Ninja SFP700 vs SFP701: My Honest Hands-On Take

Ninja SFP700 vs SFP701 — If you’re standing in your kitchen, staring at your counter space and wondering which of these deserves a permanent spot there, you’re not alone. I had the same dilemma not too long ago. Both of these machines promise to replace multiple appliances, save you time, and cook meals faster than traditional methods. But when you look at product pages and comparison charts online, things can get confusing especially when small details are left out or misreported.

So, I did what any food-loving, gadget-obsessed home cook would do: I tested them both. Over the past several weeks, I’ve been cooking weeknight dinners, weekend slow roasts, and even a few experimental recipes using the Ninja SFP700 and Ninja SFP701 side by side. And after putting them through their paces, I’ve formed a clear picture of which one might be the better fit for different kitchens.

This review isn’t fluff it’s a mix of real-world testing, honest impressions, and practical advice. I’ll share what worked, what didn’t, and whether the extra money for the SFP701 is actually worth it.

Let’s start from the basics before diving deep into comparisons.

Is the Ninja SFP700 Good?

The short answer? Yes, the Ninja SFP700 is a really solid multi-cooker especially if you’re looking for one appliance that can handle full meals without needing three or four different gadgets on your counter. But instead of just saying “it’s good,” let me break down why I think it’s worth considering, based on my actual hands-on use.

First Impressions

When I first unboxed the Ninja SFP700, the design caught my attention. It doesn’t feel bulky or like it’s trying to take over the kitchen, which is something I worry about with multi-cookers. I live in a smaller apartment, so counter space is at a premium. The SFP700 is compact enough to leave out, but it still feels substantial and well-built kind of like having a mini stainless steel oven with a slick control panel.

The setup was straightforward. Plug it in, glance at the quick start guide, and I was ready to cook. There wasn’t a steep learning curve though the combo cooking options did take me a couple of tries to get comfortable with.

Real Cooking Experiences

I always judge appliances by how they fit into my day-to-day cooking, not just one fancy recipe. With the SFP700, I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly it earned its spot in my rotation.

• Weeknight Test: One night after work, I tossed in chicken thighs, a handful of broccoli florets, and some seasoned rice. Normally, that’s a two-pan job one for the chicken, one for the rice. With the SFP700, I used the Combi Meals function, and everything cooked together in under 25 minutes. Cleanup? Just the inner pot. That’s a win for me.
  
• Snack Attack: Another time, I wanted a quick snack, so I dumped in frozen fries and used the Air Fry setting. They came out crispy in less than 15 minutes, and I didn’t need to preheat an oven. Honestly, that alone makes me use it way more than my old oven.
  
• Family-Style Cooking: I had friends over for dinner one weekend, and I wanted to test its capacity. I roasted a 6-pound chicken in it something I didn’t think it could handle given its size. But it did, and it came out juicy with a crisp skin. My guests were impressed that it came out of a countertop cooker instead of a traditional oven.
  

What Makes It Good?

Here are the specific features that stood out to me:

• Combi Cooker Technology: This is what makes the SFP700 special. It blends hot air and steam, which means you get crispy textures and moist insides. Perfect for proteins like chicken or salmon.
  
• 10 Cooking Functions: From steaming and air frying to slow cooking and crisping, it covers most of what I’d ever want to do. I especially like the presets they take the guesswork out of timing.
  
• Size vs. Power Balance: Despite being compact, it packs enough space for family meals. I don’t feel limited like I do with some smaller air fryers.
  

Where It Could Improve

Of course, it’s not perfect. A few things I noticed:

• Limited Functions Compared to Other Models: The SFP700 doesn’t have modes like Toast or Broil. If you use those daily, that might be a drawback.
  
• Learning Curve for Combo Modes: At first, I wasn’t sure when to use Combi Crisp versus Air Fry. The manual helped, but it took me a couple of experiments to get it right.
  
• Confusing Info Online: Some product listings online are misleading, claiming it only holds 1 quart. That’s way off it’s closer to 12.5 liters. Just make sure you’re looking at the right specs before buying.
  

