Shoppers snap up Ninja's new space-saving air fryer described as 'their best yet'

While Ninja is, for many foodies, a name synonymous with air fryers, the gadget giant has released a world first today which turns the technology on its head – literally. The Ninja Double Stack XL air fryer launched in the UK this morning after unprecedented pre-order demand, with thousands of shoppers already snapping up the game-changing gadget from Ninja direct as well as other retailers like John Lewis and Very.

The Double Stack XL is big enough to cook food in four layers and has two drawers large enough to cook an entire chicken in each. But rather than being wide like most of Ninja’s iconic air fryers and grills, the Double Stack is narrower but taller than other appliances, taking up a 30% smaller footprint than an equivalent capacity air fryer while still fitting underneath standard kitchen cupboards.

Despite its dimininuitive dimensions, the Double Stack has a 9.5 litre capacity big enough to feed up to eight people making it ideal for entertaining or larger families. Fans of Ninja products know the brand prides itself on making its appliances multi-function, and this is no different – it has six different modes including air fry, crisp, roast, bake, reheat and dehydrate, making it a versatile addition to the kitchen.

The two non-stick drawers can be controlled independently meaning it’s possible to cook different types of food at the same time and different temperatures or in different ways but sync up the times so everything is ready at once. Meanwhile, cooking times are significantly reduced, with Ninja’s tests working out it cooks 55% faster than a conventional oven.

The 10kg gadget’s dimensions work out at 38.5cm high, 28cm wide and 47cm deep, meaning it sits neatly on a counter top even in smaller kitchens. It comes not just with the two dishwasher safe drawers but also two crisper plates, two stainless steel racks and a full recipe guide.

Ninja products on show

Shoppers have already heaped praise on the innovative gadget, which has an initial launch price of £269.99, although shoppers who sign up for email newsletters on Ninja can get a 10% off code for their first purchase, which would take the price down to £243.

Early reviews of the Double Stack have averaged 4.9 out of 5 stars with multiple fans describing it in their feedback as both ‘the best Ninja product yet’ and a ‘game changer.’

One five star reviewer said: “This is an absolute game changer for houses with different dietary requirements as you can contain meat/veggie to the separate drawers. It cooks so quickly and evenly and it is super easy to clean. I haven’t used the oven since receiving it.”

A second added: “Simply amazing, I haven’t used my oven since I got this. Its simplicity of use is fantastic. I’ve done roast chicken and veggies, I’ve baked bread and muffins, I honestly think my oven will be completely redundant now. Being able to set the drawers for different times and temperatures and sync them is a game changer.”

Even the currently least positive review at four stars describes it as ‘overall fab,’ adding: “Loved it so far, cooking four different things at the same time is so handy. I do find it doesn’t always cook stuff evenly, but half way through cooking time I give it a mix up and it’s fine. I also find buying the parchment liners very handy, as at the back of the drawers are holes for the fan, unlike the standard dual ones.”

NInja unveiled the Double Stack XL at a glittering event in Palma in February alongside dozens of other new and inventions from the brand and its sister company Shark. While many of their 2024 launches were met with interest by shopping writers and fans alike, the Double Stack was named by Mirror Choice as one of the new 12 gadgets British shoppers would love the most.

It’s not the only family-sized gadget to be released by the brand this week. The Ninja Combi 12-in-1 Multi Cooker and Oven launched on Monday for £279.99 and offers three-part meals for up to 8 people. Mirror Choice’s Narin Flanders described is an updated version of the iconic (and Mirror Choice five star rated) Ninja Speedi when she saw it in action for the first time, allowing home cooks to make meals incorporating rice or pasta, bread, meat or sauces all at the same time.

Meanwhile, two other gadgets highlighted in the SharkNinja showcase, the Bluetooth controlled Woodfire Pro Connect XL electric barbecue and outdoor grill and Shark Flexbreeze Portable Fan have already been launched for keen UK shoppers.

Britain’s love affair with air fryers has blossomed over the last few years as UK consumers tried to save money on increasing energy costs as well as eating more healthily but it sees no sign of abating. Jamie Oliver has teamed up with Tefal to launch a TV show called Jamie’s Air Fryer Meals. Oliver was joined by TikTok sensation Poppy O’Toole for the show. The bestselling author of Poppy Cooks: The Actually Delicious Air Fryer Cookbook started making recipe videos online after being furloughed from the restaurant she worked at during the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Channel 5 is running a weekly show called Air Fryers: Do You Know What You’re Missing? which has covered everything from batch cooking to how to make the best roast dinners in the iconic appliances.