Buying an expensive appliance that turns out to be a flop is frustrating: not only have you wasted your money, you feel obliged to use it because of how much you spent on it.

And when you do, it delivers disappointing results – reminding you yet again of your purchase regret.

That’s why you should check ����Vlog’s reviews every time you buy a new appliance. Not only could it prevent you from making a costly mistake, it’ll also give you the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve spent your money well.

Here, we reveal two air fryers that both disappointed in our testing, despite a $360 price difference, showing that spending more ��DZ����’t always buy you more.

And exclusively for ����Vlog members, we’ll show you which cheaper models are better buys than ones costing hundreds of dollars more.

If you just want to get straight to the best products, you can jump to the results now.

Splurge vs save: Crumble vs Kmart Anko

• Splurge: Crumble Air fryer CCAF6LAU1 ($429)  
• Save: Kmart Anko 6.2L Window Air Fryer AF662KS ($69) 

With a price difference of $360, these two air fryers are worlds apart in terms of price and features, but they deliver pretty much the same performance.

Sure, the Crumble would look beautiful on your benchtop, but you know what would look better? That extra $360 in your bank account.

Their ����Vlog Expert Ratings are only one percentage point apart, and they received similar ratings for ease of use and cooking ability.

Overall, both are good but not great, especially when compared to the highest-ranked air fryers in our review that scored ����Vlog Expert Ratings of 80% and higher.

The Kmart fryer actually served up much better chips (an important consideration when buying an air fryer) but the Crumble did rate higher in our roast pork trail.

If you’re looking to save money but don’t want to miss out on top-notch tucker, you’ll be pleased to know that there are plenty of models costing $200 or less that are recommended by our experts.

You can filter our detailed air fryer reviews by price, brand, capacity and more to find the best for your needs.

The best cheaper buys that outperform expensive models

We independently test and review dozens of new air fryers each year in our onsite kitchen lab, and our experts know exactly what to look for to help you find the best product.

Our detailed air fryer test results are available exclusively for ����Vlog members. If you’re not yet a member, join ����Vlog to get instant access to our independent reviews, from fridges and freezers, toasters and TVs, and more.

Or log in to unlock this article and find out which cheaper air fryers outperformed expensive models in our expert testing.

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• What is the Ninja Combi 14-in-1 Multicooker?
• What can you do with the Ninja Combi?
• How well does it cook?
• Is the Ninja Combi easy to use?
• How much bench space is needed for the Ninja Combi?
• Should you buy the Ninja Combi 14-in-1 Multicooker?

There’s no doubt that modern kitchen appliances are evolving to meet the demands of our busy lifestyles, offering speed and convenience and allowing us to produce nutritious meals with minimal fuss.

����Vlog kitchen experts have seen all the latest innovations come through the labs, and one thing is for sure – manufacturers are adding more and more functionality into their appliances. 

Ninja has become a household name in kitchen appliances with the company creating products that combine functionality and ease of use to appeal to time-poor home chefs. Enter the Ninja Combi, their latest in multi-cooking, designed to combine multiple cooking functions (14 to be exact) into a single appliance and promising to replace everything from your air fryer to your oven. But is it worth the investment? Our experts put it to the test to find out.

What is the Ninja Combi 14-in-1 Multicooker?

The Ninja Combi is a multi-cooker that combines 14 functions in one benchtop appliance. It can be used as an air fryer, oven, slow cooker and more. It comes with a combi pan, a bake tray and a crisper plate, along with a recipe book with multiple curated recipes. 

Ninja claims it can produce a complete meal for the family in just 15 minutes using “Ninja Combi Cooker Technology”. This feature simultaneously combines HyperSteam and Air Fry. 

It has a decent capacity too, and can feed up to eight people, making it an appliance worth considering if you have many mouths to feed.

How is it different from other Ninja multi-cookers?

Our ����Vlog kitchen experts classify a multi-cooker as a pot-based appliance that has both slow and pressure cooking functionality. 

Unlike the Ninja Foodi SmartLid OL650ANZ and Ninja Foodi 11-in-1 OP350ANZ that focus on pressure cooking and slow cooking, the Combi ��DZ����’t have a pressure cooker as one of its 14 functions and for this reason you won’t see it compared against the rest in our multi-cooker review. Traditional multi-cookers are mostly a one-pot appliance that carry out one function at a time.

The Combi really is in a league of its own, looking more like a benchtop oven. Its ability for layered cooking, combining all elements of a meal at once is what sets it apart, with a focus on baking, roasting, air frying and steaming.

What can you do with the Ninja Combi?

The Ninja Combi’s 14 functions are:

• Combi meals
• Combi crisp
• Combi bake
• Rice/pasta
• Steam
• Prove
• Grill
• Air fry
• Bake
• Reheat
• Slow cook
• Seat/saute 
• Pizza
• Toast

����Vlog home economist, Fiona Mair says: “The Combi can replace many tools in your kitchen. Instead of needing bench space for a separate air fryer, oven, steamer, slow cooker and saute pan, the Combi has all these functions in the one unit.”

The speedy cooking comes from the Combi functions, where steam and air frying are used at the same time, allowing you to cook from frozen without needing to defrost first. 

“These functions are particularly useful for cooking a complete meal, combining meats, vegetables and a starch like rice, pasta or potatoes,” Fiona explains.

How well does it cook?

In our recent test of the latest slow cookers, Fiona put the Ninja Combi’s slow cook feature to the test against the rest. As a slow cooker the Combi wasn’t too impressive, rating “borderline”. The chilli beef required an extra five hours of cooking time, meaning it took a total of 11 hours to cook the meat and beans. The corned beef was still undercooked after eight hours of cooking.

“Using smaller cuts of meat like mince or cubes of chuck could get better results,” Fiona suggests.

What about its other features?

The Combi did a good job at cooking rice and the steamed broccoli it produced was perfect.

When it comes to air frying, the Combi was impressive too. It was excellent for roasting pork, and cooking marinated chicken wings and frozen chips. For cooking frozen nuggets Fiona rated it as “very good”.

You’ll find the Ninja Combi in our full review of air fryers.

How well does the Combi Cooker feature work?

Fiona says the Combi Cook feature is excellent.

“It allows you to cook a whole meal quickly and with minimal fuss, combining protein, carbohydrates and vegetables all together so the complete meal is ready at the same time.”

The rice or pasta cooks in the pan at the bottom with water, the meat cooks on the tray above and the vegetables are steamed at the end.

To test the feature, we followed one of the provided recipes to cook soy honey glazed salmon with brown rice and broccoli. The salmon was cooked perfectly, the rice required an extra 10 minutes of cooking using the rice function and the broccoli was cooked perfectly after being wrapped in foil (following the instructions) with some marinade which assisted in steaming.

The combination of steam and air frying works well, allowing some foods to brown while the steam works to prevent food from drying out.

Is the Ninja Combi easy to use?

Like many other Ninja appliances that come through our labs, the Combi comes with comprehensive instructions that are easy to follow, along with cooking guides and recipes.

