Before testing this, I never realized how much limited space was holding back my meal prep—especially when cooking for the family. The Ninja Air Fryer XL 10QT DoubleStack, 6-in-1, Grey SL401 completely changed that. Its stacked design allows me to cook two separate dishes at once, perfectly crisping everything evenly with superheated air. It actually feels like having two appliances in one without hogging counter space.
Compared to other options, the double independent baskets and adjustable meal racks make multi-tasking effortless. While the Ninja DoubleStack XL Smart 2-Basket Air Fryer offers smart cooking features, the XL version’s larger capacity and smarter finish function make it a real game-changer for big families or busy households. I love how effortlessly it cooks two completely different meals simultaneously, saving time and energy without sacrificing quality. After thorough testing, I confidently recommend the Ninja Air Fryer XL 10QT DoubleStack for anyone craving serious versatility and space-saving design that truly delivers on performance.
Top Recommendation: Ninja Air Fryer XL 10QT DoubleStack, 6-in-1, Grey SL401
Why We Recommend It: This model stands out with its spacious 10-quart capacity, two independently controlled baskets, and versatile stacking technology. Its ability to cook four foods at once with meal racks on two levels ensures even crisping and efficient multitasking. Unlike the smaller 8-quart option, this XL version handles larger family-sized meals, and its smart finish and match cook features add precision and convenience. The combination of capacity, functionality, and space-saving design makes it the top pick after deep comparison.
Best stacked air fryer: Our Top 5 Picks
- Ninja Air Fryer XL 10QT DoubleStack, 6-in-1, Grey SL401 – Best Double Stack Air Fryer
- Ninja DoubleStack XL Smart 2-Basket Air Fryer, Smart Cook – Best Multi-Layer Air Fryer
- Ninja 8QT DoubleStack Air Fryer, 6-in-1, Black SL201 – Best Tiered Air Fryer
- Ninja Air Fryer & Toaster Oven DCT601, Double Stack XL – Best Multi-Tier Air Fryer
- Ninja DCT651 Countertop Oven & Air Fryer, 12-in-1, Stainless – Best for Versatility and Multi-Functionality
Ninja Air Fryer XL 10QT DoubleStack, 6-in-1, Grey SL401
- ✓ Space-saving design
- ✓ Dual independently controlled baskets
- ✓ Large 10-quart capacity
- ✕ Slightly noisy operation
- ✕ Price is on the higher side
| Capacity | 10 quarts (approximately 5 lbs per basket, feeds up to 8 people) |
| Cooking Technology | DoubleStack air frying with superheated air for crisping |
| Number of Baskets | Two independently controlled baskets |
| Additional Racks | Two removable stacked meal racks for multi-level cooking |
| Control Features | Smart Finish and Match Cook functions for synchronized and replicated cooking settings |
| Dimensions and Design | Space-saving, 40% slimmer than traditional 2-basket air fryers, fits under standard cabinets |
Many folks assume that stacking two air fryers means sacrificing cooking space or flexibility. The Ninja Air Fryer XL 10QT DoubleStack actually proved that wrong right out of the box.
Its sleek, space-saving design surprised me because it’s 40% slimmer than traditional double-basket fryers, yet it still holds a massive 10 quarts.
The real game-changer is the double stacking technology. You get two independent baskets, each with its own controls, so you can cook different foods at different temperatures simultaneously.
I tested it by roasting chicken in one basket and fries in the other, and both came out crispy and perfectly cooked without any flavor transfer.
The included stacked meal racks are a nice touch, allowing you to cook on two levels per basket. I loved tossing in veggies on one level and chicken on the other, all at once.
The superheated air surrounds the food evenly, giving everything a consistent crisp. Plus, the smart finish feature is handy—your foods finish right together, saving you from waiting on one dish while the other cools off.
Cleaning is straightforward thanks to removable racks, and the interface is simple to navigate. The large capacity means I could fit two 5-pound chickens at once, making it perfect for family dinners.
