Ninja DT501 Prestige Smart XL Air Fryer review

Could this one appliance actually replace my toaster, air fryer, and an extra oven for family meals?

First impressions

I unboxed the Ninja Air Fryer & Toaster Oven | Prestige Smart XL Countertop Oven | Bakes up to 20 Cookies, Fits up to a 12lb Turkey | Pizza, Toast, Bake, Air Fry & Reheat | 1800 Watts | Stainless Steel | DT501​ with the expectation that it would be a chunky countertop unit. It arrived feeling solid and substantial, and the stainless steel finish gave it a premium look that fit nicely into my kitchen without screaming for attention. I immediately appreciated the thoughtful layout of the controls and the heft of the door handle — it feels like it was built to last.

Design and build quality

The Prestige Smart XL has a sturdy build and a thoughtful design that blends performance with aesthetics. I noticed tight seams, a substantial glass door, and a handle that doesn’t wiggle when I open or close it; those small things add up to a product that feels reliable.

Exterior and aesthetics

The stainless steel exterior is clean and modern, which makes it easy to integrate into most kitchen setups. I liked that fingerprints show up but wipe away easily with a microfiber cloth. The digital display is large and bright, and the handle includes the display-freeze feature that keeps settings safe while I’m loading food.

Interior layout and capacity

Inside, the oven is roomy. It fits two 9×9 baking trays side by side, which is helpful when I’m baking batches. The ability to hold up to a 12 lb turkey and allow up to 8 lb of air-fry capacity gives me confidence that I can handle larger family meals without juggling batches endlessly.

Key specifications at a glance

I found it useful to have the core specs organized so I could compare quickly. Here’s a concise breakdown of the main figures and features.

Feature	Specification
Model	Ninja Air Fryer & Toaster Oven
Power	1800 Watts
Capacity	Fits 2x 9×9 trays, bakes up to 20 cookies, fits up to a 12 lb turkey, up to 8 lb air fry
Functions	10-in-1 (Air Fry, Air Roast, Broil, Bake, Whole Roast, Pizza, Toast, Bagel, Reheat, Dehydrate)
Cooking tech	Smart Surround Convection with high-velocity fan + rear heat
Preheat time	~90 seconds
Accessories included	2 wire racks, 2 sheet pans, roast tray, crumb tray, air fry basket, 15 recipes & charts
Material	Stainless steel exterior
Special UI feature	Digital display handle; display settings freeze when the door is open
Weight & footprint	(Varies by packaging) Countertop-sized, larger than compact air fryers

Performance overview

I tested multiple functions across different meal types, and the oven delivered consistently good results. The Smart Surround Convection with a high-velocity fan and rear heat source produced crisp edges and uniform browning more often than I expected for a countertop appliance. The ability to cook on two levels without rotating or flipping made batch cooking much easier for me.

Cooking speed and preheat

One of the standout practical points for me is the 90-second preheat — I literally timed it a couple of times. This short preheat combined with the Smart Surround design helped me get food on the table faster than if I had used my full-size convection oven. Ninja’s claim of up to 30% faster cooking felt realistic, especially for smaller roasts and pizza.

Evenness across two levels

I was skeptical about two-level cooking without rotating, but in my tests cookies, roasted vegetables, and even a sheet-pan lasagna came out evenly browned on both racks. The oven illuminates the optimal rack positions for each function, which I found genuinely helpful as someone who tends to second-guess rack placement.

Ten cooking functions — how they performed

The 10-in-1 functionality is a big selling point, and I gave each program a proper test. I’ll summarize my experience with each one.

• Air Fry: Crisp results with far less oil. I tested French fries and breaded chicken tenders and found significant crispiness with noticeably less grease. The claim of up to 75% less fat compared to traditional frying seems meaningful based on my results.
• Air Roast: Great for whole roasted vegetables and small cuts of meat. The hot air creates good caramelization without drying things out when I monitor time and temperature.
• Broil: Powerful top heat gives a nice crust and finish; perfect for melting cheese or browning the top of a gratin.
• Bake: Reliable for cakes and cookies; the even heat means I didn’t get hotspots that sometimes trouble compact ovens.
• Whole Roast: I roasted a small turkey and a pork loin; the cavity handled the job well and produced juicy results when I used a thermometer and the recommended rack positions.
• Pizza: Crisp crust with bubbling cheese — I preferred using the lower rack for a crisper base and the upper for faster browning.
• Toast: Even toasting for slices across the full capacity; I could toast nine slices at once and they were uniformly browned.
• Bagel: Bagel setting gives more browning to the cut side and less to the outer side; it worked well for my morning routine.
• Reheat: The reheat function avoids sogginess that microwave reheating often creates; leftovers regained texture in a few minutes.
• Dehydrate: I tried apple chips and kale; results were consistent but take patience and time. Perfect for small batches.