The control panel is also typical of Ninja – well-labelled with a bright digital display and press buttons that are easy to use. The 14 pre-programmed functions are written on the control panel and you can easily select one by using the up and down arrows. It has separate on/off and start/stop buttons as well as adjustable controls for temperature/shade and time/slices. There is also a large switch dial on the top right side of the unit that you use to switch between air fry mode and combi cooker mode. 

There’s a button to turn on the oven light but the light only stays on for a few seconds before turning off. There’s also audible feedback to let you know when the cooking time has finished.

It’s easy to assemble – the crisper tray, combi pan and bake tray accessories slide easily into moulded shelf supports. Be mindful that there’s limited grip on the baking tray and combi pan which might make it tricky to remove the trays when they’re loaded with food. 

Is it easy to clean?

A lot of condensation can build up during cooking, particularly when using the slow cooker or combi cooker mode, so it’s important to make sure any excess water is wiped out of the cavity after each use.

The control panel is relatively easy to wipe over, but the buttons aren’t sealed so they could accumulate dirt and grime over time.

Stainless steel parts on the exterior can get grimy with fingerprint marks and the stainless steel interior can be particularly tricky to keep clean. The exposed element can also be difficult to access on the ceiling.

The accessories are easy to clean in a kitchen sink, but be mindful that they are non-stick, can scratch easily and may need replacing eventually.

Is the Ninja Combi easy to store?

The Ninja Combi is a large unit, weighing about 10kg and measuring 39cm wide, 37cm deep and 33.2cm high. Not only does it take up considerable cupboard space but it’s also not the kind of appliance that you’d want to have to pull in and out of a kitchen cupboard when you want to use it. 

Fiona recommends keeping the Ninja Combi on your bench to make sure you use it regularly if you want to get the best value out of this expensive and rather bulky appliance.

How much bench space is needed for the Ninja Combi?

If you’re planning on buying the Ninja Combi, we recommend measuring up your bench space first.

In practical terms, think of it as taking up similar space to a microwave or benchtop oven. If bench space is already limited in your kitchen you might find it hard to accommodate the space for the Combi.

It’ll also need good ventilation space around the unit, including space on top for steam venting and space in front to allow the door to open fully.

Should you buy the Ninja Combi 14-in-1 Multicooker?

While its slow cooking performance was disappointing, overall our experts were impressed with the other functions of the Ninja Combi 14-in-1 Multicooker. It’s versatile, easy to use and offers a wide range of cooking modes.

Fiona says: “This appliance is a great choice if you’re looking to add an additional oven to your kitchen or if you prefer using an air fryer over a conventional oven.”

“If you’re going to be using the slow cooker function regularly, you might be disappointed with the results.

“The ‘Combi Cook’ feature that allows you to cook a whole meal in a short time really is the game changer in this appliance, making it convenient for busy households or anyone who wants to prepare meals with minimal planning and time.”

Its large capacity makes it ideal for family-sized meals, or if you prefer to make enough for leftovers.

Fiona also suggests it’s a perfect option for holiday homes or caravans where space might be limited and having multiple cooking functions in one appliance can come in handy.

Keep in mind this appliance is large and will take up valuable real estate on your kitchen benchtop. If you’re going to invest in one, make sure it works with the way you cook and that you have a permanent spot for it on your bench. At $500 you wouldn’t want it to gather dust in a cupboard.

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Benchtop cookers can help on both of these fronts, delivering rib-sticking, satisfying meals while minimising dinner prep (so you can spend more time next to the heater and less time in the kitchen). 

If you’re considering a benchtop cooker to make cooking dinner easier, there are plenty of options, including slow cookers, multi-cookers and pressure cookers. But what do they all do, and how are you supposed to decide which one to buy?

����Vlog kitchen expert Fiona Mair shares her thoughts on these three quite different appliances. 

The difference between slow cookers, multi-cookers and pressure cookers

Just want the basics? Fiona has boiled it all down into three key points.

• Slow cookers need a small time commitment upfront to prepare the food, but then they’ll take care of the cooking while you’re off doing other things during the day. They’re a good choice for busy (but organised) people who are time-poor in the evenings and want to come home to dinner already cooked. 
• A multi-cooker basically combines several appliances, including a slow cooker, pressure cooker and rice cooker. They come with pre-programmed settings and are easy to use. They’re suitable for people who want flexibility in terms of what they cook, while reducing the number of appliances in their kitchen.
• Stove-top pressure cookers are best left to the experienced cook. They require a bit of know-how to control the temperature and cooking time. Multi-cookers usually have a pressure cooker function, so they’re perfect for people who want to pressure cook but don’t have experience with a stovetop pressure cooker.

Should you buy a slow cooker?

For a little bit of planning and a few minutes’ prep in the morning, you can be rewarded with the tantalising smells of a hearty slow-cooked meal bubbling away all day, and a melt-in-your-mouth meal come dinnertime. It’s easy to see why slow cookers are a firm favourite with a wide range of home cooks.

“Cooking food slowly in a slow cooker or Dutch oven allows the flavours to really develop and soften meat,” says Fiona.

“But you may not always get that same development of flavour when cooking quickly in a pressure cooker or multi-cooker using pressure cooker mode. Making adjustments by adding less liquid and more seasonings can assist in getting a better result.”

“I would definitely recommend a slow cooker for a family or keen cooks and entertainers. Foods cooked in a slow cooker are great for batch cooking and freezing, plus you can use cheaper cuts of meat and stretch out meals with legumes.”

Slow cookers at a glance

• Popular brands include: Crock-Pot, Russell Hobbs, Breville, Sunbeam, Morphy Richards, Cuisinart, Anko (available from Target and Kmart).
• Cost: Models we’ve tested range in price from $24 to $319.
• Size: If you’re cooking for a crowd, buy a 5–8L model. If you’re only feeding two, a 3–4.5L slow cooker will do the job. 
• Good for: Families, households on a budget, time-poor (but organised) cooks, vegetarians/vegans and people who eat a lot of legumes/pulses.
• Not suitable for: People who don’t like to plan meals in advance, impatient people, families with unpredictable schedules, households without much freezer space.

The pros of slow cookers

• You can put it on in the morning and come home to a delicious, slow-cooked meal.
• Slow-cooked food has a depth of flavour that you just can’t get any other way.
• You can transform cheap cuts of meat that wouldn’t be suitable for grilling, roasting or BBQing as they’ll retain their natural juices in the slow cooker.
• They don’t need stirring, so you don’t have to keep checking them like you do if you’re cooking on a stovetop.
• Budget-friendly: you can add dried legumes to stretch meals out, and they’re great for batch cooking on a shoestring.
• Great for hearty stews, curries and soups in winter, but they can also be a great way to cook a pot roast or one-pot meal in summer without heating up the kitchen like an oven would.
• Relatively cheap to buy, especially if you’re just buying a simple model.
• Use less energy than having the oven or cooktop on for the same amount of time.

