Walking into Briscoes for an air fryer is easy. Picking the right Ninja model is where the research starts. With three distinct versions on the shelf – a dual‑zone, a compact pro, and a budget-friendly Max – the differences aren’t just about price. This guide compares the real‑world trade-offs so you can decide which one matches your cooking habits.

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Models at Briscoes NZ: AF300ANZ (Dual Zone), AF141WHANZ (Pro), AF160 (Max) ·
Price range: $149.99 – $349.99 ·
Dual zone: Yes (AF300ANZ) ·
Capacity: 3.8 L per basket (Dual Zone) ·
Wattage: Typical 2470 W for dual‑zone models

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
  • In 2025, Briscoes NZ ran a 35 % off promotion on the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone AF300ANZ (Briscoes NZ)
  • In 2024, a Cheapies NZ post showed the Max AF160 at $114.70 after a Price Beat (Cheapies NZ)
  • Reddit discussions from 2024 highlighted a 50 % off sale at Briscoes NZ (r/newzealand)
4What’s next
  • Shoppers should watch for seasonal sales – Briscoes typically discounts kitchen appliances during Boxing Day, EOFY, and mid‑year stocktakes
  • If dual‑zone cooking is a priority, the AF300ANZ is the only model at Briscoes NZ offering independent baskets for different foods
Key facts at a glance
Label Value
Retailer Briscoes NZ (also Briscoes Ireland)
Number of Ninja models listed (NZ) 3 – AF300ANZ, AF141WHANZ, AF160
Dual zone models 1 – AF300ANZ (2×3.8 L baskets)
Price range (NZ) $149.99 – $349.99
Wattage 2470 W (typical for dual‑zone models)
Celebrity endorsement (indirect) Jamie Oliver reported to use a Ninja air fryer (from related searches)

What are the negatives of the Ninja air fryer?

No appliance is perfect, and Ninja air fryers come with a few trade‑offs that owners and reviewers have pointed out. The most common complaints revolve around non‑stick durability, cooking time in dual‑zone mode, and the size of the appliance on the counter.

Common complaints from users

  • Non‑stick coating: Some Reddit users report that the coating can peel or degrade after several months of heavy use, especially if cleaned with abrasive tools (Reddit r/airfryer).
  • Cooking time with both zones: When both baskets are running, the total cooking time can be longer than expected because the appliance cycles power between zones (Reddit discussion).
  • Size and noise: The dual‑zone model is bulky – 3.8 L per basket – and some owners say the fan noise is noticeable, especially in open‑plan kitchens.
  • Smoke with fatty foods: Cooking fatty items like bacon or sausages can generate smoke that sets off kitchen smoke alarms if the air fryer is placed too close to a ceiling (Hint Of Helen review).

Upsides

  • Less oil – up to 75 % less fat according to SharkNinja
  • Even cooking – multiple reviews praise the even browning (CNET best air fryer)
  • Versatile functions – air fry, roast, reheat, dehydrate, and grill options on some models
  • Easy to operate – straightforward controls, minimal preheating needed

Downsides

  • Non‑stick coating concerns reported after months of use
  • Longer cooking times when using both zones simultaneously
  • Bulky for small kitchens – needs a dedicated spot
  • Potential for smoke with high‑fat foods
The trade‑off

Shoppers who value speed above all else may find the dual‑zone’s extended cycle frustrating. But for families cooking two different dishes at once, the flexibility outweighs the extra minutes – you get a full meal, not just one side.

Which Ninja air fryer is the best?

The “best” model depends on your kitchen counter, family size, and what you like to cook. At Briscoes NZ, three models dominate the shelf, each with a different sweet spot.

Three Ninja air fryers at Briscoes NZ – a quick comparison
Model Type Capacity Price (typical) Best for
Ninja Foodi Dual Zone AF300ANZ Dual‑basket 2×3.8 L $227–$350 Couples or small families who cook different foods simultaneously
Ninja Pro AF141WHANZ Single‑basket 4.7 L $149.99 Singles or pairs who want a simple, affordable air fryer
Ninja Air Fryer Max AF160 Single‑basket, higher wattage 5.5 L (approx.) $114–$135 Budget‑conscious buyers who still want a large capacity

A LinkedIn review (2025) called the DualZone technology a game‑changer for home cooks because it lets you cook meat in one basket and vegetables in another at different temperatures (LinkedIn review). Homes & Gardens tested all Ninja air fryers in 2025 and recommended the Dual Zone as the best for variety, while CNET (2026) singled out a Ninja model for being powerful, easy to operate, and reasonably priced.

The pattern

The Pro AF141WHANZ and Max AF160 are simpler, cheaper, and easier to store. For most New Zealand households, the sweet spot is the Dual Zone – you pay a premium, but you get true two‑dish cooking without juggling pans.

Why are people getting rid of their air fryers?

