It was a rainy Tuesday when I decided to test two heavy hitters. My kids were hungry after playing in the yard, and I needed dinner ready fast. My dog was pacing around the kitchen floor, hoping for dropped food. I set both machines side by side to see which one cooks better. This Ninja OL601 Vs OL701 test is based on real daily use, not just fancy lab stats.
Ninja OL601 Review
The Ninja OL601 is a solid beast on the counter. It packs fourteen cooking functions into one huge frame. I unboxed it while making a quick batch of frozen fries. It feels very sturdy and ready for hard work right out of the box.
Pros and Cons
Here is a quick look at the good and the bad. I noted these points while using it every single day.
| Pros | Cons |
| Cooks meals very fast | Heavy to move around |
| Huge 8-quart pot | Lid cannot be removed |
| SmartLid slider is easy to use | Takes up lots of counter space |
Daily Use After Two Months
After using this pot for a couple of months, I really like how it handles pressure cooking. I made tender pulled pork on a busy weekend. The steam crisp function is a total game changer. It makes chicken skin very crunchy without drying the meat.
I did notice a strong smell of hot plastic during the first week. It faded, but it annoyed me at first. The pot is easy to wash, but wiping the inside of the attached lid is a real pain. You have to twist your hand weirdly to clean it.
Recommendation
This unit is perfect for large families who need fast dinners every night. It is not good for people with small kitchens or weak wrists.
Ninja OL701 Review
The Ninja OL701 looks almost the same but adds a smart probe. I pulled this one out to cook a large beef roast. The built-in thermometer means you do not guess if the meat is done. It takes the stress right out of cooking thick cuts of meat. I love knowing exactly when my dinner is perfectly ready.
Pros and Cons
These are the main points I found after testing. The built-in probe is the biggest deal here.
| Pros | Cons |
| Built-in smart thermometer | Costs more money |
| Never overcooks your meat | Very tall and bulky |
| Easy push-button screen | Attached lid is hard to clean |
Cooking With The Smart Probe
After using this cooker for a couple of months, the thermometer became my best friend. I cooked steaks for the kids, and they came out perfectly medium-rare. You just plug the probe in, pick your doneness, and walk away. The pot stops cooking right when the food is done.
It still has the same annoying attached lid as the other model. I bumped my elbow on it a few times while stirring soup. The cooking power is massive, but it makes the same loud fan noise. It sounds like a hair dryer running right in your kitchen.
Recommendation
This cooker is perfect for meat lovers who want perfect results every time. It is not good for budget buyers or those who just want to make basic rice.
Detail Comparison for Ninja OL601 Vs OL701
Choosing between these two is tough because they look like twins. They both have an eight-quart capacity and use the exact same slider. Let us look closely at how they actually perform in the kitchen.
Capacity & Size: Ninja OL601 Vs OL701
Both machines are huge and take up a lot of room. They hold eight quarts, which easily feeds a big family. You will need plenty of space under your cabinets to open the tall lid. They weigh a lot, so you will not want to move them often.
| Feature | Ninja OL601 | Ninja OL701 |
| Pot Size | 8 Quarts | 8 Quarts |
| Weight | About 26 lbs | About 26 lbs |
Rating: Ninja OL601 8/10 | Ninja OL701 8/10
Cooking Performance: Ninja OL601 Vs OL701
Both models heat up fast and cook food very evenly. The big difference is the smart probe on the higher model. The probe ensures your roast or chicken never dries out. Without the probe, you must guess the cooking time yourself.
| Feature | Ninja OL601 | Ninja OL701 |
| Pressure Cook | Excellent | Excellent |
| Meat Accuracy | Good (Manual) | Perfect (Auto Probe) |
Rating: Ninja OL601 8/10 | Ninja OL701 10/10
Ease of Use: Ninja OL601 Vs OL701
The sliding switch on the lid is pure genius. You slide it to pick between pressure, steam, or air fry modes. The screen is bright and very simple to read. However, setting the target temp with the probe takes a few extra button clicks.
| Feature | Ninja OL601 | Ninja OL701 |
| Lid Slider | Yes | Yes |
| Setup Speed | Very Fast | Slightly Slower |
Rating: Ninja OL601 9/10 | Ninja OL701 8/10
Cleaning & Maintenance: Ninja OL601 Vs OL701
The inner pots are non-stick and wash up very quickly. The crisper baskets are also easy to scrub clean in the sink. The worst part is the attached lid on both units. Splatters get stuck behind the heating element, and it is very hard to reach.
| Feature | Ninja OL601 | Ninja OL701 |
| Inner Pot | Dishwasher Safe | Dishwasher Safe |
| Lid Cleaning | Difficult | Difficult |
Rating: Ninja OL601 6/10 | Ninja OL701 6/10
Cooking Noise & Smell: Ninja OL601 Vs OL701
These machines are loud when they air fry. It sounds like a small vacuum running on your counter. Both units gave off a weird plastic smell for the first week of use. Thankfully, the smell goes away after you cook with them a few times.
| Feature | Ninja OL601 | Ninja OL701 |
| Fan Noise | Very Loud | Very Loud |
| Initial Smell | Plastic Smell | Plastic Smell |
Rating: Ninja OL601 5/10 | Ninja OL701 5/10
Conclusion
Choosing between these two comes down to how you cook your meat. If you hate guessing if your steak is done, spend the extra money. If you just want a great pressure cooker and air fryer, save your cash. The Ninja OL601 Vs OL701 battle proves both are amazing tools.