The cons of slow cookers

• Long cooking time – you can’t just whip something up at the last minute. 
• You’ll need to be organised if you want to prep dinner in the morning to eat it that evening.
• They’re bulky, so will take up a lot of cupboard space.
• Many models can’t brown or sear foods or fry off curry pastes, onions or garlic, so you’ll need to do this on a cooktop first. Some models do have a sear function, or have a bowl that can be used directly on a stovetop, but they tend to cost more than models without this function.

Should you buy a multi-cooker?

These versatile gadgets have the ability to both slow cook and pressure cook food, giving you options for last-minute meals as well as unctuous braises that blip away on the benchtop all day. 

In other words, they can give you the best of both worlds. 

But while they’re a jack of all trades, are they masters of none?

As far as slow cooking goes, they compare favourably with high-scoring slow cookers: “A multi-cooker allows you to sear the ingredients, which keeps all the flavour in the pot,” Fiona says. 

“With a multi-cooker you have more options for temperature and time, and therefore better control over how your food is cooked. Or you can opt to use the pre-programmed settings so the multi-cooker takes care of it for you.

“Generally, multi-cookers perform well for slow cooking and other types of cooking, and the ones we’ve tested with sous vide and air frying settings were rated as ‘very good’ to ‘excellent’.”

Should you trade in your slow cooker for a multi-cooker?

It depends on what you plan to do. “Multi-cookers obviously have more functions available so you can cook a wider variety of foods,” Fiona says. 

“Keep in mind that there are different sizes and functions available, so choose one that suits your household and your lifestyle.”

“If you don’t see yourself cooking with an air fryer or sous vide, choose one that doesn’t have these features as this contributes to the cost and you’ll need to find space to store all the accessories that come with it,” says Fiona. 

“However, if you have a slow cooker, a rice cooker and a pressure cooker and you’re happy with them, then you don’t really need a multi-cooker.”

Multi-cookers at a glance

• Popular brands include: Breville, Crock-Pot, Cuisinart, Philips, Russell Hobbs, Sunbeam, Ninja and Tefal.
• Cost: Models we’ve tested range in price from $170 to $450. 
• Size: The models we’ve tested range from 5.7 to 8L, which is big enough to cook for more than two, or batch cook and freeze.
• Good for: Cooks with small kitchens (as they replace several appliances); people who want multiple options for cooking methods and length of cooking time; those who want an energy-efficient appliance (they use less electricity than a stove top or oven), households trying to save money by batch cooking.
• Not suitable for: People who don’t like cleaning (multi-cookers need extra attention when it comes to cleaning); cooks with limited dexterity (the cooker needs to be taken apart, cleaned and put back together again, which can be fiddly); people who don’t have a large budget for kitchen appliances.

The pros of multi-cookers

• They can save you time if you use the pressure cooker feature. Cooking corned beef will take you just one hour in a multi-cooker, compared to eight hours in a slow cooker and five hours in the oven. 
• They can replace a number of kitchen appliances like a rice cooker, air fryer, sous vide machine, electric frypan, pressure cooker, slow cooker (some models), yoghurt maker, bread maker and steamer. 
• Transforms cheap cuts of meat, you can add dried legumes to stretch meals out, and they’re great for batch cooking on a shoestring.
• They use less energy than having the oven or cooktop on for the same amount of time.
• Pre-programmed cooking times make multi-cookers easy to use. Some models even have pre-programmed settings for food types, such as pot roast, curry, rice etc. 

The cons of multi-cookers

• They need supervision –  depending on what function you’re using, you can’t just leave them on all day like you can with a slow cooker.
• It’s hard to get the same depth of flavour as you can with a slow cooker if you’re using a quicker cooking function such as the pressure cooker. 
• They can be difficult to clean. You need to pull everything apart, clean it, and then make sure it’s all been put back together correctly. Blocked seals can cause issues when pressure cooking. 
• The multi-cookers with breadmaker features aren’t always as good as standalone breadmakers, so do your research before you buy if that’s something that’s important to you. 

Should you buy a pressure cooker?

These appliances can help you smash out dinner in under an hour.

Lamb shanks that would take seven hours in a slow cooker or 2.5 hours on a cooktop will be melting off the bone in just 45 minutes.

They use a small amount of liquid to fill the pressure cooker with steam.

Time-strapped parent Jason swears by his pressure cooker. 

“I find pressure cookers give a slow-cooker result in a fraction of time,” he says. “Risotto in 20 minutes, beautiful soft beef brisket in an hour, instead of four or eight hours in a slow cooker. It’s slow cooking, fast!”

“I’m never organised enough to put something on in the morning and don’t like to run appliances all day, but with a pressure cooker you can cheat and fast-track dinner.”

We haven’t tested pressure cookers in some time due to them not being as popular as slow cookers and multi-cookers.

Pressure cookers at a glance

• Popular brands include: Philips, Breville, Kambrook, Tefal and Sunbeam.
• Cost: Price ranges from around $59 to more than $500.
• Good for: Last-minute dinners, time-poor cooks, impatient foodies and wannabe MasterChefs.
• Not suitable for: People who like to come home to dinner that’s already cooked; cooks who can’t stay in the kitchen while the pressure cooker does its thing; inexperienced home cooks.

The pros of pressure cookers

• You can cook a delicious meal in a fraction of the time of a slow cooker or cooktop. 
• You can turn out a slow cooker-style meal in under an hour.
• A pressure cooker won’t heat up the kitchen like using the oven. 
• By cooking with steam, the food retains the vitamins and minerals that would otherwise be dissolved in water. 
• They work well with inexpensive cuts of meat like stewing beef, shank and blade. 

The cons of pressure cookers

• They can be difficult to clean. You need to pull everything apart, clean it, and then make sure it’s all been put back together correctly. Blocked seals can cause issues when pressure cooking. 
• You need to supervise them while cooking – you can’t just put them on and walk away. 
• You need to be extra cautious when removing the lid so you don’t get burnt by the steam. 
• While they cook extra fast, the dish won’t develop the same depth of flavour as it would if it were slow cooked. You’ll need to add extra seasoning to ramp up the flavour. 
• Can be more expensive than slow cookers. 
• Can be tricky to get the hang of. You’ll need to adapt regular recipes by reducing the amount of liquid so they work with the pressure cooker. 

Want to know more? Read our guide to buying the best pressure cooker.

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A slow cooker can help you save on groceries and save you time, all while feeding your family satisfying, warming winter dishes. 

And what’s even better, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get in on the slow-cooking goodness. If you shop smart, you can pick up a quality slow cooker that performed well in ����Vlog testing for less than $50. 

We talk you through how a slow cooker can save you money. Plus, for ����Vlog members only, we’ll reveal the top scoring budget slow cookers from our rigorous lab testing. 

If you’re not yet a member, join ����Vlog to get instant access to all our expert, independent reviews.

If you just want to see the best products, you can jump straight to the results now.

How much should you spend on a slow cooker?

Slow cookers usually cost anything from $20 to $200 (or sometimes more), depending on brand and features. 

But does buying a more expensive slow cooker give you better results? It depends what you’re after.