My Verdict on the SFP700

So, is the Ninja SFP700 good? Absolutely. For someone who wants to replace multiple appliances, cook full meals fast, and keep cleanup to a minimum, it’s a strong choice. I’d especially recommend it for:

• Families who need quick weeknight dinners without multiple pots and pans
  
• Apartment dwellers who don’t have space for a full oven, slow cooker, and air fryer
  
• Busy professionals who want healthy meals but don’t want to spend an hour cooking and cleaning afterward
  

If you’re someone who toasts bread daily or loves broiling steaks, you may find yourself wanting the SFP701 instead. But if your priority is efficiency, versatility, and saving counter space, the Ninja SFP700 delivers on its promise.

Is the Ninja SFP701 Good?

If the Ninja SFP700 impressed me as a smart, space-saving multi-cooker, the Ninja SFP701 feels like the upgraded, more complete version. After several weeks of cooking with it side by side against the 700, I can confidently say the SFP701 is not only good—it’s excellent for anyone who wants extra versatility and smoother usability in their kitchen routine.

First Impressions

At first glance, the SFP701 looks almost identical to the SFP700, but the difference becomes clear as soon as you dive into its cooking modes. It has a slightly more polished design, with a finish that feels a little sleeker on the counter. The control dial feels smoother too, and I found the SmartLid™ system to be a real upgrade. Instead of swapping lids or guessing which attachment to use, I just turned the dial and switched modes instantly.

For someone who likes to move quickly in the kitchen, that single-lid system was a huge plus.

Real Cooking Experiences

Here’s where the SFP701 proved itself in my everyday cooking:

• Weeknight Pasta Dinner: I browned chicken right in the pot, added pasta and broth, and then switched to pressure cook. In under 20 minutes, I had a creamy, one-pot pasta dish with zero extra pans to wash. The SFP701 handled the transitions seamlessly.
  
• Weekend Roast Beef: Using the slow cook mode overnight, I prepped beef, onions, and carrots before bed. By morning, the meat was fall-apart tender and flavorful. The consistency beat my old Crock-Pot.
  
• Homemade Yogurt: This was the feature I didn’t think I’d use but it surprised me. I tried the yogurt mode out of curiosity and ended up with thick, creamy yogurt that tasted fresher than store-bought. The SFP700 can’t do this, and it’s one of those small but meaningful differences that makes the SFP701 shine.
  
• Sous Vide Salmon: As someone who occasionally splurges on good fish, the sous vide mode was a treat. The salmon came out buttery and tender, like something from a restaurant. Again, the SFP700 just can’t match this level of precision.
  

Why the SFP701 Stands Out

What makes the Ninja SFP701 truly good comes down to versatility and refinement.

• 14 Cooking Functions (vs. 10 on the SFP700) including sous vide, yogurt, dehydrate, and broil.
  
• SmartLid™ Technology — one lid handles pressure cooking, steaming, air frying, and more.
  
• Consistent Performance — meals cooked evenly, faster, and often came out slightly better in texture compared to the SFP700.
  
• Space Saver — just like the 700, it replaces 3–4 appliances, but it does more of them better.
  

Downsides to Consider

No product is perfect, and the SFP701 has a few drawbacks too:

• It’s Heavy: At nearly 25 pounds, it’s not something you’ll want to move around often.
  
• Takes Up Counter Space: Even though it replaces multiple gadgets, it’s still a large footprint.
  
• Learning Curve: With 14 functions, it took me a week of experimenting before I felt confident switching between modes.
  

Who Should Buy the SFP701?

After hands-on testing, I think the Ninja SFP701 is best suited for:

• Busy families who want quick, healthy meals with minimal cleanup
  
• Experimenters who love trying things like yogurt, sous vide, or dehydration
  
• Meal preppers who cook large batches for the week
  
• Small kitchen owners who want one appliance to replace multiple gadgets
  

If you don’t think you’ll ever use yogurt, sous vide, or dehydrating, you might be better off with the SFP700. But if you want the full feature set and plan to make this your daily cooking tool, the SFP701 is worth the upgrade.

Final Verdict

So, is the Ninja SFP701 good? Yes—very good. It’s not only reliable for daily dinners, but it also opens up possibilities for cooking you may have never tried before. For me, the yogurt and sous vide alone made it feel like a “step up” appliance, not just a fancier version of the 700.

If the SFP700 is a great starter, the SFP701 is the pro-level upgrade that’s worth it if you cook often and want maximum flexibility.

Detailed Comparison: Ninja SFP700 vs SFP701

After spending weeks cooking with both the Ninja SFP700 and SFP701, I can say they’re very similar at first glance, but once you use them daily, the differences become clear. Think of it like comparing two cars from the same brand both reliable, both efficient, but one has a few extra features that make the driving (or in this case, cooking) experience smoother.

