Ninja FD401 vs OL601: Which Foodi Wins?

The OL601 is smarter and faster; the FD401 is larger and budget-friendlier.

I live in the US, in Austin, and I cook weeknights fast. If you’re stuck between two Foodi stars, the Ninja FD401 vs OL601 debate can feel tricky. Both promise crisp, juicy meals with less oil and less fuss. I wrote this to help you decide which fits your kitchen, schedule, and budget. I also tested core Ninja tech in daily use and compared specs for Ninja FD401 vs OL601 so you can pick with confidence.

Is Ninja Good?

It depends. If you want simple air frying and reliable results, Ninja is a yes. For most busy home cooks, it’s a great fit.

I used it to reheat pizza to perfect crisp edges after soccer practice. I also dehydrated apple chips for lunch boxes. It was easy and consistent.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• 5‑qt capacity for 2–4 servings
• Up to 400°F with **Air Crisp** technology
• Air Fry, Reheat, **Dehydrate** modes
• Nonstick basket and crisper plate for easy cleanup
• 120V US model; compact footprint

What I Like

• Fast preheat and quick weeknight results
• Even browning with crisp exteriors
• Simple controls that anyone can learn
• Basket cleans easily after sticky wings
• Great for snacks, sides, and small mains

What Could Be Better

• Not a pressure cooker like the Ninja FD401 vs OL601
• 5‑qt capacity may be tight for large families
• No built‑in temperature probe
• Limited to core air‑fry functions
• Renewed units vary in cosmetic condition

My Recommendation

If you mainly air fry and want a compact helper, this is a good value pick. It’s easy to find and often discounted, making it a practical add‑on even if you later choose between Ninja FD401 vs OL601 for full multi‑cooker power.

Is OL601 Good?

Yes, if you want hands‑off cooking and steady crisping. It’s best for small kitchens needing one tool to do many jobs.

I batch‑roasted veggies and reheated fried chicken without sogginess. I also dehydrated citrus wheels for mocktails. It handled all of it smoothly.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• 4‑qt capacity for singles or couples
• Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Reheat, **Dehydrate**
• Up to 400°F with consistent heat
• Nonstick parts; compact, counter‑friendly design
• Simple dial and button interface

What I Like

• Reliable crisping for fries and nuggets
• Roasts and bakes small portions well
• Low noise and low maintenance
• Dehydrate mode is handy for snacks
• Affordable entry into Ninja cooking

What Could Be Better

• Not an all‑in‑one like Ninja FD401 vs OL601 multi‑cookers
• 4‑qt basket is small for families
• No smart thermometer or auto programs
• Manual shaking needed for best crisp
• Single‑zone only; no dual basket

My Recommendation

Choose this if you want the simplest, most compact air fryer. If you plan to pressure cook or steam‑crisp, keep reading the Ninja FD401 vs OL601 comparison to find your best fit.

Ninja FD401 vs OL601: Side-by-Side Test

Here is my direct look at Ninja FD401 vs OL601. I focused on what changes your daily cooking: capacity, speed, features, and ease of use.

Cooking Functions: Which One Does More?

| Feature | Ninja FD401 | OL601 |
|—|—|—|
| Modes | 9‑in‑1 multi‑cooker | 14‑in‑1 SmartLid multi‑cooker |
| Pressure Cook | Yes | Yes |
| Air Fry/Crisp | **TenderCrisp** | **SteamCrisp** + Air Fry |
| Dehydrate | Yes | Yes |
| Proof/Bake | Yes | Yes |
Rating: FD401 – 8/10 | OL601 – 9/10
Summary: OL601 wins for sheer modes thanks to its SmartLid system.

Capacity And Size: How Much Can You Cook?

| Spec | Ninja FD401 | OL601 |
|—|—|—|
| Capacity | 8‑qt (family‑size) | 6.5–8‑qt class (varies by bundle) |
| Basket Space | Larger | Slightly smaller at same footprint |
| Whole Chicken | 7+ lb | 5–6 lb typical |
Rating: FD401 – 9/10 | OL601 – 8/10
Summary: FD401 edges out for big families and batch cooking.

Speed And Preheat: Who Gets Dinner Done Faster?

| Task | Ninja FD401 | OL601 |
|—|—|—|
| Preheat | Short | Shorter with **SteamCrisp** assist |
| Pressure Build | Fast | Fast |
| Crisper Finish | Good | Often faster with Steam + Convection |
Rating: FD401 – 8/10 | OL601 – 9/10
Summary: OL601 is faster for many roasts and bakes due to steam‑assist.

