Ninja OL501 foodi Vs ninja OL601 foodi! Which Is The Best?

If there is an appliance that you should always have in your kitchen, it’s the Ninja Foodi. Undoubtedly, the unit is versatile and blends several stand-alone appliance functions. It is a pressure cooker and air fryer, thus a convenient solution for fast and multi-functional cooking. As is typical with kitchen brands, the models keep on changing. For instance, Ninja Foodi has the OL501 OL601, among other models.

I tested and compared the Ninja OL501 and OL601, which have several differences and features in common. The significant difference is the capacity and size. The 601 is larger than the 501 in both capacities and dimensions. In addition, the OL601 is a September 2021 release, while the OL501 is a November 2021 model. Standard features include an intelligent lid, the cooker steamer fryer, and 14-in-1 functionalities. Let me elaborate further in this comparison chart.

Ninja OL501 VS OL601 Comparison Chart

Key Features	Ninja OL501	Ninja OL601
Capacity	6.1 quarts	8 quarts
Cooking functionalities	14-in-1	14-in-1
Dimensions	15.39″ x 14.21″ x 13.07″	14.21″ x 15.39″ x 14.25″
SmartLid	Yes	Yes
Weight	24 pounds	24 pounds
Control method	Touch	Touch
Color	Black and silver	Black and silver
Operation method	automatic	Automatic
Lid closure type	Outer lid	Outer and inner lid
Material	Stainless steel	Stainless steel
Steam crisp technology	Yes	Yes
Non-stick	Yes	Yes
Date of release	November 25, 2021	September 7, 2021
price	Check on Amazon	Check on Amazon

Ninja OL501 Review

Key Features

• 6.1 quarts 
• Stainless steel
• Steam crisp technology
• Outer lid closure
• Automatic operation method
• Black and silver
• Touch control method
• 24 Pounds
• 14 cooking programs
• 15.39″ x 14.21″ x 13.07″ size
• Deluxe reversible rack
• Smart Lid 

Product Description

Welcome to the world of pressure cooking, air frying, baking, steaming, roasting, yogurts, dehydrating, and more in one unit. The Ninja OL501 is versatile, with up to 14 programmable cooking features. With its smart lid, you can Pressure Cook, Steam/Crisp, Steam/Bake, and Air Fry. The pot has Broil, Bake/Roast, Sear/Saute, Dehydrate, Steam, and Sous Vide features. In addition are the Slow Cook, Yogurt, Keep Warm, and Proof.

This Ninja Foodi model is an extra-large capacity unit. It has a cooking space equivalent to 6.1 quarts. Compared with the OL601, this size is smaller, but you can make a main course meal for 4-to five adults. If your family is larger, then you can pay for the 601, whose capacity is eight quarts.

The intelligent lid feature has three slides to unlock three cooking modes and 14 cooking programs. So, you can pressure cook your food, air fry, SteamCrisp crisp, and achieve the juiciest and crispiest results. 

Going for this cooker gives you a reversible rack with double or triple cooking capacities. The feature guarantees the convenience of making several meals at a go. So, Ninja OL501 is a quicker method of preparing meals. The gadget is easy to clean as the inserts are ceramic coated and non-stick. Also, the coatings are PTFE/PFOA free. 

Ninja OL601 Review

Key Features

• 14-in-1 functionalities
• 8 quarts
• Smart Lid 
• PTFE/PFOA free. 
• Deluxe reversible rack
• Stainless steel
• black/silver
• Steam crisp technology
• Outer lid closure
• Automatic operation method
• Steam crisp technology
• Touch control method

Product Description

Ninja OL601 is another versatile pressure cooker/steam fryer for your consideration. The unit is also extra-large and comes with an eight-quart capacity. While comparing with the 501, you will note that this is the significant difference between the two. It is bigger for a larger family of six to seven adults. The unit serves more children depending on whether it is a main dish or a saucer. 

During the appliance comparisons, I got hold of the price tag for this unit. The value can discourage you as it is higher than its sister’s, which is over a hundred dollars. The possible reason could be capacity. Otherwise, the 14 cooking programs and performance in general are top-notch. So, if you are hunting for a larger capacity Ninja Food for a family of six, this unit is ideal, but be prepared to dig deeper into your account.  

Other features on this unit include the SmartLid, which kicks out the need for three lids. The feature lets you steam crisp, air fry, and pressure cook from one lid. You only need to slide the lid to select either of the three cooking modes. Once you slip into the cooking mode, you can choose any 14 cooking functions to fit your preference.

