When it comes to multifunctional countertop ovens, Ninja has built a reputation for combining air frying, baking, roasting, and more into one sleek package. Two of their popular models – the Ninja DT201 and the Ninja DT202BK – look very similar at first glance. Both offer XL capacity, high convection power, and multiple cooking modes. But after personally trying both ovens in my kitchen, I realized there are some subtle yet important differences that might make one a better choice depending on your cooking style.
In this comparison, I’ll walk you through the key differences, a detailed side-by-side breakdown, and my real experience using both. By the end, you’ll know exactly which one deserves a spot on your countertop.
Key Difference Between Ninja DT201 and DT202BK
The biggest difference between the DT201 and DT202BK comes down to cooking functions and size:
- The Ninja DT201 is a 10-in-1 oven, offering slightly more versatility with added modes like dehydrate and reheat. It also has a larger 21L capacity, making it more suited for families or frequent entertainers.
- The Ninja DT202BK is an 8-in-1 oven, covering the essentials like Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Roast, Toast, Bagel, and Pizza. It has a smaller 12L capacity and is noticeably lighter in weight, which makes it easier to move around but slightly less spacious.
Both ovens share the same 1800-watt power, True Surround Convection, and digital display handle, but the DT201 feels more “premium” and flexible, while the DT202BK is the more compact, budget-friendly version.
- TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven...
- TRUE SURROUND CONVENTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven...
Quick Comparison Table: Ninja DT201 vs DT202BK
| Feature | Ninja DT201 | Ninja DT202BK |
| Functions | 10-in-1 (Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Pizza, Whole Roast, Dehydrate, Reheat) | 8-in-1 (Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Pizza, Whole Roast) |
| Capacity | 21L (fits 5-lb chicken + veggies, 2×12” pizzas, or 12-lb turkey) | 12L (fits 5-lb chicken + veggies, 2×12” pizzas, or 12-lb turkey) |
| Convection | True Surround Convection (10x power) | True Surround Convection (10x power) |
| Controls | Digital Display Handle + Knob | Digital Display Handle + Knob |
| Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel (Black finish) |
| Weight | 33.6 lbs | 25.6 lbs |
| Wattage | 1800 watts | 1800 watts |
| Special Features | Dehydrate + Reheat | Compact size, lighter weight |
| Included Accessories | 2 sheet pans, 2 wire racks, air fry basket, roast tray, crumb tray | 2 sheet pans, 2 wire racks, air fry basket, roast tray, crumb tray |
| Best For | Large families, meal preppers, versatile cooking | Smaller households, basic everyday use, lighter countertop footprint |
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
My Hands-On Comparative Review – Ninja DT201 vs DT202BK
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Design & Build Quality
Both ovens have that signature boxy stainless-steel Ninja look with a modern digital display handle. The DT201 comes only in stainless, while the DT202BK adds a sleek black finish that looks a bit more stylish in a darker kitchen setup.
The DT201 feels heavier and sturdier, which isn’t surprising since it has a bigger capacity. The DT202BK, on the other hand, is noticeably lighter; I could shift it around on my counter with one hand, which is convenient if you don’t have a permanent spot for it.
If you want a solid “built-to-stay” oven, go with the DT201. If you prefer something more compact and easier to move, the DT202BK wins here.
- TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven...
- TRUE SURROUND CONVENTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven...
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Ease of Use
Both models share Ninja’s digital display handle and this is one of my favorite design choices. The oven automatically lights up the correct rack positions depending on the function you select. For example, when baking pizza, it highlights the middle rack; for air frying, it points to the lower rack.
The control knobs are responsive and intuitive on both. However, I found the DT201’s extra modes (dehydrate and reheat) to be surprisingly useful. I dehydrate apple chips on weekends, and reheating leftovers in the DT201 was way better than a microwave, they came out crispy instead of soggy.
Both are user-friendly, but the DT201 gives you more “smart” cooking flexibility.
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Cooking Functions & Performance
Both ovens heat up in just 90 seconds and cook meals about 30% faster than a regular convection oven. I tested air frying frozen fries, roasting a chicken, and baking cookies and the results were nearly identical: crispy, evenly cooked, and juicy.
The DT201’s dehydrate function was a standout I used it for jerky and dried fruit, which the DT202BK simply can’t do. The reheat option is also something I used more often than expected (especially for leftover pizza).
If you just need the basics like air frying, baking, and roasting, the DT202BK is perfectly fine. But if you want a bit more versatility and creativity in the kitchen, the DT201 delivers.
- TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven...
- TRUE SURROUND CONVENTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven...
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Capacity & Meal Prep
Here’s where the DT201 shines: the 21L capacity. I managed to fit a 12-lb turkey during Thanksgiving trial runs, and it handled it like a champ. It also made two sheet pan dinners at once, which was a lifesaver for meal prep days.
The DT202BK’s 12L size is still decent, it fits a 5-lb chicken or 2 pizzas, but it definitely feels more cramped when you’re trying to cook larger meals. For a family of 2–3, it’s fine. For larger households, I’d go with the DT201.
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Cleanup & Maintenance
Both come with removable crumb trays and dishwasher-safe accessories. Cleanup is a breeze with either model. The black finish on the DT202BK hides smudges better, while the stainless DT201 looks more “premium” but requires frequent wiping.
Quick Rundown Ninja DT201 (10-in-1) Air Fryer Toaster Oven
- TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven...
Pros √
- Larger 21L capacity (great for families and big meals)
- 10 functions including Dehydrate and Reheat
- Sturdier build and premium stainless look
- Excellent for meal prep with 2 sheet pans at once
Cons x
- Heavier and bulkier (takes more counter space)
- Pricier than DT202BK
Ninja DT202BK (8-in-1) Air Fryer Toaster Oven
- TRUE SURROUND CONVENTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven...
Pros √
- More compact and lighter – easier to move/store
- Covers all the essential functions (Air Fry, Roast, Bake, etc.)
- Same 1800W power and convection performance
- Sleek black design looks stylish
Cons x
- Smaller 12L capacity (not ideal for large households)
- Lacks Dehydrate and Reheat modes
- Accessories feel a bit more “basic” compared to DT201
Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?
After using both, here’s my honest take:
- Go for the Ninja DT201 if you want the most versatile, family-friendly option. It’s bigger, more powerful in terms of functionality, and has those extra modes that make it feel like a true all-in-one oven. Perfect for families, meal preppers, or anyone who cooks often.
- Choose the Ninja DT202BK if you’re in a smaller household or limited on counter space. It’s lighter, easier to handle, and still gives you all the core Ninja cooking functions without the higher price tag.
Personally, I’d recommend the DT201 to most people because the extra features and larger size really make a difference long-term. But if you’re tight on budget or space, the DT202BK is still a fantastic oven that punches above its weight.
Final Verdict: Ninja DT201 vs DT202BK
- Best Overall → Ninja DT201 Buy on Amazon
- Best Compact Choice → Ninja DT202BK Buy on Amazon
