Overview
The Ninja Foodi Dual Zone AF451UK 9.5L Air Fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance designed for those who need to cook multiple dishes simultaneously. With two independent cooking zones, it offers a large capacity and a variety of cooking functions to meet diverse culinary needs.
Key Features
- Dual Zone Technology: This air fryer allows you to cook two different foods at different temperatures and times in two separate drawers. The Sync setting ensures both dishes are ready to serve at the same time.
- Smart Cook System: Includes a Digital Cooking Probe that monitors the temperature of your food, ensuring perfectly cooked meat and fish without guesswork.
- Large Capacity: With a total capacity of 9.5L, this air fryer can easily feed 8+ people. It is suitable for large families or gatherings.
- Cooking Functions: It offers 6 cooking functions including Air Fry, Max Crisp, Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
- Efficiency: Claims to be up to 75% faster than fan ovens and can cook from frozen to crispy in minutes using the Max Crisp function.
- Healthier Cooking: Uses up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods.
Specifications
- Capacity: 9.5 liters.
- Food Capacity: Estimated maximum of 2.8kg (based on frozen chips).
- Power: 2470 watts.
- Dimensions: H32.5 x W41.5 x D27cm.
- Weight: 8.85kg.
- Cable Length: 0.88m.
- Included Accessories: 2 x 4.75L non-stick drawers, 2 x non-stick crisper plates, 1 x digital cooking probe, and recipe guide.
- Temperature Range: 40°C to 240°C.
- Safety Features: Safety cut out.
- Ease of Cleaning: Non-stick, dishwasher-safe parts.
Pros
- Versatility: Ability to cook two different dishes simultaneously with separate settings.
- Large Capacity: Ideal for large families and entertaining.
- Speed: Cooks food faster than traditional ovens.
- Healthier Cooking: Requires less oil, resulting in healthier meals.
- Ease of Use: Digital controls and pre-set programs make it user-friendly.
- Easy Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe parts simplify cleanup.
Cons
- Size and Weight: Larger and heavier compared to single-drawer air fryers, which might be a concern for those with limited kitchen space.
- Price: Higher cost compared to simpler air fryer models.
User Feedback
- Positive: Users appreciate the dual-zone feature, allowing them to cook a main and a side simultaneously. The large capacity and quick cooking times are also highlighted as major benefits.
- Negative: Some users mention that it occupies significant counter space and is relatively heavy, making it less portable.
Point-by-point comparison
The Ninja Foodi Dual Zone AF451UK 9.5L Air Fryer compared to similar dual-zone air fryers from other brands:
Capacity
- Ninja Foodi Dual Zone AF451UK: 9.5L (split into two 4.75L drawers), suitable for feeding 8+ people.
- Instant Vortex Plus Dual Drawer Air Fryer: 7.6L, designed for family meals but slightly smaller capacity than the Ninja.
- Salter EK4548 Dual Air Fryer: 8.2L, slightly smaller than the Ninja but offers two cooking drawers.
Cooking Functions
- Ninja Foodi Dual Zone AF451UK: 6 cooking functions (Air Fry, Max Crisp, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate).
- Instant Vortex Plus Dual Drawer Air Fryer: 6 cooking functions (Air Fry, Roast, Grill, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate).
- Salter EK4548 Dual Air Fryer: Versatile with manual air frying, baking, roasting, and dehydrating, but lacks specific pre-set programs like the Ninja.
Special Features
- Ninja Foodi Dual Zone AF451UK:
- Sync feature ensures both zones finish cooking at the same time.
- Smart Cook System with a digital cooking probe for precise temperature control.
- Instant Vortex Plus Dual Drawer Air Fryer:
- Clear windows on the drawers to monitor cooking without opening.
- Customizable programs and synchronized cooking for both drawers.
- Salter EK4548 Dual Air Fryer:
- Easy-to-use design but lacks advanced features like sync cooking or a digital probe.
Temperature Range
- Ninja Foodi Dual Zone AF451UK: Variable temperature from 40°C to 240°C.
- Instant Vortex Plus Dual Drawer Air Fryer: Offers a high temperature but exact range varies; known for efficient high-heat cooking.
- Salter EK4548 Dual Air Fryer: Not specified, but generally adequate for most air frying needs.
Cleaning and Maintenance
- Ninja Foodi Dual Zone AF451UK: Non-stick, dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning.
- Instant Vortex Plus Dual Drawer Air Fryer: Non-stick drawers, dishwasher safe.
- Salter EK4548 Dual Air Fryer: Not dishwasher safe, making cleaning slightly more cumbersome.
Dimensions and Weight
- Ninja Foodi Dual Zone AF451UK: H32.5 x W41.5 x D27 cm; weight 8.85 kg.
- Instant Vortex Plus Dual Drawer Air Fryer: H38.4 x W40.3 x D31.7 cm; heavier at 20 lbs (approx. 9 kg).
- Salter EK4548 Dual Air Fryer: H39 x W38.5 x D33 cm; mid-range size.
Price
- Ninja Foodi Dual Zone AF451UK: Priced at around £220, higher due to advanced features and large capacity.
- Instant Vortex Plus Dual Drawer Air Fryer: Generally around £170, offering good value for its features.
- Salter EK4548 Dual Air Fryer: Priced at approximately £125, making it a budget-friendly option.
Summary
The Ninja Foodi Dual Zone AF451UK stands out for its larger capacity, advanced Smart Cook System, and wide temperature range, making it ideal for larger families or frequent hosts. The Instant Vortex Plus offers good capacity with added visibility and customizable cooking programs, appealing to those who want control and convenience. The Salter EK4548 provides a budget-friendly alternative with essential dual-zone capabilities, though it lacks some of the advanced features of the instant vortex model
Conclusion
The Ninja Foodi Dual Zone AF451UK 9.5L Air Fryer is a powerful and versatile appliance that is particularly suitable for larger households and those who frequently entertain guests. Its ability to cook multiple dishes simultaneously, combined with the convenience of a digital cooking probe and various cooking functions, makes it a valuable addition to any kitchen. However, its size and price point may be a consideration for those with limited space or budget constraints.