Ninja Dual Zone AF300 vs. AF400: Which Air Fryer is Right for Your Family?

The Ninja Dual Zone AF300 is Amazon UK's top-selling air fryer, but is it the right size for your family? In this comparison, we also look at the AF400, which is 25% larger. Is it worth the extra money and countertop space? Let's dive into the details.

Key Differences Between Ninja AF300 and AF400

Capacity and Size:

• AF300: 7.6L total capacity (3.8L per drawer)
• AF400: 9.5L total capacity (4.75L per drawer)

Despite the AF400 being larger, it only takes up 4cm more in width and 1cm more in height and depth compared to the AF300. The display layout is different, with the AF400 featuring a dial, but both models offer the same functions.

Real-World Testing: AF300 vs. AF400

Whole Roast Chicken Test

Both models can fit a 1.5kg chicken. However, the AF300's chicken was too close to the heating elements, causing it to burn on top. The AF400 handled the chicken without issues, showcasing its advantage in capacity.

Roasted Vegetables and Chocolate Pudding Test

Both models accommodated roasted vegetables well. For individual chocolate puddings, the AF300 struggled to fit four standard-sized pudding dishes without overlap, while the AF400 had no such issue, providing more room and better airflow.

Cookie and Sausage Test

• Cookies: The AF400 fit six cookies compared to five in the AF300.
• Sausages: The AF300 fit nine sausages, whereas the AF400 fit twelve, ideal for larger families or entertaining guests.

Chicken Fajitas Test

The AF400 showed a slight edge in cooking efficiency, with fewer uncooked pieces of chicken midway through the cooking process compared to the AF300. The AF300 required more intervention to ensure even cooking.

Baking Test

Using a one-pound loaf tin, both models had enough space, but the AF400 provided more room for air circulation. For larger two-pound loaf tins, the AF300 was a tight fit, making it challenging to remove the tin when hot. The AF400, however, offered more space and easier handling.

Conclusion: Which Model to Choose?

For a family of four, the AF300 is sufficient. However, if you entertain often or cook larger meals, the AF400 is a better choice. Despite its larger capacity, it doesn’t take up much more countertop space. The price difference is minimal, making the AF400 a worthwhile investment if your budget allows.

Tip: When buying third-party accessories, ensure they are sized for the AF400 to maximize its capacity.

Future Comparisons: If you're considering the AF500, which offers an additional 800ml capacity and a removable drawer divider, let us know in the comments. We might do a comparison video on that model next!