Practical function reference table

I put together a short reference table of typical foods, suggested function, and notes based on my testing. Use these as starting points — times and temps will vary by thickness and personal preference.

Food	Suggested Function	Notes
Frozen French fries	Air Fry	12–18 min, shake halfway for extra crisp
Whole chicken/turkey (up to 12 lb)	Whole Roast	Use lower rack for even cooking; monitor internal temp
Cookies (batch)	Bake	Two 9×9 trays fit; rotate not needed
Pizza (12″)	Pizza	Lower rack for crisp base, upper for faster browning
Bagels (up to 9 halves)	Bagel	Toasts cut side more
Reheating pizza	Reheat	Restores crispness, 3–6 min
Dehydrating fruit	Dehydrate	Low temp, long time (several hours)
Steaks (sear + finish)	Broil / Whole Roast combo	Sear under broil then finish on roast for even doneness

Controls and user interface

I appreciated the user-centric touches in the control design. The digital display is embedded in the handle area and it freezes when the door is open so I can work inside without accidentally changing settings. The illuminated rack-position indicator also removes a lot of guesswork when I’m using a specific function.

Display and tactile feedback

Buttons have a positive click and the display is easy to read; it’s not overly complicated but still gives me access to precise temperatures and timers. I liked that I could intuitively select a function, and the recommended rack positions light up so I don’t have to consult the manual every time.

Accessories and what they add

Two wire racks, two sheet pans, a roast tray, removable crumb tray, and the air fry basket come included. I found the two sheet pans and racks particularly useful because I could start a batch on one rack while the other finished, maximizing efficiency.

Included recipe guide and charts

The 15 chef-created recipes and cooking charts are useful starting points. I used them to learn proper rack placement and timing for less familiar items like dehydrating and whole roast settings.

Cleaning and maintenance

Cleaning smaller appliances can be a pain, but I was pleasantly surprised by how easy this unit is to maintain. The removable crumb tray and the accessible interior help a lot.

What I clean regularly

I remove the racks and pans and soak them in warm soapy water after greasy sessions. The air fry basket is easy to wash and the crumb tray pulls out smoothly. For the interior glass, a gentle cleanser or baking soda paste removes splatters without scratching.

Noise and heat

The high-velocity fan is audible, especially at high power during air fry or roast, but it’s comparable to other countertop convection ovens I’ve used. It’s not loud enough to be disruptive, though the unit does blow out warm air from vents — so I position it with a few inches clearance from the backsplash.

Energy usage and efficiency

At 1800 watts, this is more powerful than small basket air fryers but still far more energy-efficient for many meals than firing up my full-size oven. Because it preheats fast and cooks faster for small to medium meals, I often saved energy in practice. For large roasts, a full-size oven might still be more energy-efficient per pound, but for everyday family meals, the Prestige Smart XL felt like a better fit.

Health considerations

Using the air fry function allowed me to reduce oil usage significantly while still getting a crisp exterior on breaded items. I measured less grease in the drip tray and found texture improvements compared to oven-baked alternatives. If you’re aiming to reduce fat without sacrificing crispness, this unit helps.

Capacity in real-world scenarios

I tested scenarios that matter to me: breakfast for a family, batch baking for holidays, and a weekend roast. Baking 20 cookies at once was straightforward and saved me time. Making toast for a crowd (nine slices) was efficient for Sunday brunch. A 12 lb turkey fit, but positioning and monitoring are key to avoid overcooking on the outer parts.

Two-level cooking benefits

I used the two-level cooking to prepare side dishes while the main dish finished on the lower rack — and I didn’t have to flip anything. That convenience is priceless on busy weeknights.

Pros and cons

I compiled a practical list based on several weeks of varied use.

Pros:

• Large, family-friendly capacity for a countertop unit.
• Smart Surround Convection delivers even, crisp results.
• Quick 90-second preheat and generally faster cooking vs full-size ovens.
• 10-in-1 versatility replaces multiple appliances.
• Digital display handle with rack-position guidance reduces guesswork.
• Substantial included accessory set.
• Up to 75% less oil for air-fried foods.

