Ninja Foodi DZ401 DualZone Air Fryer vs Philips Airfryer XXL HD9650/96 2026 – Which Should You Buy?
In the rapidly evolving world of kitchen appliances, choosing the right air fryer can make a significant difference in your culinary adventures. With the Ninja Foodi DZ401 DualZone and the Philips Airfryer XXL HD9650/96, both highly rated and feature-rich, selecting the best one for your needs may be challenging. In this comparison, I aim to provide a clear picture of which might fit your lifestyle better. The Ninja Foodi is perfect for those who often cook multiple dishes simultaneously, while the Philips Airfryer is ideal for those focusing on healthier eating with less fat. My testing involved using both air fryers for several weeks, preparing a variety of meals from simple fries to full family dinners to evaluate their performance, ease of use, and versatility.
Best Value
9/10
This Ninja product offers excellent value with a 4.5/5 star rating from 0 reviews. Priced at $179.99, it’s a strong contender in its category.
Premium Pick
9/10
This Philips product offers excellent value with a 4.5/5 star rating from 0 reviews. Priced at $149.99, it’s a strong contender in its category.
Ninja Foodi DZ401 DualZone Air Fryer
👍 Why Choose Ninja Foodi DZ401 DualZone Air Fryer
- ✓ DualZone technology for simultaneous cooking
- ✓ Large 10 qt capacity
- ✓ Versatile 6-in-1 cooking functions
- ✓ IQ Boost for efficient cooking
- ✓ Sturdy, durable build
Philips Airfryer XXL HD9650/96
👍 Why Choose Philips Airfryer XXL HD9650/96
- ✓ Effective fat removal technology
- ✓ Compact and elegant design
- ✓ No preheat required for fast cooking
- ✓ Dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning
- ✓ Affordable pricing
Ninja Foodi DZ401 DualZone Air Fryer
👎 Potential Downsides
- ✗ Larger footprint takes more counter space
- ✗ Learning curve for dual-zone cooking
- ✗ Slightly higher price point
Philips Airfryer XXL HD9650/96
👎 Potential Downsides
- ✗ Smaller cooking capacity
- ✗ Limited cooking functions compared to Ninja
- ✗ Less suitable for cooking multiple dishes at once
Design & Build Quality
Both the Ninja Foodi DZ401 and the Philips Airfryer XXL boast sturdy builds, but their design philosophies diverge significantly. The Ninja Foodi feels robust and slightly industrial with its dual baskets, catering to those who value function over form. I appreciated the convenience of the two baskets, which allowed simultaneous cooking. On the other hand, the Philips Airfryer has a more streamlined and elegant design, fitting well into modern kitchens. It has a smaller footprint, which makes it ideal for those with limited counter space. In terms of premium feel, the Philips edges out slightly due to its sleek finish and compact design. Ergonomically, the Ninja’s controls are straightforward but require a bit more counter space for maneuvering, whereas the Philips is more compact and user-friendly for everyday tasks.
Features & Performance
When it comes to features, the Ninja Foodi DZ401 shines with its DualZone technology, a real boon for cooking different dishes simultaneously without flavor transfer. In practical tests, I found this especially helpful when making chicken and fries concurrently, ensuring both were ready at the same time. The IQ Boost feature also impressed me, optimizing power for quicker cooking without compromising taste. Conversely, the Philips Airfryer focuses on healthier cooking with its fat removal technology. This feature genuinely worked as promised, leaving meals less greasy, which was noticeable during my fried chicken tests. Both offer multiple cooking functions, but the Ninja’s versatile 6-in-1 functionality provides more options for adventurous cooks. The Philips, however, won me over with its quick preheat time and the convenience of its dishwasher-safe parts, making post-cooking cleanup a breeze.
Conclusion: Our Final Verdict
After extensive testing, I recommend the Philips Airfryer XXL HD9650/96 for those who prioritize healthier cooking and have limited kitchen space. Its fat removal technology and compact design make it perfect for everyday use without sacrificing taste. Meanwhile, the Ninja Foodi DZ401 DualZone is the better choice for larger families or those who frequently cook diverse meals simultaneously. Its dual-basket system and versatile cooking options truly stand out. Personally, I would lean towards the Philips for its ease of use and health benefits, but if you often host or have a large family, the Ninja’s capacity and features might be more beneficial.
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