Ninja ST101 Foodi 2-in-1 Flip Toaster review

Can a small countertop appliance really replace my toaster and a compact oven without sacrificing convenience or quality?

Overview of the Ninja ST101 Foodi 2-in-1 Flip Toaster, 2-Slice Capacity, Compact Toaster Oven, Snack Maker, Reheat, Defrost, 1500 Watts, Stainless Steel (Renewed), 2-Slice Compact Oven Capacity

I’ve been using the Ninja ST101 Foodi 2-in-1 Flip Toaster for a while, and I want to share my experience with how it performs as both a toaster and a compact toaster oven. It’s designed to sit on a small footprint while offering multiple functions, and I’ve found that it earns attention, especially for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or anyone who wants quick snacks without firing up a full-size oven.

This product is marketed as a 2-in-1 unit that flips up for a toaster and flips down to become a compact oven. It promises more even toasting, rapid oven technology, and a suite of functions like Toast, Bagel, Defrost, Bake, Broil, and Reheat. Below I break down the specifics and how those features worked in my everyday use.

Product at a glance

I like to give a quick snapshot so you know the essentials before getting into performance and use cases. This gives a clear view of what the product offers and what to expect in terms of capability and size.

• Dual-function flip mechanism: toaster and oven in one.
• 1500 watts of power, stainless steel finish.
• 7 shade settings, wider slot for artisan bread and bagels.
• Rapid oven technology up to 400°F and no preheat required.
• Compact capacity suitable for 2 slices of thick bread or small snack batches.

Design & Build

I appreciate products that fit into limited counter space without feeling cheaply made, and this unit strikes a balance. The stainless steel finish looks clean and modern, and the flip mechanism feels sturdy in daily use. It’s heavier than the lightest toasters but still easy to move when I clear space or clean the counter.

The footprint is small enough to tuck under cabinets in many kitchens, and the flip action is smooth and intuitive. The exterior does get warm with heavier use, but it never felt dangerously hot. Overall, the build quality suggests a product designed for regular snack-making and small meals rather than continuous heavy-duty baking.

Materials and durability

The stainless steel shell resists fingerprints better than polished surfaces, and the internal elements feel well-secured. The crumb tray slides out easily and seems robust. Over months of use I haven’t noticed screws loosening or plastic parts degrading, which gives me confidence for long-term ownership.

The handle that flips the unit into oven mode is comfortable and cool to the touch, which matters when switching between modes quickly. The buttons and dial are responsive and don’t feel flimsy.

Toaster Mode

Toaster mode is the feature I used most often. I was impressed by the front-to-back evenness of toasting, which is better than many traditional two-slice toasters I’ve owned. There’s a noticeable improvement when making thicker slices of artisan bread or bagels, where the 70% wider slot really shines.

To control doneness I used the 7 shade settings regularly. I appreciated being able to go from a light toast for morning avocado to a darker setting for a heartier sandwich base. Bagel setting heats the cut side without overbrowning the outside, which is exactly what I want when I’m preparing breakfast.

Slot width and capacity for toast

The wider slot is a useful feature for specialty breads. I can fit longer slices or thicker artisanal cuts without jamming them in or compromising the toaster’s mechanism. This makes it practical for people who prefer bakery-style options rather than standard pre-sliced bread.

I tested multiple bread types and thicknesses, and the appliance handled all of them with consistent results. The slot keeps slices centered and the heating elements distribute heat well across the bread surface.

Oven Mode

Flipping the unit down converts it into a compact toaster oven that can reach up to 400°F. This mode is where the appliance shows its versatility — it allows baking, broiling, and reheating relatively quickly thanks to the rapid oven technology. There’s no preheat required for most tasks, which saves both time and energy in short baking sessions.

The oven capacity is intentionally small, so it’s best for quick meals and snacks. I often used it for an 8″ open-face sandwich, reheating leftover pizza bagels, or cooking a small batch of chicken nuggets for a snack. It’s not meant to replace a full-size oven for large family meals, but it performs strongly within its intended range.

Baking and broiling performance

For small baking tasks like cookies or miniature pizzas, the oven distributes heat well. Broiling works adequately for crisping toppings and finishing melts. I found that using the bake tray included with the unit helps achieve even results by elevating food slightly and allowing air to circulate.

When I baked an 8″ open-face sandwich at 375°F, it came out crisp on the edges and evenly warmed through in about 8–10 minutes. For broiling, I recommend monitoring closely as the compact size can cause quick color changes.

Features & Functions

I value appliances that offer practical functions rather than gimmicks, and the Ninja ST101 covers the bases I use most often. The primary functions — Toast, Bagel, Defrost, Bake, Broil, and Reheat — are clearly labeled and easy to select. Each function behaves reliably and delivers predictable outcomes.

The Toast and Bagel functions include 7 shade settings which give me fine control over doneness. Defrost and Reheat are handy for quick mornings when I pull frozen waffles or leftover items from the freezer and want them ready in minutes.

