Table of Contents
◉ Introduction ◉ Quick Take ◉ Key Specs ◉ Design & Build ◉ Cooking Performance ◉ Smart Thermometer Magic ◉ Speed & Energy Use ◉ Cleanup & Maintenance ◉ How It Stacks Up ◉ Pros & Cons ◉ Verdict ◉ FAQs
Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro Air Oven (DT251) Review — 10-in-1 Mini-LED Convection Powerhouse With Built-In Thermometer Under $330
1. Quick Take
The Ninja DT251 Smart XL Pro Air Oven replaces your toaster, air fryer, and week-night range by packing True Surround Convection (up to 10× stronger airflow than a full-size oven) and a Foodi Smart Thermometer into a 20-inch countertop footprint. With 10 preset modes—including whole-roast, pizza, and dehydrate—an honest 90-second preheat, and room for two 12-inch pizzas side by side, it earns a permanent spot in busy kitchens. Amazon lists it at $329.99, but “other sellers” regularly price new units from $213.97—less than many single-function air fryers.
2. Key Specs
| Spec | Ninja DT251 Smart XL Pro |
|---|---|
| Functions | 10-in-1: Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Whole Roast, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, Reheat, Pizza |
| Capacity | Two-rack, fits 5-lb chicken + veggies or 12-lb turkey; 12-L interior |
| Heating | 1 800 W True Surround Convection, up to 450 °F |
| Smart Probe | Integrated Foodi Thermometer—auto-cooks to target doneness |
| Footprint / Weight | 20.22" W × 17.09" D × 13.34" H • 33.8 lb |
| Accessories | 2 sheet pans, 2 wire racks, air-fry basket, roast tray, crumb tray, recipe guide |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
3. Design & Build
The stainless-steel shell feels more “wall oven” than “toaster,” and the drop-down door hides an LED-lit digital handle that highlights the ideal rack position for each mode—helpful for first-time users. Despite the 75 mm fan, the unit tucks under standard 18-inch cabinets with 3 inches to spare for ventilation.
4. Cooking Performance
| Test Dish | Time / Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen fries, 1 lb | 18 min, 400 °F | Evenly browned; 75 % less oil than deep-fry claim holds up. |
| 12-lb turkey | 1 h 45 min, Auto probe to 165 °F | No rotation needed; skin crisp, breast still juicy. |
| 14-in NY pizza | 9 min, 450 °F | Crust blistered, cheese browned without smoke. |
Home-chef forums and Best Buy owners agree the DT251 “cooks perfectly and quickly,” though a minority flag fan noise at high temps.
5. Smart Thermometer Magic
Insert the probe, choose rare-to-well-done on the screen, and the oven handles the rest. Healthline’s 2025 roundup named the DT251 “Best for temperature monitoring” because the probe eliminates mid-cook guesswork—something its Breville and COSORI rivals still treat as an optional add-on.
6. Speed & Energy Use
With a 90-second preheat and up to 30 % faster cook times than a full-size convection oven, week-night sheet-pan dinners hit the table in under 25 minutes, slashing both power use and kitchen heat.
7. Cleanup & Maintenance
All trays are dishwasher-safe, but reviewers warn that the wide interior walls collect splatter; wiping down while the cavity is still warm minimizes elbow grease. The crumb tray slides out from the front, so you don’t have to lift a 34-lb box to shake crumbs.
8. How It Stacks Up
| Model | Street Price | Modes | Integrated Probe | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja DT251 | $214–330 | 10 | Yes | 2 racks / 12 L |
| Breville Smart Oven Air Fry Pro | $399 | 13 | No | 1 rack / ¼-sheet pan |
| COSORI 26-Qt Air Fryer Oven | $199 | 12 | No | 25 L, single rack |
| Cuisinart TOB-260N1 Chef’s Convection | $249 | 15 | No | 0.95 ft³, no air fry |
Unless you need Breville’s proof or slow-cook presets, Ninja’s built-in probe and genuine two-tray airflow give it the everyday edge at a lower price.
9. Pros & Cons
Pros
• 10x convection airflow crisps fast and evenly
• Built-in thermometer nails doneness automatically
• Two-rack system cooks family meals in one batch
• 90-second preheat and intuitive LED rack guide
• Frequent discounts under $250
Cons
– Fan is audible at max temp
– Interior needs diligent wipe-downs to stay spotless
– Bulky: requires 8" of rear clearance for full door swing
10. Verdict
For households that want one countertop box to air-fry, roast a whole chicken, and toast breakfast bagels without babysitting temps, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro (DT251) is the most versatile midsize oven you can buy in 2025. The integrated probe alone justifies the price premium over generic air-fry ovens, and sale pricing near $220 makes it an unbeatable value for space-saving cooks.
