Ninja DoubleStack 8-Quart Air Fryer Review
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Innovative stacked 2-basket design with Smart Finish technology, 8-quart capacity, and 6-in-1 functionality designed for efficient family meals.
The Ninja DoubleStack 8-Quart Air Fryer (SL201) is designed to maximize counter space with its unique vertical stacking design. According to the manufacturer, this is the only stacked 2-basket air fryer that can cook up to 4 foods at once using proprietary DoubleStack Air Frying technology. The 8-quart total capacity is intended to deliver the performance of 2 air fryers in a more compact footprint. The unit features Smart Finish technology, which is designed to cook 2 different foods in 2 ways that finish at the same time, and Match Cook feature for copying settings across both zones. According to Ninja, the device can cook up to 4 pounds of chicken wings at once and feed up to 6 people. The air fryer includes 6 cooking functions and, according to the manufacturer, uses up to 75% less fat than traditional deep-frying methods. Components including baskets and crisper plates are dishwasher-safe.
Key Features
- DoubleStack Design: Unique vertical stacking system designed to save counter space while providing dual-basket functionality
- Capacity: 8-Quart total (two 4-quart baskets) — designed to feed up to 6 people
- Smart Finish Technology: Designed to cook 2 foods 2 ways that finish at the same time
- Match Cook Feature: Copies settings across zones for full 8-quart capacity meals
- 4-in-1 Cooking: Cook up to 4 different foods at once using baskets and stacked meal racks
- 6 Functions: Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate
- Reduced Fat: According to manufacturer, uses up to 75% less fat than traditional deep-frying methods
- Easy Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe baskets and crisper plates
- Included: (2) 4-quart baskets, (2) nonstick crisper plates, (2) stacked meal racks, 9 recipes, cooking charts
What We Like
- Space-saving vertical design provides dual-basket functionality in a smaller footprint
- Smart Finish technology designed to synchronize cooking times for different foods
- Match Cook feature allows for easy full-capacity cooking
- Cook up to 4 foods simultaneously using stacked meal racks
- 8-quart total capacity suitable for families up to 6 people
- 6 versatile cooking functions for different meal types
- According to manufacturer, uses significantly less fat than traditional frying
- Dishwasher-safe components designed for convenient cleanup
- Includes stacked meal racks for cooking proteins and vegetables together
- Recipes and cooking charts included to help users get started
What Could Be Better
- Vertical design may be taller than traditional side-by-side dual baskets
- Some users report a learning curve for optimizing Smart Finish settings
- Individual basket capacity (4 quarts each) is smaller than some single-basket models
- May require cabinet space above for steam venting
Our Assessment
The Ninja DoubleStack 8-Quart Air Fryer offers an innovative approach to dual-basket air frying with its space-saving vertical design. According to the manufacturer, this unique stacking configuration provides the performance and capacity of two air fryers while occupying less counter space than traditional side-by-side models. User feedback suggests this design may be particularly beneficial for kitchens with limited counter space.
The Smart Finish technology is designed to address a common challenge with dual-basket cooking by automatically adjusting timing so different foods finish simultaneously. According to user reviews, this feature can simplify meal preparation when cooking items that require different cooking times. The Match Cook feature is designed for situations where you want to cook the same food in both baskets, utilizing the full 8-quart capacity.
The ability to cook up to 4 foods at once using the included stacked meal racks is designed to add versatility. According to the manufacturer, you can place vegetables on the crisper plate and proteins on the stacked rack within a single basket. The 8-quart total capacity (two 4-quart baskets) is intended for families of up to 6 people, though larger families may find the individual basket size limiting for certain recipes.
The 6 cooking functions (Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate) provide versatility for different meal types. According to the manufacturer, the air fryer uses up to 75% less fat compared to traditional deep-frying methods. Dishwasher-safe components are designed to simplify cleanup. For those seeking dual-basket functionality in a space-saving design, the Ninja DoubleStack may be worth considering, though the vertical format requires adequate overhead clearance.
FAQ
How is the DoubleStack design different from other dual-basket air fryers?
According to the manufacturer, the Ninja DoubleStack is the only air fryer with vertically stacked baskets rather than side-by-side. This design is intended to provide dual-basket functionality while occupying less counter space.
What is Smart Finish technology?
Smart Finish is designed to allow you to cook 2 different foods in 2 different ways (different times and temperatures) that finish cooking at the same time. The technology is intended to automatically adjust timing for synchronized results.
Can I cook 4 foods at once?
Yes, according to the manufacturer. Using the included stacked meal racks, you can cook 2 foods in each basket simultaneously. For example, vegetables on the crisper plate with proteins on the stacked rack above.
What is the total capacity?
The DoubleStack has an 8-quart total capacity, consisting of two 4-quart baskets. According to the manufacturer, this is designed to feed up to 6 people and can cook 4 pounds of chicken wings at once.
What cooking functions are included?
The DoubleStack includes 6 cooking functions: Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate. These functions are designed to accommodate various meal types and cooking styles.
Is it really healthier than deep frying?
According to Ninja, the air fryer uses up to 75% less fat than traditional deep-frying methods. This claim is based on testing against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries.
How easy is it to clean?
According to the manufacturer, the baskets are designed for easy cleaning, and both the crisper plates are dishwasher-safe, which is intended to simplify cleanup after cooking.
What's included with the air fryer?
The package includes the DoubleStack Air Fryer base unit, (2) 4-quart baskets, (2) nonstick crisper plates, (2) stacked meal racks, a recipe book with 9 recipes, and cooking charts for reference.