With energy prices still pinching UK households in 2025, the Ninja MAX Dual Zone Digital Air Fryer makes a bold claim: save up to 65% on your oven bill. At £229, is this dual-drawer appliance a wise investment or just another kitchen gadget gathering dust? We’ve analysed this Stone Gold model (DZ400UKSTGD) in detail, drawing on official specifications, verified customer feedback from Amazon UK, and external research. This honest review digs into its performance, capacity, and crucially, whether the energy-saving promises stack up for real British families juggling rising costs and limited kitchen space.
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Ninja MAX Dual Zone Digital Air Fryer, 2 Drawers, 9.5L, 6-in-1, Uses No Oil, Air Fry, Max Crisp,... |
£229.00 |
Buy on Amazon UK |
Key Highlights
- Dual 4.75L drawers cook two dishes simultaneously with independent temperature controls—perfect for feeding families with different tastes
- Claims up to 65% energy savings versus traditional ovens, based on manufacturer testing with sausages
- Extra-large 9.5L total capacity fits up to 1.4kg of chips per drawer or a whole 2kg chicken
- Six cooking functions (Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate) handle everything from frozen fish fingers to Sunday roasts
- Dishwasher-safe non-stick baskets make cleanup straightforward for busy parents
In-Depth Review
Testing the claim: Does this dual-zone air fryer really save energy?
According to Ninja’s specifications, the Ninja MAX Dual Zone Digital Air Fryer uses 2470 watts but cooks up to 75% faster than fan ovens when tested against fish fingers and sausages. The energy-saving claim centres on reduced cooking time rather than lower wattage—spending 15 minutes air frying versus 40 minutes in a conventional oven naturally uses less electricity overall.
Customer reviews on Amazon UK frequently mention lower electricity bills, though quantifying exact savings proves tricky given variable energy tariffs across Britain. Several London-based users note they’ve stopped preheating their main oven for weeknight meals entirely, relying on this dual-zone model instead. One reviewer from Manchester specifically mentioned her smart meter showing noticeable drops in evening energy consumption after switching to the air fryer for family dinners.
The 65% figure is derived from Ninja’s testing of A-rated and A+ ovens using their recommended sausage cook times. Whilst manufacturer claims always warrant healthy scepticism, the fundamental physics checks out—heating a smaller enclosed space for less time should indeed reduce energy consumption. For UK households currently paying around 24-28p per kWh, the potential savings could genuinely offset the £229 purchase price over 12-18 months of regular use, particularly for families who run their ovens daily.
Cooking a full family meal: how the dual zones actually work
The dual-zone technology represents this appliance’s standout feature. Each 4.75L drawer operates independently with separate temperature controls ranging from 40°C to 240°C and timers up to 60 minutes. The “Sync” function ensures both drawers finish simultaneously—crucial when you’re coordinating chips and chicken nuggets for impatient children.
Customer feedback consistently praises the capacity. Reviews mention fitting a whole 2kg chicken in one drawer whilst roasting vegetables in the other, or cooking main and side dishes concurrently without flavour transfer. A Cardiff-based reviewer noted that successfully preparing Sunday roast components simultaneously is impossible with single-basket models.
The six cooking functions cover typical British household needs comprehensively. Max Crisp delivers the crunchiest results for chips and breaded items according to user reports. Air Fry handles everyday frozen foods efficiently. Roast proves surprisingly effective for smaller joints of meat. Bake manages jacket potatoes and simple cakes adequately. Reheating revives takeaway chips far better than microwaves. Dehydrator—admittedly a niche function for most UK homes—makes decent beef jerky and dried apple slices, according to the reviews.
Real-world capacity testing from customers suggests each drawer genuinely accommodates 1.4kg of frozen chips, enough for 3-4 generous portions. Several reviews from families of four confirm it handles their typical evening meals without requiring multiple batches—a significant practical advantage over smaller air fryers.
Ease of use and cleaning: is it a faff for busy parents?
Setup proves genuinely straightforward according to customer consensus. The device arrives largely assembled, requiring only the removal of protective packaging and a quick wash of the baskets before first use. Several reviews specifically mention elderly relatives managing the controls without assistance, suggesting an intuitive interface.