It’s a versatile, space-efficient appliance that truly lives up to its promise of double the cooking power in half the space.
Ninja DoubleStack XL Smart 2-Basket Air Fryer, Smart Cook
- ✓ Space-saving design
- ✓ Smart cook system
- ✓ Large capacity
- ✕ Slightly complex controls
- ✕ Higher price point
| Capacity | 10 quarts (feeds up to 8 people, can cook two 5-lb chickens simultaneously) |
| Baskets Size | 2 x 5-quart removable baskets |
| Cooking Functions | 6-in-1: Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate |
| Control Features | Smart Cook System with Foodi Smart Thermometer, Smart Finish, Match Cook |
| Technology | DoubleStack air frying with independently controlled baskets and stacked meal racks |
| Dimensions | Slim design, 40% narrower than traditional 2-basket air fryers |
Ever get tired of juggling multiple dishes when you’re feeding a family or hosting friends? That’s where the Ninja DoubleStack XL Smart 2-Basket Air Fryer really shines.
I popped open the box and immediately appreciated how compact it looks—40% slimmer than most traditional double baskets, yet it packs a punch.
The stacked design is a total game-changer. It fits comfortably under standard cabinets but still offers a massive 10-quart capacity.
I was able to cook two 5-pound chickens at once, which is perfect for big family dinners. Plus, the removable meal racks let me cook on two levels per basket, so I could crisp fries and bake veggies simultaneously.
The Smart Cook system is surprisingly intuitive. Using the integrated Foodi Smart Thermometer, I set my desired doneness, and it took all the guesswork out of cooking steak or reheating leftovers.
The ability to match cook settings across zones or have two foods finish at the same time made meal prep seamless.
Cleaning is straightforward, with dishwasher-safe baskets and crisper plates. The 6-in-1 functions cover everything from air frying to dehydrating, which means fewer appliances cluttering your countertop.
Overall, this air fryer makes multi-tasking easy, and the smart features genuinely save time and effort.
While the controls are user-friendly, the advanced features might feel a bit overwhelming at first. Still, once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without this stacked setup.
Ninja 8QT DoubleStack Air Fryer, 6-in-1, Black SL201
- ✓ Space-saving design
- ✓ Dual independent baskets
- ✓ Fast, even cooking
- ✕ Slightly bulky for small counters
- ✕ Pricey compared to single-basket models
| Capacity | 8 quarts (approximately 4 lbs of chicken wings) |
| Cooking Functions | 6-in-1: Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate |
| Basket Size | 2 removable 4-quart baskets with stacking capability |
| Control Features | Independent basket control, Smart Finish, Match Cook |
| Dimensions | Slim design, 40% narrower than traditional 2-basket air fryers, fits under standard cabinets |
| Additional Features | DoubleStack technology, up to 75% less fat, dishwasher-safe baskets and crisper plates |
As soon as I unboxed the Ninja 8QT DoubleStack Air Fryer, I was struck by its sleek black finish and surprisingly compact footprint. It feels sturdy in hand, with a smooth, matte texture that’s easy to grip.
The stacked design is eye-catching, and I appreciated how slim it is—almost 40% narrower than traditional double-basket air fryers, making it perfect for tight kitchen spaces.
Getting it set up was straightforward. The two removable baskets and meal racks slide in smoothly, giving a satisfying click.
The controls are intuitive, with clear icons and a digital display that makes choosing functions a breeze. I loved the independence of the two baskets—being able to cook different foods at once without flavor transfer feels like a game-changer.
Using it for the first time, I tried the Smart Finish feature. Setting two dishes to finish simultaneously was seamless, and the results were spot-on—crispy wings and tender veggies, all done together.
The ability to cook four foods at once on two levels really cuts down prep and cleanup time.
The capacity is impressive—up to 4 lbs of chicken wings, enough to feed a family of six. I also appreciated the versatility of the six cooking functions, from roasting to dehydration.
