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5 Best Ninja Pressure Cookers (2023) Comparison, Reviews & Buying Guide

If you’re deciding what to get between all the Ninja Pressure Cookers, then you’re in the right place.

Here’s the deal:

Shark Ninja, the company behind Ninja Foodi, produces multiple product variations for a single item. In fact, the ninja slow cooker catalog has over 20 model numbers.

If you’re not a fan of the kitchen appliance manufacturer, you wouldn’t know which variant is the latest or which model is currently the best in the market.

The good news is, we’ve already combed through those all those multicookers. Thankfully, the brand has only a few pressure cookers in their Ninja Foodi lineup.

So, let’s kick things off with the Top 5 Ninja Foodi Pressure Cookers.

That’s the short version of this buying guide. Feel free to read the full review of each Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker by clicking the links above, otherwise let’s continue exploring all your options down below.

Top 5 Best Ninja Pressure Cookers

#1 Ninja Foodi OL701 Smart XL Steam Fryer – Best Overall

The Best Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker, Ninja Steam Fryer

This new update of Ninja of their pressure cooker lineup is indistinguishable from the previous Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL. Essentially, it made several updates that made it a whole new product, a better one.

In short, the Ninja Steam Fryer is effortlessly the Best Ninja Pressure Cooker to date.

Here’s the deal:

The SteamCrisp Technology mode is one of two noteworthy features you’ll love. For context, this technology introduces us to a Smart Lid. Essentially, with just one lid, it can air fry, pressure cook, or BOTH—hence steam fry! 

Compared to other Pressure Cooker Air Fryer in the market, the Ninja Foodi Steam Fryer Series is truly one of a kind.

That’s not even the best part:

The Smart Thermometer is the second game-changer in the world of pressure cookers. By having so, you can set the doneness of the protein you’ll cook and sit back and relax. IMHO, that’s a whole lot better than selecting the duration manually and constantly checking your dish.

Another vital new feature is the auto steam release. 

Essentially, when the pressure cooker is done cooking, the machine will automatically release steam when you set it to quick release. Previous models don’t have this essential feature.

You can read the full review of Ninja Foodi OL701 Smart XL here.

#2 Ninja Foodi OL501 Compact Steam Fryer – Best Value

Ninja OL501 Steam Fryer

If you want a smaller capacity, that’s where the Ninja OL501 fits the bill. It’s more compact than the Ninja OL701, but it still offers the same SteamCrisp and Auto-Steam Release Technology.

With a 6.5-quart pot, it’s the cooking capacity of most pressure cookers in the market. So, you’re not really going to lose that much of cooking real estate.

What you won’t get with the Ninja OL501 is the additional smart feature or the integrated smart thermometer. While it’s useful for the air frying function, it’s not that necessary for pressure cooking.

The best part, though, is it’s a tad cheaper than the flagship model.

Another option would be to go for the Ninja Foodi OL601. It has the same features with a bigger cooking capacity.

You can read the full review of Ninja Foodi OL501 Steam Fryer here.

#3 Ninja Foodi FD401 Deluxe XL – Best Classic

Ninja Foodi FD401 Deluxe XL

In terms of functionality, ease of use, and aesthetics, the Ninja FD401 is still one of the best Ninja Foodi pressure cookers.

The Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL has the most intuitive digital control panel. It highlights five buttons and a dial that selects the cooking programs, the temperature, and the duration.

When it comes to volume, it’s on par with the new Ninja Steam Fryer. It also offers an 8-quart cooking pot and as well as a generous 5-quart crisp basket.

It’s just doesn’t have the 3-in-1 Smart Lid with steaming function. That’s why we bumped it down to the third spot in this buying guide.

Overall this classic pressure cooker is still a good choice.

You can read the full review of Ninja Foodi FD401 Deluxe XL here.

#4 Ninja Foodi FD302 Pro Pressure Cooker – Best Cheap

Ninja Foodi Pro Pressure Cooker FD302

If you want to save even more cash, the Ninja FD302 is your best choice. Currently, it’s three times cheaper than the Steam Fryer edition. I’m sure it will not last long, as Ninja Foodis are such a big hit right now.

This pro-level pressure cooker has 11 cooking functions — pressure cook, slow cook, steam, bake/roast, air fry, sear/saute, broil, dehydrate, sous vide, make yogurt, and keep warm. That’s more functions than the Ninja Foodi Deluxe.

At its current price point, I have to point out that this model has a sous vide function. You won’t find that capability with entry-level Instant Pots.

IMHO, the Ninja Foodi Pro FD302 will definitely give you the best bang for your buck.

You can read the full review of Ninja Foodi FD302 Pro Pressure Cooker here.

#5 Ninja Foodi OP101 Pressure Cooker – Best Compact

Ninja Foodi OP101 Compact Pressure Cooker

The Ninja Foodi OP101‘s compact profile is perfect for a small kitchen. Despite its size, it’s a pretty capable pressure cooker featuring seven functions.

It can pressure cook, air fry, steam, bake, slow cook, and saute. In short, it has all the basic functions for an entry-level multi-cooker. It’s a good starting point if you want to get your feet wet in the world of multi-functional electric pressure cookers.

