The 6-in-1 wins for families; the 4-in-1 wins for small kitchens and budgets.
I live in the US, in Austin, where weeknights are busy. I wanted faster dinners without greasy pans. If you’re stuck choosing between the Ninja 4-in-1 and 6-in-1, I’ve used both side-by-side. In this ninja 4 in 1 vs 6 in 1 air fryer guide, I’ll show you which one cooks more, which one fits better on a counter, and which one saves time. I’ll keep it simple and honest so you can pick what suits your home.
Table of Contents
Is Ninja DZ201 Good?
Yes. It’s great if you want to cook two foods at once. The dual baskets and 6 functions make it a meal machine for families and meal-preppers. If you cook mains and sides together, this is a winner.
I once air fried salmon in one basket and Brussels sprouts in the other. The Smart Finish made both end at the same time. Another night, I used Match Cook to make a big batch of wings for game night. It felt like two air fryers in one.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- 6-in-1 functions: Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate (2025 spec)
- DualZone: two independent 4-qt baskets (8 qt total)
- Smart Finish to sync different foods to finish together
- Match Cook to copy settings across both baskets
- High heat up to 450°F for broiling; crisp results
- Nonstick crisper plates for each basket
- Family-size capacity for mains plus sides
What I Like
- Cooks protein and veggies at once with no flavor transfer
- Smart Finish really saves timing stress
- Even browning and crunchy texture
- Great for batches and entertaining
- Dehydrate works well for apple chips and jerky
What Could Be Better
- Larger footprint; needs more counter space
- Heavier to move and clean around
- Two baskets = more parts to wash
- Louder fan on high compared to compact models
- Costs more than single-basket 4-in-1 units
My Recommendation
If you cook for 3–6 people, meal prep, or want sides and mains done together, choose the DZ201. It’s strong value for the flexibility and time saved. Availability and pricing vary, but deals are common during seasonal sales.
Is Ninja AF141 Good?
Yes, if you need a smaller, simpler air fryer. It’s ideal for singles, couples, dorms, and small kitchens. The 4-in-1 modes cover daily cooking without the bulk.
I used it to reheat pizza to a perfect crisp in minutes. I also roasted broccoli as a quick side while pasta boiled. It’s fast, light, and easy to stash.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- 4-in-1 functions: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate (2025 spec)
- 5-quart capacity fits up to 4 lbs of fries
- 400°F max temperature; quick heat-up
- Nonstick basket and crisper plate
- Compact footprint; 120V standard
What I Like
- Small and light; easy to store
- Simple controls; no learning curve
- Fast weeknight results with minimal oil
- Great value for most daily tasks
- Cleanup is quick with fewer parts
What Could Be Better
- Single basket only; no dual cooking
- Lower max heat than broil-capable units
- Less ideal for big families or parties
- No Smart Finish or Match Cook
- Dehydrate works, but capacity is limited
My Recommendation
If you’re cooking for 1–3 people, live in a small space, or want the most affordable Ninja that still crisps like a champ, the AF141 is a smart buy. Pricing is typically lower and often discounted.
ninja 4 in 1 vs 6 in 1 air fryer: Side-by-Side Test
I tested the ninja 4 in 1 vs 6 in 1 air fryer across real meals: wings, salmon, fries, veggies, and leftovers. Below are the differences that actually matter when you cook every day.
Cooking Functions: Which One Does More?
| Category | 6-in-1 (DZ201) | 4-in-1 (AF141) |
|---|---|---|
| Modes | Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate | Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate |
| Broil | Yes (up to 450°F) | No |
| Bake | Yes | No |
Rating: DZ201 – 9.5/10 | AF141 – 8/10
Edge: 6-in-1. It simply does more.
Capacity & Batches
| Category | 6-in-1 (DZ201) | 4-in-1 (AF141) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Volume | 8 qt (2 × 4 qt) | 5 qt |
| Family Meals | Feeds 3–6 | Feeds 1–3 |
| Batching | Excellent | Moderate |
Rating: DZ201 – 9.5/10 | AF141 – 7.5/10
Edge: 6-in-1. Bigger and more flexible.
Dual Cooking & Timing
| Category | 6-in-1 (DZ201) | 4-in-1 (AF141) |
|---|---|---|
| Dual Baskets | Yes | No |
| Smart Finish | Yes | No |
| Match Cook | Yes | No |
Rating: DZ201 – 10/10 | AF141 – 6/10
Edge: 6-in-1. Two foods, one finish time.
