Ninja Double Stack XL Vs Ninja FlexDrawer: Which to buy?

If you’re looking to step away from using the oven for most meals and simplify your cooking routine, a dual-drawer air fryer could be the perfect solution. While these appliances are on the larger side, they offer convenience and cost-saving benefits. Ninja is known for its innovative air fryers, and two top contenders in the dual-drawer category are the Ninja Double Stack XL and the Ninja FlexDrawer.

Each of these models offers a unique take on the traditional dual-basket air fryer design. While standard dual-drawer air fryers typically have two cooking drawers with 4-5L/4-5QT capacity each, the Double Stack XL and FlexDrawer provide more cooking flexibility in their own ways. In this article, we’ll compare the two models to help you decide which one is the right choice for you.

In the US, the equivalent of the UK’s FlexDrawer is the FlexBasket, which is a smaller 7QT model capable of holding 2lbs of food in each 3.5QT basket. The Double Stack XL in the US is referred to as the DoubleStack XL but is essentially the same model.

The key reason to buy

The Double Stack XL

This air fryer is a compact space-saving option for your countertop. It can save you about 20cm/8in in length compared to the FlexDrawer or a standard dual-drawer model. Additionally, the Double Stack comes with wire racks that allow each drawer to cook two layers of food, effectively doubling the cooking space.

The FlexDrawer

This air fryer offers a unique feature with its two separate 5.2L cooking sections that can be combined into a 10.4L cooking “megazone” by removing the divider. This allows you to cook large items like joints of meat or full-sized loaves of bread or cakes in the air fryer.

Air fryer design and dimensions

Both the Double Stack XL and the FlexDrawer have a sturdy Ninja build. Unlike Ninja’s combination air fryer, the Ninja Foodi Max Health Grill, these models are mostly plastic. While they may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, they offer a functional design. The Double Stack XL has dimensions of 38.5 (H) x 28 (W) x 47cm (D), which are standard for dual-drawer models.

The Double Stack XL features a unique design with the cooking drawers stacked on top of each other, taking up less width on the countertop. However, it is slightly deeper and may protrude beyond other countertop appliances. It can fit under standard kitchen cabinets with ample space. Neither air fryer has a viewing window, so you’ll need to open the drawer to check on your food.

The FlexDrawer has a more conventional dual-drawer design with a single large drawer split into two sections. Its dimensions are 32.7 (H) x 49.6 (W) x 31.6cm (D).

In the US, the smaller FlexBasket has dimensions of 11.26 (H) x 11.81 (W) x 11.26in (D).

Cooking controls and modes

Both models feature an intuitive digital display and easy-to-use controls with dials and buttons.

The Double Stack XL offers fewer modes compared to other air fryer models:

• Air fry
• Max crisp (for frozen food)
• Bake
• Roast
• Reheat
• Dehydrate

On the other hand, the FlexDrawer includes an additional setting for proving dough, suitable for its larger capacity. Its cooking modes are:

• Air fry
• Max crisp (for frozen food)
• Bake
• Roast
• Reheat
• Dehydrate
• Prove

Both air fryers offer Match and Sync functions for convenient cooking. Match allows you to program one drawer and copy the instructions to the second drawer, while Sync lets you program two separate cooking programs to finish at the same time. However, neither model includes a shake alert, which reminds you to shake food during cooking.

Cooking capacity

The Double Stack XL has a cooking capacity of 9.5L/10QT split over two drawers with two layers each. This allows you to separate different types of food for more flexibility in cooking space. On the other hand, the FlexDrawer has a larger 10.4L capacity, making it suitable for cooking larger volumes of food.

Downsides

While the Double Stack XL is an excellent air fryer, it does have its limitations. The heat sources at the back of each drawer can result in uneven cooking for certain foods like fries or roast potatoes. Additionally, the lack of a shake alert means you’ll need to set reminders to shake the food during cooking.

The FlexDrawer also lacks a shake alert and may expose both sides of the food to cool air when checking on the food. Neither model includes a viewing window for monitoring cooking without opening the drawer.

Price and availability

In the UK, the Ninja Double Stack XL is priced at £269.99, while the FlexDrawer is available for £219. In the US, the Double Stack XL has an MSRP of $229.99, and the FlexBasket is priced at $149.99.

Verdict

Both the Ninja Double Stack XL and the FlexDrawer are top choices in the dual-drawer air fryer category. While the Double Stack XL offers more countertop space savings and flexibility for smaller sides, the FlexDrawer excels in baking and roasting larger items at a more affordable price point. In the US, the FlexBasket is a great option for its lower price and decent capacity.

For a comprehensive list of the best air fryers, including dual-drawer models, check out our round-ups of top recommendations for various air fryer categories.