it looks and feels more premium.

Ease of Cleaning

Ninja SP101
The crumb tray pulls out easily from the front, and the wire rack and sheet pan are simple to wipe clean. But because the oven is smaller, it can be a little trickier to clean inside if food splatters. On the other hand,
Cleaning the SP201 is just as easy, but the added space inside makes it more convenient to wipe down after cooking. The accessories are dishwasher safe, and the larger tray catches more drips and crumbs.

Performance in Daily Use

Ninja SP101
Great for quick meals like toast, reheating pizza, or making crispy fries. The fast preheat and compact size make it super convenient. But if you’re cooking full meals often, it might feel limiting over time.

Ninja SP201
Feels more like a full-sized oven in a compact body. You can do more in it—roast vegetables, bake casseroles, or prepare multiple items at once. It’s more versatile and performs better with larger meals.

Price & Value

Ninja SP101
It’s the more affordable option, perfect for people who want air frying and basic oven features without spending too much. Best suited for singles, couples, or light users.

Ninja SP201
Costs a bit more but offers better cooking power, more functions, and greater space. If you cook often or for more people, it’s worth the extra investment.

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Final Verdict

So, finally, My recommendation? Go with the Ninja SP201 Digital Air Fry Pro

If you need more cooking space, higher temperature settings, and extra versatility for family meals or batch cooking, the Ninja SP201 Digital Air Fry Pro Countertop 8-in-1 Oven is the better pick. Its Smart Cook System and wider range of functions give you more control whether you’re air frying, baking, or reheating.

But if you’re short on space and mostly cook smaller portions or quick snacks, the Ninja SP101 Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven is still a great compact choice that heats up fast and gets the job done efficiently.

See the full comparison in our video below.