Ninja Double Stack XL 9.5L Air Fryer SL400UK Review: The Ultimate Space-Saving Air Fryer
Air fryers have become a staple in modern kitchens, offering healthier cooking options and faster meal prep times. However, for those with limited counter space, dual-drawer air fryers can be a challenge to accommodate. Enter the Ninja Double Stack XL 9.5L Air Fryer SL400UK, a game-changing appliance that stacks its dual drawers vertically, saving precious counter space while delivering exceptional cooking results.
In this review, we’ll dive deep into its features, design, performance, and why it might be the best air fryer for your kitchen.
Why Choose the Ninja Double Stack XL 9.5L Air Fryer?
Pros
- Excellent cooking results
- Huge variety of cooking modes
- Intuitive and user-friendly controls
Cons
- Dual-layer cooking can be fiddly when turning food
Key Features
1. 9.5L Cooking Capacity
The Ninja Double Stack XL boasts a total cooking capacity of 9.5 litres, split evenly between two 4.75-litre drawers. This makes it perfect for preparing meals for large families or batch cooking.
2. Multiple Cooking Modes
With six cooking modes—Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate—this air fryer offers versatility for all your culinary needs. Whether you’re crisping hash browns or dehydrating apple slices, the Ninja Double Stack XL handles it all with ease.
3. Dual-Layer Cooking
New to this model is the dual-layer cooking feature. Each drawer comes with a wire rack, allowing you to cook two layers of food simultaneously. This means you can prepare an entire meal—like chips and fish fingers—in a single drawer.
4. Space-Saving Design
Unlike traditional side-by-side dual-drawer air fryers, the Ninja Double Stack XL stacks its drawers vertically. This design reduces its footprint, making it ideal for kitchens with limited counter space.
Special Black Friday Edition: SL400UKDBCP
For those looking to add a touch of elegance to their kitchen, Ninja has introduced the Black & Copper Double Stack XL 9.5L SL400UKDBCP as a Black Friday special. This edition features copper-colored handles and a control dial, along with bonus accessories like silicone tongs and an apron.
Priced at £219, this limited-edition model is a steal. If you’re interested, it’s available for purchase directly from Ninja Kitchen.
Design and Features
1. Vertical Arrangement
The vertical stacking of the drawers is the standout design feature of this air fryer. Despite its tall build, it’s only 6cm taller than the Ninja AF400UK, ensuring it doesn’t dominate your counter space.
2. Redesigned Heating System
Unlike traditional air fryers with top-mounted heating elements, the Ninja Double Stack XL positions its heating element and fan at the back. This ensures even heat distribution across both drawers.
3. Intuitive Controls
Ninja has kept the controls simple yet effective. Instead of pre-programmed modes for specific foods, you select the cooking mode, temperature, and time. The Max Crisp mode, for example, runs at 240°C and is perfect for achieving ultra-crispy results.
4. Easy-to-Clean Accessories
Both drawers, along with their crisper plates and wire racks, are dishwasher-safe. Alternatively, they can be cleaned quickly by hand.
Performance
The Ninja Double Stack XL delivers consistently excellent cooking results, making it a standout in the crowded air fryer market.
1. Perfectly Crispy Food
Whether it’s chips, fish fingers, or hash browns, the air fryer ensures a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. The Max Crisp mode, in particular, is a game-changer for frozen foods.
2. Whole Chicken Cooking
The air fryer’s spacious drawers can accommodate an entire chicken. Using the Roast mode, I achieved a crispy, golden-brown skin while keeping the meat moist and tender.
3. Dehydration Mode
For those who enjoy healthy snacks, the Dehydrate mode is a fantastic addition. I used it to make apple chips and dried herbs, both of which turned out perfectly.
How Does It Compare?
Ninja AF400UK
While the AF400UK offers the same cooking capacity, its horizontal design takes up significantly more counter space. The Double Stack XL is the better choice for compact kitchens.
Ninja Speedi
If you’re looking for additional features like steaming, the Ninja Speedi might be a better fit. However, it lacks the dual-drawer functionality of the Double Stack XL.
For more options, check out our guide to the best air fryers.
Final Thoughts
The Ninja Double Stack XL 9.5L Air Fryer SL400UK is a game-changer for anyone who wants the convenience of a dual-drawer air fryer without sacrificing counter space. Its innovative vertical design, dual-layer cooking capability, and exceptional performance make it a must-have appliance for busy households.
If you’re looking for a versatile, space-saving air fryer that delivers outstanding results, this is the one to get.
Where to Buy
FAQs
1. Can I cook two different foods at once?
Yes! The Sync mode allows you to cook two different foods in separate drawers and ensures they finish cooking at the same time.
2. Is it easy to clean?
Absolutely. The drawers and accessories are dishwasher-safe, but they’re also quick to clean by hand.
3. Does it take up a lot of space?
Not at all. Its vertical design means it takes up the same counter space as a single-drawer air fryer.
With its innovative design and top-notch performance, the Ninja Double Stack XL 9.5L Air Fryer SL400UK is worth every penny. Whether you’re cooking for a large family or experimenting with new recipes, this air fryer has you covered.
