When I first started exploring the world of dual-zone air frying, I quickly realized that the biggest hurdle isn’t the technology—it’s the timing. There is nothing worse than having a perfectly crispy salmon fillet sitting on the counter getting cold while you wait another eight minutes for your potato wedges to finish.
Philips seems to have solved this with their latest 3000 and 4000 series releases. I’ve spent some time hands-on with both the Philips NA350 and the Philips NA351, and at first glance, they look like identical twins from the same black-and-silver family. However, as I dug into the daily reality of using them, a few subtle but significant differences emerged.
If you are trying to figure out which of these 9-liter powerhouses belongs on your counter, let’s break down the real-world experience.
The Core Difference: Aesthetics and Series (Philips NA350 vs NA351)
The primary distinction between these two models lies in their “Series” designation and slight design tweaks. The NA350 is the flagship of the 3000 Series, sporting a sleek, all-black minimalist look. The NA351, often categorized under a slightly higher sub-tier (and sometimes referred to as part of the 4000 series in specific regions), introduces brushed silver accents on the handles and interface.
Technically, they share the same DNA: a massive 9-liter total capacity split into two unequal drawers—a design choice I’ve grown to actually prefer over the standard 50/50 split.
- 2 DRAWERS, 2 SIZES - Cook mains and sides simultaneously; large 6L drawer for entrees and 3.5L drawer for snacks and veggies
- AUTO-SYNC COOKING TIME - Automatically syncs cooking times between drawers; ensures perfectly timed meals every time
- DUAL DELIGHT AIR FRYER – A revolutionary air fryer featuring 2 drawers in varying sizes. Elevate your cooking experience by preparing two distinct dishes...
- TWO DRAWERS, ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES - Boasting a generous 9.5qt capacity! The 6.3qt large drawer is perfect for mains, fries, and more (up to 1.6qt), while the...
Comparison Table: Philips NA350 vs NA351 Dual Zone Air Fryer
| Feature | Philips NA350 (3000 Series) | Philips NA351 (4000 Series) |
| Total Capacity | 9.5 Quarts (9 Liters) | 9.6 Quarts (9.1 Liters) |
| Drawer Configuration | 6L Large + 3.5L Small | 6.3L Large + 3.5L Small |
| Technology | Rapid Air Technology | Rapid Air Plus Technology |
| Color/Finish | All-Black | Black with Silver Accents |
| Functions | 8-in-1 Touchscreen | 9+ Presets (includes Reheat) |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher Safe Baskets | Dishwasher Safe Baskets |
| Dimensions | 15″D x 17.4″W x 12.3″H | 12.4″D x 17.5″W x 15.1″H |
| Check Price & Latest Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review: My Take
Design: The “Unequal” Drawer Genius
Most dual-basket air fryers give you two identical zones. In my experience, that’s rarely how we actually cook. I usually have a “main” (like a whole chicken or a heap of wings) and a “side” (like a few stalks of asparagus or a handful of nuggets).
Both the NA350 and NA351 use a 6L/3.5L split. When I used the NA351, I was able to fit a whole 1.5kg chicken in the large drawer without it touching the heating element. Meanwhile, the smaller drawer is the perfect size for a single serving of fries. The NA351 feels slightly more “premium” due to the silver trim, which hides fingerprints a bit better than the matte black plastic on the NA350.
- 2 DRAWERS, 2 SIZES - Cook mains and sides simultaneously; large 6L drawer for entrees and 3.5L drawer for snacks and veggies
- AUTO-SYNC COOKING TIME - Automatically syncs cooking times between drawers; ensures perfectly timed meals every time
- DUAL DELIGHT AIR FRYER – A revolutionary air fryer featuring 2 drawers in varying sizes. Elevate your cooking experience by preparing two distinct dishes...
- TWO DRAWERS, ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES - Boasting a generous 9.5qt capacity! The 6.3qt large drawer is perfect for mains, fries, and more (up to 1.6qt), while the...
Performance: Rapid Air vs. Rapid Air Plus
Philips is famous for their “Starfish” bottom design that swirls air like a tornado.
- The NA350 uses the standard Rapid Air Technology.1 It’s fast and reliable. When I made homemade fries, they were 90% as good as deep-fried with only a tablespoon of oil.
- The NA351 features Rapid Air Plus.2 In my side-by-side testing, the “Plus” version seemed to have a slightly more aggressive airflow. This resulted in a slightly faster “sear” on steaks. Is it a dealbreaker? No. But if you’re a fan of high-heat roasting, the NA351 has a tiny edge in heat distribution.
Ease of Use: The “Sync Finish” Lifesaver
Both models feature a “Sync” or “Auto-sync” button. This is the single most important feature on any dual-drawer air fryer. I set the chicken for 25 minutes in the big drawer and the veggies for 10 minutes in the small one. I hit “Sync,” and the air fryer held off on starting the smaller drawer until exactly 10 minutes remained on the chicken.
