Sometimes, a kitchen upgrade feels like a small victory. In this Ninja SP351 review, I share what it’s like to use a single appliance that cooks fast, saves space, and makes everyday meals easier. I’ve spent weeks testing it for air frying, baking, and more—just to see if it lives up to the hype. Spoiler: it’s not perfect, but it gets close. If you’ve been curious about this sleek 13-in-1 oven, stick around. I’ll walk you through what impressed me, what didn’t, and whether it deserves a spot on your counter.
What I Like
I’ve used this oven long enough to know what makes it shine. Here’s what I enjoy most and why it works well in daily cooking.
- Versatile Cooking Modes – From air frying to baking, it feels like having a mini restaurant in my kitchen.
- Fast Preheating – Meals start cooking in minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Even Cooking Results – No cold spots or burnt edges; everything comes out just right.
- Compact but Spacious – Fits on the counter but holds more food than I expected.
- Smart Controls – The simple interface makes cooking almost foolproof.
What Could Be Better
While I love this oven, there are small areas where it could improve. These aren’t deal-breakers but worth noting.
- Slight Learning Curve – It takes a few tries to master all 13 functions. A quick-start guide helps a lot.
- Exterior Gets Warm – It’s normal for ovens, but keeping space around it is smart.
- Cleaning Takes Effort – Crumbs and grease can collect, but regular wiping solves it fast.
- Limited Accessories – Extra trays or racks would make cooking more flexible.
My Personal Experience
I’ve been using this oven for over a year, testing everything from crispy fries to homemade pizza. Here’s what I’ve learned from real use—not just specs on paper.
Cooking Capacity
It surprised me how much food fits inside. I’ve cooked a whole chicken, a tray of veggies, and even a small pizza. Great for family meals or weekend treats.
Temperature Control
The settings are spot-on. When I set it to 400°F, I get a crisp finish every time. No guessing, no half-baked results.
Basket Material
The basket feels sturdy and cleans up well. I like that it doesn’t scratch easily, even after months of use.
Preheating Time
This is where it shines. Preheating takes less than two minutes, saving me a ton of waiting time. Perfect for quick dinners.
Cooking Consistency
Every batch comes out even. No burnt edges or undercooked centers—just golden and tasty.
Performance
It runs smooth, with steady heat and no strange noises. Even after heavy use, it works like new.
Ease of Use
The control panel is simple. I didn’t need to keep looking at the manual. Everything feels intuitive, like using a smartphone.
Value for Money
Given how many appliances it replaces—air fryer, toaster, oven—it’s worth every cent. It’s a one-time buy that saves space and time.
Overall
This oven has made cooking less of a chore and more of a joy. It’s not perfect, but it’s close. For anyone who wants fast, reliable, and tasty results, it’s a solid choice.
My Bittersweet Experience: Ninja SP351 Troubleshooting
Even great appliances have small quirks. Here are a few issues I faced and how I solved them—quickly and without stress.
Oven Not Heating Properly
I noticed once that the oven didn’t seem to get hot enough.
Problem: The temperature felt lower than the setting, and food cooked slower than usual.
Solution: I unplugged it, waited five minutes, then restarted. I also made sure the door was closed fully. After that, it worked fine.
Uneven Cooking on First Use
My first batch of fries came out half-crispy, half-soft.
Problem: Heat wasn’t spreading evenly, leaving some parts undercooked.
Solution: I preheated for a full two minutes and shook the basket halfway through cooking. Perfect results since then.
Strong Plastic Smell at Start
During the first use, I smelled a light plastic odor.
Problem: The smell worried me, though it faded after a while.
Solution: I ran the oven empty at 400°F for 15 minutes before cooking food. The smell disappeared completely.
Control Panel Not Responding
One evening, the buttons didn’t respond.
Problem: I couldn’t change settings or start the oven.
Solution: A simple reset—unplugging for a minute—fixed it. I also wiped the panel clean to avoid grease buildup.
Cleaning Felt Tricky at First
The first time I cleaned it, I wasn’t sure what was safe to wash.
Problem: Crumbs and grease collected in small spaces, making it a little messy.
Solution: I now line the bottom tray with foil and wipe down right after use. Makes cleaning super quick.
Alternative Option: Ninja SP201
I’ve spent over twenty years testing kitchen gear. Each model has its own strengths. The Ninja SP201 caught my eye for its mix of size, power, and ease. I’ve cooked with it many times and know how it performs. Still, I like to compare it with other models I’ve used to see where it stands.
Ninja SP201 vs Ninja SP351
I have tried both, and they feel different. The SP201 is simple and fast. The SP351 offers smart features and more presets.
| Feature | Ninja SP201 | Ninja SP351 |
| Cooking Functions | 8-in-1 | 13-in-1 Smart Functions |
| Preheat Time | About 60 seconds | About 60 seconds |
| Cooking Capacity | Mid-size, fits a 13″ pizza | Larger, holds bigger portions |
| Temperature Range | Up to 450°F | Up to 450°F |
| Ease of Use | Simple, quick controls | Smart panel, more settings |
| Price Range | More budget-friendly | Higher due to added features |
Summary: SP201 is perfect for simple meals. SP351 suits those who want more functions and control.
My Final Thoughts on Ninja SP351
If you love smart features and need a versatile countertop oven, the Ninja SP351 could be your match. It cooks fast, saves space, and handles many meals with ease. But if you prefer simple controls and a lower price, other Ninja models may suit you better. From my own kitchen tests, it shines for busy home cooks who want more than a basic toaster oven.
FAQ about on Ninja SP351
Is the Ninja SP351 worth it?
Yes, if you want a compact oven with 13 cooking functions, smart settings, and fast performance. Learn more about its key features in my review.
What makes the Ninja SP351 different from other Ninja ovens?
It offers smart cooking, a large temperature range, and 13 versatile functions—more than most standard models in this range.
Does the Ninja SP351 come with accessories?
Yes, it includes a crumb tray, air fry basket, wire rack, and sheet pan. These help you bake, roast, and air fry with ease.
Is the Ninja SP351 easy to clean?
Very. Its non-stick interior and removable trays make cleaning quick and simple after daily use.
Who should buy the Ninja SP351?
Great for home cooks who want one appliance for baking, air frying, and more. Perfect for small kitchens or busy weeknight cooking.
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Hello! I’m Rob Newaz, the creator of KitchKap. I built this site to share my passion for smart cooking, especially with air fryers and modern kitchen appliances. Here you’ll find easy air fryer recipes, honest appliance reviews, and practical cooking hacks. My goal is to help home cooks save time, eat healthier, and enjoy every meal with confidence.
