Ninja SP351 Foodi Smart 13-in-1 Oven Review
Revolutionary flip-up design saves counter space while dual-zone heating and smart thermometer deliver perfect results every time.
The Ninja SP351 Foodi Smart 13-in-1 Dual Heat Air Fry Countertop Oven revolutionizes kitchen efficiency with its game-changing flip-up design that reclaims valuable counter space when not in use. This versatile powerhouse combines dual heating elements (top and bottom independently controlled) for faster, more even cooking than traditional toaster ovens, while the integrated smart thermometer takes guesswork out of perfect doneness. The 13 cooking functions—Air Fry, Air Roast, Air Broil, Bake, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, Keep Warm, Pizza, Whole Roast, Reheat, Dual Cook, and Smart Cook—handle everything from weeknight dinners to weekend projects in one appliance. The 1800-watt power, spacious interior that accommodates a 13-inch pizza or 9x13 pan, and precise temperature control up to 500°F deliver restaurant-quality results. For small kitchens, apartment dwellers, or anyone seeking to maximize space without sacrificing capability, this Ninja transforms from essential cooking tool to out-of-sight storage with one simple flip.
Key Features
- Revolutionary Flip-Up Design: Reclaims counter space by flipping away and nesting under cabinets when not in use—exclusive Ninja innovation
- Dual Zone Heating: Independent top and bottom heating elements cook faster and more evenly than single-element ovens
- Smart Cook Thermometer: Integrated probe monitors internal temperature and automatically adjusts cooking for perfect results
- 13-in-1 Versatility: Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Bake, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, Keep Warm, Pizza, Whole Roast, Reheat, Dual Cook, Smart Cook
- 1800W Power: Restaurant-quality high heat delivers crispy, golden results impossible in conventional ovens
- Large Capacity: Fits 13-inch pizza, 9x13-inch pans, or full chicken—handles family meals and entertaining
- Up to 500°F Temperature: Extreme heat creates pizzeria-quality crust and perfectly seared proteins
- Dual Cook Mode: Cook two different foods at different temperatures simultaneously—protein and sides ready together
- Digital Controls: Intuitive touchscreen with precise temperature and time settings for foolproof operation
- Interior Light: Illuminates cooking chamber for easy visibility without opening door
- Crumb Tray: Removable tray catches drips and crumbs for easy cleanup
- Complete Accessories: Includes air fry basket, sheet pan, wire rack, and roast tray for versatile cooking
- Compact Footprint: Space-efficient design maximizes capacity while minimizing counter real estate
- Cool-Touch Exterior: Safe-touch surfaces remain cool during operation for family-friendly use
- Trusted Ninja Quality: Industry-leading innovation and reliability backed by excellent customer support
What We Like
- Flip-up design is genuinely revolutionary—reclaims massive counter space instantly
- Dual zone heating cooks dramatically faster and more evenly than single-element ovens
- Smart thermometer eliminates guesswork—perfect doneness automatically every time
- 13 cooking functions replace air fryer, toaster, dehydrator, and conventional oven
- Large capacity handles 13-inch pizzas, full chickens, and family-sized portions
- Dual Cook mode cooks protein and sides at different temps simultaneously
- Up to 500°F delivers pizzeria-quality crust and restaurant-worthy searing
- Interior light eliminates opening door and losing heat to check progress
- Digital controls with precise settings make operation intuitive and reliable
- Complete accessory set included—ready to use for any cooking method
- Perfect for small kitchens, apartments, RVs, and limited counter space
- Replaces multiple appliances saving cabinet storage as well as counter space
- 1800W power delivers professional results at home
- Removable crumb tray makes cleanup quick and thorough
- Trusted Ninja brand with proven reliability and excellent support
What Could Be Better
- Must cool completely before flipping up to prevent damage to mechanism
- Power cord extends straight out—not ideal for flush-against-wall placement
- Larger than basic 2-slice toasters (though replaces multiple appliances)
- Learning curve to master dual zone and smart thermometer features
- Premium price reflects innovative flip-up design and dual heating technology
Verdict
