Ninja OL601 vs FD401 Comparison: Which One is Better?

We all know pressure cooker is the easiest way to cook delicious food tender and soft from the inside thoroughly.

Ninja OL601 Vs FD401

On the other hand, Air fryers are all the rage right now, and for good reason. They make cooking your favorite foods easier than ever. Plus, they’re a much healthier option than frying them in oil. If you are looking for an air fryer and pressure cooker both in one appliance, stay with us as we compare Ninja OL601 vs FD401 side by side to find out which one comes at the top and has more to offer.

Ninja OL601 vs FD401 Comparison Table

FeaturesNinja Foodi OL601Ninja Foodi FD401
Dimensions15.39 x 14.21 x 14.25 inches16.1x14.57x14.2 Inches
Weight25.1 lb26.04 lb
MaterialStainless Steel/PlasticPlastic
SizeXL 8 QuartsXL 8 Quarts
Crisp Basket5QT5QT
No. of Functions1412
Programmable FunctionsPressure Cook, Steam & Crisp, Steam & Bake, Air Fry, Broil, Bake/Roast, Dehydrate, Sear/Sauté, Steam, Sous Vide, Slow Cook, Yogurt, Keep Warm & ProofPressure Cook, Air Fry/Air Crisp, Steam, Slow Cook, Yogurt, Sear/Sauté, Bake, Roast, Broil, Dehydrate, Sous Vide & Keep Warm
LidsSingle Smart LidDual Lid
Power1760W, 120V1760W, 120V
3 Layer cookingYesNo
Nonstick coated PotYesYes
PTFE-PFOA FreeYesYes
Dishwasher safeYesYes
Control PanelDials and ButtonsTouchscreen
OperationAutomatic / ProgrammableAutomatic / Programmable
Amazon Rating4.8/5 Star (1100 Reviews)4.8/5 Star (29K Reviews)
PriceBuy on AmazonBuy on Amazon

Differences Between Ninja OL601 vs FD401

The main difference between the two models is the number of cooking functions each has to offer. Both models come with a set of cooking functions to elevate your cooking experience. Second visible difference that you’ll note right away is the appearance. Let’s find out in detail!

Appearance and Design

While all air fryers work essentially the same, but you might prefer the design of one air fryer over the other. Ninja has OS, OP, FD and OS series of air fryers with distinctive design that’s both functional and attractive.

Ninja OL is a recently released series with OL601 being released in September last year which is pretty new. Ninja OL601 is both an air fryer and an electric pressure cooker combined into one handy appliance. In terms of appearance and design it feels Ninja took some inspiration from Elon Musk’s starship vehicle – or am I the only one with this thought?

Ninja OL601 has a stainless-steel exterior with black accents and aesthetic design which is both easy to use and stands out from the crowd. This machine sitting on your kitchen counter will surely make some of your friends envious. The pressure cooker steam fryer has measurement of 15.39×14.21×14.25 Inches with weight of 25.1 pounds which is pretty heavy but given the huge size and durable material, its justified.

On the other hand, Ninja FD401 Foodi measures 16×14.57×14.2 inches which is slightly wider and taller than Ninja OL601 pressure cooker and also it weighs 26 pounds. Whether you decide to buy Ninja OL601 or FD401, you got to have a dedicated spot on the kitchen counter because it would be very unwise to always move these machines around.

Cooking Functions

Air fryer / pressure cookers are one of the most versatile cooking appliances on the market and you can cook a range of foods from chicken and fish to veggies and more. Not only that, you can also reheat pizza leftovers from last night. Ninja Foodi OL601 and Ninja FD401 comes with a number of cooking functions to provide you the cooking experience of your life. With these cooking appliances, you would easily be able to replace a dozen of appliances for it can do it all.

Ninja Foodi OL601 pressure cooker steam fryer is a 14-in-1 cooking appliances with following cooking functions:

Pressure Cook, Steam & Crisp, Steam & Bake, Air Fry, Broil, Bake/Roast, Dehydrate, Sear/Sauté, Steam, Sous Vide, Slow Cook, Yogurt, Keep Warm & Proof

On the contrary, Ninja Foodi FD401 Deluxe is a 12 in 1 cooking appliances, packed with following cooking functions:

Pressure Cook, Air Fry/Air Crisp, Steam, Slow Cook, Yogurt, Sear/Sauté, Bake, Roast, Broil, Dehydrate, Sous Vide & Keep Warm

Is there anything that you can’t do with Ninja OL601 and FD401? I hope not!

Lid Design

What we have seen normally in Ninja pressure cooker air fryers, that every model comes with two separate lids. The air fryer lid is attached to the body via hinge permanently while pressure cooking lid is removable. The same goes with Ninja FD401 which has two separate lids for air frying and pressure cooking.

On the other hand, Ninja OL601 has improved design and comes with only one lids and a slider button to unlock 3 cooking modes (Pressure Cook, Steamcricp, Air Fry/ Stovetop). We love the new lid since you don’t have to swap lids anymore and you can use all 14 cooking functions under one lid. Smart right?

3 Layer Cooking

Layered cooking is a new concept introduced by Ninja with Ninja OL601 pressure cooker steam fryer. Using a two layered rack you can stack chicken, veggies and grains and cook all of them simultaneously using Steamcrisp technology. This feature of Ninja OL601 model comes in handy especially when you have guests on the table and you need to put food on the table as soon as you can. Ninja Foodi FD401 pressure cooker does not share this feature, although it does have TenderCrisp technology but 3-layer cooking is unique to OL601 pressure cooker.

