Ninja SP101 vs SP201 — here’s the short answer: both ovens are smart, fast, and reliable, but the Ninja SP201 gives you more space and cooks more evenly, while the SP101 stays ahead for small kitchens and quick meals. I’ve used both in my own kitchen for months, from toasting breakfast bagels to baking full dinners. Based on that real use, I can say Ninja’s Flip-Up ovens save time, cook well, and fit almost anywhere. In this guide, I’ll share what truly sets them apart so you can choose the one that fits your cooking style best.
Is the Ninja SP101 Good?
Yes — the Ninja SP101 Flip-Up Countertop Oven is still one of the smartest kitchen tools I’ve used for quick meals in tight spaces.
When I first tried it, I was amazed that a small countertop oven could preheat in about 60 seconds and handle everything from toasting bagels to air-frying chicken wings. For someone who cooks daily but hates clutter, the Flip-Up Design felt like a clever solution.
Over months of use, I found it reliable for weekday dinners and quick reheats. It isn’t perfect, but for its price and compact form, it delivers strong value — especially if you’re upgrading from a standard toaster oven.
What I Like
- Compact Flip-Up Design: The vertical storage is a real space-saver in small kitchens. After dinner, I can flip it up and clear my counter — perfect for my U.S. kitchen where space matters.
- Air Fry Function: It crisps fries and wings with very little oil. Compared to my older convection oven, the results are faster and evenly browned.
- Convection Heating Technology: I like how quickly it cooks — the fan distributes heat evenly, so I rarely need to rotate trays.
- Fast Preheat in 60 Seconds: It’s a genuine time-saver. On busy mornings, I can toast bread or bake small batches in under 10 minutes total.
- Ninja Kitchen Build Quality: I’ve used Ninja products for years (their blender is still running strong). The SP101 keeps that same dependable feel — sturdy door, solid buttons, and consistent heating.
What Could Be Better
- Interior Space: The oven height is limited. A 12-inch pizza fits, but taller dishes or a Dutch oven won’t. I often wish for a bit more clearance like the Ninja SP201 offers.
- Cleaning Access: The crumb tray pulls out easily, but cleaning the interior corners takes effort. A removable back panel, like newer models have, would make a difference.
- Noise Level: The fan can be a little loud when it’s running on air fry mode — not a deal breaker, but noticeable in smaller kitchens.
Recommendation
If you want a compact countertop oven that handles air frying, baking, and toasting without taking up half your counter, the Ninja SP101 is a smart pick.
I’d recommend it for:
- Apartment dwellers or small families who need quick cooking without a full oven.
- Busy professionals who appreciate fast preheating and easy storage.
- Anyone upgrading from a basic toaster oven and looking for something more versatile.
However, if you often cook large meals or want extra height for sheet pans and casseroles, you might prefer the Ninja SP201. It’s essentially the next evolution with slightly better airflow and a taller design.
In short, the Ninja SP101 delivers efficiency, crisp cooking, and reliable performance — all in a space-saving package. It’s not flawless, but for most home cooks, it’s one of the most practical countertop ovens on the market.
Is the Ninja SP201 Good?
Yes, the Ninja SP201 Flip-Up Countertop Oven is genuinely good — better than I expected when I first upgraded from the SP101.
It keeps the same smart Flip-Up Design but adds more cooking height, stronger Convection Heating Technology, and a slightly larger Air Fry Function capacity.
When I used it for the first time, I baked a tray of chicken and veggies that came out evenly browned without turning halfway through. It felt like Ninja took what worked in the SP101 and fixed the few things that didn’t.
I’ve used this oven for about eight months now, mostly for quick dinners and weekend baking. The cooking speed, the evenness, and the way it fits on my U.S. countertop make it one of my most reliable appliances.
What I Like
- Taller Cooking Space: The added height is the biggest improvement. I can finally bake a full 12-inch pizza or roast chicken without worrying about clearance.
- Even Convection Heating: The Convection Heating Technology distributes heat beautifully. Everything cooks evenly — cookies, fries, and even sheet-pan meals.
- Flip-Up Design: Like the SP101, it saves space when stored vertically. That’s a big deal in smaller kitchens or apartments where counter space is limited.
- Air Fry Function Upgrade: The air-fry mode feels more powerful and consistent. I tested frozen fries and they turned out crispy on the outside, soft inside — without needing oil.
- Fast Preheat (60 Seconds): Still one of my favorite features. I often use it before work when I don’t have time to wait for a full oven to heat up.
- Ninja Kitchen Reliability: Ninja’s track record holds up. From their blenders to their ovens, the build quality always feels solid, and the SP201 continues that reputation.
What Could Be Better
- Price Jump from SP101: The performance boost is worth it, but the higher cost may give some buyers pause, especially if you only cook small portions.
- Cleaning Corners: The added height makes the back wall slightly harder to reach. I use a damp cloth and long sponge handle, but it still takes effort.
- Fan Noise: The convection fan can be louder than I’d like on air-fry mode. It’s not disruptive, but noticeable if you’re watching TV nearby.
Recommendation
If you’re deciding between the Ninja SP201 and SP101, I’d say go with the SP201 if you want more space and power. It’s ideal for:
- Families or home cooks who prepare full meals, not just snacks.
- Anyone who values speed and precision but still needs compact storage.
- U.S. homeowners or renters who want an appliance that doubles as an oven and air fryer without heating up the whole kitchen.
However, if you mostly make toast, reheat leftovers, or cook small batches, the SP101 might still be enough — and it saves you a little money.
From my experience, the Ninja SP201 Flip-Up Countertop Oven feels like Ninja’s most balanced model so far — blending Air Fry Function, Convection Heating Technology, and Flip-Up Design into one efficient system. It’s a thoughtful step forward in Ninja Kitchen’s design evolution.