The Ninja SP351 Foodi Smart 13-in-1 Oven delivers on its revolutionary premise: reclaiming precious counter space without sacrificing cooking capability or capacity. The flip-up design isn't just clever marketing—it's genuinely transformative for small kitchens, apartments, and anyone frustrated by cluttered counters. One simple flip tucks the entire oven away under wall cabinets, instantly freeing up workspace while keeping the appliance accessible for next use. The dual zone heating with independent top and bottom elements represents significant advancement over traditional single-element toaster ovens, delivering faster cooking and dramatically more even results that rival conventional ovens. The integrated smart thermometer takes pressure off timing decisions by monitoring internal temperature and automatically adjusting cooking—particularly valuable for expensive proteins where overcooked mistakes are costly. The 13 cooking functions cover every technique from air frying and roasting to dehydrating and bagel toasting, effectively replacing air fryer, toaster, dehydrator, and supplementing or replacing your conventional oven. The Dual Cook mode shines during family meals, cooking chicken breast at one temperature while simultaneously roasting vegetables at another—both finishing perfectly timed. The spacious interior accommodates 13-inch pizzas and full chickens despite the space-saving design, while 500°F maximum temperature delivers pizzeria-quality crust and restaurant-worthy searing impossible in conventional ovens. Yes, you must wait for cooling before flipping up (patience required after cooking), and the power cord placement could be better optimized for the flip design, but these minor considerations fade against the transformative space savings and cooking performance. For small-kitchen dwellers, apartment residents, RV owners, or anyone seeking to reclaim counter space while upgrading cooking capability, the Ninja SP351 represents exceptional innovation that solves real problems while delivering reliable Ninja quality.
FAQ
How does the flip-up design work?
The Ninja SP351 features a unique hinge mechanism that allows the entire oven to flip upward and nest under wall cabinets when not in use. After the oven cools completely (important!), you simply lift the front and flip it up against the backsplash area. This instantly reclaims all the counter space the oven occupied. When ready to cook, flip it back down—takes seconds and requires no tools or complicated mechanisms.
What is dual zone heating?
Unlike traditional toaster ovens with a single heating element, the Ninja SP351 features independent top and bottom heating zones you can control separately. This means faster preheating, more even cooking, and the ability to run Dual Cook mode where you cook two different foods at two different temperatures simultaneously (like chicken at 375°F and vegetables at 425°F). The result is dramatically better performance than single-element ovens.
How does the smart thermometer work?
The included probe thermometer plugs into the oven and inserts into your food (particularly useful for meat, poultry, fish). You set your desired doneness level, and the oven automatically monitors internal temperature, adjusting cook time to hit your target perfectly. No more guessing, no more overcooked expensive proteins—the oven handles timing based on actual temperature, not estimated time.
What capacity does it have?
The SP351 accommodates a 13-inch pizza, 9x13-inch baking pans, or a full chicken up to about 5 pounds. Despite the space-saving flip design, the interior is genuinely spacious—sufficient for family meals, entertaining, and everyday cooking needs. It's the sweet spot between compact footprint and usable capacity.
Can it replace my conventional oven?
For many households, yes! The 13 cooking functions, large capacity, 500°F maximum temperature, and dual zone heating handle most everyday cooking tasks faster and more efficiently than conventional ovens. You'll still want a full oven for truly massive items (whole turkeys, multiple sheet pans), but the Ninja handles 80-90% of typical cooking while using far less energy.
What's Dual Cook mode?
Dual Cook mode is brilliant for complete meals: cook protein at one temperature (say, chicken at 375°F) while simultaneously cooking sides at a different temperature (vegetables at 425°F). Both finish perfectly timed, eliminating the juggling act of different cook times. This feature alone makes weeknight dinners dramatically easier.
Is cleanup difficult?
Not at all! The removable crumb tray catches drips and crumbs, sliding out for quick disposal and washing. The included accessories (air fry basket, sheet pan, wire rack) are nonstick and dishwasher-safe. The interior wipes clean easily. Most users report cleanup taking 2-3 minutes after cooling.
Will it fit under my cabinets when flipped up?
Measure first! When flipped up, the oven sits approximately 10-11 inches from the countertop. Most standard wall cabinets with 18-inch clearance accommodate it comfortably. If your cabinets hang lower, measure before purchasing to ensure you can access the flip-up feature—it's the main selling point, so you want to be able to use it!
What accessories are included?
The Ninja SP351 includes everything needed for versatile cooking: air fry basket (for crispy favorites), sheet pan (baking and roasting), wire rack (elevated cooking), roast tray (collecting drippings), and smart thermometer probe (perfect doneness). You're ready to use all 13 functions right out of the box without purchasing additional accessories.