Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer vs Ninja Foodi XL Pro DT201 2026 – Which Should You Buy?
In today’s busy kitchens, countertop ovens that offer air frying capabilities are becoming essential for their versatility and space-saving designs. The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer and Ninja Foodi XL Pro DT201 are two frontrunners in this category, both offering unique features and benefits. For those who prioritize a broader range of cooking functions, the Breville might be more appealing, whereas the Ninja excels in rapid cooking and larger capacity. I thoroughly tested both appliances by preparing a range of dishes, from air-fried snacks to full roasts, to evaluate their performance, ease of use, and overall quality.
Best Value
9/10
This Breville product offers excellent value with a 4.5/5 star rating from 0 reviews. Priced at $299.95, it’s a strong contender in its category.
Premium Pick
9/10
This Ninja product offers excellent value with a 4.5/5 star rating from 0 reviews. Priced at $249.99, it’s a strong contender in its category.
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer
👍 Why Choose Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer
- ✓ 13 cooking functions for versatility
- ✓ Element iQ system for precise cooking
- ✓ Premium build quality
- ✓ Efficient dehydration capabilities
Ninja Foodi XL Pro DT201
👍 Why Choose Ninja Foodi XL Pro DT201
- ✓ Rapid preheat and cooking times
- ✓ Large capacity for family meals
- ✓ Effective air frying with less fat
- ✓ User-friendly interface
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer
👎 Potential Downsides
- ✗ Higher price point
- ✗ Requires some learning curve with multiple settings
- ✗ Not as fast in preheating
Ninja Foodi XL Pro DT201
👎 Potential Downsides
- ✗ Bulkier design takes up more counter space
- ✗ Fewer cooking functions compared to Breville
- ✗ Less premium feel
Design & Build Quality
When it comes to build quality, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer feels slightly more premium, sporting a sleek stainless steel finish and a sturdy construction. Its design philosophy leans towards a more traditional, high-end kitchen appliance aesthetic. In contrast, the Ninja Foodi XL Pro has a more robust, industrial look, and while it doesn’t feel as luxurious, it certainly feels durable and well-constructed. Ergonomically, the Breville’s controls are intuitive and well-labeled, making it easier for a novice to navigate. The Ninja, while slightly bulkier, offers a clear, user-friendly interface but may require a bit more counter space.
Features & Performance
The Breville Smart Oven offers 13 diverse cooking functions, making it exceptionally versatile. I particularly appreciated its precision with the Element iQ System, which adjusted power for even cooking. Its dehydration function was impressive, handling multiple trays simultaneously. However, the Ninja Foodi XL Pro stands out with its True Surround Convection, providing faster cooking times and a notable improvement in air frying, producing crisper results with less oil. During testing, a roast chicken came out juicier in the Ninja, thanks to its powerful convection. The Breville’s super convection is efficient, but the Ninja’s rapid preheat and consistent results gave it a slight edge in everyday scenarios.
Conclusion: Our Final Verdict
For those seeking a versatile, high-quality appliance with diverse cooking functions, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer is the better choice, especially if you value build quality and precision. However, if you prioritize cooking speed, a larger cooking capacity, and effective air frying, the Ninja Foodi XL Pro DT201 is the standout option. Personally, I lean towards the Breville for its all-around versatility and premium feel, making it perfect for home chefs who love experimenting with different recipes.