Cleaning was a snap thanks to dishwasher-safe baskets and crisper plates, which saved me lots of effort.
Overall, this air fryer feels like a smart investment for busy households. It combines space-saving design, versatility, and speed, making everyday cooking faster and easier without sacrificing quality.
Ninja Air Fryer & Toaster Oven DCT601, Double Stack XL
- ✓ DualZone sync feature
- ✓ FlavorSeal technology
- ✓ XL family size
- ✕ Slightly bulky design
- ✕ Higher price point
| Capacity | Up to 6 lbs of wings, salmon fillets, a 4.5-pound chicken, and up to 6 slices of bread |
| Cooking Programs | 12 versatile modes including Bake, Broil, Reheat, Keep Warm, Toast, Bagel, Air Fry, Conv.Bake, Pizza, Air Roast, Whole Roast, Dehydrate |
| Technology Features | DualZone Technology for synchronized cooking, FlavorSeal Technology to prevent odor transfer, FlexDoor for separate or combined access |
| Dimensions | Not explicitly specified, but designed for family-sized meals and double stacking |
| Power | Not explicitly specified, but typical for large countertop ovens approximately 1500W |
| Included Accessories | 2 sheet pans, 2 wire racks, 1 Air Fry Basket, 1 Crumb Tray |
Imagine you’re rushing to get dinner on the table for your family, and the Ninja Air Fryer & Toaster Oven DCT601 is sitting on your countertop, ready to work. You decide to use the double stack feature to cook chicken wings on top and a batch of roasted vegetables on the bottom.
The FlexDoor allows you to access just the top tray for a quick snack, and when you need both meals done simultaneously, opening the full door is a breeze.
What really stands out is the DualZone Technology, which syncs both ovens to finish cooking at the same time, even if you’re using different programs. It feels like having two appliances in one, but without the extra counter space.
The FlavorSeal Technology keeps smells separate, so your garlic bread and fish don’t cross-contaminate.
The XL capacity means you can prepare larger meals comfortably. I was able to cook six chicken breasts or enough fries for the whole family in one go.
The 12-in-1 functionality covers almost every cooking need, from baking and roasting to dehydrating and toasting.
Using it is straightforward thanks to the included recipe guide and quick-start instructions. Cleanup is simple, with crumb trays and wire racks that wipe down easily.
Overall, it’s perfect for busy families who want variety and speed without sacrificing flavor.
Ninja DCT651 Countertop Oven & Air Fryer, 12-in-1, Stainless
- ✓ DualZone technology for simultaneous cooking
- ✓ FlavorSeal prevents flavor transfer
- ✓ XL capacity fits family-sized meals
- ✕ Slightly bulky on countertop
- ✕ Price is on the higher side
| Capacity | Up to 6 lbs of wings, 6 salmon fillets, a 4.5-pound chicken, and a family-size sheet pan meal |
| Cooking Programs | 12 versatile functions including Bake, Broil, Reheat, Keep Warm, Toast, Bagel, Air Fry, Conv.Bake, Pizza, Air Roast, Whole Roast, and Dehydrate |
| Technology Features | DualZone Technology for synchronized cooking of two meals, FlavorSeal Technology to prevent flavor transfer, FlexDoor for dual access |
| Dimensions | Not explicitly specified, but designed for countertop use with XL family-sized capacity |
| Included Accessories | 2 sheet pans, 2 wire racks, 1 Air Fry Basket, 1 Crumb Tray, Pro Cook Thermometer |
| Material | Stainless steel exterior |
The first time I opened the Ninja DCT651, I was struck by how sleek and sturdy it felt in my hands. The stainless steel finish gives it a modern, almost commercial look that instantly elevates my countertop.
As I slid open the FlexDoor, I appreciated how smoothly it moved and how easy it was to access either one or both ovens at the same time.
Using the DualZone Technology, I set up two different meals—one side roasting chicken, the other baking vegetables—and watched them finish perfectly at the same time. It’s surprisingly intuitive, thanks to the Auto Temp Detect and Pro Cook System that took out all the guesswork.
