Ninja DZ201 Foodi DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer review for versatile cooking

Description

An Innovative Twist on Air Frying: My Experience with the Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer

The Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer has been an exciting addition to my kitchen setup. With its dual basket design and 6-in-1 functionality, I was eager to see how it could handle the demands of daily cooking. I tested its features extensively, from air frying to dehydration, and found myself both impressed and occasionally frustrated. Here’s my experience with this versatile gadget.

Design and Build Quality

I immediately noticed the sleek grey finish and sturdy stainless steel build of this air fryer. It’s not just aesthetically pleasing but also feels durable. At 13.86″ D x 15.63″ W x 12.4″ H, it’s a bit bulky, which means you’ll need sufficient counter space to accommodate it. The dual baskets, each with a 4-quart capacity, are a game-changer for multitasking in the kitchen. Whether it’s chicken wings in one basket and roasted veggies in the other, the separate heating zones make simultaneous cooking a breeze.

The touch controls are intuitive and responsive, and the digital display is bright and easy to read. I appreciated the inclusion of two nonstick crisper plates, which made cleanup a lot easier, though I did notice that the plates could scratch if you’re not careful with utensils.

Key Benefits

• DualZone Technology: The feature that sets this air fryer apart is its ability to cook two items at once using different settings. The Smart Finish ensures both foods are ready simultaneously, while Match Cook allows you to duplicate settings across baskets for larger batches.
• Versatility with 6-in-1 Functions: From air frying to baking, broiling, and even dehydrating, this air fryer can handle a variety of cooking tasks. I tried making crispy French fries, juicy chicken breasts, and even dried apple slices, and the results were consistently satisfying.
• XL Capacity: The 8-quart capacity is perfect for families or meal preppers. I managed to cook a generous portion of fries (up to 4 lbs.) in one go, which was a huge time-saver.
• Healthier Cooking: If you’re looking to cut down on oil, this air fryer promises up to 75% less fat compared to traditional frying methods. My fries were crisp and golden, without the greasiness.

Areas of Concern

Despite its many strengths, there are a few drawbacks worth mentioning:

• Size and Bulkiness: While the large capacity is a plus, the overall size can be cumbersome in smaller kitchens.
• Noise Levels: The air fryer is quite loud during operation, which can be bothersome, especially in open kitchen spaces.
• Nonstick Coating: Although the baskets are dishwasher-safe, the nonstick coating feels delicate. I found a slight peel after a few uses, which was disappointing.

Performance and Ease of Use

Cooking with this appliance was generally a smooth experience. The temperature range of 105°F to 450°F offers flexibility, whether you’re gently dehydrating fruits or quickly crisping up chicken wings. The programmable settings make it easy to save your preferences for frequently cooked dishes.

I loved how the Match Cook function simplified cooking larger portions. For a family dinner, I duplicated the settings across both baskets to cook an entire batch of chicken nuggets, and everything came out uniformly cooked. The Smart Finish also worked wonders when I prepared salmon in one basket and asparagus in the other. Both were ready at the same time, saving me from running back and forth to check on the progress.

Competing Brands

Comparing the Ninja DZ201 to other air fryers like the Cosori Dual Blaze or Philips Premium Airfryer XXL, its dual basket design is still a standout feature. The Cosori model offers a slightly more compact design but lacks the ability to cook two dishes simultaneously. On the other hand, the Philips Airfryer boasts exceptional cooking performance but comes with a heftier price tag and a single basket.

Where this air fryer excels is in its multitasking abilities and family-friendly capacity. However, it lags behind some competitors in terms of quiet operation and compact design. If you prioritize versatility and the ability to cook two different dishes at once, this product is hard to beat.

Value for Money

When it comes to bang for the buck, this air fryer delivers a solid performance. The dual basket design, combined with its 6-in-1 functionality, makes it a versatile tool that can replace multiple small appliances. While the price point is slightly higher than single-basket air fryers, the added convenience and time-saving features make it worth the investment.

The energy efficiency also deserves a mention. Unlike an oven, which can take a long time to preheat, this air fryer gets to the desired temperature in mere minutes, helping to save on electricity bills.

Who Should Buy This Air Fryer?

This air fryer is ideal for busy families, meal preppers, and anyone looking to switch to healthier cooking methods without sacrificing flavor. It’s also a great fit for those who love trying out new recipes, thanks to its wide temperature range and multiple cooking options. However, if you’re tight on counter space or sensitive to noise, you might want to explore smaller, quieter models.

Final Thoughts

The Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer is a versatile and efficient kitchen appliance that has significantly simplified my cooking routine. With its ability to cook two dishes simultaneously, a variety of cooking modes, and a focus on healthier meals, it’s a fantastic choice for those looking to up their cooking game. While it has a few minor flaws, the benefits far outweigh the limitations.

Additional information