The Ninja DT551 Prestige Smart XL Air Fryer & Countertop Oven is earning rave reviews, with many users calling it a ‘life saver’ that has made their conventional ovens all but obsolete. The appliance’s versatility is its most celebrated quality, with users successfully preparing everything from whole roasted chickens and pizzas to air-fried favorites and dehydrated snacks. The 90-second preheat time is a standout feature, saving significant time and making weeknight cooking far more convenient. The Pro Cook Thermometer is another highlight, consistently delivering perfectly cooked meats and taking the guesswork out of achieving the desired doneness.
Despite the praise, a few recurring complaints emerge from the user feedback. The most common issue is the noise level; numerous users describe the fan as being exceptionally loud, with some comparing it to a “jet engine” or an “airplane taking off.” This has been a deal-breaker for some, leading to returns. Another frequent pain point is cleaning. While daily spot-cleaning is manageable, users find that grease splatters on the interior and the exposed heating elements are very difficult to clean thoroughly once baked on. As one user noted, “My only advice is to clean it after every cook. Not easy to clean once grease splatter gets baked on.”
Finally, while most users are happy with the build quality, a minority have experienced issues that suggest inconsistent quality control. These problems range from excessive rattling and fan vibrations to units malfunctioning or arriving damaged. The oven’s large size is another double-edged sword—while the XL capacity is a major benefit for families, it takes up a substantial amount of counter space, which is a significant drawback for those with smaller kitchens.
Key User Feedback Summary
| Most Loved Features | User-Based Explanation |
|---|---|
| Versatility (10-in-1) | Users love that it effectively replaces their oven, toaster, and air fryer, saving counter space and simplifying their cooking routine. |
| Fast & Even Cooking | The rapid 90-second preheat and powerful convection fan cook food quickly and evenly, delivering crispy and perfectly cooked results. |
| Large Capacity | The XL size is a major plus for families, allowing for multi-level cooking, fitting a whole chicken, or baking a 12-inch pizza with ease. |
| Pro Cook Thermometer | This feature is frequently praised for taking the guesswork out of cooking meats, ensuring roasts and steaks are cooked to the perfect temperature. |
| Most Common Complaints | What Users Said |
|---|---|
| Loud Operation | A common complaint is the fan noise, which users describe as a ‘jet engine’ or ‘airplane taking off,’ making it disruptive in the kitchen. |
| Difficult to Clean | The interior, especially the heating elements, is hard to deep clean. Grease and food splatter can become baked on and difficult to remove. |
| Large Footprint | While the capacity is a pro, the oven’s large size takes up a significant amount of counter space, making it unsuitable for small kitchens. |
| Quality Control Issues | A number of users experienced problems like loud rattling, vibrating fans, or the unit malfunctioning after a short period of use. |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How loud is the Ninja DT551 oven?
This is one of the most common points of feedback. Many users find the oven to be very loud when the convection fan is running, especially on Air Fry and Roast settings. Some have described the noise as being similar to a small airplane or a drone. If you are sensitive to kitchen appliance noise, this is a significant factor to consider. - Is the oven easy to clean?
While the removable crumb tray and accessories are relatively easy to clean, many users report that the interior of the oven is challenging to keep spotless. Grease can splatter onto the walls and the exposed heating elements, and if not wiped down immediately, it can become baked on and very difficult to remove. - Can it fully replace a conventional oven?
Absolutely, for most daily cooking. Its XL capacity can handle a 12 lb turkey or multiple dishes at once. Thanks to its rapid preheating and versatile functions, many owners report that their full-size oven now gathers dust, especially for daily meals. - Does the air fryer function work as well as a standalone air fryer?
Most users are very impressed with the air fry function, stating that it delivers crispy and evenly cooked results that are comparable to, or even better than, dedicated basket-style air fryers. The larger capacity is also a significant advantage, allowing for bigger batches of food. - Are there any issues with the temperature probe?
The probe itself is highly praised for its accuracy. However, a few users found the interface for selecting the protein type (e.g., chicken, beef) to be unintuitive, as it requires using the “Function” buttons, which isn’t clearly explained in the manual.
Should You Buy It?
This decision comes down to a trade-off between exceptional cooking versatility and a few notable drawbacks.
This is the perfect appliance for you if:
- You’re the designated family chef who needs to cook large meals or multiple dishes at once without firing up the main oven.
- You want to consolidate your toaster, air fryer, and countertop oven into a single, powerful machine.
- You value speed and performance and would appreciate a 90-second preheat and a smart thermometer for perfect roasts.
You might want to look elsewhere if:
- You have a small kitchen with limited counter space.
- You are sensitive to loud appliance noise.
- You prioritize appliances that are exceptionally easy to deep clean.