Shade settings and customization

I regularly switch between shade settings depending on what I’m preparing. Setting 3 or 4 works well for slightly golden toast, while 6 or 7 gives a strong crunch without burning when I’m making sandwiches that need sturdier bases. The settings are intuitive and consistent once you learn how they relate to your breakfast preferences.

I appreciate that the Bagel setting actively adapts heat distribution; it’s a small detail that improves results for thicker bakery-style bagels compared to usual toaster bagel modes.

Controls & Usability

Controls are straightforward: a flip action to change the physical mode and clearly marked buttons or knobs for functions and shade. The display is minimal but functional, and operation becomes second nature after a few uses. I found switching between modes to be quick and simple.

The crumb tray is easy to remove, and the bake tray slides in and out smoothly. The only learning curve was figuring out the most reliable shade setting for various bread types, but that’s typical for most toasters.

Buttons and interface

The tactile feedback of the buttons is satisfying, and they don’t stick or feel cheap. The combination of a dial for shade and buttons for functions is practical and prevents accidental mode changes. I like that the controls are positioned for cold-finger use and are visible without bending over.

The unit also signals when cycles are complete with a beep, which I found useful in a busy kitchen. The sounds aren’t overly loud but are audible enough when multitasking.

Capacity & What Fits

This product is compact but designed to handle specific small-portion tasks. Knowing exactly what fits makes it easier to plan meals and snacks. Below I created a table to give a clear picture of the capacity and common food items I tested.

Item	Fits?	Typical Quantity	Notes
Standard sliced bread	Yes	2 slices	Toasts evenly across settings
Thick artisan bread	Yes	2 slices	Wider slot accommodates thickness
Bakery-style bagels	Yes	2 halves	Bagel setting works well
8″ open-face sandwich	Yes	1 sandwich	Bakes evenly on tray
Full-size pizza bagel	Yes	2 bagels	Fits side by side in oven mode
Chicken nuggets	Yes	~16 pieces	Great for snacking; crisping is good
Small cookie batch	Yes	~6 cookies	Even bake but small batch only
Large casserole dish	No	N/A	Too small for standard dinnerware
Whole chicken	No	N/A	Not suitable due to size limitations

I used this table as a practical guide when planning my breakfasts and quick dinners. The capacity is small and intentional, but it fits the use cases it targets quite well.

Cleaning & Maintenance

I appreciate simple cleaning routines, and the Ninja ST101 makes that easy. The crumb tray collects debris in both toaster and oven mode, and it slides out without fuss. I wiped the stainless exterior with a damp cloth and a mild cleaner occasionally, which kept fingerprints and splatters at bay.

The bake tray wiped clean after use, and for sticky or baked-on bits I soaked it briefly in warm soapy water and they loosened easily. No parts require complicated disassembly, which is a plus when I’m short on time.

Tips for keeping it clean

I recommend emptying the crumb tray regularly to avoid excess buildup and potential fire risk. If you use greasy foods in oven mode, place a small piece of foil under the tray (without covering vents) to catch drips — this made cleanup faster for me. I also run a soft cloth over the interior elements gently when the unit is cool, but I avoid harsh scrubbing to preserve element integrity.

Energy & Speed

The 1500-watt rating gives the unit quick heating power, and Ninja’s rapid oven technology makes a real difference in time savings. For most tasks I didn’t need to preheat, and meals finished faster than they would in a full-size oven. That’s both convenient and energy-efficient for small tasks.

In daily use I found that the unit uses less energy overall than turning on a larger oven for the same job. For single-person households or small snack preparations, it’s a sensible energy trade-off.

Preheat and cook time comparisons

When I baked small items the lack of preheat reduced total time by several minutes, making it perfect for impromptu snacks. Toast cycles are comparable to a traditional toaster in speed but slightly faster when warmed up. For longer bake sessions the compact space means quicker heat saturation and reduced time compared to a full oven.

Performance — Detailed Tests

I conducted several hands-on tests to evaluate the appliance across common scenarios. Below I summarize the outcomes and what I changed in my routine to get consistent results.

Toasting performance

I tested white sandwich bread, whole-grain slices, artisanal sourdough, and bagels. The toast came out evenly with consistent browning across the front-to-back axis, which is one of the advertised strengths. For thicker artisan slices I set the shade slightly higher than I would in a normal toaster and got ideal crispness without burning.

Reheating leftovers

I reheated slices of pizza, burrito pieces, and a leftover open-faced sandwich. The reheat function warmed items through without drying them out. For pizza slices I set the function to Reheat and gave them about 4–5 minutes, which restored crisp edges and melted cheese satisfactorily.

Baking small items

I baked an 8″ open-face sandwich and a small batch of cookies. Both cooked evenly, but the cookies required a slightly reduced time compared to a conventional oven due to the compact and efficient heat circulation. I reduced the usual baking time by a couple minutes and monitored closely.