Some of the top scorers in our slow cooker reviews are cheaper models. But more expensive models will have extra features that can make your slow cooker even more convenient and easy to use. More expensive slow cookers may also function as multi-cookers, offering additional cooking modes such as pressure cooking or rice cooking.

If you’re buying a slow cooker, ����Vlog kitchen expert Fiona Mair says there’s one feature in particular that’s worth having.

“If you want a complete one-pot cooking appliance then I would recommend a slow cooker that sears,” she says. 

Searing before slow cooking allows for caramelisation, which helps you develop more flavour.

“If you can sear your ingredients in the slow cooker, then it saves you having to do it in a separate pan on your stovetop – which will save on washing up.”

If you want all the bells and whistles, you could opt for a multi-cooker, which combines several appliances in one, such as a rice cooker, slow cooker, pressure cooker, and sometimes even an air fryer and bread maker.

But all these extras come at a price: the multi-cookers we’ve tested range in price from $130 to $800.

How a slow cooker can help you save money

Even a cheap slow cooker can revolutionise the way you cook. 

Slow cooking lets the food develop a depth of flavour that you just can’t get from faster methods of cooking, and the “low and slow” approach can transform tough cuts of meat into tender, juicy morsels that melt in your mouth. 

Batch cooking

By buying and cooking in bulk, you can save money at the supermarket and have a freezer full of delicious meals ready to go for much less than cooking on a smaller scale.

Buying less expensive meat

Cheaper cuts of meat like blade steak, chuck steak, pork neck, ham hocks or brisket aren’t great for barbecuing or roasting, but after six or so hours in the slow cooker, they become delicious, melt-in-your-mouth meals. 

Adding cheap proteins

To stretch out a slow cooker meal, you can add dried or canned legumes, beans and pulses. 

If you’re using dried beans, make sure you boil them for at least 10 minutes beforehand or soak them overnight, then drain and rinse them before adding.

Breaking your takeaway habit

Coming home to a dinner that’s ready to eat can save you from those “can’t be bothered” nights that invariably end in buying a takeaway dinner.

Saving time

Because we all know time is money! If you can save yourself hours of slaving over a hot stove by letting a slow cooker do the work for you, we call that a win. 

����Vlog tip: If your ceramic slow cooker bowl is stained or smells a bit off, you can freshen it up with vinegar. Add half a cup of vinegar to a litre of water and soak.

Which are the best budget slow cookers?

We recommend slow cookers with a ����Vlog Expert Rating of 80% or more.

Only ����Vlog members can access our detailed slow cookers testing data. If you’re not yet a member, join ����Vlog to get instant access to all our expert, independent reviews.

Or log in to unlock this article and find out which slow cookers turn up the heat in the kitchen.

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It’s favoured by many fervent fans as a handy helper at mealtimes, with an ability to produce delicious and fast results for a wide range of foods. 

But, while there are plenty of high-flying fryers on the market, we’ve uncovered  some subpar units that you should steer clear of. 

These big-brand air fryers disappointed our experts in our latest tests, so if you’re looking to up your kitchen game, give these models a miss.

What to look for when buying an air fryer

“When buying an air fryer, it’s important that you choose one with comprehensive instructions, including cooking guidelines and recipes,” says ����Vlog kitchen expert Fiona Mair.

“It’s especially important if you’ve never used an air fryer before – otherwise it can be very difficult to figure out how to use them properly.

“Digital controls give better accuracy, and pre-programmed settings take the guesswork out of choosing a temperature and cooking time, and may also give you a reminder to shake the food to ensure even cooking.”

The worst performing air fryers in our tests

Kitchen Couture Dual View Stainless Steel Air Fryer Silver

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 67%
• Performance score: 70%
• RRP: $200

This isn’t Kitchen Couture’s first appearance in our list of air fryers to avoid: its black 3.4L model was ranked second-lowest in our last test.

It’s since been discontinued, but the company’s latest offering isn’t much better – and even with a much-reduced price tag, it’s still one we would avoid.

The first Kitchen Couture air fryer we tested achieved a ����Vlog Expert Rating of just 66% (which our experts rate as just “OK”), acing our hot chips test but bombing out on pretty much everything else.

So how does this Kitchen Couture fryer fare? Like its predecessor, it turned out crispy chips, and it also did a nice job of cooking marinated chicken wings. 

But sadly that’s the extent of its talents. Chicken nugget lovers would do well to avoid this fryer: our experts scored it just 60% for cooking crumbed chicken. It also did a disappointing job of roast pork. And our experts didn’t exactly find it a joy to cook with, either, rating it 63% for ease of use.

Despite being a relatively large unit, it only has a small capacity in each drawer – in fact, the manufacturer recommends you put only 125g of chips in each drawer. That’s not a lot of crunch for your cash!

Considering that several air fryers our experts recommend cost less than $100, you could buy a yearly ����Vlog membership for $98, find out which cheap air fryer is best, and pocket the extra $100 you would’ve spent on this one. 

Read the full Kitchen Couture Dual View Stainless Steel Air Fryer Silver review.

Sunbeam Multi Zone Air Fryer

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 68%
• Performance score: 69%
• RRP: $299

Another fryer that’s big on capacity but small on performance, this Sunbeam claims to handle 11L, but our experts found it only holds 9L. 

That’s because the manufacturer’s claims can sometimes be misleading. We measure each air fryer’s actual usable capacity so you know exactly how much room you’ll have to cook with.

The Sunbeam was the best of this sorry bunch at cooking chicken nuggets, but that’s not saying much. And when you consider that it wasn’t much chop when we tested its ability to cook chips and chicken wings, it’s not exactly smashing it out of the park, is it?

It does double as a benchtop oven, and it works better like that than as an air fryer. If you’re in the market for a benchtop oven, it’s worth considering but as an air fryer, not so much.

Just like its companions on this list, its price doesn’t match its performance. There are plenty of other options around this size but cheaper that will do a much better job of cooking your dinner.

Read the full Sunbeam Multi Zone Air Fryer review.

Sunbeam 22L Multi Function Oven + Air Fryer BT7200

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 69%
• Performance score: 74%
• RRP: $299

This is another benchtop oven from Sunbeam with an air fryer function that underwhelms. While it achieved an excellent performance in our benchtop oven testing (achieving high scores for cooking roast chicken, grilling toast and reheating pizza), it was less impressive in our air fryer testing.

Its weakest point was when cooking crumbed chicken, which is virtually unforgivable in an air fryer. It scored just 55% on this test.

����Vlog kitchen expert Fiona Mair said this is a common issue she finds when testing benchtop ovens with air fryer functions.

“The reason benchtop ovens don’t do as well as air fryers for chips or food that requires shaking or turning, like crumbed chicken, is because you need to open the door frequently. This means the heat escapes from the oven and therefore the food won’t crisp and brown evenly,” she says.

“In this particular model, the air fryer basket does not slide into the shelf supports. Rather it sits on a tray, which further blocks hot air from circulating around the food and crisping it up.”

Our experts also noted this model is difficult to clean, with no pre-programmed settings and only two shelf positions. If you’re focused on air-frying capability, there are better options even at this low price tag.