Control Panel

Buttons, Touchscreen, LCD displays, push buttons and more, these are different control panel settings that you will come across while hunting for any advanced pressure cooker on the market.

Ninja OL601 pressure cooker comes with a life size accompanied by a dial to choose the cooking function required. On the other hand, Ninja FD401 has a touchscreen control panel which is super easy to follow. If you know how to operate a smart phone, you will easily be able to navigate these pressure cooker models.

Popularity

There is no denying that Ninja appliances are extremely well received in the market. Ninja Foodi FD401 has received incredible 4.8/5 star rating from about 29 thousand users around the world out of which 96% are extremely happy and satisfied with the cooking results. But nobody can be more excited and happier than Jenny when we prepared our first batch of French fries while testing Ninja FD401 and crispy wings with OL601.

Ninja OL601 is a new arrival in the market and it has received 4.8/5 star rating, Amazon’s choice tag and 1100 reviews out of which 95% users are happy and satisfied with the purchase and cooking results.

Common Features: Ninja OL601 Vs FD401

  • Both Ninja OL601 and FD401 comes with 8 Quart inner cooking pot for pressure cooking and a 5 Quart cook and crisp basket for air frying.
  • Both models are 1760W and works with 120V power supply.
  • Inner cooking pot for pressure cooking is nonstick coated.
  • The cook & crisp basket is nonstick coated.
  • Both models are made of BPA and PTFE-PFOA free material.
  • Both pressure cookers are easy to clean dishwasher safe.

What’s in the Box?

It is advised to always check that you get what’s mentioned in the description. Here is what comes with both models.

Ninja OL601 Pressure Cooker Steam Fryer

  • Ninja Foodi XL Pressure Cooker Steam Fryer with SmartLid
  • 8 Quart inner Cooking Pot
  • 5 Quart Cook & Crisp Basket
  • Deluxe Reversible Rack
  • 45+ Recipe Chef-Inspired Cookbook

Ninja FD401 Foodi Pressure Cooker + Air Fryer

  • Ninja Foodi FD401 Pressure Cooker
  • Crisping Lid
  • Pressure Lid
  • 8 Quart Ceramic Coated Pot
  • 5 Quart Ceramic Coated Cook & Crisp Basket
  • Stainless Steel Deluxe Reversible Rack
  • 45 Recipe Chef-Inspired Cookbook

Quick Overview of Ninja OL601 Pressure Cooker Steam Fryer

Sale
Ninja OL601 Foodi XL 8 Qt. Pressure Cooker Steam Fryer with...
  • NINJA FOODI XL PRESSURE COOKER STEAM FRYER: Extra-large, family-sized capacity with the ability to pressure...
  • SMARTLID SLIDER: Slide to unlock 3 cooking modes and 14 cooking functions all under one lid.
  • STEAMCRISP TECHNOLOGY: Steam and crisp at the same time for faster, juicier, crispier results* without drying...

Pros
  • Latest and advance addition to Ninja family
  • 14 cooking functions under one smart lid
  • Innovative slider to unlock 3 cooking modes
  • Huge 8 Quart Inner Pot and 5 Quart Crisp basket
  • Convenient cleanup / Dishwasher Safe
  • 3 Layer cooking capacity
Cons
  • Lid gets hot
  • It is very Huge for a small counter
  • Heavy to move around

Quick Overview of Ninja FD401 Foodi 12-in-1 Pressure Cooker & Air Fryer

Sale
Ninja FD401 Foodi 12-in-1 Deluxe XL 8 qt. Pressure Cooker &...
  • THE NINJA FOODI DELUXE XL: The deluxe pressure cooker that also crisps.
  • TENDERCRISP TECHNOLOGY: Quickly pressure cook ingredients to lock in juices, then give them a crispy, golden...
  • COOK FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY: With an extra-large capacity 8-quart ceramic-coated pot that is nonstick, PTFE PFOA...

Pros
  • Tried and tested Ninja model with 12 cooking functions
  • Generous 8 Quart cooking capacity
  • 5 Quart cook and crisp basket
  • Nonstick, dishwasher safe accessories
  • Touchscreen control panel
  • Versatile with incredible cooking performance
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Large footprint
  • Heavy to move around

Ninja OL601 Vs FD401: Winner?

So, the Ninja OL601 Vs FD401 pressure cooker battle is over and the clear winner is the Ninja OL601. It was able to outperform the FD401 in all areas, making it the best option for those looking for a powerful and efficient pressure cooker air fryer. It comes with more cooking functions, single smart lid, easy to follow controls and an aesthetic design to fit right in.

On the other hand, Ninja FD401 is a veteran of pressure cooking with 12 cooking functions but since it comes with two separate lids for air frying and pressure cooking, we recommend choosing OL601 because there is no fuss of swapping lids anymore.

What do you think of the two pressure cooker air fryers? Which one would you choose and why? Leave us your thoughts in the comment section below!

About the author

Olivia

Olivia is a Ninja and kitchen Products Tester and has been writing about her findings on various sites like lemusecoffeeandwine.com, 3fortygrill.com, chilangorestaurantsf.com, and gamingkornor.com for over 10 years now. She loves using Ninja products as they are very efficient and user-friendly. Olivia has tested many products from Ninja, and she has always been impressed with the results. She loves how Ninja products make her life easier, and she enjoys sharing her findings with others. Olivia is a strong advocate for Ninja products, and she believes that they are some of the best on the market.

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