Ninja DCT451 12-in-1

I did a LOT of reading of reviews, articles and descriptions before deciding on this model. I have never been so excited about a new appliance, except for perhaps my first washing machine, but I digress. I measured my available space options to ensure enough clearance for heat, which I highly recommend. While my upper cupboards have a decorative bar along the edge a scant inch above the oven, the dissipating heat is not significant and they only get warm, not hot.

I did discover that the small heat vent at the top of the back part does put out a lot of heat and moisture, so condensation can occur on my tiles behind this, even with over 15 cm/ 6” of clearance. So I put my oven on a piece of parchment paper and it now slides easily whenever I use it – I just turn it left so the back points out to the side away from the tiles. If I had an open space to put it, this wouldn’t be a concern. (See photos of back and side of oven space on my counter)

My first meal was a 5 lb whole chicken – oh my it was so moist and flavourful! Perfect with the thermometer and a rack of potato wedges baking above in the basket. I do have my own meat thermometer, but it is super convenient to have the smart technology preprogram exactly how you like roasts, chicken, etc done. That was worth the extra money to have!

I’ve since made many meals, roasts, even a 11.5 lb turkey! Baking squash chunks, roasting carrots and other veggies, or air frying them is quick and easy. Fish fillets are not dried out or overcooked once you learn the timings…since we don’t eat fried foods per se, but do enjoy roasted and air fried foods done this way, I bought a second air fryer basket. I couldn’t find a Ninja one, so ordered a Corsori one and it fits perfectly on the rack. You’d not use two racks at the same time as two baskets so that works well for me. (See photo with two baskets in place).

Cleaning is a snap – even the baked-on grease or fat comes off readily if you put the pans/racks in warm soapy water right away to soak a bit – nothing a little effort can’t remove. Giving the interior a good wipe after each use prevents a buildup of grease/fat that may be very small droplets, but do accumulate over time. I use a sponge with a plastic scrubbie, nothing that could scratch the metal.

My only wish is that there was a better (and free) guide for times to cook various common foods. From what I’ve read, most people reviewed the Ninja cookbook and said it wasn’t really worth the money. I use the internet for ideas, although one does get good at estimating time and temperatures.

So, would I recommend this – absolutely! It is nice to look at, intuitive to use after a few times, easy to clean, effective and efficient with heat, and I’m sure will save me money in the long run from not using my huge oven all the time! Now I need to update my microwave, as even this Ninja doesn’t completely replace reheating up a cup of coffee haha!

Hi,
I don’t usually leave reviews but in this case I am. I bought the oven to help with our power bill a bit. We don’t have to fire up our big oven now for most things as it’s just the two of us.

1. The toast function is great. We are getting rid of our 4 slice toaster.
2. I have baked 2 pies now. It works 100% for that.
3. Did a potato casserole last night on bake function. The whole roast function is a bit noisy as it seems to run the fan or something but similar to a microwave. We rarely roast with an open pan anyway. If we do, we use the BBQ on the deck. Bake function works to cook anything in a closed pan. I did a small beef roast the other night in a small roaster-perfect.
4. It comes with lots of grates and drip pans. I haven’t used the thermometer yet but did place a thermometer inside to check the temperature and it’s perfect. You get 350 if you set it there, etc.

Overall we are very happy with this oven. We don’t air fry or whatever that is. I guess we’re too old for that shit.

Thanks- very happy.

I love traditional cooking in a well equipped kitchen, but, even during Iowa winters, rain, sleet,snow, I will grill outside. I am a meat eater. I have been for all of my 74+ years. I grill for flavor, but also for retained fat reduction. Presently, my outdoor grill is the quite satisfying “ASMOKE 300”–“Portable.” Frankly it has amazed me. It is my first “pellet” fired grill and has worked flawlessly. I offer that information, since one might rationally ask, : Then why a Ninja Foodi Combination Air Fryer/Convection Oven?” Well, I was not kind to the safety of my body and have walked away from some racing crashes that I likely should not have survived. And, genetics are not helping. Thus, I have extraordinary fatigue; so fatigued, in fact, that at 6′ tall and 185 pounds, over around 5 months, I lost weight down to 147 pounds–what I weighed as a High School freshman, before my body matured over the following Summer. I was too tired to cook and/or eat. I only eat one time a day–an evening meal, but, no daytime snacking. I drink nearly a gallon of water a day. I did gain back a healthy amount of weight, but muscle mass is absent.

