Hot air fryers are being used as kitchen aids in more and more households. This is not surprising given the range of applications. After all, the appliances allow you to prepare crispy food with little or no oil. However, before you buy a hot air fryer, you should bear a few important points in mind. Because not all hot airfryer are the same. Our guide will show you what you should look out for when choosing the right model.
- Want a purchase recommendation? We have listed the best hot air fryers for you.
Size and capacity of the hot airfryer
The size of the hot airfryer is a decisive factor. Above all, you should ask yourself how many people you usually cook for. The market offers mini models for single households, but also XXL hot air fryers for entire families. You should also bear in mind that a large capacity is always associated with a large housing. So if you have little space in the kitchen, it is best to make a compromise and choose a medium-sized appliance.
- Small models (1.5-4.5 liters): These are ideal for singles or couples and are suitable for smaller quantities. They take up little space in the kitchen and generally consume less energy.
- Medium models (4.5-7 liters): Suitable for households of up to four people. They offer sufficient capacity for common meals and remain compact enough for most kitchens.
- Large models (7-10 liters): These are suitable for families or larger households where larger portions need to be prepared. Some models offer additional compartments to prepare different dishes at the same time.
Performance and wattage of hot airfryers
The wattage of the hot air fryer gives an indication of the power of the appliance. Hot air fryers offer an average output of between 1400 watts and 2100 watts. The rule of thumb is that a higher wattage is always associated with higher power consumption.
However, if you want to save electricity, you should also bear in mind that a higher wattage naturally also means better frying results. It also shortens the cooking time. Regardless of which hot air fryer you choose, you will generally always save electricity compared to conventional ovens.
Multifunctionality of the hot airfryer
Many hot air fryers offer much more than just the option of deep-frying food. There are models that also allow you to bake, roast, grill or even dehydrate. The best example is the COSORI TwinFry (review, € 201.15 *), which offers a total of six different functions. The COSORI can not only be used as a hot air fryer. The kitchen helper can also be used to fry, grill, bake, dehydrate and reheat.
If you want to let off steam in this respect and use the hot air fryer not only for crispy fries but also for other dishes, multifunctionality is important. Conversely, if you are only looking for a healthy replacement for a conventional oil fryer, you are better off with a pure hot air fryer. After all, fewer functions are usually associated with a lower price.
Ease of use
Ease of use is an important aspect. The following functions, among others, ensure ease of use:
- Digital or analog control panels: Depending on your preference, you can choose between simple rotary knobs or modern touch displays.
- Timer and temperature control: Precise control of time and temperature ensures better results. Models with preset programs are particularly user-friendly.
- Preheat function: Some air fryers have a preheat function that quickly brings the appliance to the desired temperature.
- Smart features: Some models now offer a WiFi or Bluetooth module to enable remote control via a smartphone app.
Maintenance and safety of the airfryer
Hot air fryers can get extremely hot during operation. This makes it all the more important to have suitable safety precautions in place ex works. However, cleaning the hot air fryer also plays a major role.
- Cleaning: Models with dishwasher-safe baskets and inserts are particularly easy to clean. Make sure that the parts are easy to remove and that the appliance does not have too many hard-to-reach places where residues can accumulate.
- Noise level: Hot air fryers can be quite loud during operation, especially if they have powerful fans. If you prefer a quiet kitchen, you should find out about the operating volume of the appliance before you buy it. Some models are quieter than others, which makes them more pleasant to use in open-plan kitchens.
- Safety: Safety features such as overheating protection, non-slip feet and automatic shut-off when the lid is open are important for a hot air fryer. These functions ensure safe operation and prevent accidents.
Energy efficiency
Power consumption should also be taken into account when buying. Hot air fryers usually consume less energy than ovens, as they not only work faster. The volume to be heated is also significantly smaller. Models with a lower wattage consume less electricity, but of course also offer lower performance. Therefore, pay attention to the energy consumption, especially if you want to use the appliance frequently.
Price-performance ratio
Hot airfryer are available in different price ranges. Inexpensive models often offer the basic functions, while more expensive appliances offer additional features such as more programs, higher performance or greater capacity. Think about which functions are important and whether the higher price is really worth it for your needs.
Conclusion
When buying a hot air fryer, it is important that the kitchen appliance exactly meets your needs. First consider how often and for how many people you want to use the appliance. Then you should think about what you want to cook with the kitchen gadget, how important ease of use is to you and how much you want to pay for the air fryer. In the end, you will find the right air fryer that meets your expectations and makes cooking easier.
