Ninja Air Fryer Max XL vs Panasonic NN-SN97HS

The Ninja Air Fryer Max XL uses rapid hot air circulation to crisp food with up to 75% less fat than traditional deep frying, while a 5.5-quart capacity accommodates family-sized portions of fries, wings, or a whole chicken. A Max Crisp technology setting reaches higher temperatures for extra-crispy results comparable to deep frying, and a wide temperature range allows both air frying and dehydrating in the same unit. The non-stick, dishwasher-safe basket and crisper plate simplify cleanup, while an easy-to-read digital display with preset cooking programs takes the guesswork out of common dishes.

The Panasonic NN-SN97HS is a large-capacity countertop microwave built around Panasonic's inverter technology. Conventional microwaves produce partial power by switching full power on and off in cycles, which is why defrosting and simmering tend to cook the edges while the centre stays cold. An inverter delivers genuinely continuous lower power instead, so a 50 percent setting is actually half power throughout rather than full power half the time. At 2.2 cubic feet and 1250 watts it is one of the larger countertop units available, with a turntable big enough for full-size dinner plates and casserole dishes. Panasonic's Cyclonic Wave design aims to distribute energy more evenly through the cavity. Sensor cooking programs adjust time automatically by measuring steam released from the food rather than relying on a fixed timer.

• Large capacity for family cooking
• Genuinely crispy results
• Easy cleanup with dishwasher-safe parts
• Versatile with dehydrate mode

• Inverter power genuinely fixes uneven defrosting and simmering
• Large enough for full dinner plates and casserole dishes
• High wattage means fast reheating
• Sensor programs remove the guesswork from common reheat tasks

• Takes significant counter/storage space
• Can be loud during operation
• Basket coating may wear over years of use

• Large footprint takes substantial counter space
• Countertop-only; it is not designed for over-range or built-in installation without a trim kit
• Control panel has more programs than most people will ever use