NOW, on topic: I paid for the probe thermometer, but it did not arrive; it is allegedly on its way. Getting to CS was quick and the rep was responsive–no argument. I have a remote probe system that will suffice as I wait. (The ASMOKE has an included probe and it is very accurate.) I expect the same from Ninja.

The three booklets that are included are excellent with clear and well organized instructions; 2 of the documents are repetitive, but that is a good thing. The third has very interesting recipes and I plan to try some. And, again, the recipes include use instructions. The control buttons are crisp and logical. The pre-progamming does not seem to be an interference. However, some procedures turn out to require “lying” to the” Foodi.” Bread and butter were never on the dinner table as an essential. I only eat “Brownberry Whole Wheat,: “and not, daily. It does well in the refrigerator. Thus, if I want toast with eggs, then I have to fool “Foodi.” For 2 slices, I have to tell it 3 slices and choose result at 4. It is a minor inconvenience, and in truth, is a good way to learn its powers and its limitations. I do get nice toast.

I have only had the unit for part of a month, so I have not “Wrung it Out.” It should be obvious that I want my meat seared–beef, pork(lots of pork, of course) and chicken, or lamb. If I do not grill, I sear in well seasoned carbon steel, usually with a small amount of avocado oil, or peanut oil. Last night, I used “Foodi” to broil a 1 1/8th” thick, 2″ wide and 6+” inch long pork loin. It had been seasoned and in avocado oil in the “cooler,” I have cooked many of these. Thus, going “manual,” I set the unit on high and set time at 30 minutes. Per instructions, I used roasting pan on sheet pan on wire rack at level 3 (height) and fired it up. I had sprayed high temp cooking oil on the roasting pan, I also sprayed the sheet pan and put trimmed parchment paper between the two pans and placed them on the wire rack. I turned on the power and pushed start. At the “end-beep,” I had a very juicy, fully cooked entree`. However, here is my COMPLAINT: There was no searing of any kind on either surface (I turned it once 1/2 way through. Were this not a premium cut of fine Iowa pork, to get any crust, even a light sear, I would have had to seriously over-cook it for any color. 1800 watts is probably marginal to actually sear. Next time, I will lie to “Foodi” again and try putting the rack and pans at level 4, but I doubt I will enjoy the clean-up. The more sensible option is to rub a bit of “Kitchen Bouquet” on the top when I flip the loin.

NOW, on clean-up. Even with spray and no burned oil, cleaning the two black pans (roast and sheet) with only a quality detergent, reasonably hot water (I hand wash) and a sponge is unrealistic. The truth is, to get those 2 pans very clean, it took 2 washings and moderately vigorous use of the “green, non-woven abrasive) surface” of a fresh , usual green and yellow sponge. Having taken care to give those pans every chance of being “sponge-cleaned,” I had to really work at those stubborn, ceramic-coated pans to get them clean to my standards. It angers me. But, I prefer the effort to potentially dangerous “non-stick” coatings.

If I can do a macaroni and cheese casserole to end up with a nice crust, I will probably return to upgrade the stars if possible. Criticisms and suggestions welcomed !!

I’m used to be served, never been a cooker per se. But since I got this, I surprise me looking for recipe and planning for the next amazing thing I will do either in the air fryer mode, dehydrate, roast or simply toast for the morning.
To be honest I didn’t find the use for the thermometer, might have gone for the little brother to save money know I know I’m not really needing it…But that’s ok.
Overall really happy, waiting to see how it sustain over time.

Got this for my wife. She just loves it. She is a retired restaurant chef and very particular. Takes a lot to impress her so when I say she loves it, that is saying a whole lot. The flavor of the food coming out of it is fantastic and much healthier than cooking on the stove top or the oven. Cooking time is faster also. Has great features and seems to be built very well. It weighs about 30lbs so it’s not cheaply constructed. She’s so happy with it that she’s letting me sleep in the house again. The garage gets a little cold at night and I don’t have cable TV out there lol. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for an air fryer.