Air fryers have become a kitchen essential for busy families, but choosing the right one can be tricky, especially when the options look almost identical. The Ninja SL201 and SL401 are part of Ninja’s innovative DoubleStack series, designed to maximize cooking capacity without taking up extra counter space. Both models feature a sleek, space-saving stacked basket design, dual-zone cooking, and the brand’s signature crisping technology.
But despite their similarities, there are important differences in capacity, cooking performance, and suitability for different households.In this in-depth comparison, we’ll break down both models, highlight their pros and cons, and give you a clear side-by-side look at their specifications. Whether you’re cooking for a small family or hosting larger gatherings, by the end of this article you’ll know exactly which Ninja DoubleStack air fryer is the better fit for your kitchen.
A Quick Specs Overview
| Feature | Ninja SL201 | Ninja SL401 |
| Capacity | 8 QT | 10 QT |
| Basket Size | Two 4 QT baskets | Two 5 QT baskets |
| Servings | Up to 6 people | Up to 8 people |
| Dimensions (W) | 17.79″ | 19.22″ |
| Cooking Programs | 6-in-1 | 6-in-1 |
| Special Features | Smart Finish, Match Cook | Smart Finish, Match Cook |
| Color | Black | Grey |
| Check Price | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Key Differences & Which One to Choose
The main difference comes down to capacity. The SL401’s larger baskets make it the better choice for big families or entertaining, while the SL201 is more space-efficient and budget-friendly for smaller households. Both deliver the same cooking technology, speed, and versatility, so your decision should be based on how many people you typically cook for.
If you value compactness and cost savings, go for the SL201. If you want maximum capacity without sacrificing counter space, the SL401 is worth the upgrade.
- SPACE SAVING DESIGN: Ninja’s stacked design lets you cook double the food in nearly half the space...
- SPACE SAVING DESIGN: Ninja’s stacked design lets you cook double the food in nearly half the space...
Ninja SL201 DoubleStack Air Fryer Review
The Ninja SL201 is a powerful and compact solution for families of up to six people who want to prepare multiple dishes at once without cluttering their countertop. With its 8-quart capacity split into two independently controlled 4-quart baskets, you can easily cook protein in one basket and veggies in the other.
Its DoubleStack Air Frying Technology and included meal racks let you cook on two levels per basket, effectively quadrupling your cooking space without increasing footprint. The Smart Finish feature ensures two different dishes can finish cooking at the same time, while Match Cook duplicates settings across both baskets for bigger batches.
- SPACE SAVING DESIGN: Ninja’s stacked design lets you cook double the food in nearly half the space...
This model’s 6-in-1 functionality covers Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate, giving it flexibility beyond just air frying. It’s also 40% slimmer than traditional 2-basket air fryers, making it an ideal pick for smaller kitchens.
Pros √
- More compact width for smaller kitchens
- Still feeds up to 6 people easily
- Lighter and easier to store
- Slightly more affordable than SL401
Cons ×
- Smaller 8-quart total capacity
- Not ideal for very large meals or gatherings
Ninja SL401 DoubleStack Air Fryer Review
If you frequently cook for larger gatherings, the Ninja SL401 steps up with a 10-quart capacity and larger 5-quart baskets. This means you can air fry two 5-lb whole chickens at once, a feature the SL201 can’t match.
Just like the SL201, it uses DoubleStack Air Frying Technology and stacked racks to cook four different foods simultaneously. The Smart Finish and Match Cook functions are also present, making it just as versatile.
- SPACE SAVING DESIGN: Ninja’s stacked design lets you cook double the food in nearly half the space...
Where the SL401 stands out is sheer volume, feeding up to eight people in one cooking cycle. While it’s slightly wider than the SL201 (19.22″ vs 17.79″), the space-saving stacked design still makes it practical for most countertops.
Pros √
- Massive 10-quart total capacity
- Can cook two whole chickens at once
- Perfect for large families or hosting
- Same compact height despite more space
Cons ×
- Slightly wider footprint
- Higher price point
Detailed Comparison Table: Ninja SL201 Vs SL401
| Feature | Ninja SL201 | Ninja SL401 |
| Total Capacity | 8 QT | 10 QT |
| Basket Size | 4 QT each | 5 QT each |
| Servings | Up to 6 | Up to 8 |
| Dimensions (W) | 17.79″ | 19.22″ |
| Functions | Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate | Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate |
| Smart Finish | Yes | Yes |
| Match Cook | Yes | Yes |
| Meal Racks | 2 included | 2 included |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher-safe baskets & plates | Dishwasher-safe baskets & plates |
| Color | Black | Grey |
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Conclusion: Ninja SL201 Vs SL401 DoubleStack Air Fryers
The Ninja SL201 and SL401 prove that air fryers can be both space-saving and high-capacity. They share nearly identical technology, from DoubleStack Air Frying to the Smart Finish and Match Cook features, but differ in size and capacity.
For smaller families or those with limited counter space, the SL201 is a smart, efficient choice that won’t overwhelm your kitchen. On the other hand, if you regularly cook large meals or entertain, the SL401’s extra capacity will save you time and hassle. Both models are excellent performers that deliver crispy, evenly cooked results, making either one a valuable addition to your kitchen.
