Ninja Max Dual Zone 9.5 L Air fryer vs Ninja Flexdraw 10.4 L, which one should you buy?

In this comparison, we will evaluate the Ninja Max Dual Zone Air Fryer and the Ninja Flex Drawer Air Fryer. While they may appear similar, they have distinct differences that cater to varying cooking needs.

Basic Specifications

Ninja Max Dual Zone Air Fryer:

• Capacity: 9.5 liters
• Weight: 8.8 kg
• Temperature Range: 40°C to 240°C
• Power: 2,470 watts
• Cooking Areas: Two drawers

Ninja Flex Drawer Air Fryer:

• Capacity: 10.4 liters
• Weight: 9.37 kg
• Temperature Range: 40°C to 240°C
• Power: 2,470 watts
• Cooking Areas: One drawer, expandable to a larger single area

Key Differences

1. Cooking Capacity:

   • The Ninja Flex Drawer Air Fryer has a larger capacity (10.4L) compared to the Ninja Max Dual Zone Air Fryer (9.5L). This is due to the slightly larger width of the drawer in the Flex Drawer model.

2. Weight:

   • The Flex Drawer model is heavier at 9.37 kg versus the Max Dual Zone’s 8.8 kg.

3. Control and Display:

   • The Ninja Max Dual Zone features two separate displays for each cooking zone.
   • The Ninja Flex Drawer has a single display but can be expanded into a larger cooking area by removing the center divider.

Functionality and Features

Ninja Max Dual Zone Air Fryer:

• Cooking Presets: Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate
• Controls: Individual controls for each drawer, with functions like Sync and Match to coordinate cooking times and settings between zones.

Ninja Flex Drawer Air Fryer:

• Cooking Presets: Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate, and Prove
• Controls: Similar to the Max Dual Zone, it includes Sync and Match functions. It also has the advantage of converting into a single large cooking area by removing the center panel.

Practical Use and Cooking Test

In a cooking test with chicken breasts and homemade chips, both air fryers were set to Air Fry mode at 170°C for 10 minutes initially.

Results:

• The chicken in the Ninja Max Dual Zone Air Fryer appeared to cook slightly faster and more evenly compared to the Flex Drawer model.
• The chips were similarly cooked in both models, showing little difference in texture and doneness.

Observations:

• The Flex Drawer model’s “Cool Down” function helps cool the appliance post-cooking, which the Max Dual Zone lacks.
• The Max Dual Zone Air Fryer seemed to brown and cook the chicken more thoroughly within the same time frame.

Pros and Cons

Ninja Max Dual Zone Air Fryer:

Pros:

• Separate cooking zones for simultaneous multi-dish cooking.
• Consistent and even cooking performance.

Cons:

• Smaller overall capacity compared to the Flex Drawer.

Ninja Flex Drawer Air Fryer:

Pros:

• Larger capacity and flexible cooking area.
• Additional cooking preset (Prove).
• Cool Down function.

Cons:

• Slightly heavier and potentially more challenging to clean due to the larger single drawer.

Conclusion

Both air fryers offer unique benefits, making them suitable for different cooking needs. The Ninja Max Dual Zone is ideal for those who frequently cook multiple dishes at once and prefer separate cooking zones. The Ninja Flex Drawer, with its larger capacity and flexibility, is perfect for those who need to cook larger items or want a versatile cooking area.