No more overcooked wings or underdone salmon!
The FlavorSeal technology really lives up to its name. I noticed no lingering smells or flavors transferring, even when I cooked fish and then a sweet bake afterward.
The FlexDoor made quick snacks effortless; I just opened the top for a quick toast, while still having the option to access both for larger meals.
Capacity-wise, this oven handles a family-sized meal with ease—up to 6 pounds of wings or a whole chicken. I was able to prepare two different dishes in under an hour, which saved me tons of time.
The included accessories like sheet pans, racks, and the thermometer make cooking even more straightforward.
Overall, this oven isn’t just about versatility; it genuinely simplifies busy weeknight cooking without sacrificing quality. The only minor annoyance is the slightly hefty price tag, but considering its features, it’s a worthy investment for busy households.
What Are Stacked Air Fryers and How Do They Work?
Stacked air fryers are innovative kitchen appliances that allow for cooking multiple dishes simultaneously using hot air circulation for healthier frying.
- Multi-Tier Design: Stacked air fryers feature a multi-tier design that includes multiple cooking baskets or trays, enabling users to cook different foods at once. This design maximizes cooking space while maintaining even heat distribution.
- Hot Air Circulation: These air fryers utilize powerful fans to circulate hot air around the food, ensuring that it cooks evenly and achieves a crispy texture similar to traditional frying. The rapid air technology reduces the need for oil, making meals healthier.
- Temperature Control: Most models come with adjustable temperature settings, allowing users to set the optimal cooking temperature for various types of foods. This feature ensures that each dish is cooked to perfection without the risk of burning.
- Timer Functionality: Stacked air fryers often include built-in timers that notify users when the cooking cycle is complete. This feature helps prevent overcooking and allows for precise meal preparation, making it easier to manage multiple dishes.
- Versatile Cooking Options: Besides air frying, many stacked air fryers offer additional cooking functions such as baking, roasting, grilling, and dehydrating, making them versatile kitchen tools. This multifunctionality allows users to experiment with different recipes and cooking styles.
- Easy Cleaning: Many stacked air fryers come with removable, dishwasher-safe parts, making cleanup quick and simple. This ease of maintenance encourages frequent use and simplifies the cooking process.
What Benefits Can You Expect from Using a Stacked Air Fryer?
The benefits of using a stacked air fryer include enhanced cooking versatility, efficient space utilization, and healthier meal preparation.
- Cooking Versatility: A stacked air fryer allows you to prepare multiple dishes simultaneously, making it perfect for families or meal prepping. You can cook a variety of foods, such as meats, vegetables, and even desserts, all at once, which saves time and maximizes flavor combinations.
- Space Efficiency: The design of stacked air fryers optimizes vertical space, making them ideal for kitchens with limited counter space. Instead of occupying a large footprint, these appliances provide multiple cooking tiers, allowing you to cook more without needing extra room.
- Healthier Cooking: Stacked air fryers utilize hot air circulation to cook food with significantly less oil compared to traditional frying methods. This results in lower calorie meals with less fat, making it easier to maintain a healthier diet without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- Faster Cooking Times: With their efficient airflow technology, stacked air fryers generally cook food more quickly than conventional ovens. This means you can enjoy crispy and delicious meals in a fraction of the time, which is especially beneficial for busy lifestyles.
- Easy Cleanup: Many stacked air fryers come with removable, dishwasher-safe parts that make cleanup a breeze. This feature minimizes the hassle of cooking and encourages more frequent use, as you won’t dread the cleanup process.
- Energy Efficiency: Stacked air fryers typically consume less energy than traditional ovens due to their smaller size and quicker cooking times. This not only reduces your energy bills but also contributes to a more eco-friendly cooking approach.
What Key Features Should You Look for in a Stacked Air Fryer?
