Ninja SL201 vs SL401 DoubleStack Air Fryer: Which One Truly Earns Its Countertop Space?

Kitchen appliances rarely surprise me anymore, but the first time I unboxed Ninja’s DoubleStack air fryer, it genuinely felt like a rethink of the typical dual-basket design. Instead of spreading outward and eating up counter space, Ninja stacked the baskets vertically. After spending real time cooking full meals with both the Ninja SL201 DoubleStack Air Fryer and the Ninja SL401 DoubleStack XL, the differences became very clear.

This comparison is not based on spec sheets alone. I’ve cooked weeknight dinners, weekend snacks, and even full family-style meals with both models. Below is my honest, hands-on take to help you decide which DoubleStack air fryer actually fits your cooking habits.

Key Difference Between Ninja SL201 vs SL401 DoubleStack Air Fryer

The core difference comes down to capacity and scale. The Ninja SL201 is built for small to medium households, offering an 8-quart capacity that comfortably feeds up to six people. The Ninja SL401, on the other hand, is clearly designed for larger families or frequent entertaining, with a 10-quart XL capacity that can handle two whole chickens at once.

Both share the same DoubleStack concept, cooking technology, and features. The SL401 simply gives you more room and flexibility without changing the learning curve.

Ninja SL201 vs SL401 Comparison Table

Feature	Ninja SL201	Ninja SL401
Total Capacity	8 Quarts	10 Quarts (XL)
Basket Configuration	Two 4-qt baskets	Two XL stacked baskets
Feeds	Up to 6 people	Up to 8 people
Whole Chicken Capacity	Wings, portions	Two 5-lb whole chickens
Cooking Functions	6-in-1	6-in-1
Smart Finish & Match Cook	Yes	Yes
Stacked Meal Racks	Included	Included
Countertop Footprint	Compact	Slightly wider
Dishwasher-Safe Parts	Yes	Yes
Best For	Small to medium families	Large families, hosting
Check Latest Price & Deals	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

Detailed Comparative Review (First-Person Experience)

Design and Countertop Fit

The vertical stacking is not a gimmick. In daily use, both models take up noticeably less horizontal space than traditional dual-basket air fryers. I could place either one under my cabinets without rearranging the kitchen.

The SL201 feels slightly more compact and visually lighter on the counter. The SL401 is wider and taller, but still far slimmer than most 10-quart air fryers. If counter space is tight, the SL201 blends in more easily. If space is available, the SL401 doesn’t feel oversized at all.

Capacity and Meal Flexibility

This is where the difference becomes practical, not theoretical.

With the SL201, I could easily cook:

• 4 lbs of chicken wings
• Salmon fillets and roasted vegetables simultaneously
• Two different snacks at once using stacked racks

The SL401, however, changes how you plan meals. Cooking two full chickens at the same time is not something most air fryers can handle. For holidays, game nights, or batch cooking, the extra space becomes a genuine advantage rather than a luxury.

If you often cook for more than six people, the SL401 saves time by eliminating second cooking rounds.

Cooking Performance and Crisping

Both models cook identically in terms of performance. The air circulation is strong, even on both levels when using stacked racks. Foods on the upper rack crisp just as evenly as those below, which surprised me.

I tested wings, fries, vegetables, and even baked items. Results were consistent:

• Crispy exteriors
• Moist interiors
• No uneven browning

The DoubleStack airflow genuinely surrounds the food rather than blasting it from one direction.

Ease of Use and Controls

Daily usability is excellent on both models. The controls are intuitive, with no learning curve if you’ve used a Ninja air fryer before.

The Smart Finish feature is particularly useful. Cooking chicken in one basket and vegetables in the other, finishing at the same time, quickly becomes something you rely on. Match Cook is equally valuable when cooking large batches of the same food.

Switching between functions is straightforward, and temperature control is precise enough for baking and roasting, not just air frying.

Cooking Functions and Versatility

Both the SL201 and SL401 offer:

• Air Fry
• Air Broil
• Roast
• Bake
• Reheat
• Dehydrate

I found myself using Roast and Bake more than expected. From casseroles to reheated pizza, these air fryers are more flexible than many full-size countertop ovens.

The SL401’s extra space simply allows you to do more of these tasks at once.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning is refreshingly simple. The baskets and crisper plates are dishwasher safe, and food residue rarely sticks thanks to the nonstick coating.

Because the food is stacked vertically, grease splatter is more contained than on wide, side-by-side air fryers. Maintenance on both models is equally easy.

Ninja SL201 DoubleStack Air Fryer

Pros:

• Compact, space-saving design
• Ideal size for most households
• Excellent cooking performance
• Easy cleaning and maintenance

Cons:

• Limited for large gatherings
• Not ideal for cooking whole chickens

Ninja SL401 DoubleStack XL Air Fryer 

Pros:

• XL capacity for big meals
• Handles whole chickens effortlessly
• Same compact footprint relative to size
• Excellent for meal prep and entertaining

Cons:

• Slightly larger countertop presence
• More capacity than some households need

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Is the Ninja SL401 worth it over the SL201?

If you regularly cook for more than six people or host gatherings, yes. Otherwise, the SL201 already delivers excellent performance.

2. Do both models cook food at the same speed?

Yes. Cooking speed and crisping performance are nearly identical. The difference lies only in capacity.

3. Can I cook four foods at once in both models?

Yes. Both support stacked meal racks, allowing four different foods to cook simultaneously with even airflow.

Conclusion and My Recommendation:

After extensive use, the choice is clear based on household size. The Ninja SL201 DoubleStack Air Fryer is perfect for everyday cooking, offering exceptional performance in a compact footprint. It fits naturally into most kitchens and handles nearly every meal without compromise.

The Ninja SL401 DoubleStack XL, however, is the better investment for large families or anyone who cooks in bulk. The added capacity genuinely changes how often you can cook everything in one go.

My recommendation:

• Choose the SL201 if you cook for up to six people regularly.
• Choose the SL401 if you want maximum flexibility and rarely want to cook in batches.