Ninja DT501 vs DT551: Which Ninja Air Fryer Toaster Oven is Better?
Ninja’s lineup of air fryer toaster ovens has become a favorite among home cooks looking for speed, versatility, and consistent results. Among the most talked-about models in this category are the Ninja DT501 and the Ninja DT551 – two powerful countertop ovens designed to do much more than just toast bread.
These aren’t your average toaster ovens. With features like True Surround Convection, air roasting, dehydrating, and even air frying, both the DT501 and DT551 can replace multiple kitchen appliances. Whether you’re baking cookies, air-frying chicken wings, or preparing a full meal on multiple racks, these ovens promise efficiency without sacrificing taste.
While they look almost identical on the outside and share many core functions, there are a few key differences under the hood that can influence which model is better suited to your cooking needs – especially when it comes to smart features and cooking precision.
Main Difference Between Ninja DT501 and DT551
The primary difference between the Ninja DT501 and DT551 is the inclusion of the Pro Cook System with integrated thermometer in the DT551. This built-in thermometer allows for precise doneness control, taking the guesswork out of cooking meats by automatically adjusting to your preferred internal temperature, from rare to well done.
The DT501 lacks this smart thermometer feature but is otherwise functionally identical in terms of size, power, and core cooking modes.
- SMART SURROUND CONVECTION: High velocity fan and rear heat source completely surrounding food for all-around crisp.
- 2 LEVEL EVEN COOKING: Even cooking on 2 levels with no rotation, flipping, or shaking.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feature | Ninja DT501 | Ninja DT551 |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Surround Convection | Yes | Yes |
| Cooking Functions | 10-in-1 | 10-in-1 |
| Integrated Thermometer | No | Yes (Pro Cook System with Auto Temp Detect) |
| Capacity | 17 cubic inches (fits 12 lb turkey) | 17 cubic inches (fits 12 lb turkey) |
| Wattage | 1800W | 1800W |
| Digital Display Handle | Yes | Yes |
| Included Accessories | Wire racks, sheet pans, air fry basket, roast tray | Same + Pro Cook Thermometer |
| Design | Prestige Stainless Steel | Prestige Stainless Steel |
| Best For | General home cooking with manual doneness control | Precision cooking, especially for meats |
| Buy On Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Feature & Performance Breakdown
Cooking Versatility
Both the DT501 and DT551 offer the same 10-in-1 functions, including Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Whole Roast, Toast, Bagel, Broil, Pizza, Reheat, and Dehydrate. This makes either oven highly versatile for everything from weekday dinners to party prep.
Cooking Precision
The DT551 steps ahead with its Pro Cook System. It’s not just about having a thermometer, it’s about the intelligence built around it. The oven automatically monitors the internal temperature and adjusts the cooking cycle to ensure optimal results. This is especially helpful for roasts, chicken, and other proteins where doneness matters.
- SMART SURROUND CONVECTION: Completely surround food for an all-around crisp.
- PRO COOK SYSTEM: Achieve the perfect doneness from rare to well done at the touch of a button with the integrated Pro Cook System with Auto Temp Detect Intelligence —no guesswork required.
Design & Build
Both models have a sleek stainless steel exterior with digital display handles that indicate proper rack placement. The interiors are spacious, capable of handling large portions like a full turkey or two 12-inch pizzas.
Ease of Use
Controls are intuitive on both units. However, the DT551’s thermometer integration removes guesswork for certain dishes, reducing manual checking or potential over/undercooking.
Our Personal Experience Using Both Models
After hands-on testing, both the DT501 and DT551 impressed with their fast preheat time (under 90 seconds) and even cooking across both racks. Cooking frozen fries, baked chicken, and cookies produced consistently crispy, golden results without the need for flipping or rotating.
However, using the DT551’s integrated thermometer was a game-changer for meats. We roasted a 4-lb chicken and selected a medium level of doneness. The oven adjusted automatically, and the chicken came out perfectly cooked – juicy inside with a crisp golden skin. In comparison, the DT501 required more manual checking with an external thermometer.
Ninja DT501 Air Fryer & Toaster Oven
- SMART SURROUND CONVECTION: High velocity fan and rear heat source completely surrounding food for all-around crisp.
- 2 LEVEL EVEN COOKING: Even cooking on 2 levels with no rotation, flipping, or shaking.
Pros ✅
- Same cooking power and capacity as the DT551
- Excellent performance and convection airflow
- Sleek stainless steel design
- Ideal for large families or batch cooking
- Lower cost than DT551
Cons ⚠️
- Lacks built-in thermometer and Auto Temp Detect
- Manual effort required for doneness checks
Ninja DT551 Ninja Prestige Pro Cook System Air Fry
- SMART SURROUND CONVECTION: Completely surround food for an all-around crisp.
- PRO COOK SYSTEM: Achieve the perfect doneness from rare to well done at the touch of a button with the integrated Pro Cook System with Auto Temp Detect Intelligence —no guesswork required.
Pros ✅
- All DT501 features plus Pro Cook Thermometer
- Auto Temp Detect makes meat cooking more precise
- Still easy to use and clean
- Best for meat lovers and precision cooking
Cons ⚠️
- Slightly more expensive
- Thermometer is great but not essential for all users
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
Both the Ninja DT501 and DT551 are excellent air fryer toaster ovens, offering true surround convection, generous capacity, and an impressive range of functions in a countertop design.
- Choose the Ninja DT551 if you frequently cook meats, roasts, or meals where precise internal temperature matters. The Pro Cook System takes the guesswork out and adds a level of confidence and consistency to your meals.
- Choose the Ninja DT501 if you want the same size, power, and core cooking functions without the need for the smart thermometer. It’s a fantastic, more affordable option for general baking, air frying, and family meals.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether the convenience of an integrated thermometer and automatic doneness detection is worth the added cost. Either way, you’re getting one of the most capable countertop ovens Ninja has to offer.
