Ninja SP151 vs SP201 Toaster Oven Air Fryer – My Real-World Kitchen Comparison

Counter space is a luxury in most kitchens, and I learned that the hard way after testing multiple countertop ovens side by side. The idea of an appliance that can air fry, toast, bake, roast, and then disappear against the backsplash sounded almost too good to be practical. That curiosity is what led me to spend serious time cooking with both the Ninja SP151 Flip Toaster Oven Air Fryer and the Ninja SP201 Digital Air Fry Pro Oven.

On paper, they look similar. Same wattage, same flip-up storage concept, and both promise fast, crispy results with less fat. In actual daily use, however, they feel like appliances designed for slightly different households. This comparison reflects how they performed in my kitchen, across weeknight meals, quick breakfasts, and larger family-style cooking.

Main Differences Between Ninja SP151 vs SP201 Toaster Oven Air Fryer

The most noticeable difference shows up almost immediately once you start cooking.

• The SP151 emphasizes compact efficiency with strong performance in a smaller footprint.
• The SP201 prioritizes capacity and precision, offering more vertical space, larger toast capacity, and digital crisp control.

Both flip up for storage, but how much they cook and how they cook it is where the real separation happens.

Ninja SP151 vs SP201 Comparison Table

Feature	Ninja SP151	Ninja SP201
Wattage	1800 watts	1800 watts
Cooking Functions	8-in-1	8-in-1
Capacity	Up to 4 lbs, 12″ pizza	Up to 4 lbs, 13″ pizza
Toast Capacity	Up to 6 slices	Up to 9 slices
Height Clearance	Standard	Extended height
Control Type	Dial + preset	Digital Crisp Control
Flip-Up Storage	50% space saving	45% space saving
Best For	Smaller kitchens, daily meals	Families, batch cooking
Weight	Lighter	Heavier (21.1 lbs)
Check Latest Price & Deals	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

Detailed Comparative Review (Hands-On Experience)

Design and Build Quality

Physically, both ovens feel solid and well-made, but they give off different impressions.

The SP151 looks slimmer and slightly more refined. Its stainless steel finish blends well into most kitchens, and the flip-up mechanism feels smooth and sturdy. I found myself flipping it up daily without hesitation.

The SP201, on the other hand, feels more robust. The added height is immediately noticeable. This extra vertical clearance matters more than I initially expected, especially when roasting thicker cuts of meat or reheating layered dishes.

Verdict:
SP151 feels sleeker and lighter.
SP201 feels more powerful and accommodating.

Ease of Use and Controls

This is where user preference plays a big role.

The SP151 relies on manual controls and preset modes. It is straightforward, intuitive, and easy to operate without looking at a manual. For quick tasks like toasting, air frying fries, or reheating leftovers, it feels effortless.

The SP201 introduces Digital Crisp Control Technology, which gives you more precise control over temperature, airflow, and heat source. It takes a little longer to get used to, but once dialed in, results are consistently excellent.

Verdict:
SP151 is faster to learn.
SP201 offers more control once mastered.

Cooking Performance and Speed

Both ovens are fast, but they excel in slightly different ways.

The SP151 shines with everyday foods. Chicken breasts, frozen snacks, toast, and pizza all cook evenly thanks to Ninja’s OvenCrisp Technology. The infrared heating combined with rapid air circulation produces crisp edges without drying out food.

The SP201 takes performance up a notch. It heats up faster and handles larger portions better. Roasting a 2-pound cut of meat felt more controlled, with even browning and consistent internal temperature.

Verdict:
SP151 is ideal for routine meals.
SP201 performs better with larger or thicker foods.

Capacity and Practical Cooking

Capacity is the deciding factor for many buyers.

The SP151 easily handles meals for one to three people. A 12-inch pizza, six slices of toast, or a full tray of chicken breasts fit comfortably.

The SP201 clearly targets families. Toasting nine slices at once and fitting a 13-inch pizza makes it better suited for group meals. The added height also prevents overcrowding, which improves airflow and crisping.

Verdict:
SP151 is perfect for smaller households.
SP201 is better for families and batch cooking.

Energy Efficiency and Heat Management

Both models are significantly more energy-efficient than a traditional oven.

The SP151 claims up to 80% better efficiency, and in my use, it rarely felt wasteful or overly hot. It is ideal for quick meals without heating up the kitchen.

The SP201, despite being larger, remains efficient and cooks up to 60% faster than a full-size oven. Even with longer roasting sessions, heat remained well-contained.

Verdict:
Both are energy efficient, with SP151 slightly better for short tasks.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning is straightforward with both models.

Each includes a removable crumb tray, wire rack, air fry basket, and sheet pan. The SP201’s larger interior requires a bit more wiping, but nothing difficult or time-consuming.

Verdict:
Both are easy to maintain, with no meaningful difference.

Ninja SP151 Flip Toaster Oven Air Fryer

Pros:

• Compact footprint with flip-up storage
• Fast and energy-efficient
• Simple controls
• Excellent for daily cooking
• Strong air frying performance

Cons:

• Smaller toast and pizza capacity
• Less vertical clearance
• Fewer precision control options

Ninja SP201 Digital Air Fryer Pro / Toaster Oven

Pros:

• XL capacity and increased height
• Digital Crisp Control Technology
• Toasts up to 9 slices
• Better for family-sized meals
• Faster preheating

Cons:

• Heavier and bulkier
• Slightly steeper learning curve
• Takes marginally more counter depth when in use

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does the Ninja SP201 cook faster than the SP151?

Yes. The SP201 can cook up to 60% faster than a traditional oven and slightly faster than the SP151 for larger meals.

Do both models flip up for storage?

Yes. Both ovens feature Ninja’s flip-up-and-away design, though the SP151 saves slightly more counter space.

Can both toaster ovens air fry?

Yes. Both models air fry with up to 75% less fat compared to traditional deep frying.

Which model is better for pizza?

The SP201 fits a larger 13-inch pizza, while the SP151 fits up to a 12-inch pizza.

Are accessories interchangeable?

Yes. Both include air fry baskets, wire racks, sheet pans, and crumb trays, though sizing differs slightly.

Final Verdict and My Recommendation:

After using both ovens extensively, the decision comes down to how and for whom you cook.

If your priority is saving space, cooking efficiently, and handling everyday meals without complexity, the Ninja SP151 is the smarter choice. It feels designed for modern kitchens where convenience matters most.

If you cook for multiple people, entertain often, or want greater control and capacity, the Ninja SP201 is worth the extra size and weight. The added height and digital precision noticeably improve versatility.

My personal recommendation:
For solo use or couples, I would choose the SP151.
For families or heavy use, the SP201 delivers better long-term value.