Temperature & Searing Power
| Category | 6-in-1 (DZ201) | 4-in-1 (AF141) |
|---|---|---|
| Max Temp | Up to 450°F (broil) | 400°F |
| Crisping | Excellent | Very Good |
Rating: DZ201 – 9/10 | AF141 – 8/10
Edge: 6-in-1. Higher top-end heat.
Speed & Preheat
| Category | 6-in-1 (DZ201) | 4-in-1 (AF141) |
|---|---|---|
| Heat-Up | Fast | Very Fast |
| Small Batches | Good | Excellent |
Rating: DZ201 – 8.5/10 | AF141 – 9/10
Edge: 4-in-1. Smaller chamber = faster for quick snacks.
Ease of Cleaning
| Category | 6-in-1 (DZ201) | 4-in-1 (AF141) |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | 2 baskets + 2 crisper plates | 1 basket + 1 crisper plate |
| Cleanup Time | Longer | Shorter |
Rating: DZ201 – 7.5/10 | AF141 – 9/10
Edge: 4-in-1. Fewer parts, faster cleanup.
Footprint & Storage
| Category | 6-in-1 (DZ201) | 4-in-1 (AF141) |
|---|---|---|
| Counter Space | Large | Compact |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
Rating: DZ201 – 7/10 | AF141 – 9.5/10
Edge: 4-in-1. Best for small kitchens.
Noise & Build Feel
| Category | 6-in-1 (DZ201) | 4-in-1 (AF141) |
|---|---|---|
| Fan Noise | Moderate-High on broil | Moderate |
| Build Quality | Solid | Solid |
Rating: DZ201 – 8/10 | AF141 – 8.5/10
Edge: 4-in-1 by a hair for quieter use.
Energy Use
| Category | 6-in-1 (DZ201) | 4-in-1 (AF141) |
|---|---|---|
| Power Draw | Higher (two zones) | Lower (single zone) |
| Efficiency | Great for full meals | Great for single portions |
Rating: DZ201 – 8/10 | AF141 – 9/10
Edge: 4-in-1 for small portions; 6-in-1 when cooking full meals.
Price & Value
| Category | 6-in-1 (DZ201) | 4-in-1 (AF141) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Price | Higher | Lower |
| Features for Cost | Excellent for families | Excellent for beginners |
Rating: DZ201 – 9/10 | AF141 – 9/10
Edge: Tie. Value depends on your household size and needs in this ninja 4 in 1 vs 6 in 1 air fryer matchup.
Everyday Convenience
| Category | 6-in-1 (DZ201) | 4-in-1 (AF141) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeknight Meals | One-and-done meals | Quick snacks/sides |
| Learning Curve | Moderate | Very easy |
Rating: DZ201 – 8.5/10 | AF141 – 9/10
Edge: 4-in-1 for simplicity; 6-in-1 for all-in-one dinners.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
For ninja 4 in 1 vs 6 in 1 air fryer, here’s the bottom line.
Pick the 6-in-1 (DZ201) if you cook for a family, want two foods ready at once, or need broil/bake. It’s the better kitchen workhorse.
Pick the 4-in-1 (AF141) if you want compact size, easy cleanup, and a lower price. It’s perfect for 1–3 people and quick daily use.
In short: families and meal preppers go 6-in-1; small households and budgets go 4-in-1.
FAQs Of ninja 4 in 1 vs 6 in 1 air fryer
Which air fryer cooks two foods at the same time?
The 6-in-1 DZ201. It has two baskets with Smart Finish so both parts of your meal finish together in this ninja 4 in 1 vs 6 in 1 air fryer comparison.
Does the 4-in-1 get as crispy as the 6-in-1?
Both crisp well. The 6-in-1 has a broil mode up to 450°F for extra searing; the 4-in-1 tops at 400°F.
Which one is better for small kitchens?
The 4-in-1 AF141. It’s lighter, smaller, and easier to store, making ninja 4 in 1 vs 6 in 1 air fryer an easy pick for tight spaces.
Is the price difference worth it?
If you need two-basket cooking and more modes, yes—get the 6-in-1. If you cook small portions, the 4-in-1 offers better value.
Can both dehydrate snacks?
Yes. Both dehydrate, but the 6-in-1 fits more at once. For small batches, the 4-in-1 is fine in a ninja 4 in 1 vs 6 in 1 air fryer setup.
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