The control panel uses a combination of touchscreen buttons and a central dial. Reviews describe navigation as logical, with clear icons for each cooking function. The digital display prominently displays temperature and time settings. A few customers note the touchscreen can be slightly finicky with wet fingers—a realistic scenario in busy kitchens—but this appears to be a minor inconvenience rather than a significant flaw.
Cleaning receives consistently positive mentions. The non-stick baskets and crisper plates are dishwasher-safe, which busy parents particularly appreciate. Hand-washing proves quick when preferred, with most food residue wiping away easily. The exterior wipes clean with a damp cloth. Several reviews mention minimal lingering cooking smells compared to traditional deep-fat fryers.
The 41.5cm width and 32.5cm height require a reasonable amount of counter space. Reviews from those in smaller UK flats note it dominates worktops, though most consider the trade-off worthwhile given the functionality. At 8.8kg, it’s hefty enough to stay put but manageable for relocating when necessary. The 2-year guarantee upon registration with Ninja provides additional peace of mind for this investment.
Ninja MAX Dual Zone performance across different foods
Based on customer feedback, the device excels at typical British favourites. Frozen chips emerge consistently crispy with fluffy interiors—the benchmark test for any air fryer. Fish fingers, chicken nuggets, and breaded items achieve proper crunch without the greasiness of deep-frying. Reviews frequently mention using up to 75% less oil than traditional methods, a claim specifications confirm through testing against deep-fried hand-cut chips.
Fresh vegetables roast well, with Brussels sprouts, parsnips, and carrots developing pleasant caramelisation. Chicken breasts and thighs cook through reliably whilst retaining moisture—a common air fryer challenge that this model apparently handles competently. Several adventurous users report successful results with salmon fillets, pork chops, and even small Victoria sponges.
The Max Crisp function operates at the highest temperature setting, producing results closest to those of deep-frying. Customer comparisons suggest it produces crispier outcomes than standard Air Fry mode, particularly valuable for items like chicken wings or homemade onion rings. The trade-off involves slightly longer cooking times and higher energy consumption, though still considerably lower than those of conventional ovens.
Noise levels receive mixed feedback. Specifications don’t list decibel ratings, but customers describe the operational sound as noticeable yet tolerable—comparable to a microwave or dishwasher rather than alarmingly loud. A few reviews mention it’s audible in open-plan living spaces during evening telly watching, but nobody suggests it’s disruptive enough to avoid using during typical mealtimes.
Pros
- Genuine time-savings cooking two dishes simultaneously with independent controls—confirmed repeatedly in customer reviews
- Substantial 9.5L capacity handles family meals without multiple batches, unlike smaller single-basket models
- Consistently crispy results for chips, breaded items, and roasted vegetables based on user consensus
- Dishwasher-safe components simplify cleanup for busy households juggling school runs and work commitments
- Stone Gold colour (Amazon exclusive) adds visual warmth compared to standard black appliances
Cons
- Considerable counter footprint (41.5cm wide) challenges those in compact UK kitchens or studio flats
- £229 price point stretches tighter budgets, though potential energy savings may offset over time
- Operational noise is noticeable in open-plan spaces, though not disruptively loud according to reviews
- Learning curve for optimising cooking times across different foods—early attempts may require trial and error
Who Is This For?
The Ninja MAX Dual Zone Digital Air Fryer suits UK families of 3-5 people seeking to reduce energy bills whilst cooking a variety of meals efficiently. It’s particularly well-suited for busy parents juggling different dietary preferences—vegetarian teenagers, picky toddlers, and adults seeking healthier options—all from one appliance.
Homeowners with reasonable counter space will appreciate the dual-zone flexibility more than flat-dwellers already struggling for worktop room. Those currently running conventional ovens daily for family meals represent the ideal buyers, as the energy savings compound most significantly with regular use. Budget-conscious households willing to invest £229 upfront for long-term savings on running costs should benefit, whilst those cooking primarily for one or two may find single-basket models more proportionate to their needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the Ninja MAX Dual Zone Digital Air Fryer genuinely save money versus a conventional oven?