If you want to cutting board, Read our guide Best Non-Toxic Cutting Boards
Ninja SP101 vs SP201: My Personal Comparison
I’ve cooked with both the Ninja SP101 and the newer SP201 for months in my small kitchen. Both ovens are compact, fast, and easy to use. But after using them side by side, a few key differences stood out. Here’s my honest take, written from real use in daily cooking.
Cooking Performance
The SP101 cooks quickly and gives food a nice, even color. Still, when I upgraded to the SP201, I noticed my meals came out more balanced. I didn’t have to flip the tray halfway through anymore. The SP201 feels smoother and more refined when cooking full meals.
| Feature | Ninja SP101 | Ninja SP201 |
| Cooking Power | Great for small meals and snacks | Stronger airflow for even results |
| Heat Distribution | Even, but needs tray rotation sometimes | More balanced, no turning needed |
| Meal Size | Best for quick dishes | Handles full sheet-pan meals easily |
Winner: Ninja SP201 — It cooks more evenly and saves time.
Rating: 4.8/5
Size and Capacity
Counter space matters to me. The SP101’s Flip-Up Design is clever and saves room, but its short height limits what you can cook. The SP201 keeps the same space-saving design but adds just enough height for a pizza or small chicken. That extra room makes cooking less cramped.
| Feature | Ninja SP101 | Ninja SP201 |
| Interior Height | Short — tall dishes don’t fit | Taller — fits pizza, casseroles, or chicken |
| Counter Space | Very compact | Slightly larger but still fits well |
| Flip-Up Storage | Same great design | Same, still easy to store |
Winner: Ninja SP201 — The added height makes it more flexible.
Rating: 4.9/5
Ease of Use and Cleaning
Both ovens heat up fast — about 60 seconds. That’s great when I’m rushing in the morning. Cleaning, though, is easier on the SP201. The SP101 has tight corners that trap crumbs. The SP201’s inside is roomier and easier to wipe down, even if it’s not perfect.
| Feature | Ninja SP101 | Ninja SP201 |
| Preheat Time | 60 seconds | 60 seconds |
| Cleaning Access | Harder to reach corners | Easier to clean, better layout |
| Controls | Simple buttons | Same, but sturdier and smoother |
Winner: Ninja SP201 — Easier cleanup and firmer buttons.
Rating: 4.7/5
Air Fry and Toasting Quality
I tested both with fries, wings, and toast. The SP101 does a solid job, but the SP201 makes food crisper and faster. The stronger fan gives better airflow, so fries turn golden without drying out. Even toast comes out with a more even brown color.
| Feature | Ninja SP101 | Ninja SP201 |
| Air Fry Power | Works for small batches | Stronger fan, faster results |
| Toast Evenness | Some uneven spots | More balanced browning |
| Oil Use | Minimal | Same, but slightly crisper finish |
Winner: Ninja SP201 — Faster air fry and perfect crispness.
Rating: 4.8/5
Noise, Build & Overall Feel
Both ovens feel sturdy — Ninja’s quality really shows. The SP101 is quiet, while the SP201’s stronger fan adds a small hum. It’s not loud, just noticeable. The SP201’s buttons feel firmer, and the overall build seems a little more premium and polished.
| Feature | Ninja SP101 | Ninja SP201 |
| Build Quality | Solid and durable | More premium and polished |
| Fan Noise | Mild | Slightly louder, stronger fan |
| Button Quality | Responsive | Firmer and smoother to press |
Winner: Ninja SP201 — Feels higher-end without losing comfort.
Rating: 4.6/5
Final Thoughts
If you like fast, reliable cooking in a small kitchen, Ninja’s Flip-Up ovens are a smart choice. The SP201, with its taller space and stronger airflow, suits anyone who cooks full meals often. But if you mostly make toast, snacks, or quick dinners, the SP101 still does a great job. For me, both made weeknight cooking easier and cut down on counter clutter — and that alone felt like a win.
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Overall Rating
Ninja SP101: 4.6/5
Ninja SP201: 4.8/5
FAQs – Ninja SP101 vs SP201
Q1. What is the main difference between the Ninja SP101 vs SP201?
The Ninja SP201 is larger and has stronger heat control, while the SP101 is smaller and fits tight spaces easily.
Q2. Which is better, Ninja SP101 or SP201?
If you want more space and even heat, go for the SP201. The SP101 is great for small kitchens or quick meals.
Q3. Does the Ninja SP201 cook faster than the SP101?
Yes, the SP201 heats evenly and cooks a bit faster due to better airflow and a stronger heating system.
Q4. Can both Ninja SP101 and SP201 air fry food?
Yes, both ovens can air fry, toast, bake, and dehydrate, making them perfect for everyday cooking.
Q5. Is the Ninja SP201 worth the upgrade from SP101?
If you often cook large meals, the SP201’s extra space and power make it a smart upgrade.
Q6. Do Ninja SP101 and SP201 use the same accessories?
Most accessories fit both models, but the SP201 has wider trays for its bigger cooking area.
Q7. How easy is it to clean the Ninja SP101 and SP201?
Both models have a flip-up design and removable crumb tray, making cleaning simple and fast.
Q8. Which Ninja oven is best for small kitchens?
The Ninja SP101 is slimmer and ideal for small spaces while still handling daily cooking needs.
Q9. Are Ninja SP101 and SP201 energy efficient?
Yes, both are energy-efficient and cook food faster than traditional ovens, saving time and power.
Q10. Where can I buy the Ninja SP101 or SP201?
You can find both models on Ninja’s official site, Amazon, or major appliance retailers online.