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Standard-sized air fryers can only fit so much, which is fine if you’re only cooking for two or three people. But if you’re feeding a larger crowd or you want to air fry more than one thing at a time, a regular-sized air fryer might not cut it any more.

If you’re ready to move on from small fry to large, we’ll talk you through how to find the best large air fryer that delivers the right size and configuration for your needs, and tell you which large fryers you can forget about (the ones ����Vlog experts didn’t rate).

And, exclusively for ����Vlog members, we’ll reveal the top scoring big hitters from our tests.

If you just want to get straight to the best large air fryers, you can jump to the results now.

How big is big?

So, you’re ready to level up your air fryer size. You’re probably thinking you should go big or go home – so you should look for models with the largest capacity, right? 

Yes and no. 

An ad might say that an air fryer has a huge 10-litre capacity, but what does that mean? 

Some manufacturers base the number on the entire space inside the air fryer, but not the actual cooking space, so the 10L you’ve been promised could turn out to be less.

And it’s not the size that matters, it’s what you do with it. Depending on the configuration, that 10-litre fryer might only be able to fit 500g of chips, or a model that claims to have a 2500-gram capacity might not actually be able to handle that amount of food.

For newer air fryer models, we report on the measured usable capacity, plus the number of chicken nuggets that can fit in a single layer in the cooking basket to give you a realistic idea of how much you can cook at one time. 

Things to consider when buying a large air fryer

“First up, think about what types of foods you want to cook in your air fryer and how many people you cook for,” says ����Vlog kitchen expert Fiona Mair.

“If you’re a family of six then it’s a no brainer: you’ll need a large air fryer. 

“But it’s not just about how many mouths you’re feeding. If you’re planning to cook up an air-fried roast for Sunday lunch, then make sure a 2kg piece of meat will actually fit. 

“Need to air fry a kilo of chips or a large serve of chicken wings? Find out whether the unit can accommodate that much.”

There’s one other angle you may not have considered: “If you want to cook large quantities of food, ask yourself whether you even need an air fryer at all when you have a perfectly good oven that could give you the same results,” says Fiona.

This may be an unpopular reality check, but a fan-forced oven is basically an oversized air fryer – it uses a fan and a heating element to move hot air around the food, just like an air fryer does.

So, if you’re wanting to air fry in bulk, you might be better off sticking with what you already have rather than buying a new appliance.

And, if your oven is in need of an upgrade, perhaps you might like to consider one with an air-fry function (although our experts have also tested ovens with air fryer functions in our labs and haven’t been overly impressed).  

Which type of large air fryer should you choose?

When you go big, a whole new world of possibilities opens up: all of a sudden, there are all sorts of different shapes, sizes and functions available. But which one is right for you?

Larger single drawer

Like what your basic air fryer is doing but just need more space? Keep it simple and just go for the same thing, but bigger. 

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Cheaper than models with more functions
• May be able to accommodate larger items, such as a whole chicken or a roast

Cons:

• Takes up more space but still only has one function
• Despite the larger size, it may not fit as much as you’d expect
• Larger drawer can be difficult to clean in a regular kitchen sink

Twin (aka double-drawer) air fryer

What’s better than one air fryer? Two, of course! 

Models with two drawers can double the fun: you can either cook twice as much of your favourite thing, or mix it up and prepare two different dishes at once.

Pros:

• Allows you to cook foods with different temperature and time requirements together
• With some models, you can sync the drawers so the foods finish cooking at the same time
• Some have a removable divider so you can just cook one big batch, or insert it to cook two different foods

Cons:

• They may not hold as much as a single-basket model with a larger capacity
• You can only really cook an entire meal for two to three people

Benchtop oven

Short on space but still want to whip up a Sunday roast? 

A benchtop oven with air fryer functionality could be just the ticket: you’ll be able to grill, bake and roast, plus knock out air-fried food as well.

For optimum air frying, look for a model that has a rotating basket and wire shelves – they’ll allow for better airflow during cooking, which means more evenly browned food and better crispiness.

Pros:

• Larger capacity
• Versatile: more functions than a standard air fryer
• Provides oven functionality in spaces too small for a full-size oven

Cons:

• More expensive than other air fryer types
• Takes up more space on the bench
• A rotating basket will only accommodate around 700g of chips
• Models without a rotating basket don’t always perform well as air fryers – each time you open the door to shake your food, the hot air escapes and the food can’t cook or crisp evenly

Multi-cooker with air fryer function

If you’re replacing your air fryer, why not replace your slow cooker, pressure cooker, sous vide machine, yoghurt maker, dehydrator and more at the same time?

Since you’re spending money on a new machine, you might as well make it earn its keep. 

These machines can have as many as 14 functions, so you won’t be restricted just to air-fried dinners. 

Pros:

• Can replace multiple appliances, such as a rice cooker and a slow cooker
• Many of them perform well when we test them against regular air fryers
• They may cost less than buying multiple single-function appliances

Cons:

• They take up a fair amount of bench space and can be quite heavy
• Can be more expensive than a standalone air fryer, especially the more features they have
• You’ll need room to store the accessories
• Can be more complicated to use at first (as compared to a simple air fryer)

The large air fryers not to buy

Knowing what you don’t want can be an important step in deciding what you do want. 

Our experts say that these air fryers are ones to take off your list: they’re the lowest scoring large air fryers from our tests.

Kitchen Couture Dual View Stainless Steel Air Fryer Silver 10L

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 67%
• Claimed capacity: 10L
• Price: $499

Sunbeam Multi Zone Air Fryer

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 68%
• Claimed capacity: 11L
• Price: $299

Sunbeam 22L Multi Function Oven + Air Fryer

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 69%
• Claimed capacity: 22L
• Price: $299

What are the best large air fryers?

We independently test and review dozens of new kitchen appliances each year in our onsite kitchen lab, and our experts know exactly what to look for to help you find the best product.

Our detailed air fryer testing data is available exclusively for ����Vlog members. 

If you’re not yet a member, join ����Vlog to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews, from fridges and freezers, toasters and TVs, kettles and cots, and more. 

Or log in to unlock this article and find out which large air fryers are the best buys.

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Enter the steam air fryer: a two-in-one machine that can handle a range of tasks, from the crispiest chicken nugget through to the greenest tender broccolini. You can also use it to crisp up your dinner after you’ve steamed it – hello roast potatoes and pan-fried dumplings!

“Having both air fry and steam modes in one appliance makes it far more versatile because you get the best of both cooking methods,” says ����Vlog home economist Fiona Mair.

Here, we look at the ins and outs of steam air fryers, and share our expert’s tips for making the most of yours. 

Plus, exclusively for ����Vlog members, we’ll reveal the top three steam air fryers from our tests.

If you just want to get straight to the products to look for, you can jump to the results now.

What can you cook in a steam air fryer?

While the obvious choices for steaming are green veggies like broccoli, asparagus and green beans, there are plenty of other foods that you can steam in your air fryer. Here are some examples:

• Vegetables: cauliflower, carrots, zucchini, brussels sprouts
• Fish fillets
• Steamed puddings
• Boiled eggs
• Steamed potatoes for salad

Don’t just limit yourself to steamed foods: you can harness the power of your air fryer to steam foods first, then crisp them up, ensuring they retain their moisture on the inside. The following foods can benefit from this double-whammy cooking approach.

