Chefman vs Ninja Air Fryer (2022): Which Air Fryer Should You Buy?

Air fryers are a great way to cook food fast and with little to no oil. It’s an appliance worth getting if you’re looking to prep healthier meals. Ninja is one of the top brands when it comes to these trendy ovens. From the 10-in-1 Ninja Air Fry Oven to the space-saving Ninja SP101, there’s an air fryer to suit everyone’s needs.

But if pleasing everyone is the goal, you’ll find more options from Chefman’s extensive catalog. Its best-sellers include the heavy-duty Chefman 10-Liter air fryer along with compact 2- or 3-liter models. Unlike Ninja air fryers, however, Chefman’s offerings are typically a fraction of the cost of top brands. But does it cut corners? Or is it just as good as Ninja’s lineup?

Chefman vs Ninja Air Fryer Comparison Chart

Chefman vs Ninja Air Fryer (Extra Large Capacity)

For feeding crowds and large families, consider the Chefman 10-Liter Air Fryer or the Ninja DT251 Foodi 10-in-1 Air Fry Oven.

Air fryer ovens are large appliances that take up considerable countertop space. But if you have more than enough room to spare, an extra-large capacity oven is worth investing in. This holds for the Chefman 10-Liter Multi-Functional Digital Air Fryer. Ideal when cooking for a crowd, the sleek-looking air fryer has a roomy interior that can fit an 8 x 8 baking pan. You also get three removable racks for multi-layer cooking.

The Ninja DT251 Foodi 10-in-1 Smart XL Air Fry Oven, on the other hand, boasts a two-level cooking system. According to the company, the lower level can accommodate a 5-lb. chicken while the top is used to roast vegetables. Take out the wire racks that divide the levels and the DT251 can handle a 12-lb. turkey with ease.

Chefman’s air fryer has the edge over the Ninja DT251 when it comes to preset functions. The 10-liter oven has 14 cooking options. It also comes with dehydrator capabilities and a rotisserie function. Ninja’s top-rated oven, however, has a more powerful cooking technology. If Chefman’s use infrared heating, the DT251 relies on True Surround Convection for up to 30% faster — and crispier — cooking. It’s a great way of whipping up a variety of Ninja air fryer oven recipes.

Chefman vs Ninja Air Fryer (Large Capacity)

Most people will find the Chefman 6-Liter Air Fryer and the Ninja 2-Basket Air Fryer more practical additions to their kitchen.

If a 10-liter air fryer is too big for you, then the Chefman 6 Liter Multi-Functional Air Fryer might be a reasonable alternative. While still a large-capacity appliance, it’s sleeker in form and less obtrusive on your countertop. The same can be said for the Ninja Air Fryer 6-in-1 2-Basket Air Fryer (DZ201). Boasting an 8-qt capacity and 6 preset functions, the DZ201 is the best air fryer for most people.

Even with a decrease in capacity, the 6-liter Chefman has many of the same features as its bigger brother. For instance, the oven has a built-in rotisserie function, interior lighting, and a modern digital display. You also get plenty of accessories like drip trays and airflow racks. The only trade-offs here are fewer cooking functions and a maximum of two cooking levels instead of three.

Ninja’s highly-rated DZ201, on the other hand, is best known for its DualZone technology. Unlike other air fryers, this feature means you get two cooking baskets. These zones are independent, too, each with its cyclonic fan and rapid heating system. Together with the multiple cooking functions, Ninja’s two-basket air fryer is a versatile addition to any kitchen.

Chefman vs Ninja Air Fryer (Small Capacity)

The Chefman 2 Liter Compact Air Fryer and Ninja’s base model Air Fryer are portable and space-saving models perfect for small homes or for traveling.

For small apartments or dorms where space is a luxury, a compact air fryer can be a lifesaver. Here, the Chefman 2 Liter Compact Air Fryer and the Ninja Air Fryer are great options. Chefman’s space-saving air fryer, for instance, is just over a foot tall and less than 10-inches wide. Its small footprint also makes it a portable appliance, perfect for RVs during road trips. Ninja’s air fryer, although slightly larger, is another carriageable model available in 4-qt. and 5.5-qt. capacities.

Between the two, Ninja offers more cook settings. The brand’s stylish air fryer comes with 4 programmable functions, including roast and dehydrate. Users can manage these settings easily through an intuitive control panel, too. With Chefman’s compact fryer, you can only air fry and reheat food. Plus, you’re limited to temperature and timer dials to control the fryer. Fortunately, both models are fairly easy to care for, thanks to dishwasher-friendly parts and accessories.

Chefman vs Ninja Air Fryer (Best for Baking)

The Chefman Toast-Air Convection Oven + Air Fryer and the Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven are ideal for those who like to bake.

Many of today’s air fryers offer versatile cooking functions, including the ability to bake. If this is something you need, consider the Chefman and Ninja air fryer ovens instead. Unlike its barrel-shaped siblings, the Chefman Toast-Air Convection Oven + Air Fryer looks more like your regular oven. Beyond its stainless steel exterior, however, you get a 20-liter capacity appliance with 7 cooking presets. These functions include simple bake and convection bake modes.

On the other hand, the Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven boasts 8 cooking functions. Homeowners can bake, toast, air broil, and keep warm, among others, with this feature-packed appliance. According to Ninja, the Air Fry Oven features a digital crisp control technology for optimal cooking performance. It also claims to offer 40% more even-baking than the Cuisinart TOA-60. All these functions can be managed through a sleek-looking control panel as well.

The Chefman Air Convection Oven’s dials aren’t as slinky as the Ninja Foodi. But it does its job well, even including a 7-shade setting for toasting. Now both the Chefman and Ninja air fryer will take a considerable amount of countertop space. With the Foodi oven, however, you get a space-saving feature. Known as the Ninja air fryer that flips up, the Foodi can be set up vertically and stored against your backsplash. That’s about 50% less space compared to when it’s in use.

Verdict

Chefman’s 6 Liter Multi-Functional Air Fryer and Ninja’s 6-in-1 2-Basket Air Fryer are the best models for most households.

Choosing the right air fryer largely depends on your household’s needs. But regardless of how you cook at home, two models from Chefman and Ninja stand out as ideal for most users. These air fryers are the best combination of design, features, and price.

The Chefman 6 Liter Multi-Functional Air Fryer, for instance, is a well-built and stylish air fryer that packs a plethora of cooking features. While its size might be intimidating, it can double as your other appliances, too, including a rotisserie or baking oven. It’s a more reasonable alternative over the bulkier 10-liter Chefman as well. So if you want a large-capacity air fryer that still manages to find a home on your benchtop, get this model.

Ninja’s 6-in-1 2-Basket Air Fryer, on the other hand, is great for more versatile and efficient cooking. The model’s two independent cooking zones are a favorite for their time-saving features. Not only can you cook two meals at once, but you can also set their cook times to finish at the same time. Despite its combined 8-qt. capacity, the Ninja 6-in-1 air fryer doesn’t feel oversized, too. Plus, its sleek barrel-shaped design and modern control panel make it a welcome addition to your kitchen.

FAQs