Let’s walk through the main categories side by side.

1. SmartLid™ Technology

Both the SFP700 and SFP701 use Ninja’s SmartLid™, which means you don’t have to swap lids for different cooking modes like pressure, steam, or air fry. But here’s what I noticed:

• Ninja SFP700: The dial works fine, but it feels a bit stiff at times. Switching between modes requires a small push, and sometimes I wasn’t sure I’d turned it fully until it clicked. It’s good, just not buttery smooth.
  
• Ninja SFP701: The dial feels upgraded. Switching between modes is smoother, quicker, and more intuitive. This might sound minor, but if you’re cooking daily, that smoothness really adds to the ease of use.
  

👉 Verdict: The SFP701 wins here. Small details like a smoother dial make a surprising difference when you’re juggling dinner prep after work.

2. Cooking Versatility

This is where the biggest difference shows up.

• Ninja SFP700: Comes with 12 cooking functions including air fry, steam, pressure cook, slow cook, and the famous Combi modes (which blend steam and air). It covers most cooking needs easily.
  
• Ninja SFP701: Expands that with 14 functions adding Sous Vide and Yogurt. If you love experimenting in the kitchen or making homemade yogurt, this is a real plus. I actually tried sous vide steak in the SFP701, and it came out perfectly medium-rare edge to edge.
  

👉 Verdict: Both are versatile, but the SFP701 gives you more creative freedom.

3. Build Quality & Design

Both models feel solid and premium, but there are subtle differences.

• Ninja SFP700: Matte finish, simple design, looks clean but slightly more “basic.” It feels sturdy but is just a bit bulkier on my counter.
  
• Ninja SFP701: Slightly sleeker design with a bit of shine. Feels more modern and compact, though still not exactly “small.”
  

👉 Verdict: Tie, but the SFP701 looks nicer if you care about aesthetics.

4. Performance in the Kitchen

This was the most important part for me: how do they actually cook?

• Ninja SFP700: Fast, efficient, and reliable. It made juicy chicken, crisp fries, and perfectly steamed veggies. I didn’t feel like I was missing much.
  
• Ninja SFP701: A little faster to preheat and seemed to cook meats more evenly. I tested side-by-side with a 3-pound roast, and the SFP701 finished about 5 minutes sooner and came out slightly more tender.
  

👉 Verdict: Both are excellent, but the SFP701 edges out in speed and evenness.

5. Ease of Use

This is where the difference really matters for beginners.

• Ninja SFP700: Easy enough once you learn it, but the learning curve is slightly higher. You need to figure out when to use Combi Crisp vs Air Fry, and the manual isn’t super detailed.
  
• Ninja SFP701: Much more beginner-friendly. The smoother dial, extra on-screen guidance, and better presets make it easier for anyone even if it’s your first multi-cooker.
  

👉 Verdict: The SFP701 is hands-down easier to use.

6. Value for Money

Finally, the question most people care about: is it worth paying more?

• Ninja SFP700: Cheaper, and still incredibly capable. If you don’t care about sous vide, yogurt, or slightly smoother controls, this is the better budget pick.
  
• Ninja SFP701: Costs more, but you’re getting extra features, smoother usability, and a better day-to-day cooking experience.
  

👉 Verdict: If budget is tight, go SFP700. If you want the best long-term kitchen companion, SFP701 is worth the extra cost.

My Takeaway

Both machines are fantastic, but after real-world use, I found myself reaching for the Ninja SFP701 more often. The smoother controls, extra functions, and slightly better performance just made cooking less stressful and more enjoyable.

That said, the Ninja SFP700 is still a powerhouse. If you want to save money and don’t need the extras, you won’t regret buying it.

✅ Quick Summary Table

Feature	Ninja SFP700	Ninja SFP701	Winner
SmartLid™	Good	Smoother	SFP701
Cooking Functions	12	14	SFP701
Build & Design	Matte, sturdy	Sleeker, modern	Tie (slight SFP701 edge)
Performance	Very good	Excellent	SFP701
Ease of Use	Moderate	Beginner-friendly	SFP701
Value for Money	Affordable	Higher but worth it	Depends on budget

👉 Bottom line:

• Pick the SFP700 if you want great performance at a lower price.
  
