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If you want crisping precision, safe glass containers, and versatile modes, the 4‑in‑1 is your power move.
If you want lean functionality with crisp reheating and compact ease, the 3‑in‑1 delivers most of Ninja’s glass magic at a lighter feature set.
Product | Modes | Containers | Best For | Drawback | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Air Fry, Max Crisp, Recrisp, Bake | 6‑cup + 4‑Qt glass w/lids | Flexibility, bake mode, small‑batch or larger meals | Extra mode may go unused |  | |
 | Air Fry, Max Crisp, Recrisp | 4‑Qt glass w/lid | Lean air‑frying, leftovers, reheating | No bake function | |
🤔 What You’re Wondering About
- Should I prioritize bake and recrisp modes?
- Does glass cooking actually matter for safety and taste?
- Is the extra mode worth the investment—or is less more?
Ninja Glass Air Fryer Review: Modes & Cooking Performance
Ninja Crispi 4‑in‑1 vs 3‑in‑1 — What’s Under the Lid
Both models share Air Fry, Max Crisp, and Recrisp.
Only the 4‑in‑1 adds Bake, for roasting small casseroles or baking snacks.
In testing, Serious Eats confirmed the 1500 W power delivers golden, crunchy fries and chicken wings even in the smaller container.
The Recrisp mode breathes new life into leftovers—especially pizza or fried rice—earning praise in multiple impressions, including from Food & Wine and Reddit users who say it “gives any rice dish… a brand new life… adds a crispy edge back to the dish.”
Design, Storage & Materials
Built for Small Kitchens & Smart Living
Both versions use TempWare glass bowls—a small 6-cup and a larger 4‑quart—each with leakproof lids, so they double as storage containers. Glass is PFAS/PTFE-free and doubles as fridge-to-tableware.
When not cooking, the components nest into a compact stack. One user noted:
“Works great, easiest air fryer to clean and takes up the least amount of space. Best part is being able to keep an eye on your food.”
According to The Strategist, the 4‑in‑1’s modular design and plastic‑free cooking deliver both convenience and eco‑friendly peace of mind. Tom’s Guide adds that it’s a dorm- and studio-friendly device, ideal as a microwave alternative.
Real-World Use & Cleanup
How It Feels in Daily Life
Users say the 3‑in‑1 handles most tasks so well that they rarely miss Bake. Storage is seamless—most tuck it in a pantry or cabinet when not cooking.
Cleaning is a breeze: the glass outer bowls and crisping plates go into the dishwasher. Some reviewers did note that water can pool in the gap between glass and the feet but it dries out eventually.
Wired’s review gave the unit a 7/10, praising its speed but pointing out thermostat inconsistency—sometimes running about 10°F cooler than expected. Still, the airflow is powerful enough for wings, fries, or Brussels sprouts.
Product | Modes | Containers | Best For | Drawback | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Fry, Max Crisp, Recrisp, Bake | 6‑cup + 4‑Qt glass w/lids | Flexibility, bake mode, small‑batch or larger meals | Extra mode may go unused | | |
| Air Fry, Max Crisp, Recrisp | 4‑Qt glass w/lid | Lean air‑frying, leftovers, reheating | No bake function | |
✅ Pros & Cons
Ninja Crispi 4‑in‑1
Pros
- Adds Bake mode in addition to Air Fry, Max Crisp, Recrisp
- Premium glass TempWare bowls safe from freezer to table
- Highly praised Recrisp function revives leftovers
Cons
- Bake mode may go unused by minimalist users
- A few thermostat quibbles reported (slightly cool settings)
Ninja Crispi 3‑in‑1
Pros
- Core modes (Air Fry / Max Crisp / Recrisp) for everyday use
- Same glass design, nesting and storage advantages
- Often more easily available amid sell‑out delays
Cons
- No Bake mode
- Missing optional flexibility for occasional baking
🔍 Major Differences
- Bake Mode: only on the 4‑in‑1
- Cooking Performance: identical crisping across both; thermostat fuss is consistent
- Availability: 3‑in‑1 often stocks more easily, while the 4‑in‑1 tends to sell out quickly.
- User Type: Get 4‑in‑1 if you bake or crave flexibility. Stick with 3‑in‑1 if leftovers, crisping, and glass utility are your priority.
FAQs
Q: Is glass cooking actually better than plastic baskets?
A: Yes. Multiple reviewers highlight the glass bowls as PFAS/PTFE‑free, easy to clean, and visually great for tracking cooking progress. The container serves as fridge‑to‑tableware too.
Q: Does the bake mode on the 4‑in‑1 make a difference?
A: It gives you the flexibility to roast or bake small dishes more gently—but if you rarely bake, the 3‑in‑1 still hits all core crispy cooking needs.
Q: How reliable is the temperature control?
A: Wired’s review noted it runs about 10°F cooler than labels suggest—and performance may vary between small and large bowls—but it doesn’t seriously affect everyday results.
Final Thoughts
If you use bake or love the idea of multi-mode flexibility plus clean glass storage, go Ninja Crispi 4‑in‑1.
If you’re focused on reheating, small-batch cooking, crisp textures, and easy maintenance—3‑in‑1 gives you all that with less complexity.
It’s all about whether you want “extra” or just “exactly what works.”
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- Ninja Crispi vs NutriChef Air Fryer: Which Air Fryer Fits Your Kitchen Needs?
- Ninja Crispi vs Ninja Air Fryer: Which Air Fryer is Best for Your Kitchen?
- Ninja Crispi vs Ninja Foodi: Which Versatile Cooker is Right for You?
Author
Written by HappyFoodGeek, expert in air fryer reviews and kitchen gadget connoisseur.