Call it a fad. Next to the popularity of the Instapot is the latest in kitchen appliances – the air fryer! The problem with air fryers though is that, like many other kitchen appliances, air fryers tend to take up space. It is exactly for this reason why manufacturers nowadays start to combine different kinds of appliances into just one gadget.
The ninja Foodie Digital Air Fryer Oven, or DT 251, integrates their famous air fryer into their oven toaster so you end up having just one machine. It does as expected, however, come at a price. Is it worth the spend? How does this model fare as a combination kitchen appliance?
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Seeing the Ninja DT251 fresh out of the box gives you a feeling of excitement. It gives an impression that the Ninja DT251 is sturdy and meant to last for years. It takes a modern look with its rounded corners, as well as its brushed stainless steel finish. Unlike other toasters, the DT251 appears to be wider and shorter. While other toasters makes use of handles that look like towel bars, the DT251 has a small handle located on its side.
While it does take some time to get used to, it does make the front of the oven look less cluttered. A digital touch pad on the upper portion of the oven adds to the high-tech feel that the oven gives. When it comes to storage, the oven can be made to stand on one side as it can easily fit even at the back of a counter.
What can it do?
The DT251 comes with the following accessories: an air fry basket, cooking racks, a nonstick sheet pan and a tray crumb. The dimensions of the accessories are bigger than accessories provided by other toasters.
The DT251 is able to perform several functions. Just like other toasters, it can toast and bake. Other than these functions, it can also air roast, air broil, dehydrate and air fry. It also is able to keep your food warm after it has been cooked. The lack of height in the oven’s interior though makes it a bit difficult to cook bigger types of food, such as a while chicken. This probably is one of the disadvantages of the DT251.
The sheet pan an be used for making dishes and baking as well. The DT251 comes with recipes that you can use that will demonstrate the use of the different features and accessories of the DT251.
The DT251 is the most basic of Ninja’s combination ovens. The other models, such as the Ninja Foodie Pressure Cooker and Ninja Foodie Grill, has features that allow it to slow cook, pressure cook and grill.
Tender Crisp Technology
Fried food, such as fried chicken, can sometimes be quite frustrating. Crispy on the outside, dry on the inside. The DT251 has its very own Tender Crisp Technology that allows you to fry food, like chicken and fish, so that it becomes crispy on the outside while staying juicy and tender on the inside.
Easy Cleaning
Every person who owns a toaster oven knows how difficult cleaning can get. It can be quite difficult to rid the toaster of crumbs and spills. The DT251 has a non-stick interior that makes it easy to wipe clean using just a damp cloth. It comes with a crumb tray that can be easily removed and emptied. The back of the oven can be easily accessed so that the back portion of the oven, which is usually difficult to reach, can be cleaned as well.
Smart Cook System
Frying to perfection can be done only at ideal temperatures. The DT2251 is installed with a built-in smart thermometer that can be programmed to control food temperature Cooking is a breeze that comes with the simple touch of a button with the DT251.
Size
The DT251 offers much when it comes to size. It has two levels, aside from a wide interior. This is big enough to fit in a 5-pound chicken or two 12-inch pizzas. The two levels make it possible to cook different kinds of food simultaneously without having to move the position of the food while cooking or baking.
Despite the large cooking space that toaster oven provides, it still surprisingly doesn’t take much counter space. The overall design of the DT251 is well thought of so it doesn’t end up taking much space in the kitchen.
Warranty and Money-Back Guarantee
The oven comes with a one-year warranty from the date of purchase. Should there be any product defect, it can be returned to the manufacturer using the 60-day money-back guarantee.
Overall Feedback
The DT251 indeed comes with loads of features and accessories. The modern design is truly impressive. The digital display makes the oven easy to use without the need for much thought. The oven heats up easily so that baking or cooking can be done in a shorter amount of time. It work well as a toaster and it works quite well for making those sheet pan dinners using the oven function. An oven light makes it easy to check the good being cooked so you won’t have to keep on opening the oven while cooking or baking. The oven is quite easy to store since it can be tilted and stored on its side.
For its price though, the DT251 seems to be on the pricey side. This seems to be one of the disadvantages of the DT251. Besides the price, another down side is its lack of height. This makes it quite difficult to fit in large-sized food like a whole chicken.
While the manual does contain much information, additional guidelines and instructions may be of further help for the user.
The DT 251 does indeed offer a lot in terms of function. The design also makes the oven easy to use, especially for those who are just beginners when it comes to cooking and baking.
For all its outstanding features though, the price may seem quite high, especially for those who are in a tight budget. If you don’t mind going beyond a certain spending limit, then the DT251 may be good buy. For practicality’s sake though, the purchase of a DT 251 though may need some serious deliberation.