The Cuisinart Toa-65 and Ninja DT251 are both popular all-in-one countertop ovens, but they appeal to different priorities. The Cuisinart positions itself as a premium, durable appliance with a classic aesthetic and slightly larger interior, while the Ninja offers a sleek, modern, and more compact design at a slightly lower price point. Both are offered by well-regarded brands, with Cuisinart known for its long-standing reputation in cookware and Ninja for its innovative and tech-forward kitchen gadgets.
Here is a detailed comparison to help you decide which one is the right addition to your kitchen.
Cuisinart Digital Air Fryer Toaster Oven (TOA-65)
The Cuisinart Toa-65 is a versatile and robust workhorse designed to handle multiple cooking tasks with ease. It features a classic stainless steel design that feels substantial and is built for longevity. As a multi-function appliance, it combines an air fryer and toaster oven with other modes like bake, broil, and pizza, making it a true centerpiece for the home cook who values performance and reliability.
- What it is: A multi-function countertop appliance that works as an air fryer, convection oven, and toaster oven.
- Key features: Multiple cooking functions (Air Fry, Convection Bake, Bake, Broil, Toast, Bagel), digital temperature and time controls, non-stick interior, large capacity design.
- Price: Around $220 - $250
- Style: Professional, classic kitchen aesthetic with a full brushed stainless steel finish.
- Materials/Construction: Features a sturdy stainless steel exterior and high-quality internal components for consistent, even heating.
- Pros: Excellent build quality feels durable and long-lasting. Large interior capacity fits a 12-inch pizza or a small chicken. Consistent and reliable cooking performance across all functions. User-friendly digital controls are straightforward and easy to use.
- Cons: Has a larger countertop footprint. Higher price point compared to the Ninja. The classic design might look dated in some ultra-modern kitchens.
This oven is ideal for home cooks who need a reliable, high-capacity countertop appliance and prefer a classic, heavy-duty build over a more modern aesthetic.
Shop this product: https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-TOA-65-Fryer-Toaster-Silver/dp/B07LB3M7B2/
Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 XL Pro Air Fry Oven (DT251)
The Ninja DT251 Foodi is a sleek and innovative multitasker that packs numerous cooking functions into a compact, modern design. Ninja is known for packing a lot of technology and versatility into its products, and the DT251 is no exception. It's designed for fast, even cooking and includes smart features that appeal to the tech-savvy user who wants efficiency without sacrificing counter space.
- What it is: A digital air fry oven that offers 10 cooking modes, including air fry, bake, roast, dehydrate, and more.
- Key features: 10-in-1 cooking functions, True Surround Convection, fast preheat time, digital display, space-saving design with a large capacity.
- Price: Around $180 - $220
- Style: Contemporary and sleek with a mix of stainless steel and black accents.
- Materials/Construction: Solid build quality with a mix of stainless steel and durable plastic components, plus high-quality non-stick surfaces on the interior.
- Pros: Excellent value with numerous features at a competitive price. Compact footprint saves counter space. Sleek, minimalist design fits well in modern kitchens. Intuitive digital interface and fast performance streamline mealtimes.
- Cons: Build quality is solid but not as heavy-duty as the Cuisinart. While compact, the advertised capacity for a 13-inch pizza is a tight fit. Some functions may have a learning curve.
The Ninja DT251 is perfect for busy families, tech-savvy cooks, and anyone with a modern kitchen looking for a versatile, space-saving appliance that delivers excellent value.
Shop this product: https://www.amazon.com/Ninja-Multi-Purpose-Counter-top-Convection-Capability/dp/B08B5T4322/
Cuisinart Toa-65 vs. Ninja DT251 Comparison
Dimensions & Capacity
While both are considered large countertop ovens, there are slight differences. The Cuisinart Toa-65 measures approximately 20 x 16 x 11 inches, making it a bit bulkier. Its interior comfortably fits a 12-inch pizza or up to six slices of toast. The unit feels substantial and is better suited for kitchens with ample counter space.
The Ninja DT251 is slightly more compact at around 19 x 16 x 11 inches, a smart design choice for smaller kitchens or apartments. Billed as an XL oven, Ninja designed the interior to accommodate a 13-inch pizza or larger sheet-pan meals, making excellent use of its slightly smaller exterior footprint.