• Roast veggies such as potatoes, pumpkin, carrot, sweet potatoes
• Crispy salmon
• Whole roast chicken
• Pork belly
• Dumplings
• Jacket potatoes
• Croquettes
• Bread

Are steam air fryers any good?

On the whole, our experts have been impressed with how well these appliances handle steam cooking.

“The steam function in most air fryers works well. It’s just a matter of getting the cooking time right,” says Fiona.

“It may take some trial and error to find the best combination of steam, time and air frying for what you’re cooking.”

Can you turn your regular air fryer into a steam air fryer?

If you Google this question, you’ll get mixed results. Some people say they regularly add a few tablespoons of water to the bottom of their air fryer to stop food from drying out, while others say it’s risky to put water inside an appliance that’s not designed for steaming.

����Vlog experts say you can – but it depends on your air fryer.

“It’s best for drawer-type air fryers that cook your food on a perforated plate that’s raised just above the base of the drawer,” says Fiona.

“Just add a quarter of a cup of water to steam vegetables. When cooking meat, a couple of tablespoons of water will help keep the meat moist.

“If you’re reheating food, adding a couple of tablespoons of water will prevent the food from drying out too much.”

Do steam functions help with cleaning?

Some air fryers come with a steam clean function, which in theory loosens any baked-on bits and residue, making it easier to clean – just wipe the inside over when it’s finished.

“It can also reduce cooking odours,” says Fiona.

It’s not always perfect though, so don’t expect that a steam clean function will do all the cleaning for you. You may still need to soak and scrub particularly stubborn crusty bits.

Don’t have a steam clean function on your air fryer? You can DIY it by putting a bowl of water in the bottom of your air fryer. 

Put it on high heat for about 10 minutes, then let it sit so the steam can do its thing.

Open it up (carefully so you don’t get a steam burn!) and give everything a wipe.

How to get the most from a steam air fryer

The key to perfectly cooked steamed but crispy food is getting the moisture right: too much and your food won’t crisp up; too little and the food could end up dry.

“Combining air frying and steam cooking is perfect for keeping foods crispy on the outside and moist inside,” says Fiona.

“Having a combination of the two cooking methods assists in cooking food more evenly without drying it out.”

Should you just buy a multi-cooker instead?

Multi-cookers do exactly what they say on the tin: they cook food in a multitude of ways, including slow cooking, pressure cooking, cooking rice, searing meat, and more.

And some now also work as air fryers, so they can effectively replace multiple appliances in your kitchen.

If you’re thinking of buying an air fryer that has a steam function, you might want to consider a multi-cooker that air fries.

They can be quite a lot more expensive than air fryers, though, and they may not have as much capacity as an air fryer when you’re cooking foods in a single layer (which is what our experts recommend for foods like chicken nuggets).

Make sure you check both our air fryer reviews and our multi-cooker reviews to see how these multi-function appliances perform across a range of cooking tasks.

What are the best steam air fryers from our tests?

We independently test and review dozens of new kitchen appliances each year in our onsite labs, and our experts know exactly what to look for to help you find the best product.

Our detailed air fryer testing data is available exclusively for ����Vlog members. If you’re not yet a member, join ����Vlog to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews, from fridges and freezers, toasters and TVs, kettles and cots, and more.

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Single-drawer air fryers can be somewhat limited in that you can only cook at one temperature for a specific period of time, which is fine if you’re bashing out a serve of chicken nuggets for a hungry horde. But what happens if you want to cook nuggets and chips at the same time?

You’ll either have to cook them one at a time and keep the other warm, or start with the chips and calculate when to put your nuggets in so they’re ready at the same time – or face the wrath of cranky children who want their hot chips hot and crispy, not lukewarm and limp.

But with dual air fryers, you can set each basket to cook at different temperatures and times. Many also allow you to sync the cooking times so they finish cooking simultaneously (thus avoiding the hot-nuggets-cold-chips scenario).

You’ll also have dinner on the table faster since you’ll be cooking everything at once, rather than doing it in batches.

Here’s what you need to know about double air fryers. Plus, exclusively for ����Vlog members, we’ll reveal which ones are worth the money.

If you want to find out which dual air fryers top our tests, join ����Vlog to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews.

If you’re already a member and you just want to see the best products, you can jump straight to the results now.

How much do I need to spend on a twin air fryer?

The twin air fryers in our current review range in price from $119 for a Kmart Anko 9L twin air fryer through to $600 for the Ninja DoubleStack XXXL 9.5L 2 Drawer air fryer.

The Kmart model is considerably cheaper than others on the market though, so if you’re considering another brand, expect to pay at least $200.

The twin air fryers recommended by our experts sit at the higher end of the price spectrum, starting from around $400. 

However, in our 60 years of testing products, ����Vlog has found plenty of cheaper products that outperform more expensive ones, so don’t assume that springing for a pricey model will guarantee you air-fry perfection.

What type of twin air fryer should you buy?

If you’re looking at double-frying, there are a few options in terms of configuration:

Side-by-side

Also called dual-drawer or double-drawer air fryers, these are the OG style of twin air fryers. As the name suggests, they have two separate drawers or baskets.

Some models will let you sync up the timing so both drawers will finish cooking simultaneously, even if they have different cooking times and temperatures.

With others, you may need to calculate when to start cooking in the second basket, which can be a bit of a pain – but it still gives you more options than a single-drawer model.

Flexible drawer

These give you the best of both worlds: the ability to cook two different foods at once in separate drawers, or one single drawer if you just want to make an extra-large batch of one type of food.

With the divider in place, you can set the two different zones to different times and temperatures, just like a double-drawer air fryer.

Stacked drawers

One recently released double air fryer gives you the option of two drawers but has a smaller footprint.

The Ninja DoubleStack turns the traditional dual-basket design on its head, with the drawers one on top of the other instead of side by side.

It’ll take up less space on your bench but it’s quite tall so it could be tricky to store in a cupboard if you want to put it away when you’re not using it.

How big are double air fryers?

If you’re thinking of upsizing to a double air fryer, we suggest you use the Goldilocks principle: not too big, not too small, but just right. There are a few factors to consider.

Capacity:

You can’t always believe what you read, and that’s the case with air fryers generally – and especially for double air fryers.

Manufacturers may claim that their product can hold a certain amount of food, but our experts don’t take that figure at face value. 

They measure up each air fryer to see how much of the space inside it is actually usable – and it can often be quite different to what the advertising says.

For instance, one air fryer claims to hold 11L but our experts found that only 9L of that is usable space.

If you’re buying a twin air fryer so you can cook more food in one go, you’d feel pretty ripped off to find out that you can’t fit in as much as you’d hoped.

Our detailed reviews list both the claimed capacity and measured usable capacity of each model, so you can check whether the air fryer you’re eyeing off will actually be up to the task of feeding your household.