Air fryer hype hit a peak around 2020–2022, and some owners have since downsized or switched back to ovens. The reasons are practical, not an indictment of the technology itself.

Three common reasons for ditching the air fryer

  1. Counter space is precious. The dual‑zone Ninja takes up about 35 × 30 cm – real estate that could be used for a coffee machine or toaster. Owners in small apartments often run out of bench room.
  2. Cleaning effort. The non‑stick coating is delicate; many users avoid the dishwasher and hand‑wash the baskets, which adds time. Crusted‑on cheese or breaded items can be stubborn.
  3. Oven alternatives. A modern fan‑forced oven with a convection setting can produce similar crispiness, especially for larger batches. Some Reddit users say they felt the air fryer duplicated their oven’s function without enough space savings (Reddit r/airfryer).
What to watch

If you already own a high‑end convection oven, an air fryer might feel redundant. But if your oven is older or takes forever to preheat, the Ninja’s speed – it heats in 2–3 minutes – can be a genuine upgrade for weeknight dinners.

What cannot be cooked in a Ninja air fryer?

Even versatile air fryers have limits. Knowing them upfront saves you from soggy experiments.

  • Wet batter foods. Tempura, fish batter, or thick pancake batter will drip and splatter before crisping. Use dry coatings (flour, breadcrumbs) instead.
  • Large whole chickens. A 4 kg roaster won’t fit in a standard air fryer basket. The Dual Zone’s 3.8 L baskets are better for spatchcocked or jointed chicken.
  • Delicate cheese. Soft cheeses like brie, paneer, or mozzarella either melt too fast or stick to the basket. Wrap them in pastry or use a foil liner.
  • Leafy greens. Loose spinach or kale can fly around and burn in the fan. Use a weighted rack or cook in small batches.

Hint Of Helen notes that the Dual Zone air fryer excels at meat and vegetables with much less oil than pan or oven cooking – but she advises against expecting the air fryer to replace a deep fryer for wet‑battered fish.

Bottom line: The Dual Zone AF300ANZ has seen the deepest discount at Briscoes – you can save over $100 if you time the sale. For single‑basket buyers, the Max AF160 at around $115 after a Price Beat is the cheapest reliable Ninja option available.

What is the price of Ninja air fryers at Briscoes?

Briscoes NZ regularly cycles through sale events, so prices can drop significantly below the listed RRP. Here’s what we know from recent product pages and deal trackers.

Recent pricing at Briscoes NZ (NZ dollars)
Model Listed price (full) Sale price observed Source
Ninja Foodi Dual Zone AF300ANZ $349.99 $227.49 (35 % off) Briscoes NZ
Ninja Pro AF141WHANZ $149.99 $149.99 (no discount seen) Briscoes NZ category
Ninja Air Fryer Max AF160 $134.99 $114.70 (Price Beat) Cheapies NZ

Briscoes NZ also listed the Ninja Foodi XL Oven Air Fryer at $349.99 (down from $599.99, labelled “HOT PRICE”) on its site (Briscoes NZ). That model is a large oven‑style air fryer, not a basket type, so it’s a different category entirely.

Bottom line: The Dual Zone AF300ANZ has seen the deepest discount at Briscoes – you can save over $100 if you time the sale. For single‑basket buyers, the Max AF160 at around $115 after a Price Beat is the cheapest reliable Ninja option available.
Additional sources

briscoes.co.nz, youtube.com, floridacottagefoods.com, reddit.com

For those comparing options available through Briscoes, it’s worth checking our roundup of best air fryer deals in New Zealand to see how seasonal discounts stack up.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does the Ninja air fryer last?

Most owners report 3–5 years of regular use. The non‑stick coating is the first component to degrade; avoid metal utensils and abrasive cleaning.

Does the Ninja air fryer have a warranty?

SharkNinja typically offers a 2‑year warranty in New Zealand. Check Briscoes’ specific terms at purchase.

Can I cook bacon in a Ninja air fryer?

Yes – but place a slice of bread under the basket to catch the fat, or use a teaspoon of water to reduce smoke to prevent smoke alarms.

Is the Ninja air fryer easy to clean?

The baskets are dishwasher‑safe, but hand‑washing is recommended to preserve the non‑stick coating. Many owners use silicone liners for easy removal of crumbs.

What is the difference between dual zone and double stack?

“Dual zone” means two independent baskets side‑by‑side, each with its own temperature control. “Double stack” (e.g., SL400UK) stacks baskets vertically for a smaller footprint. At Briscoes NZ, only the side‑by‑side dual zone is available.

Does Briscoes offer free shipping on air fryers?

Briscoes NZ often promotes free shipping on orders over $100. Air fryers qualify, but check the current offer at checkout.

Are air fryers worth buying in 2025?

For most NZ households, yes – they preheat fast, use less oil, and save electricity compared to running a full oven. The key is picking the right size for your household.