There’s a noticeable shift happening in kitchens today — countertop ovens are no longer just for toasting bread. Models like the Cuisinart TOA-65 and Ninja DT251 have redefined what these compact appliances can do, combining the functions of an air fryer, convection oven, and toaster into one sleek unit. After testing both over several weeks, I realized that while both machines are powerful, they cater to very different cooking styles and needs.
Here’s my hands-on breakdown of how the Cuisinart TOA-65 and Ninja DT251 perform side by side — and which one I think deserves a spot in your kitchen.
Key Difference Between Cuisinart TOA-65 vs Ninja DT251 Air Fryer Toaster Oven
The biggest difference between the Cuisinart TOA-65 and the Ninja DT251 lies in capacity and technology. The Ninja DT251 is a larger, smarter, and more feature-packed oven, designed for serious home cooks or families, while the Cuisinart TOA-65 is a compact, efficient, and versatile performer that’s perfect for everyday use.
The Ninja has a built-in Foodi Smart Thermometer, a two-level cooking system, and True Surround Convection for even heat distribution, making it ideal for bigger meals. The Cuisinart, on the other hand, shines with simplicity, precision digital controls, and excellent air-frying results in a more compact form.
- Endless Functions : This premium nonstick air fryer toaster oven combo is equipped with versatile functions including air fry , bake, broil, toast, bagel, pizza,...
- Large Capacity: Generous .6-cubic feet toaster oven interior with large viewing window and interior light. Large enough to air fry up to 3 pounds of food, toast 6...
- TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster, crispier, and juicy results.
- 10 VERSATILE FUNCTIONS: Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Whole Roast, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, Reheat, and Pizza, all in one powerful 1800-watt appliance.
Comparison Table: Cuisinart TOA-65 vs Ninja DT251 Air Fryer Toaster Oven
| Features | Cuisinart TOA-65 | Ninja DT251 |
| Control Type | Digital Display | Touch Control |
| Cooking Functions | 11 Functions: Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Toast, Pizza, Roast, Bagel, Reheat, Warm, Dehydrate, Proof, Dual Cook | 10 Functions: Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Whole Roast, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, Reheat, Pizza |
| Wattage | 1800 Watts | 1800 Watts |
| Capacity | 0.6 cu. ft. (fits 12″ pizza, 4 lb chicken) | 12 Liters (fits 12 lb turkey or two 12″ pizzas) |
| Preheat Time | Standard | 90 seconds |
| Smart Features | Digital presets, Dual Cook | Smart Thermometer, True Surround Convection, Digital Display Handle |
| Rack Levels | Single | Two-level cooking system |
| Interior Light | Yes | Yes |
| Included Accessories | Oven rack, baking pan, air fry basket | 2 sheet pans, 2 wire racks, air fry basket, roast tray, thermometer |
| Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Warranty | 3 Years | 1 Year |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 21.73″ x 17″ x 15.75″ | 20.22″ x 17.09″ x 13.34″ |
| Weight | ~25 lbs | 33.75 lbs |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, both ovens look premium with their brushed stainless-steel exteriors. However, they project different personalities.
The Cuisinart TOA-65 is more compact and minimalistic. Its design is functional — a clean digital interface, a clear glass window, and tactile buttons that feel intuitive. It looks great on a smaller countertop and fits well in medium kitchens.
The Ninja DT251, however, is in another league in terms of design innovation. Its digital display handle is one of the most futuristic features I’ve seen — it lights up the correct rack positions depending on the function you select. The touch controls are responsive and modern, giving it a high-tech feel. It’s heavier and bulkier, but that’s understandable considering its two-level cooking system and massive interior space.
In terms of build quality, both feel durable, but the Ninja feels more robust, like a compact version of a professional oven.
- Endless Functions : This premium nonstick air fryer toaster oven combo is equipped with versatile functions including air fry , bake, broil, toast, bagel, pizza,...
- Large Capacity: Generous .6-cubic feet toaster oven interior with large viewing window and interior light. Large enough to air fry up to 3 pounds of food, toast 6...
Ease of Use
The Cuisinart TOA-65 has a straightforward interface — simple digital controls, clearly labeled buttons, and preset functions for air frying, baking, and roasting. Switching between functions is seamless, and the LCD display provides real-time temperature and time updates.
The Ninja DT251, on the other hand, brings smart automation to the kitchen. The Smart Cook System with the integrated Foodi Thermometer automatically detects doneness — I tested it with chicken breast and steak, and it nailed medium doneness every time. The oven also pauses automatically when you open the door and resumes once it’s closed.