We’ve also started measuring air fryer capacity using a different (but very important) metric: how many chicken nuggets they can fit in a single layer.

“We started using the chicken nugget measurement because air fryers work best when food is spread out in a single layer for better air circulation,” says ����Vlog kitchen expert Fiona Mair.

“If food is piled up, it won’t cook evenly or get crispy, especially if the food you’re cooking can’t be shaken or easily manipulated.

“Using chicken nuggets as a reference shows you how much food you can fit when cooking in one layer, how many servings you can realistically cook at once, and it’s a helpful way to visualise an air fryer’s capacity so you can compare models more easily.”

This is a recent addition to our testing process so we don’t have numbers for every air fryer in our review but for newer models on the market, we list this alongside the actual usable capacity.

Footprint

It makes sense that if you want more cooking space you’ll need to sacrifice more bench space – and double air fryers take up quite a bit of room. 

The Philips 5000 Series Dual Basket Airfryer, for instance, measures approximately 45cm (width) x 38cm (depth).

If you don’t have much bench space to spare, you might be inclined to store your air fryer in a cupboard when you’re not using it – but double air fryers are pretty hefty. 

The lightest twin air fryer in our review, the Kitchen Couture Dual View, weighs 7.4kg, while the heavyweight  Ninja DoubleStack XXXL is a whopping 10.2kg.

You might appreciate the upper body workout but double air fryers’ bulk means they’re not easy to carry.

Basket size

While you’ll get twice as many cooking zones in a double air fryer than a single one, those zones can be smaller. 

So while you might be able to fit a whole chicken or pork fillet in a single air fryer, you could be limited to only being able to cook smaller items in a dual-drawer model, since each basket will be smaller.

For instance, the Ninja Foodi Max XXXL Dual Zone has a claimed total capacity of 9.5L, but each basket can only fit 4.75L. By comparison, the single-drawer Contempo Digital Slimline Air Fryer from Big W has a capacity of 8L.

Dual air fryers with flexible configurations are more versatile – you can use the divider to give you two separate cooking zones, or take it out so you have one large zone.

The twin air fryers to avoid

These two fryer flops received the lowest scores of all the double-drawer air fryers in our review. Cross them off your list, on the double.

Kitchen Couture Dual View Stainless Steel Air Fryer

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 67%
• Price: $499

Sunbeam Multi Zone Air Fryer

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 68%
• Price: $299

What are the best twin and double air fryers?

We independently test and review dozens of new air fryers each year in our onsite kitchen lab, and our experts know exactly what to look for to help you find the best product.

Our detailed air fryer testing data is available exclusively for ����Vlog members. If you’re not yet a member, join ����Vlog to get instant access to all of our product reviews, from fridges and freezers, toasters and TVs, and more.

The post The best double air fryers that topped our tests appeared first on ����Vlog.

If you’re short on space or you’re only cooking dinner for one, a large-capacity air fryer is overkill.

From capacity to style, we’ll explain what to look for if you’re shopping for small fry and which models to avoid.

Plus, exclusively for ����Vlog members, we’ll reveal the small air fryers that scored big in our tests. 

If you just want to get straight to the best products, you can jump to the results now.

Why fry small?

While bigger can certainly be better in some cases, not everyone needs or wants a giant appliance.

There are many reasons why you might want to downsize or start small.

• You live in a one- or two-person household
• You have very limited space in your kitchen
• You’re an empty nester so your household has shrunk
• You only need to use an air fryer for specific tasks that only require a small fryer basket, such as roasting nuts or making granola

Claimed vs actual capacity

You shouldn’t believe everything you read, and that’s true of air fryers as much as anything else.

The advert might say that an air fryer has a 6-litre capacity, but what does that mean? 

Some manufacturers base the number on the entire space inside the air fryer, but not the actual cooking space, so the 6L you’ve been promised could turn out to be less – and may actually be too small for your needs.

For instance, one model we’ve tested claims to have a 6L capacity, but when our experts measured it up it could only fit 4L. Another promises 8.3L, but our measurements show it fits just 5L. That’s a considerable difference.

Our reviews include both the claimed capacity (what the manufacturer says it holds) and the measured usable capacity (what our kitchen experts have calculated is the actual capacity).

Plus, for newer models, we include perhaps the most vital piece of information of all: how many chicken nuggets fit in the basket. 

The small-capacity air fryers not to buy

These featherweight fryers might tick the box for size, but unfortunately they don’t deliver on performance. 

It’s important to note that their scores aren’t terrible – it’s just that there are better options out there. 

By comparison, the top performing air fryers in our test score 80% and higher, with the highest ranked small air fryer scoring 87%. (It’s also far cheaper than most of the models listed here, so if you check our review you can buy the best air fryer for a much better price.)

Ninja Air Fryer Max

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 72%
• Measured usable capacity: 6L
• Price: $300

Kmart Anko 5.3L Air Fryer

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 73%
• Measured usable capacity: 6L
• Price: $49

Healthy Choice 6.5L Digital Air Fryer 

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 74%
• Measured usable capacity: 6L
• Price: $180

Large air fryer, small footprint

If you’re short on space but need a larger air fryer, there’s a new style that could work for you: the stacked air fryer.

The latest batch of air fryers to pass through our kitchen lab included an unusual-looking model that turns the dual-basket design on its head – or rather its side.

The Ninja DoubleStack XXXL has a large 9.5L capacity but a footprint of just 10 x 21cm.

However, it is quite tall so may not fit in a cupboard if you want to put it away.

Its price tag isn’t proportionate to its footprint though: it’s a whopping $600. Considering that seven of the 13 air fryers that our experts recommend cost $300 or less, you might want to consider other options in your search for a space-saving appliance.

Alternatives to small air fryers

If your kitchen space is extremely limited, you might want to consider an appliance that has multiple functions so you can really make the most of your bench space.

Multi-cookers

As the name suggests, these multi-talented kitchen appliances can be used for many tasks, including slow cooking, pressure cooking, steaming, cooking rice, and some newer models even have air fryer functions as well.

Benchtop ovens

These are exactly what they sound like – an oven that’s small enough to sit on the bench in your kitchen. Some models have air fryer capabilities, but unfortunately we’ve found that they generally don’t perform as well at air frying as standalone air fryers or multi-cookers.

However, if you’re looking for an oven replacement for a small space, you might find that they do a good-enough job of air frying while ticking other boxes that are important to you.

What are the best small air fryers?

We independently test and review dozens of new kitchen appliances each year in our onsite kitchen lab, and our experts know exactly what to look for to help you find the best product.

If you’re not yet a member, join ����Vlog to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews, from fridges and freezers, toasters and TVs, kettles and cots, and more.

Or log in to unlock this article and find out which small air fryers are the best buys. Our detailed air fryer testing data is available exclusively for ����Vlog members.

The post The best small air fryers from our tests  appeared first on ����Vlog.

While air fryers have just one job – air frying your food – multi-cookers have a whole host of features, allowing you to roast, grill, slow cook, saute, pressure cook, steam and cook rice. Sounds a bit like one of those TV infomercials, right?

