Consider how you plan to use the appliance: a dedicated grill‑air‑fryer like the Ninja Foodi models excels at searing and char‑grilling, while a toaster‑oven combo such as the Cuisinart or Emeril Lagasse offers more versatility for baking, toasting, and roasting large items. Think about countertop space, the importance of multi‑function presets, and whether you need a larger cooking cavity for family‑size meals. A dedicated grill may provide stronger grill‑flavor, whereas a combo unit gives broader cooking options in one footprint.

For a family of four to six, look for at least a 4‑qt crisper basket or a 26‑quart interior, which can handle a whole chicken, a 12‑inch pizza, or multiple steaks at once. The Ninja Foodi Smart XL (XL capacity) and the Emeril Lagasse 26‑quart toaster oven are among the largest, while the Dash Flip & Fry offers a more compact 3‑qt capacity suitable for smaller households. Choose a size that matches your most common cooking tasks without overcrowding the grill or basket.

The Ninja Foodi Smart XL includes a Smart Cook System with a built‑in thermometer and nine doneness levels, making it very precise for meat. Cuisinart’s Air Fryer Toaster Oven offers 60‑minute timers, adjustable temperature dials, and a wide 450°F range, plus multiple cooking functions. Nuwave’s Bravo XL Pro and Plug‑In Grill models boast up to 150 easy‑cook presets and memory slots, giving the highest level of programmable convenience.

All Ninja models listed (EG201, the 5‑in‑1, and the Smart XL) use 500°F cyclonic air to create char‑grill marks, but the Smart XL adds a dual‑sensor thermometer for more consistent results. The original 5‑in‑1 focuses on core grilling and air‑fry functions, while the EG201 expands to six cooking modes, including dehydration. Overall, the technology is similar, but newer models integrate smarter controls for better temperature accuracy.

Cuisinart and Emeril Lagasse models feature stainless‑steel interiors and removable, dishwasher‑safe racks and trays, simplifying cleanup. Ninja units have non‑stick crisper baskets and grill plates that can be wiped clean, but they are not always dishwasher safe. Dash Flip & Fry and NutriChef also provide dishwasher‑safe removable grill plates, making them the easiest to maintain for busy kitchens.

The Ninja Foodi Smart XL balances a large XL capacity, smart temperature control, and six cooking functions at a price point that often undercuts larger toaster‑oven combos, making it a strong value. Cuisinart’s 8‑in‑1 oven provides a spacious interior and many functions but usually costs more, while the Dash Flip & Fry is budget‑friendly but limited in capacity. For most families, the Ninja Smart XL offers the most features per dollar.

A built‑in thermometer eliminates guesswork, ensuring meats reach safe doneness without overcooking, which is especially useful for steaks and burgers. Smart cooking systems also store presets and adjust heating zones, saving time and improving consistency. If you frequently grill proteins, a model like the Ninja Foodi Smart XL with its Smart Cook System is worth the extra investment.

All Ninja models advertise up to 75% less fat compared to deep frying, thanks to the air‑fry function that circulates hot air instead of oil. Cuisinart and Emeril Lagasse also claim reduced oil usage, though they do not specify a percentage. While the exact reduction varies by food type, any appliance that replaces deep frying with air‑frying will generally cut calories and fat significantly.