Ninja 8 Quart Air Fryer vs Ninja Smart XL Air Fryer — Which Is Better?
Pros & cons
Ninja 8 Quart Air Fryer
✓Fits mains and sides at the same time for quick family meals
✓2 independent baskets for simultaneous cooking
✓6 versatile cooking programs for various meal options
✓Easy-to-clean baskets and dishwasher-safe crisper plates
✗Large 8-quart capacity may not fit in small kitchens
✗No specific mention of non-stick basket material
✗Higher price tier compared to single-basket air fryers
Ninja Smart XL Air Fryer
✓Cyclonic grilling technology for authentic BBQ flavor
✓Smart cook system with thermometer for perfect results
✓6-in-1 versatility for various cooking needs
✓Large capacity for family-sized meals
✗Premium price tier may be out of budget for some
✗Limited to countertop use due to size and design
✗No outdoor grilling capability
✗Large capacity may not be suitable for small households
Composite Score
Ninja 8 Quart Air Fryer
47/100
VS
Ninja Smart XL Air Fryer
72/100
Amazon Demand (50%)
68%
59%
Value Metric (30%)
55%
65%
Deal Timing (20%)
0%
100%
Quick verdict
Overall Winner
Ninja Smart XL Air Fryer
Best Value
Ninja 8 Quart Air Fryer
Highest Demand
Ninja 8 Quart Air Fryer
Best Deal Timing
Ninja Smart XL Air Fryer
TL;DR
- Right now — Ninja 8 Quart Air Fryer: $193.49, Amazon BSR #337.
- Right now — Ninja Smart XL Air Fryer: $229.99, down from $279.99, near its all-time low ($229.99), Amazon BSR #1,725.
- If price matters most, the Ninja 8 Quart Air Fryer is $193.49.
- Stronger Amazon demand: Ninja 8 Quart Air Fryer (BSR #337).
- Composite pick (demand + value + deal): Ninja Smart XL Air Fryer.
Winner by category
| Category | Ninja 8 Quart Air Fryer | Ninja Smart XL Air Fryer | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Value | ✓ | — | Ninja 8 Quart Air Fryer$36.50 cheaper |
| Demand | ✓ | — | Ninja 8 Quart Air FryerBSR #337 |
| Deal Score | — | ✓ | Ninja Smart XL Air Fryer100/100 |
| Overall | — | ✓ | Ninja Smart XL Air FryerDemand + value + deal |
Price comparison
Ninja 8 Quart Air Fryer
$193.49
Lowest ever: $159.95
0/100
Difference
$36.50
Ninja Smart XL Air Fryer
$229.99
Lowest ever: $229.99
100/100
Price history
Ninja 8 Quart Air FryerNinja Smart XL Air Fryer
A lowest ever$159.95
B lowest ever$229.99
Current A$193.49
Current B$229.99
Key specs
| Spec | Ninja 8 Quart Air Fryer | Ninja Smart XL Air Fryer |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity Qt | 8 | — |
| Dual Basket | ✓ | — |
| Dishwasher Safe | — | ✓ |
Full specifications
| Spec | Ninja 8 Quart Air Fryer | Ninja Smart XL Air Fryer |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 8-QT & DualZone | Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill + Thermometer |
| Color | 8QT GREY | Black & Silver |
| Model | DZ201 | FG551 |
| Air Fry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Binding | Kitchen | Kitchen |
| Depth In | 13.86 | 15.75 |
| Width In | 15.63 | 16.54 |
| Height In | 12.4 | 11.1 |
| UnitCount | 1 | 1 |
| Weight Lb | 17.86 | 22.44 |
| Dimensions | 15.63"W × 13.86"D × 12.4"H | 16.54"W × 15.75"D × 11.1"H |
| Basket Type | dual | — |
| Capacity Qt | 8 | — |
| Dual Basket | ✓ | — |
| ReleaseDate | 2020-09-02T00:00:01Z | 2020-08-18T00:00:01Z |
| ProductGroup | Kitchen | Kitchen |
| ItemPartNumber | DZ201 | FG551 |
| Amazon Sales Rank | 337 | 1725 |
| Warranty | — | 1-Year limited warranty |
| Dishwasher Safe | — | ✓ |
Price intelligence
Feature differences
✓Ninja 8 Quart Air Fryer has Dual Basket
✓Ninja Smart XL Air Fryer has Dishwasher Safe
✓Both have Air Fry
Performance analysis
Deal timing
Ninja 8 Quart Air Fryer: $193.49, Amazon BSR #337. Ninja Smart XL Air Fryer: $229.99, down from $279.99, near its all-time low ($229.99), Amazon BSR #1,725.
Demand
The Ninja 8 Quart Air Fryer shows stronger Amazon demand (BSR #337). Best Sellers Rank moves with real purchase volume — we use it instead of star ratings when reviews aren’t available.
Value
At $193.49, the Ninja 8 Quart Air Fryer is $36.50 cheaper. That gap is meaningful unless the pricier option has a must-have feature.
Overall
On HawkShift’s Amazon composite (demand + value + deal timing), the Ninja Smart XL Air Fryer leads. This is not a star-rating verdict — it’s price and marketplace demand.
Who should buy each
Buy the Ninja 8 Quart Air Fryer if...
This air fryer is for those seeking a high-capacity, multi-functional kitchen appliance. It stands out with its 2 independent baskets and 6-in-1 functionality. With very high demand and a price about 20% below list, it's a compelling option. Buy if you need to cook for a family or want a versatile air fryer.
○ Wait for a price drop
Buy the Ninja Smart XL Air Fryer if...Recommended
This indoor grill and air fryer combo fits high-demand households, offering cyclonic grilling technology and a smart cook system. It stands out with its 6-in-1 versatility and large capacity. With high demand in this category, it's a solid choice at a premium price tier. Consider it if you need multiple cooking functions in one appliance.
● Strong buy
Alternatives worth considering
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: Ninja 8 Quart Air Fryer or Ninja Smart XL Air Fryer?
Based on our composite score, the Ninja Smart XL Air Fryer is the stronger overall choice with a score of 72/100 vs 47/100. That said, the Ninja 8 Quart Air Fryer is still a solid product — if it's cheaper or better suited to your use case, it remains a good buy.
Is the price difference between Ninja 8 Quart Air Fryer and Ninja Smart XL Air Fryer worth it?
The Ninja 8 Quart Air Fryer is $36.50 cheaper at $193.49. That's a meaningful gap. Unless the pricier Ninja Smart XL Air Fryer offers features you specifically need, the Ninja 8 Quart Air Fryer is the smarter buy for most people.
Which has stronger Amazon demand: Ninja 8 Quart Air Fryer or Ninja Smart XL Air Fryer?
The Ninja 8 Quart Air Fryer currently shows stronger Amazon demand (BSR #337), based on Best Sellers Rank.
Who should buy the Ninja 8 Quart Air Fryer vs the Ninja Smart XL Air Fryer?
Buyers who want the proven option with stronger overall metrics should go with the Ninja Smart XL Air Fryer. Budget-conscious buyers should lean toward the Ninja 8 Quart Air Fryer at $193.49.
Is now a good time to buy either the Ninja 8 Quart Air Fryer or the Ninja Smart XL Air Fryer?
Right now the Ninja 8 Quart Air Fryer is $193.49 and we expect it to fall — worth waiting; the Ninja Smart XL Air Fryer is $229.99 — its lowest tracked price, and our forecast says buy. See the full price intelligence for each below.
HawkShift
Saved
Your list is empty
Say “add this to my list” in the concierge, or use Add to list on a product.