Materials & Build Quality
Cuisinart’s reputation for durable goods shines through in the Toa-65. Its full stainless steel body feels robust and well-constructed, suggesting it's built to last for years. The dials and buttons are responsive and sturdy, reinforcing the feeling of a premium machine.
Ninja balances performance with modern manufacturing. The DT251 features a mix of stainless steel and high-quality dark plastic, which contributes to its modern look and lighter weight. The build is solid and reliable for daily use, but it may not feel as weighty or industrial as the Cuisinart.
Style & Aesthetic
Your kitchen's style will play a big role here. The Cuisinart Toa-65 has a timeless, professional appliance look. Its brushed stainless steel finish is classic and blends seamlessly into kitchens with other stainless steel appliances, giving off a refined, chef-inspired vibe.
In contrast, the Ninja DT251 screams modern. Its sleek lines, digital screen, and sharp contrast of silver and black make it a great fit for contemporary, minimalist, or tech-forward kitchen designs. It’s designed to look clean and neat on the counter.
Price & Value
The Cuisinart model generally falls in the $220 to $250 range, placing it in the upper-mid-tier for this category. The price reflects its heavy-duty build and the brand's long-standing reputation for quality and performance. If longevity is your primary concern, this investment offers excellent long-term value.
The Ninja DT251 typically costs between $180 and $220, making it the more budget-friendly option. It provides a massive number of features for the price, delivering an impressive value proposition. For shoppers who want the most functionality for their money, the Ninja is hard to beat.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both the Cuisinart and Ninja ovens are fantastic choices, but they are built for different users and kitchen styles.
Choose the Cuisinart Toa-65 if:
- You prioritize heavy-duty build quality and long-term durability over everything else.
- Your kitchen has a traditional or professional aesthetic with other stainless steel appliances.
- You have plenty of counter space and aren't concerned with a larger footprint.
- You prefer straightforward, reliable performance from a legacy appliance brand.
Choose the Ninja Foodi DT251 if:
- You want maximum value and the most cooking functions for a lower price.
- Counter space is limited, and you need a more compact appliance.
- Your kitchen has a modern, minimalist, or tech-inspired design.
- You enjoy intuitive digital controls and innovative features like fast pre-heating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Cuisinart Toa-65 and Ninja DT251?
The main difference comes down to build and design. The Cuisinart boasts a heavier, more traditionally built stainless steel body and a classic aesthetic. The Ninja has a sleeker, more modern design with a slightly smaller footprint at a lower price point and often includes more specialized cooking functions.
Which one has a larger cooking capacity?
While their exterior dimensions are similar, their stated capacities vary. The Cuisinart Toa-65 comfortably fits items like a 12-inch pizza. The Ninja DT251 is designed to accommodate a 13-inch pizza and larger rectangular bakeware, making very efficient use of its interior space.
Is the Cuisinart Toa-65 worth the extra money?
It can be, especially if you prioritize build quality and durability. Users often report that Cuisinart appliances last for many years. If you view your purchase as a long-term investment and prefer a classic look, the higher price is justified by its robust construction.
Which air fryer oven is easier to clean?
Both models feature non-stick interiors designed for easy cleaning. Many users find them roughly equal in this regard. Spills should be wiped up promptly on either unit to prevent them from baking on.
Do these countertop ovens need a lot of clearance?
Yes, all air fryer toaster ovens generate significant heat. It is recommended to leave several inches of open space around the sides, back, and top of both the Cuisinart and Ninja models to ensure proper ventilation.
Can the Ninja DT251 really replace other kitchen appliances?
For most households, yes. With 10 functions including baking, roasting, dehydrating, and air frying, it can certainly reduce the need for a separate air fryer, dehydrator, or even your main oven for smaller meals, saving both space and energy.
Which model is better for a family?
Both are great for families, but your choice depends on your needs. The Cuisinart's durability may withstand heavy use better over time. However, the Ninja's speed, versatility, and ability to cook large sheet-pan meals might be more convenient for busy family weeknights.
How loud is the fan on these air fryers?
Both models use a convection fan for air frying that produces a noticeable whirring sound, similar to a microwave or range hood. Most users do not find the noise level to be disruptive while cooking.
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