Use the deluxe reversible rack for double or triple cooking capacities. The unit has a button for rack position selection. Besides the 14 cooking programs, you get several other accessories, including the intelligent lid, crisp basket, rack, and recipe guide cookbook(over 45 recipes)

Differences Between The Ninja Ol501 Vs Ol601

There are about five significant differences between the Ninja OL501 and OL601. Take a look;

1. Capacity

 These two Ninja Foodi cookers vary in capacities, and that’s the most significant difference to consider before making any purchase. The OL501 has a 6.1-quart capacity, ideal for four to five adults.  On the flip, OL601 measures 8 quarts, a perfect size for a family of six to seven. Your choice depends on your family size.  

2. Size

Though not a significant difference, the OL501 measures 15.39″ x 14.21″ x 13.07″ size while its sister’s size is 14.21″ x 15.39″ x 14.25″. Of course, the theOL601 is larger and may occupy a slightly larger countertop space. My opinion regarding the two Foodi dimensions is that they should not be significant determinants when buying. The capacity is more crucial as it depends on your family size. 

3. Price

During my research, the Ninja OL601 Foodi XL 8 Qt price tag was higher than the OL501. The unit costs over 300 dollars, while the sister is less than that value. You will pay extra if you choose the OL601 because of the capacity. Other features, including 14-in-1 functionalities and the steam crisp technology, are similar.

4. Date Of Release

The 601 is an earlier release and is thus older in the market. Its counterpart came into the market two months later, and it could have been an idea to have a smaller capacity with the same features in the market.

5. Lid Closure

One of the ovens, the Ninja OL601, only has the outer lid closed. The 501 has both the inner and the outer lid. Under this feature, the OL501 is a better design as it has both closures. 

Similarities Between The Ninja Ol501 And Ol601

There are almost a dozen similarities between the Ninja OL501 and OL601;

• 14-in-1 Functionalities

The Ninja OL501 and OL601 have similar functionalities to the 14-in-1 cooking programs. With such features, the gadgets replace several units, including a dedicated air fryer, pressure cooker, air fryer, dehydrator, slow cooker, and more. Here is a list of the cooking programs on these two Ninja Foodi cookers;

1. Pressure Cook
2. Steam & Crisp
3. Steam & Bake
4. Air Fry
5. Broil
6. Bake/Roast
7. Dehydrate
8. Sear/Sauté
9. Steam
10. Sous Vide
11. Slow Cook
12. Yogurt
13. Keep Warm 
14. Proof

• Smart Lid 

The very first Ninja Foodi models didn’t have an intelligent lid. It came with two lids, one for the pressure cooker and the other for the air fryer. With the smart lid, you can select three features: steam crisp, air fry, and pressure cook. Under the three features, you have all 14 cooking programs to make your favorite bites.

• PTFE/PFOA Free

Before the invention of non-stick coatings on kitchen appliances, the PTFE/PFOA wasn’t a common term. But the situation is now different. Unscrupulous companies use these products on cooking appliances. The result is exposure to carcinogens, or cancer-causing agents, to unsuspecting users. Though the non-stick cooking appliances are a blessing as food doesn’t stick or burn, the PTFE/PFOAs are harmful. But Ninja doesn’t use these harmful ceramic coatings on its Ninja Foodi.

• Deluxe Reversible Rack

The reversible rack is a standard feature on both Ninja Foodi ovens. It includes a shelf that makes it easy to select the positioning by pressing a button. This rack helps you to cook multiple dishes without having to wait.  

• Stainless Steel

Another common feature that goes unnoticeable is the build. Both units comprise stainless steel metallic bodies. These are robust and do not rust, heat up on the surface, or warp. In addition, their surfaces maintain luster appearances that match any upcoming kitchen design. The finish is chrome and comes in black/silver.

• Steam Crisp Technology

I noticed the steam crisp technology on both units. It combines steam and crispness for fast cooking, leaving your food with juicy interiors and crispy surfaces. This technology works by rotating superheated steam to cook meals without drying out. 

• Touch Control Method

Both Ninja OL series operate by touch controls. These units have no dial buttons, so they are easy to use. The touch controls streamline the user interface while giving the gadget a sleek and modern look. I also found the settings precise. The only setback with the controls is sensitivity to dirt and moisture. Also, you may need to learn how to navigate and adjust the gadgets effectively.

The Final Verdict

When surveying the Ninja OL501 and OL601, I compared the features, pros and cons. These two gadgets have many features in common, including the 14-in-1 functionalities. The steam-crisp technology and touch control methods are similar. 

But there is a significant difference between the two. That is the capacity. The Ninja OL501 is 6.1 quarts, while the Ninja 601 is 8 quarts. For a family of four to five people, the 6.1-quart Ninja Foodi is sufficient. If your family is more prominent, you will need a larger capacity, the 601. Its 8-quart cooking basket will fit food for six to seven people. Both appliances are versatile, easy to clean, and super-fast. Your choice will heavily depend on the size of your family and budget. Buy wisely.