Ninja Double Stack Air Fryer NZ Review: Is It Worth It?

Kiwi kitchens aren’t getting bigger, yet our appetite for meals that don’t come from a takeaway box keeps growing. The Ninja Double Stack air fryer promises to solve that tension: a 9.5-litre capacity stacked vertically, saving 30% of counter width compared to standard dual-drawer models. Whether it actually delivers better results than a traditional oven or a cheaper single-drawer unit is the question that matters for New Zealand shoppers.

Capacity: 9.5 litres (two stacked drawers) ·
Power: 2470W ·
Official NZ Price: $399.99 (Ninja Kitchen NZ) ·
Space Saving: 30% slimmer than standard 2-drawer air fryers

One quick glance at the specs reveals why this appliance stands apart in a crowded category:

Is a Ninja double stack worth it?

What Good Housekeeping’s review says

The Good Housekeeping Institute (Good Housekeeping UK appliance lab) tested the Double Stack and found it especially convenient for small kitchens. The stacked design meant less counter space was used, and the cooking results on chips, chicken and salmon were “excellent.” That aligns with TechRadar’s verdict that it’s a space-efficient performer (TechRadar appliance review team).

Why some people are giving up air fryers

Common complaints include drawers that get hot top-to-bottom and side vents that blow hot air, requiring careful placement (YouTube review demonstration). Cleaning can also be fiddly because the stacked design means crumbs from the top drawer can land in the bottom. However, the ceramic-coated crisper plates are non-stick and dishwasher safe (RTINGS.com lab test).

Martin Lewis on air fryer running costs

MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis has cautioned that air fryers are not always cheaper to run than a conventional oven for large meals (MoneySavingExpert.com cost analysis). At 2470W, the Double Stack uses more electricity than a typical single-drawer model, so running a full meal for four may cost similar to an oven. For small batches, however, it heats up faster and uses less energy overall.

The implication: the Double Stack is a better buy for households that cook in quantity, not for single servings of toast.

What are the best air fryers to buy in NZ?

Noel Leeming’s top picks for 2025

Noel Leeming currently lists the Ninja Double Stack among its premium air fryers, alongside the Philips Premium XXL and the Tefal Dual Drawer (Noel Leeming air fryer category page). The Double Stack’s main differentiator is its vertical footprint, which suits apartments and smaller kitchen layouts.

How the Ninja Double Stack compares

Compared to the Ninja Foodi DZ550 (side-by-side), the Double Stack saves about 30% counter width but offers similar capacity. RTINGS.com rates the Double Stack’s air frying at 6.6/10, noting that cooking can be uneven and slower than some competitors (RTINGS.com air fryer test).

The pattern: if counter space is your biggest worry, the Double Stack wins. If even cooking and speed are priorities, the single-basket Philips may perform better for smaller batches.

Where to find the best price in NZ

Official RRP is $399.99 at Ninja Kitchen NZ (official NZ store). PriceSpy tracks prices from $349 to $399 at retailers like Briscoes and Noel Leeming (PriceSpy price history). Signing up for Briscoes’ club offers may knock off 20% during sales.

The trade-off: you pay a premium for the vertical design, but the saving in counter space could be worth it if you work in a compact Auckland apartment.

What cannot be cooked in a Ninja air fryer?

Foods that ruin your air fryer

Wet batters (like tempura or fish batter) drip through the crisper plate and cause smoking. Large whole roasts won’t fit the 4.75L drawers. Cheese-based dishes can melt and clog the bottom. The YouTube video “5 FOODS YOU SHOULD NEVER COOK IN AN AIR FRYER” warns against these (popular cooking tips channel).

Safe alternatives for those items

Use panko breadcrumbs with a light spray of oil instead of wet batter. For roasting, cut large joints into smaller pieces. For cheesy dishes, choose harder cheeses that melt less aggressively. PureWow’s review notes the Double Stack works well for frozen foods, chips, and chicken thighs (PureWow home appliance review).

The catch: the Double Stack is not a full oven replacement. It’s best for quick, dry-heat cooking of pre-portioned items.

Are air fryers ok for diabetics?

Dietitian opinions on air fryers and blood sugar

WebMD notes that air fryers reduce the amount of oil used, which can help with weight management and heart health – both relevant for Type 2 diabetes (WebMD medical reference). However, air frying does not automatically make food healthy; the real benefit comes from swapping deep-fried foods for whole foods. Taste of Home offers 16 diabetic-friendly air fryer recipes that focus on lean protein and vegetables (Taste of Home recipe collection).

The worst food for blood sugar (and air fryer alternatives)

MidState Medical Center identifies sugary drinks as the #1 worst food for blood sugar (MidState Medical Center dietary guidance). An air fryer won’t help with that, but it can help replace fried chicken or chips with lower-oil versions. The key is pairing the air fryer with a balanced diet, not relying on it as a health magic wand.

What this means: the Double Stack can support a diabetic-friendly diet if you use it for vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains – not just for chips.

What did Martin Lewis say about using air fryers?

Martin Lewis’s cost comparison

In February 2024, Martin Lewis of MoneySavingExpert.com warned that air fryers are not automatically cheaper to run than ovens for large meals (MoneySavingExpert.com cost analysis). At 2470W, the Double Stack draws about the same power as a mid-size oven. For a family of four cooking a full roast, the oven may be just as efficient. For smaller batches – two fillets of fish or a tray of chips – the air fryer’s faster preheat cuts costs.

Gordon Ramsay’s critical view

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has publicly stated he is “not a fan” of air fryers, calling them “a waste of time” in a Facebook post covered by multiple outlets (The National newspaper entertainment desk). His criticism centres on texture: he believes an oven or pan delivers better results.

Jamie Oliver’s preferred air fryer

Jamie Oliver has endorsed the Tefal Dual Drawer air fryer as his go-to model (Jamie Oliver official blog). The Tefal uses a side-by-side layout rather than vertical stacking. That means a wider footprint on the bench, but some users find it easier to access both drawers at once.

The pattern: celebrity opinions diverge sharply. Martin Lewis focuses on cost, Ramsay on cooking quality, and Oliver on convenience. Your choice depends on which factor matters most.

“I’ve had this for 3 weeks and I love it. It’s so nice to be able to cook 2 food items at the same time.”

– Verified customer review on Ninja Kitchen NZ (Ninja Kitchen NZ)

“The stacked design is a space-efficient breakthrough for small kitchens – excellent results on fries, chicken, and salmon.”

– TechRadar appliance review team (TechRadar)

The verdict for NZ buyers: the Double Stack is a clever solution for tight countertops, but it’s not a budget buy. If you cook large meals regularly and want to save space, it’s worth the premium. If you only cook for one or two, the running costs and price make a single-drawer model more sensible. For diabetics or health-conscious cooks, it’s a tool – not a cure. The choice is clear: invest in the Double Stack if your kitchen’s biggest enemy is clutter, not your wallet.

Frequently asked questions