A: Based on manufacturer testing and customer reports, yes—particularly for families currently using conventional ovens daily. The combination of faster cooking times (up to 75% quicker, according to specifications) and a smaller heating surface reduces energy consumption. Several UK users mention noticeable drops in electricity bills, though exact savings depend on your current oven’s efficiency, energy tariff, and usage frequency. The £229 investment typically pays for itself within 12-18 months of regular use based on current UK energy prices.
Q: Can both drawers cook at different temperatures simultaneously?
A: Yes, each drawer operates completely independently with separate temperature controls (40°C to 240°C) and timers (up to 60 minutes). This allows cooking chips at 200°C in one drawer whilst roasting vegetables at 180°C in the other. The Sync function ensures both finish cooking simultaneously, crucial for serving complete meals hot.
Q: How does the Stone Gold colour look in real kitchens?
A: Customer photos and reviews describe it as a warm, muted gold rather than brassy or garish. Several buyers mention it complements neutral kitchen schemes nicely, adding visual interest without clashing. The finish appears durable based on reviews mentioning no chipping or fading after months of use. Worth noting this colour is an Amazon UK exclusive—other retailers stock standard black or grey versions.
Q: Is it suitable for small UK flats with limited counter space?
A: The 41.5cm width and 27cm depth require substantial counter space. Reviews from those in compact flats mention it dominates worktops, though some consider the multi-functionality worth the footprint. Measure your available space carefully before purchasing. Those with extremely limited counters might consider the smaller Ninja AF300UK (7.6L) or vertically-stacked models designed for tighter kitchens.
Q: What’s covered under the 2-year guarantee?
A: Ninja provides a 2-year guarantee covering manufacturing defects when you register the product. This includes issues with heating elements, control panels, or drawer mechanisms arising from everyday use. Customer service receives generally positive mentions for honouring warranty claims. Standard wear and tear, damage from misuse, or consumable components like non-stick coatings typically aren’t covered. Register promptly after purchase to activate full coverage.
Buying Tips
The Ninja MAX Dual Zone Digital Air Fryer typically retails around £229 at the time of writing, though pricing fluctuates seasonally. Monitor for discounts during Amazon Prime Day (mid-July), Black Friday (late November), and Boxing Day sales when dual-zone air fryers frequently see 15-20% reductions.
Amazon Prime members benefit from next-day delivery—particularly valuable if replacing a broken appliance urgently. The standard 30-day return policy allows adequate time for testing in your own kitchen environment. Several reviewers mention successfully returning alternative models before settling on this Ninja version, confirming Amazon’s flexible return process.
Check the product listing for lightning deals or voucher codes before purchasing. Ninja occasionally runs cashback promotions on its official website, though Amazon’s pricing is often competitive. Register your guarantee within 30 days of purchase to activate the full 2-year coverage. You can verify current pricing and availability on Amazon UK, where hundreds of customer reviews provide additional real-world perspectives beyond this analysis.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
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Ninja MAX Dual Zone Digital Air Fryer, 2 Drawers, 9.5L, 6-in-1, Uses No Oil, Air Fry, Max Crisp,… |
£229.00 |
Buy on Amazon UK |
Conclusion
The Ninja MAX Dual Zone Digital Air Fryer represents a genuinely helpful appliance for UK families managing rising energy costs and varied dietary preferences. Based on specifications and extensive customer feedback, it delivers on core promises—cooking two dishes simultaneously with independent controls, reducing energy consumption compared with conventional ovens, and producing consistently crispy results for everyday British favourites, from chips to roast vegetables.
The £229 investment suits households currently running conventional ovens daily, particularly families of 3-5 people juggling different meal preferences. The dual-zone flexibility proves transformative for busy parents, allowing them to coordinate fish fingers for children alongside healthier options for adults, all finishing simultaneously. Those prioritising maximum energy savings, reliable performance, and substantial capacity will find this model justifies its premium positioning through practical everyday utility.
For UK buyers with adequate counter space and budgets stretching to mid-range pricing, this dual-drawer air fryer represents solid long-term value. The combination of generous 9.5L capacity, intuitive controls, and dishwasher-safe components addresses real pain points for British households managing limited time and rising costs. Check current pricing on Amazon UK to determine if it aligns with your specific kitchen needs and family size.
Last update on 2025-10-24 at 10:20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