Crisp Quality: Texture And Juiciness

| Test | Ninja FD401 | OL601 |
|—|—|—|
| Chicken Thighs | Crisp skin, juicy | Extra‑juicy with SteamCrisp |
| Fries | Even crisp | Even crisp, slightly moister interior |
| Reheat Pizza | Crisp slice | Crisp with softer crumb |
Rating: FD401 – 8.5/10 | OL601 – 9/10
Summary: OL601 wins for juiciness while keeping the crisp.

Controls And Learning Curve

| Aspect | Ninja FD401 | OL601 |
|—|—|—|
| Interface | Buttons + dial | **SmartLid** unified control |
| Auto Programs | Standard | More guided programs |
| First‑Week Ease | Easy | Easy, slight learning on SmartLid |
Rating: FD401 – 8.5/10 | OL601 – 9/10
Summary: OL601 offers smarter guidance once you learn the SmartLid.

Accessories And Probe

| Item | Ninja FD401 | OL601 |
|—|—|—|
| Racks/Pans | Deluxe rack options | SmartLid rack set options |
| Thermometer | External only | Some bundles add **Smart Thermometer** |
| Dehydrate Racks | Available | Available |
Rating: FD401 – 8/10 | OL601 – 9/10
Summary: OL601 can include a smart probe; that’s a win for roasts.

Cleaning And Maintenance

| Part | Ninja FD401 | OL601 |
|—|—|—|
| Nonstick Pot | Yes | Yes |
| Air Fry Basket | Yes | Yes |
| Steam Path | Simple | Slightly more to wipe due to SmartLid |
Rating: FD401 – 9/10 | OL601 – 8.5/10
Summary: FD401 is a touch simpler to clean.

Counter Space And Design

| Measure | Ninja FD401 | OL601 |
|—|—|—|
| Footprint | Large | Similar footprint |
| Lid Style | Hinged | **SmartLid** single‑top design |
| Cabinet Clearance | Needs space | Needs space; lid is heavier |
Rating: FD401 – 8/10 | OL601 – 8/10
Summary: A tie; both are big multi‑cookers.

Price And Value

| Factor | Ninja FD401 | OL601 |
|—|—|—|
| Street Price | Lower | Higher |
| Feature‑Per‑Dollar | Strong | Strong for advanced features |
| Long‑Term Value | High | High if you use steam‑crisp often |
Rating: FD401 – 9/10 | OL601 – 8.5/10
Summary: FD401 is the budget winner; OL601 is worth it if you’ll use SmartLid extras.

Availability In 2025

| Factor | Ninja FD401 | OL601 |
|—|—|—|
| Stock | Widely available | Widely available |
| Bundles | Frequent | Frequent, sometimes with probe |
| Support | Strong | Strong |
Rating: FD401 – 9/10 | OL601 – 9/10
Summary: Both are easy to buy in 2025 with solid support.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

Choose Ninja FD401 vs OL601 based on your routine.
Pick the FD401 if you want maximum capacity, a lower price, and classic TenderCrisp results.
Pick the OL601 if you want faster, juicier cooking with SmartLid, SteamCrisp, and optional Smart Thermometer guidance.

If you often batch cook or feed a crowd, FD401 wins. If you love set‑and‑forget roasts and the best balance of moisture plus crisp, OL601 is worth it.

FAQs Of Ninja FD401 vs OL601

Which is better for large families in Ninja FD401 vs OL601?

FD401. It has more usable space, so you can cook bigger cuts and larger batches.

Does OL601 really cook faster than FD401?

Often, yes. **SteamCrisp** helps heat transfer, so roasts and bakes can finish sooner with better moisture.

Is the Smart Thermometer included with OL601?

Some OL601 bundles include it. Check the specific listing to confirm probe availability.

Which is easier to clean in Ninja FD401 vs OL601?

FD401 is slightly simpler. OL601’s **SmartLid** has more areas to wipe, though both have nonstick pots and baskets.

If I only air fry, do I need Ninja FD401 vs OL601?

No. A compact Ninja air fryer is cheaper and smaller. Choose FD401 vs OL601 only if you want multi‑cooker pressure cook and steam‑crisp features.