• Pick the SFP701 if you want extra features, smoother usability, and the easiest cooking experience.

FAQs: Ninja SFP700 vs SFP701

After using both the Ninja SFP700 and SFP701 extensively, I get a lot of questions from friends, family, and readers wondering which one to pick. To make it easy, I’ve answered the most common questions based on real-life experience not just specs on a website.

1. What’s the main difference between the Ninja SFP700 and SFP701?

The biggest difference comes down to features and ease of use:

• The SFP701 has 14 cooking modes, including Sous Vide and Yogurt, while the SFP700 has 12 modes.
  
• The SFP701 dial and SmartLid™ system feel smoother and more intuitive, making it easier to switch modes quickly.
  
• The SFP701 heats slightly faster and cooks meat and baked goods more evenly.
  

So, if you want the most versatile, beginner-friendly option, go SFP701. If you don’t care about the extra modes and want to save money, the SFP700 still performs extremely well.

2. Is the Ninja SFP701 worth the upgrade from the SFP700?

Honestly, it depends on your cooking habits:

• Yes, if you frequently cook meals that benefit from sous vide, yogurt, or dehydrating. The extra modes are surprisingly useful if you like experimenting.
  
• Yes, if you value smoother controls and quicker mode switching. That can save time, especially on weeknights.
  
• No, if you’re a casual cook who mainly wants an appliance for roasting, air frying, or slow cooking. The SFP700 does all of that admirably.
  

In my experience, for daily use, the SFP701 feels like a more polished, “pro” version of the SFP700.

3. Which model cooks faster: Ninja SFP700 or SFP701?

Both cook very quickly, especially compared to traditional ovens or stovetop cooking.

• The SFP700 is fast enough for most weeknight meals chicken, pasta, veggies all in under 30 minutes.
  
• The SFP701 is slightly faster, mainly due to quicker preheating and even heat distribution. In practice, it might shave off 5–10 minutes on longer recipes.
  

For most users, the difference is noticeable but not huge. The real advantage of the SFP701 is that the preset modes remove guesswork, saving mental energy rather than raw cooking time.

4. Can I use the same accessories with the SFP700 and SFP701?

Yes! Most racks, trays, and pots are interchangeable between the two models. So if you upgrade later, you won’t have to repurchase accessories.

I tested it myself with the air fryer basket and inner pot: they fit perfectly in both units without any adjustments.

5. Which Ninja cooker is better for small kitchens or apartments?

• SFP700: Slightly more compact, works well if counter space is tight.
  
• SFP701: Slightly heavier and wider, but the better usability and extra functions can make up for the size.
  

If you’re living in a tiny apartment or RV, double-check the dimensions before choosing the 701. But if you have a bit of counter space, I’d lean toward the SFP701 for convenience.

6. Are the Ninja SFP700 and SFP701 easy to clean?

Absolutely. Both have non-stick ceramic inner pots that are dishwasher safe. I especially like that the SmartLid™ has minimal nooks, so you don’t spend 10 minutes scrubbing.

• SFP700: Cleaning is easy, but the lid design feels slightly more basic.
  
• SFP701: The upgraded lid makes cleaning almost effortless.
  

For someone who hates spending time on dishes, the SFP701 is a small but welcome improvement.

7. Can I cook full meals for a family in these cookers?

Yes! I’ve made pasta for six, roasted a 6-pound chicken, and cooked vegetables alongside proteins in both units.

• SFP700: Perfect for small to medium families.
  
• SFP701: Handles the same capacity and slightly more efficiently because of better heat distribution.
  

Both are excellent if you want one-pot meals without juggling multiple pans or appliances.

8. Which one gives the best value for money?

• SFP700: Cheaper, still versatile, excellent for everyday cooking.
  
• SFP701: Costs a bit more, but if you’ll use the extra modes (Sous Vide, Yogurt, Dehydrate) and appreciate smoother controls, it’s worth the premium.
  

In my experience, the SFP701 is the better long-term investment, especially for frequent cooks. But if budget is a concern, the SFP700 remains a solid choice.

✅ Final Take on FAQs

• SFP700: Great for those who want solid, reliable performance at a lower cost.
  
• SFP701: Better for frequent cooks, beginners who want easier usability, and anyone who wants the most versatile multi-cooker on the counter.
  

Bottom line: both are fantastic, but your choice comes down to how much you cook, what features you’ll actually use, and how much counter space you have.