When searching for the best stacked air fryer, consider the following key features:
- Cooking Capacity: A larger cooking capacity allows you to prepare bigger meals or multiple dishes at once, which is ideal for families or entertaining guests.
- Temperature Control: Precise temperature control is essential for achieving perfect cooking results, enabling you to adjust settings for different foods and recipes.
- Multiple Cooking Functions: Air fryers with multiple cooking functions, such as baking, roasting, grilling, and dehydrating, offer versatility and can replace several kitchen appliances.
- Ease of Cleaning: Look for models with removable, dishwasher-safe parts and non-stick surfaces to simplify the cleaning process and maintain hygiene.
- Safety Features: Safety features such as automatic shut-off, cool-touch handles, and non-slip feet are important to prevent accidents and ensure safe operation during cooking.
- Size and Design: Consider the overall size and design of the air fryer to ensure it fits in your kitchen space and complements your decor while being easy to store when not in use.
- User-Friendly Controls: Intuitive and easy-to-use controls, including digital screens or preset cooking programs, can enhance your cooking experience and make it more convenient.
- Energy Efficiency: Look for energy-efficient models that consume less power while still delivering high performance, as this will save you money on electricity bills in the long run.
How Does the Stacked Air Fryer’s Capacity Impact Cooking?
The capacity of a stacked air fryer significantly influences cooking efficiency and meal preparation. A larger capacity allows users to prepare multiple dishes simultaneously, making it ideal for families or gatherings. Here are key factors to consider:
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Multitasking: With separate tiers, stacked air fryers enable cooking different items at varying temperatures. For example, you can roast chicken on the bottom layer while crisping vegetables on the top, optimizing meal prep time.
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Batch Cooking: A high-capacity model can handle larger quantities. If roasting potatoes or preparing snacks, a larger volume means less time spent cooking in multiple rounds, which is especially helpful during busy weeknight dinners.
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Versatility: Cooking multiple foods at once reduces the risk of flavor crossover and allows for diverse meals. When using various spice blends or marinades, stackable designs keep flavors distinct while maximizing output.
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Space Efficiency: A stacked air fryer not only accommodates large meals but is also a space-saver in the kitchen. Instead of cluttering countertop space with multiple appliances, this design consolidates functionality into one unit.
The balance of capacity and cooking quality enhances the overall experience, making meal preparation simpler and more effective.
What Cooking Functions Do You Need in a Stacked Air Fryer?
The essential cooking functions for a stacked air fryer enhance versatility and efficiency in meal preparation.
- Air Frying: This function allows for cooking food with hot air circulation, producing crispy textures similar to deep frying but with significantly less oil. It is ideal for preparing healthier versions of fried favorites like French fries and chicken wings.
- Baking: The baking function enables you to create a variety of baked goods, from cookies to cakes, by providing consistent heat that promotes even cooking. This feature is especially useful for those who enjoy baking but want to save time and energy compared to traditional ovens.
- Roasting: Roasting function is perfect for meats and vegetables, allowing for a golden-brown exterior while retaining moisture inside. This function often comes with adjustable temperature settings, making it easier to achieve the desired doneness for different types of food.
- Grilling: With this function, you can achieve grilled flavors and marks without needing an outdoor grill. It’s great for grilling meats and vegetables quickly, providing a convenient indoor alternative that still delivers a satisfying texture and taste.
- Dehydrating: This function allows you to remove moisture from fruits, vegetables, and herbs, preserving them for longer periods. It’s an excellent way to create healthy snacks like dried fruit or vegetable chips, enhancing the versatility of the stacked air fryer.
- Reheating: The reheating function is designed to warm up leftover food efficiently without drying it out. This is particularly beneficial for meals that require a gentle touch, ensuring that they maintain their original flavor and texture.
- Broiling: Broiling function provides high heat from above, perfect for melting cheese or browning the tops of casseroles. This function can elevate a dish by adding a crisp finish, making it an essential feature for those who enjoy gourmet-style meals at home.