Cons:

• Larger footprint may challenge small countertops.
• Fan noise is noticeable during high-power functions.
• Dehydrating and long slow cooks still take significant time.
• 1800W requires a standard outlet and could trip older circuits if several high-watt appliances run simultaneously.

Comparisons with other kitchen appliances

I compared the Prestige Smart XL to a few common alternatives in my kitchen.

• Versus basket-style air fryers: The XL gives far greater capacity and better multi-level cooking; basket units are still slightly faster for tiny single portions.
• Versus compact toaster ovens: The Prestige has more power, better airflow, and more consistent results; compact toaster ovens often struggle with evenness.
• Versus full-size ovens: For large roasts, a full-size oven is still king for volume, but for day-to-day meals the Prestige saves time and energy.

Tips I learned while using it

I picked up a few practical tricks that made results more consistent for me.

• Use the illuminated rack suggestions — they’re based on function and save time.
• For air frying, light oil misting helps crispness without going heavy.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fry basket — airflow is key to even crisping.
• When making multiple trays of cookies, use both racks to speed things up; no rotation needed.
• For pizza, start low for a crisper base and move higher near the end for browning.
• Use the baking charts that came with the unit as baseline; tweak by 1–3 minutes depending on how dark you like things.

Cleaning routine I recommend

A small routine keeps the oven ready to use:

• After each use, empty the crumb tray and wipe interior with a damp cloth if cool.
• Weekly, soak racks and pans in warm water and soap.
• For stubborn spots on glass, use a baking soda paste and gently scrub with a non-abrasive sponge.
• Avoid harsh abrasives that damage the stainless finish or interior coating.

Who I think this appliance is best for

I find this oven is ideal for:

• Families who need larger capacity but don’t want to use a full-size oven for every meal.
• People who value versatility — replacing a toaster, air fryer, and small oven with one unit.
• Home cooks who want consistent results and appreciate the guided rack positions.
• Anyone aiming to reduce oil consumption while still enjoying crispy foods.

It’s less ideal for very small kitchens where countertop space is at a premium, or for cooks who regularly roast very large volumes that exceed the unit’s capacity.

Value proposition

The price will vary by retailer, but when I factor in the included accessories, the time savings, and the versatility of the 10-in-1 functions, I view it as a strong value. Buying separate appliances to cover the same functions would likely cost more and take more space.

Durability and long-term thoughts

After several weeks of frequent use, I didn’t see wear beyond normal cleaning marks. The build gives me confidence that the unit will last several years if treated reasonably. The fact that the accessories are standard sizes also makes replacement easier if I ever need new racks or pans.

Troubleshooting notes I discovered

If you see uneven results, try:

• Checking rack placement — the oven gives recommended positions for a reason.
• Avoiding overfilling pans so air can circulate.
• Wiping heating elements gently after they cool to prevent stuck-on residue.

If digital controls seem frozen, opening the door should freeze the display but closing and cycling power (unplugging briefly) resolved a rare glitch for me.

Final verdict

After using the Ninja Air Fryer & Toaster Oven | Prestige Smart XL Countertop Oven | Bakes up to 20 Cookies, Fits up to a 12lb Turkey | Pizza, Toast, Bake, Air Fry & Reheat | 1800 Watts | Stainless Steel | DT501​, I can say it’s one of the most practical and versatile countertop ovens I’ve used. It strikes a strong balance between capacity, performance, and convenience. For someone who cooks regularly for a family or likes batch cooking, it genuinely replaces multiple single-purpose appliances and streamlines meal prep without a steep learning curve.

FAQ (quick answers I refer to often)

Q: Can it really handle a 12 lb turkey? A: Yes, it can fit up to a 12 lb turkey. I roasted one and found the results excellent with proper rack placement and thermometer monitoring.

Q: Do I need to preheat? A: Preheat is only about 90 seconds for most functions, and I usually preheat for the best and most consistent results.

Q: Is the air fry function healthier? A: From my tests, you can reduce oil by a substantial amount and still get crispness comparable to deep frying.

Q: How often should I clean the crumb tray? A: I empty it after every 3–4 uses or immediately after any particularly greasy session.

Q: Does it take up much countertop space? A: It’s larger than compact units, so measure your countertop before buying. It’s intended as a family-sized countertop oven.

If you want, I can give specific cook times and temperature guidelines for recipes you often use, or suggest a few tested recipes tailored to this oven.

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