Some of the best air fryers under Ninja’s brand are Ninja DZ550 and Ninja DZ401. These two are dual-zone air fryers commonly used in households due to their two-basket designs that allow for the making of food in less time.
The two models cater for relatively similar fundamental cooking capacities, but there are slight differences in the cooking technology, its capacity, and the user interface. Here’s a detailed comparison of the two:
Detail Comparison Between Ninja DZ550 And DZ401
1. Design and Capacity Ninja DZ550:
This model has a very slender body, and its finish and general aesthetic are classy and high-tech. It has a total of 8-quarter basket capacity (4 quarters each basket), making it best suitable for medium—to large families.
Ninja DZ401:
Like the DZ550 model, the DZ401 has a larger total volume of ten quarts with five quarts per basket. This makes it more favorable for households with many members or people with large appetites who prepare their meals in large portions.
Summary:
The DZ401, on the other hand, has a larger cooking capacity, making it good for large portions or preparing food for many people.
2. Cooking Functions Ninja DZ550: It has an LED display with six cooking operations:
- Air Fry
- Bake
- Roast
- Reheat
- Dehydrate
- Broil
Ninja DZ401:
This model is a twin of the previous one, equipped with 6 cooking functions. The presets and temperature ranges may vary minimally, yet both have similar characteristics and functions.
Summary:
Both models offer the same variety of cooking functions, from air frying to dehydrating.
3. Smart Cooking Features Ninja DZ550:
One major innovation pioneered in the DZ550 is Smart Cook System Technology, which comes with a Foodi Smart Thermometer. This enables temperature control so that the internal temperature of the food products to be baked can be regulated without the need to open the basket.
That is why food temperature control is crucial to giving the perfect doneness in meats and other sensitive food items.
Ninja DZ401:
It is also important to note that the DZ401 does not come with a Smart Thermometer or a Smart Cook System. Although it is equipped with the Sync feature, which allows you to prepare various sorts of foods simultaneously, it is not as accurate in temperature as the DZ550.
Summary:
The DZ550 model comes with the Smart Cook System and thermometer, but the DZ570 is slightly superior for this purpose.
4. Dual-Zone Technology
The DZ550 is equipped with Dual zone technology, just like the DZ401, which means you can cook two items at different temperatures and rates in two different baskets. They also have the Match Cook and Smart Finish features:
Match Cook:
Bakes the same food in both baskets, best suited for bigger servings.
Bright Finish:
This helps various foods reach the ready state simultaneously, though they can have different cooking times or setting temperatures.
Summary:
Regarding options, the climate control is the same for both: the Dual-Zone Technology is available in two types.
5. User Interface Ninja DZ550:
However, the control panel on the DZ550 has received a minor update, which gives it a slightly better overall look with clearer icons and touch buttons.
With the addition of the Smart Cook System, there is still more utility to incorporate into the interface as it provides an elaborate means by which users can manipulate the cooking settings.
Ninja DZ401:
The control panel is straightforward and, rather like the DZ550, is very easy to use, although the Smart Cook system is present in a different form here.
Summary:
The control panel in the DZ550 is more elaborate than the one in the DZ401 because of the Smart Cook System, but the specs are similar.
6. Price
Ninja DZ550:
Given the advanced Smart Cook features and built-in thermometer, the DZ550 is generally more expensive than the DZ401.
Ninja DZ401:
This model is more budget-friendly but still offers most of the core features of the DZ550, minus the Smart Cook System and thermometer.
Summary:
The DZ401 is the more affordable option, but the DZ550 justifies its higher price with extra cooking precision and technology.
7. Target Users
Ninja DZ550:
This is ideal for food enthusiasts who prefer more control over cooking temperatures and want to ensure precise doneness, especially when cooking meat. It’s also suitable for people who enjoy more tech-enhanced kitchen gadgets.
Ninja DZ401:
This is great for families or individuals who need to cook large portions quickly and efficiently but don’t necessarily require advanced temperature control or extra technology.
Conclusion: Which Should You Choose?
Choose the Ninja DZ550 if:
You prioritize precise cooking with features like a Smart Thermometer.
You want the latest kitchen tech and will pay a little extra.
You cook meats frequently and need precise control over their doneness.
Choose the Ninja DZ401 if:
You need a larger cooking capacity for a more prominent family.
You want a more affordable option without sacrificing key cooking features.
You prefer a straightforward air fryer without advanced cooking technology.
Ultimately, the DZ550 and DZ401 are excellent dual-zone air fryers. Still, your choice depends on whether you need the extra cooking precision and capacity or are content with a more budget-friendly model.