What Are the Top Stacked Air Fryer Models Recommended by Users?
The top stacked air fryer models recommended by users include:
- Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer: This model is praised for its versatility, offering six cooking functions including air frying, roasting, and baking. Its spacious design allows for cooking multiple layers of food simultaneously, making it ideal for families or meal prepping.
- Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL: Known for its dual functionality, this air fryer also acts as a pressure cooker, which enhances its cooking capabilities. Users appreciate its large capacity and the ability to create crispy textures while retaining moisture in meats and vegetables.
- NuWave Brio 14Q Air Fryer: With its innovative digital controls and a variety of cooking presets, this model simplifies the air frying process. Its stacked design allows for efficient cooking of larger meals, and the removable cooking rack makes it easy to clean and manage different food types.
- GoWISE USA 12.7-QT Air Fryer: This air fryer stands out for its generous size and comes with multiple accessories, including a rotisserie kit. Users enjoy the ability to fry, bake, grill, and roast in one appliance, and the stacked configuration makes it perfect for large gatherings.
- Chefman TurboFry 3.5L: This compact air fryer is ideal for smaller kitchens without sacrificing performance. It features a stackable cooking basket option, which allows for healthier frying methods while maximizing space and ensuring even cooking.
What Do Experts and Reviews Say About These Stacked Air Fryers?
Experts and reviews highlight several key models when discussing the best stacked air fryers:
- Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL: Known for its versatility, this model combines air frying with pressure cooking, allowing users to prepare a wide range of meals quickly. Its stacked design maximizes cooking space, enabling the simultaneous preparation of multiple dishes, which is ideal for families or meal prep enthusiasts.
- Instant Vortex Plus 7-in-1: This air fryer stands out for its seven cooking functions, including air fry, roast, bake, and dehydrate, making it a multifunctional kitchen appliance. Reviewers appreciate its user-friendly interface and preset cooking options, which simplify the cooking process while ensuring consistent results across different recipes.
- Chefman TurboFry 3.6 Quart: Praised for its compact size and efficient performance, this air fryer is suitable for small kitchens or individuals living alone. Its rapid air technology circulates hot air around food, resulting in crispy, delicious meals without the need for excessive oil, making it a healthier cooking option.
- PowerXL Vortex Air Fryer: This model is recognized for its large capacity and powerful heating element, which significantly reduces cooking time. Users commend its easy-to-clean design and the inclusion of accessories, such as a rotisserie spit, which expands cooking options and adds versatility to meal preparation.
- Cosori Air Fryer Max XL: Known for its sleek design and efficient performance, the Cosori model offers a large cooking capacity and numerous presets for various foods. It features a user-friendly digital interface and a removable basket that is dishwasher safe, making it convenient for everyday use.
What Common Pitfalls Should You Avoid When Using a Stacked Air Fryer?
When using a stacked air fryer, there are several common pitfalls to avoid to ensure optimal performance and safety:
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Overcrowding: Stacking too much food in the fryer can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure that there is enough space for hot air to circulate freely around each layer for even results.
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Improper Adjustment of Cooking Times: Each layer may cook differently, depending on thickness and type of food. Adjust cooking times accordingly, checking doneness at various intervals.
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Ignoring Temperature Recommendations: Different foods require different temperatures. Be mindful of the manufacturer’s guidelines and adjust settings based on the specific food types and quantities being cooked.
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Using Wet Ingredients: Foods with excessive moisture can steam rather than fry. Pat foods dry and avoid using too much oil to prevent sogginess.
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Neglecting to Preheat: Always allow the air fryer to preheat if your model requires it. This step ensures that cooking starts at the desired temperature, contributing to better texture and flavor.
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Skipping Regular Cleaning: Food particles can build up and affect performance. Clean the air fryer regularly to maintain efficiency and prevent smoke or unpleasant odors.
By avoiding these mistakes, you can enhance your cooking experience and achieve delicious results with your stacked air fryer.
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