What is the Ninja Foodi Smart Dual Heat Air Fry Oven (SP351)?

This article may contain affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through these links.

The Ninja Foodi Smart Dual Heat Air Fry Oven (SP351) is a countertop appliance that combines the functions of 13 different kitchen gadgets into one compact machine. Think of it as an air fryer, a toaster oven, a pizza oven, and a dehydrator all in one. It is designed to cook food faster than a traditional oven while taking up less space on your counter. The “Dual Heat” part of its name means it uses both direct heat from the top and hot, fast-moving air to cook your meals, which is supposed to give you a better sear on meats and a crispier texture on foods like pizza and fries.

The model is SP351, and it comes in a silver finish. It is a popular choice for people looking to replace multiple small appliances and simplify their kitchen.

Who Is the Ninja SP351 For?

This appliance is a great fit for a few different types of people. Based on what owners say, it is particularly good for:

• People with Small Kitchens: One of the biggest selling points is its ability to flip up and store vertically against your backsplash. This can reclaim up to 45% of your counter space when it is not in use. This is a massive help for anyone with limited counter space.

• Small Families or Couples: Many reviews mention it is the perfect size for cooking for two people. It can fit up to 6 chicken breasts or a 2-pound roast, making it practical for a small family or meal prep.

• People Who Want to Cook Healthier: The air fry function uses hot air to crisp up food like fries and chicken wings, using significantly less oil than a deep fryer. Ninja claims you can use up to 75% less fat when air frying compared to traditional deep-frying.

• People Who Do Not Want to Heat Up Their Big Oven: This oven heats up in about 60 seconds and is up to 65% faster than a full-size oven. This is great for making quick meals without waiting for a large oven to preheat.

Main Features of the Ninja Foodi SP351

Here is a breakdown of the key features that make this appliance stand out.

13 Functions in One

This is the core selling point. It is not just an air fryer; it is a whole kitchen system. The functions you get include:

• Air Fry

• Sear Crisp

• Rapid Bake

• Frozen Pizza

• Fresh Pizza

• Griddle

• Air Roast

• Bake

• Broil

• Toast

• Bagel

• Dehydrate

• Reheat

Dual Heat Technology

The oven uses two heat sources. The first is a direct heat plate at the top called the SearPlate which can get up to 500°F. The second is a cyclonic hot air system. They work together to help you both sear and crisp at the same time. This is what gives your steaks that nice crust and your pizza that perfect, crispy edge.

Smart Cook System with Foodi Smart Thermometer

This is a really helpful feature for beginners or anyone who wants perfect results without guesswork. The oven comes with a built-in thermometer that you insert into the thickest part of your meat. You can then select your desired doneness like rare, medium, or well-done, and the oven will automatically shut off when that temperature is reached. Many users found this feature extremely useful, especially for cooking things like chicken and steak perfectly.

Flip-Up Design for Storage

As mentioned earlier, the oven is designed to be stored vertically. When you are done cooking, you can simply lift it up, and it will stand on its back, taking up much less counter space. It is a unique design element that many find incredibly useful.

Quick Preheating

Preheat time is incredibly fast. Multiple users confirmed they could preheat the oven to 450°F in under a minute. This is a huge time saver compared to a full-size oven.

What’s Included

When you buy the SP351, the box includes the countertop oven itself, an air fry basket, a non-stick SearPlate, a wire rack, a removable crumb tray, and the Foodi Smart Thermometer.

Honest Pros and Cons

The best way to know if this appliance is for you is to look at its strengths and weaknesses. This section is based on what verified users say.

Pros

• Versatile: The 13-in-1 function is a major win. It can replace a toaster, an air fryer, a small oven, and a dehydrator, reducing clutter.

• Space-Saving Design: The flip-up feature is praised by nearly every happy customer. It is a lifesaver in smaller kitchens.

• Speedy Cooking: It heats up incredibly quickly and cooks food faster than a conventional oven.

• Great for Meats: The dual heat and built-in thermometer help make cooking things like steak and chicken easier and more accurate. Users report great results.

• Easy to Clean: Owners find it easier to clean than traditional drawer-style air fryers because of the removable crumb tray and easy access to the interior.

Cons

• Shallow Interior: This is the most common complaint. The oven is a bit short, so it is not great for large items like whole chickens or very tall dishes. It can also make removing hot food with oven mitts a bit tricky.

• Air Frying Can Be Inconsistent: Because of its shallow design, some users feel the air circulation is not as good as a basket-style air fryer. This can lead to unevenly cooked food. One user called it a “glorified small toaster oven”.

• Cleaning the Air Fry Basket: The air fry basket can be tedious to clean. Grease and food particles can get stuck, and many users recommend using a small wire brush to get it clean.

• Mixed Reviews on Build Quality: While many praise its durability, some users have reported issues like the display failing shortly after purchase.

• Initial Burning Smell: It is very important to run the oven at a high temperature for a while when you first get it. Users report a strong, noxious odor during this initial “burn-off” process and recommend doing it outside if possible.

Price and Availability

Please note that the price and availability of the Ninja Foodi SP351 may change over time. It is best to check the current price on Amazon by clicking the link below. Prices can vary depending on sales, promotions, and the retailer. Historically, it has been sold at a price point reflecting its multi-function capabilities. It has been listed at around $229.99, but prices always fluctuate.

Is It Worth Buying?

The Ninja Foodi Smart Dual Heat Air Fry Oven (SP351) is a fantastic appliance for certain households but might be a source of frustration for others.

It is worth it if you: Have a small kitchen and value counter space, are cooking for one or two people, want to replace multiple appliances with one unit, and will use a variety of its functions like air frying, toasting, and baking.

It is NOT worth it if you: Are a serious air fryer fan who wants the absolute best, most crispy results, regularly cook large items like whole chickens, or have a large family to feed.

The main thing to understand is that this is a jack-of-all-trades, but master of none. It does a lot of things well, but it might not outperform a dedicated air fryer or a large oven for specific tasks. However, if you need versatility and a space-saving solution, this is a very strong contender.

The Ninja Foodi Smart Dual Heat Air Fry Oven (SP351) is a powerful and versatile addition to any kitchen, especially smaller ones. Its ability to do so much while taking up so little space is its biggest strength. It can make cooking faster, easier, and healthier. However, it is important to go in with realistic expectations. Its shallow height can be a limitation, and the air fryer function, while good, may not be the absolute best on the market.

Overall, it is a highly recommended product for the right user. If you are looking to declutter your countertop and simplify your meal prep with one multi-functional device, the Ninja SP351 is an excellent choice. Just be sure to follow the manual’s instructions for the first-time burn-off and consider its size limitations before purchasing.