Broiling and crisping

Broiling a cheese-topped bagel and a thin slice of fish worked well. The top browned attractively in a short time, so I recommend close attention during broiling to avoid over-browning.

Pros & Cons

I like to present a balanced view. The Ninja ST101 Foodi 2-in-1 Flip Toaster shines in convenience and versatility, but it has limitations in size and heavy-duty baking.

Pros	Cons
Dual-function saves counter space	Small capacity not for family meals
Rapid heating and no preheat needed	Not suitable for large dishes or whole poultry
Wider slot accommodates artisan breads	Exterior can get warm after extended use
Multiple functions with 7 shade settings	Renewed units may show minor cosmetic wear
Easy to clean crumb tray and bake tray	Not a replacement for a full-size oven in heavy use

I found that the pros fit my lifestyle best because I prioritize quick snacks and small meals, but if you cook large casseroles or roast whole chickens often, you’ll still need a traditional oven.

Renewed Unit Considerations

This particular product is often sold as Renewed, which means it could be inspected and refurbished. I bought a renewed version and found it in excellent working order with only minor cosmetic signs. It came with the expected trays and functioned like new.

When purchasing renewed, I recommend checking the warranty or seller return policy. My renewed unit performed seamlessly, but it’s always sensible to confirm the seller’s inspection routine and warranty terms.

What to watch for when buying renewed

Inspect for scratches or dents on arrival and check that all accessories are included: bake tray and crumb tray. Test each function early on to ensure heaters and controls work properly. I recommend activating and testing Toast, Bake, and Broil right away so you can return the unit if something is amiss.

Safety

Safety features are straightforward: cool-touch handle, reliable electrical protection assuming standard household wiring, and a pull-out crumb tray that reduces the risk of accumulated combustion materials. I always unplug the appliance after extended use and let it cool before cleaning.

The manual includes clear instructions on usage and safety, and I follow simple practices like not using oversized pans, not operating with empty trays when broiling, and keeping the appliance in a well-ventilated area to avoid heat buildup under cabinets.

Comparison to a Traditional Toaster and a Full-Size Oven

I made side-by-side comparisons in terms of time, energy use, and final results. Compared to a traditional toaster, the Ninja ST101 offers better flexibility for thicker bread and bagels and can perform additional functions like defrost and reheat. Compared to a full-size oven, it saves time and energy for small tasks but lacks the capacity for large meals.

If you own a traditional toaster and a large oven, this unit can replace the toaster and add compact oven capabilities. If you only have a full oven, this device speeds up small tasks and reduces energy consumption.

Price & Value

For the price point, especially when purchased renewed, I find the appliance offers good value. It replaces the need for two separate devices in many households and performs reliably for its intended tasks. Cost-wise it’s a reasonable investment for students, apartment dwellers, and anyone who prepares small portions regularly.

I factor in value based on daily convenience, energy savings for small tasks, and ease of cleaning. For my needs, it paid for itself by simplifying breakfast routines and quick dinners without heating my apartment’s full oven.

Who I Think This Is For

I’d recommend this appliance for:

• Single people or couples who cook small portions.
• Students or apartment dwellers with limited kitchen space.
• Anyone who regularly makes toast, bagels, quick snacks, or small baked items.
• People who want faster small-batch cooking without the energy overhead of a full oven.

I would not recommend it as the sole baking appliance for families or for people who frequently prepare large meals that require a full-size oven cavity.

Everyday Tips I Learned

I picked up a few practical habits while using this model that improved my results and convenience:

• Pre-test shade settings with your favorite bread to avoid surprises.
• When broiling, keep the time short and watch the food closely.
• Use the bake tray for small baking tasks and protect it with foil for easier cleanup when cooking greasy foods.
• Empty the crumb tray after several uses to reduce smoke risk and maintain crispness.
• Place the unit on heat-resistant surfaces, especially when using oven mode at higher temperatures.

These small changes helped me get consistently good results and made daily use more enjoyable.

Final Verdict

I’m satisfied with the Ninja ST101 Foodi 2-in-1 Flip Toaster for its intended use. It’s a versatile small appliance that balances toaster and compact oven functionality well. The wider slot, rapid oven technology, and the mix of useful functions make it a strong option for people who want a two-in-one solution without a large footprint.

If you prioritize quick, small-batch cooking and value counter space, this appliance will likely meet your needs. If you need to bake large dishes or cook for a family frequently, you’ll still depend on a full-size oven. For my daily routine, it’s become my go-to for breakfast, reheats, and quick snacks — practical, efficient, and reliably consistent.

If you want me to compare it with a specific competing model or provide recommended settings for particular foods (like frozen waffles, thick bagels, or mini pizzas), I can run targeted tests and give exact settings and times that worked best for me.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.