Both interfaces are intuitive touchscreens, though I found the NA351’s display slightly brighter and easier to read under bright kitchen lights.
- 2 DRAWERS, 2 SIZES - Cook mains and sides simultaneously; large 6L drawer for entrees and 3.5L drawer for snacks and veggies
- AUTO-SYNC COOKING TIME - Automatically syncs cooking times between drawers; ensures perfectly timed meals every time
- DUAL DELIGHT AIR FRYER – A revolutionary air fryer featuring 2 drawers in varying sizes. Elevate your cooking experience by preparing two distinct dishes...
- TWO DRAWERS, ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES - Boasting a generous 9.5qt capacity! The 6.3qt large drawer is perfect for mains, fries, and more (up to 1.6qt), while the...
The HomeID App Experience
One thing I love about the Philips ecosystem is the HomeID App. Both of these machines connect to the app (though they aren’t “smart” in the sense of remote control). I used the app to find a recipe for air-fried Mediterranean veggies. It gave me the exact temperature and time for the 3.5L drawer, which took the guesswork out of using a smaller space.
Philips NA350 Dual Zone Air Fryer
- 2 DRAWERS, 2 SIZES - Cook mains and sides simultaneously; large 6L drawer for entrees and 3.5L drawer for snacks and veggies
- AUTO-SYNC COOKING TIME - Automatically syncs cooking times between drawers; ensures perfectly timed meals every time
Pros:
- Value: Often significantly cheaper than the NA351 for nearly identical performance.
- Compact Height: Slightly lower profile, fitting better under low-hanging cabinets.
- Minimalist Look: The all-black design is very “stealth” and modern.
Cons:
- Fingerprint Magnet: The black plastic shows grease and flour more easily.
- Slightly Lower Capacity: The large drawer is just a hair smaller (6.0L vs 6.3L).
Philips NA351 Dual Zone Air Fryer
- DUAL DELIGHT AIR FRYER – A revolutionary air fryer featuring 2 drawers in varying sizes. Elevate your cooking experience by preparing two distinct dishes...
- TWO DRAWERS, ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES - Boasting a generous 9.5qt capacity! The 6.3qt large drawer is perfect for mains, fries, and more (up to 1.6qt), while the...
Pros:
- Premium Build: Silver accents look great in a modern kitchen with other stainless appliances.
- Rapid Air Plus: Slightly better airflow for extra-crispy results.
- Larger Main Drawer: That extra 0.3L in the main basket actually helps when trying to fit a larger roast.
Cons:
- Price: You are paying a premium for the aesthetics and “Plus” airflow.
- Footprint: It sits a bit taller, which might be an issue for some counter setups.
The Verdict: My Recommendation
After testing both, the choice comes down to your kitchen’s look and your budget.
Go with the Philips NA350 if you want the best “bang for your buck.” You aren’t losing out on the essential “Sync” features or the 9L total capacity. It’s a workhorse that does exactly what it says on the box without the extra fluff.
Go with the Philips NA351 if you care about the “Plus” performance and the look of your kitchen. If you have stainless steel appliances, the silver trim on the NA351 will tie the room together much better. Plus, that slightly larger 6.3L main drawer is a tiny bit more forgiving when you’re cramming in a family-sized meal.
Personally? I’d grab the NA351. The improved airflow and the extra bit of room in the main basket made a noticeable difference during my Sunday meal prep.
- 2 DRAWERS, 2 SIZES - Cook mains and sides simultaneously; large 6L drawer for entrees and 3.5L drawer for snacks and veggies
- AUTO-SYNC COOKING TIME - Automatically syncs cooking times between drawers; ensures perfectly timed meals every time
- DUAL DELIGHT AIR FRYER – A revolutionary air fryer featuring 2 drawers in varying sizes. Elevate your cooking experience by preparing two distinct dishes...
- TWO DRAWERS, ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES - Boasting a generous 9.5qt capacity! The 6.3qt large drawer is perfect for mains, fries, and more (up to 1.6qt), while the...
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use just one basket at a time?
A: Absolutely. You can run either the 6L or the 3.5L basket independently to save energy when you’re just making a quick snack.
Q: Do these air fryers require preheating?
A: No. One of the best things about Philips Rapid Air technology is that it starts cooking the moment you hit start. In my experience, it reaches full heat in under 60 seconds.
Q: Are the baskets really dishwasher safe?
A: Yes, both the baskets and the removable grill plates can go in the dishwasher.3 However, to preserve the non-stick coating for as long as possible, I usually recommend a quick hand-wash with a soft sponge.
Q: Can I fit a whole chicken in the NA350?
A: Yes, you can fit up to a 1.5kg (roughly 3.3lb) chicken in the 6L drawer. If you have a larger bird, you might want to look at the NA351 or the Philips XXL models.