With a 5-quart capacity, it’s good enough for up to six people. Sad thing Ninja doesn’t offer a 3-quart pressure cooker. That would have been perfect for students or small apartments.

You can read the full review of Ninja Foodi Compact here.

There you have it, the best Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker Air Fryers of 2021.

If you’re still undecided after reading all those info, maybe this comparison table can clear your doubts.

Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker Air Fryer Comparison Table

You can also use this comparison table to find out the which product would best complement your needs and budget.

Ninja Steam Fryer
Ninja Foodi OL701 14-in-1 Steam Fryer with Smart Lid
With built-in meat thermometer
Hands-free pressure release
✔ 14 preset cooking programs
✔ 3-in-1 Smart Lid (air fry, steam, pressure cook)
✔ Touchscreen interface
✔ Non-stick accessories for straightforward cleaning
✔ Can air fry
✔ Can sous vide
✔ Can steam
✔ 8-quart cooking capacity
Ninja Foodi OL601Ninja Foodi OL601 XL Steam Fryer
✔ 14 preset cooking programs
✔ 3-in-1 Smart Lid (air fry, steam, pressure cook)
✔ Touchscreen interface
✔ Non-stick accessories for straightforward cleaning
✔ Can air fry
✔ Can sous vide
✔ Can steam
✔ 8-quart cooking capacity
✘ Manual pressure release
✘ No integrated meat thermometer
Ninja Foodi OL501Ninja Foodi OL501 Compact Steam Fryer
✔ 14 preset cooking programs
✔ 3-in-1 Smart Lid (air fry, steam, pressure cook)
✔ Touchscreen interface
✔ Non-stick accessories for straightforward cleaning
✔ Can air fry
✔ Can sous vide
✔ Can steam
✔ 6.5-quart cooking capacity
✘ Manual pressure release
✘ No integrated meat thermometer
Ninja Foodi FD401Ninja Foodi FD401 Deluxe XL 9-in-1 Pressure Cooker & Air Fryer
✔ 9 preset cooking programs
✔ Non-stick accessories for straightforward cleaning
✔ Can air fry
✔ Can sous vide
✔ 8 quart cooking capacity
✘ No steaming function
✘ Manual pressure release
✘ No integrated meat thermometer
Ninja FD302Ninja FD302 Foodi Pro 11-in-1 Pressure Cooker & Air Fryer
✔ 11 preset cooking programs
✔ Non-stick ceramic coating accessories for straightforward cleaning
✔ Can air fry
✔ Can sous vide
✔ 6.5 quart capacity only
✘ No steaming function
✘ Manual pressure release
✘ No integrated meat thermometer
Ninja Foodi CompactNinja Foodi OP101 Compact 7-in-1 Pressure Cooker & Air Fryer
✔ 7 cooking programs
✔ Non-stick accessories for straightforward cleaning
✔ Can air fry
✘ Can’t sous vide
✘ No steaming function
✘ 5 quart capacity
✘ Manual pressure release
✘ No integrated meat thermometer
This table compares all Ninja Foodi Pressure Cookers based on their number of programs, accessories, noteworthy features, and capacity.

Things To Consider When Buying a Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker

Budget

The price range of the Ninja pressure catalog is between $100 to $350. It’s not as expensive as some of the top-end juicers that I have reviewed, which will cost you five hundred bucks or more.

budget

That’s good news for consumers like us as it’s not going to be much of a burden financially. At the end of the day, you should work within your budget.

Cooking Functions

Here’s a thing:

The more features a multi-cooker has, the more expensive it is.

Currently, the Steam Fryer has the most capabilities offering 14 functions. It goes down from there. Foodi Deluxe XL has nine functions, while the Ninja Foodi Pro offers 11 cooking techniques. The 5-Quart Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker has the least with only seven functions.

In conclusion, you just need to decide on whether you need the sous vide feature offered by newer models and if you fancy the new steam frying capability.

Size

I’m not going to lie; most multi-cookers require a significant counter space. They are also a bit heavy, so it’s not ideal to move around every now and then. It has to have a designated place in your kitchen.

If space is an issue, you won’t find a mini pressure cooker from the brand. It’s something that you’ll get from Instant Pot. The Instant Pot Duo Plus offers a 3-quart model.

Ease of Use & Maintenance

There’s a moderate learning curve required for all multicookers, whether it’s from Instant Pot, Ninja, or Crockpot. That’s particularly true if you haven’t used a pressure cooker in your life like I was before.

Ninja basket and pot on a dishwasher

It took me a while to get used to, so expect the same thing if you’re new to it.

On the bright side, aftercare is super straightforward.

Most of the time, I only have to deal with the cooking pot. However, that will depend on the recipe you’re making, especially if you’re using the air frying function.

Over To You

Ninja Foodi Pressure Cookers are fantastic tools for home chefs and professional cooks. It opens up to many cooking techniques that aren’t possible with a traditional pot or pan.

The pressure cooking function alone is a nice thing to have. Instead of waiting for hours for your meat to tenderize, it’s more or less 15 minutes with a pressure cooker. Not to mention that modern multicookers can also air fry, steam, bake, roast, and the list goes on.

With that said, let me leave you with the best Ninja air cooker—Ninja Foodi Steam Fryer.

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