While I appreciated the TOA-65’s simplicity, the Ninja’s intelligent automation makes cooking nearly foolproof. If you’re someone who loves precision but hates guesswork, the DT251 wins hands down.
Cooking Performance
This is where things get interesting.
The Cuisinart TOA-65 performed exceptionally well for a mid-sized air fryer oven. The air fry mode is powerful and efficient — wings, fries, and veggies came out crispy without feeling greasy. The fan circulates air evenly, and I noticed minimal noise even at high speeds. It also did a great job with baked dishes, maintaining a consistent temperature throughout.
However, the Ninja DT251 operates on another level. Its True Surround Convection technology delivers up to 10 times more convection power than a standard oven. When I roasted a 12-pound turkey, it browned evenly with juicy, tender results — something the TOA-65 could never handle due to its smaller capacity. The Ninja’s two-level cooking also made meal prepping easier — I could roast vegetables on one rack while air frying chicken wings on another, with both finishing at the same time.
In short:
- The TOA-65 is perfect for small to medium meals.
- The DT251 is ideal for family-sized cooking and batch meals.
- Endless Functions : This premium nonstick air fryer toaster oven combo is equipped with versatile functions including air fry , bake, broil, toast, bagel, pizza,...
- Large Capacity: Generous .6-cubic feet toaster oven interior with large viewing window and interior light. Large enough to air fry up to 3 pounds of food, toast 6...
- TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster, crispier, and juicy results.
- 10 VERSATILE FUNCTIONS: Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Whole Roast, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, Reheat, and Pizza, all in one powerful 1800-watt appliance.
Versatility
Both models are incredibly versatile, but they shine in different ways.
The TOA-65 offers additional functions like proofing dough, dehydrating, and dual cook, which makes it excellent for bakers and those who enjoy experimenting. Its low-temperature mode is also great for slow cooking and braising, something that surprised me in a countertop oven.
The Ninja DT251 doesn’t have proofing or dual cook, but it compensates with its whole roast function, smart thermometer, and two-level air fry capability. It’s made for multi-tasking — something the Cuisinart can’t match.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Both ovens feature nonstick interiors and dishwasher-safe accessories, which makes cleaning simple. However, due to its larger size and multiple racks, the Ninja takes a little more effort to clean, especially after big roasts.
The Cuisinart TOA-65, with its smaller footprint, is quicker to maintain — a simple wipe-down usually does the job.
Cuisinart TOA-65 Air Fryer Toaster Oven
- Endless Functions : This premium nonstick air fryer toaster oven combo is equipped with versatile functions including air fry , bake, broil, toast, bagel, pizza,...
- Large Capacity: Generous .6-cubic feet toaster oven interior with large viewing window and interior light. Large enough to air fry up to 3 pounds of food, toast 6...
Pros:
- Compact and sleek design
- Excellent air frying performance
- Precise digital temperature control
- Functions like dehydrate, proof, and dual cook
- Easy to use and clean
- 3-year warranty
Cons:
- Smaller capacity
- No smart thermometer or dual-level cooking
- Slower preheat time
Ninja DT251 Air Fryer Toaster Oven
- TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster, crispier, and juicy results.
- 10 VERSATILE FUNCTIONS: Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Whole Roast, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, Reheat, and Pizza, all in one powerful 1800-watt appliance.
Pros:
- Massive 12-liter capacity with two-level cooking
- True Surround Convection ensures even heat distribution
- Integrated Smart Thermometer for perfect doneness
- Heats up in just 90 seconds
- Ideal for large families or meal prep
- High-end design with digital display handle
Cons:
- Bulky and heavy
- Higher price point
- Learning curve for first-time users
- 1-year warranty only
Conclusion: Cuisinart TOA-65 vs Ninja DT251 – Which One Wins?
After extensive testing, I can confidently say that both the Cuisinart TOA-65 and Ninja DT251 deliver impressive performance, but they’re designed for different users.
If you want a compact, reliable, and versatile air fryer toaster oven that covers all essential cooking needs with excellent results, the Cuisinart TOA-65 is a superb choice. It’s user-friendly, space-saving, and ideal for small families or individuals who cook moderate portions.
However, if you’re looking for a powerhouse appliance that can replace your traditional oven, handle large meals, and deliver precise results with minimal effort, the Ninja DT251 easily takes the lead. Its Smart Thermometer, True Surround Convection, and double-rack capacity make it an all-in-one cooking station for serious home chefs.
My Recommendation:
- Choose Cuisinart TOA-65 for convenience, compact design, and day-to-day versatility.
- Choose Ninja DT251 if you want superior power, faster cooking, and the ability to feed a crowd efficiently.
Both are excellent in their own right — it just depends on how you cook and how much space you can give up on your counter.