But wait, there’s more: some multi-cookers now also have an air fryer mode!

That’s right – for the low, low price of $500 to $700, you get one machine that replaces up to 14 different kitchen appliances, including an air fryer. 

And if you buy one today you’ll also get a cupboard full of accessories, including a cook and crisp basket, steaming basket, grill tray, trivet, measuring cup, serving spoon, condensation cup and more!

But what if you don’t want something that complicated? A straightforward air fryer can cost much less (under $50 for a Kmart Anko cheapie) and may do exactly what you need it to – and nothing you don’t.

So is it worth paying the extra for a multifunctional marvel? Or are you better off just buying an affordable air fryer and sticking with your existing appliances?

We’ll tell you everything you need to know to decide if a multi-cooker (with air fryer mode) or a standalone air fryer is the right appliance for you.

What do multi-cookers and air fryers do?

Multi-cookers

Perhaps a better question would be: what ��DZ����’t a multi-cooker do? 

Some boast as many as 14 functions, from air frying and baking through to more niche functions like yoghurt making and sous vide cooking. 

But do you really need that many functions? Or will you end up only switching on your whizz-bang new appliance when you need to air fry?

Depending on exactly what you want to do with it and how much you want to pay, you could opt for a model with fewer functions – after all, just how often do you think you’ll be making yoghurt from scratch or dehydrating your own jerky?

But the flipside is that a multifunction machine can replace multiple appliances, giving you your cupboard space back and streamlining your kitchen. 

“Multi-cookers can replace appliances such as a slow cooker, pressure cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sous vide, air fryer, and oven for roasting meats and vegetables. Some can also grill and sear and can be used instead of a cooktop,” says ����Vlog home economist Fiona Mair.

“The type of functions available will vary between models, so choose one that has functions that suit your style of cooking.”

Air fryers

Some air fryers now have multiple functions, too.

“We are starting to see air fryers with a steaming function which is perfect for steaming vegetables, chicken, fish, dumplings, and more,” says Fiona. 

Even without a steam function, air fryers aren’t just for cooking chips and nuggets: you can use them to make banana bread, soft-boiled eggs, pizza, roasted nuts and chickpeas, and more. 

Here are seven weird air fryer recipes that we trialled to see if they work.

Air fryers: Pros and cons

Pros:

• Quick to heat up so you can have dinner on the table faster
• Simple to use
• Good for smaller households
• Can be used as an alternative to an oven for very small kitchens, caravans, granny flats, etc
• No bulky accessories to store
• Smaller models take up less space than multi-cookers

Cons:

• May not have a large enough capacity for bigger households
• Can be tricky to clean
• Not set and forget: you need to regularly shake the food for maximum crispness
• Depending on the configuration, they may not fit as much food as you expect
• Larger models can take up a lot of bench space

“If you’re wanting to replace your oven with an air fryer or reduce the amount of cooking in the oven then I would recommend you invest in a larger air fryer, perhaps with dual drawers so you can cook different foods at the same time,” says Fiona.

“Air fryers that have shelves and look like little ovens are great for one-shelf cooking but are not the best for food that requires shaking unless it has a rotating basket. This type is harder to clean and can come with accessories that are annoying to clean and store.”

Multi-cookers: Pros and cons

Pros:

• Versatile
• Replace multiple appliances
• Larger capacity
• Can be left unattended in slow cook mode
• A good multi-cooker can do lots of tasks well
• Many models come with air fryer mode so can replace a standalone air fryer

Cons:

• Can be tricky to clean – especially the steam valve for the pressure cooker
• Lots of accessories to store
• Large footprint
• Heavy and bulky
• Steeper learning curve, especially when using pressure cooker mode

“A multi-cooker isn’t the nicest-looking bench appliance, so you may want to store it away when not in use,” says Fiona.

“However, if you think you’ll use the air fryer function often, then it might be easier to leave out on the bench – they’re not easy to haul in and out of the cupboard every time you want to use them.

“While you might like the idea of an appliance that can do everything, have a think about whether an all-in-one multi-cooker is the best option, or whether you’d be better off having a standalone air fryer that stays on the bench plus a multi-cooker that doesn’t air fry in the cupboard.

“There are pros and cons to both scenarios.”

Do multi-cookers with air fryer mode work as well as standalone air fryers?

Some product mash-ups have been wildly successful – think phones and cameras, and touchscreen laptops that double as tablets. Others are more questionable: ever heard of the Evian water bra? There’s a reason for that. 

And the jury is still out on the Dyson Zone Absolute+, which is an unusual combination of headphones and an air purifier. (Rumour has it that the company had to clarify that the product was not, in fact, an April Fool’s joke.)

So is combining air frying with yoghurt making a good idea, or will you just end up with an appliance that does both poorly?

Fortunately these multifunction machines are one of the good mash-ups. 

“We’ve found the results to be very good to excellent,” says Fiona. “They tend to perform just as well as any standalone appliance.”

And while they might cost more upfront than single-function appliances, it could actually save you, too. 

“When you consider the cost of these appliances separately, you could be paying a lot more,” says Fiona. “And you’d have to find room to store all the standalone appliances if you buy them separately.”

A tale of two appliances

Having an air fryer or a multi-cooker in your kitchen will make life easier – but what about having both?

“I have a Ninja multi-cooker with an air fryer function which does about a hundred things and also works great as an air fryer, but it is very heavy and bulky,” says Pru, ����Vlog’s audience and engagement editor and busy parent of two.

“I don’t want to leave it on my benchtop but it’s annoying to get in and out of the cupboard.

“To me, the best aspect of an air fryer is having food that’s perfectly cooked and ready to go quickly, so I wanted a smaller air fryer I could just keep on the bench and pop things in while I’m cooking dinner for the kids.”

Pru uses her multi-cooker more often in winter for pressure cooking, slow cooking and as a rice cooker, so she says it doesn’t make sense to keep it on the bench year-round.

“I bought a smaller, lighter air fryer and it just lives on our bench. It’s much easier to move around and clean, and is great for chips and nuggets for the kids, fish fillets, drumsticks, crispy kale and cauliflower, and more.”

What to consider when buying a multi-cooker or air fryer

Just as every household is different, so is every home cook. Make sure you’re clear on what you want from a kitchen appliance before you start looking for something that does everything under the sun. 

Here’s what Fiona suggests you ask yourself before you buy.

1. How many people are you cooking for?

Air fryers can be great for singles and small households, but may not have the capacity for cooking for crowds. (And if you need to make big batches, you already have a large air fryer in your kitchen: your oven.) 

Multi-cookers hold a lot more, so if you’re a one- or two-person household, they might be overkill for air frying small quantities of food.

2. How do you like to cook? 

You can only cook one meal or one type of food at a time in a multi-cooker, so think about whether that suits how you tend to cook. 

For instance, if you’re using your multi-cooker to slow cook a meal for eight hours, you won’t be able to whip up a batch of chicken nuggets to feed the kids until it’s done.

It’s much the same for air fryers, though: you can only really cook one type of food at a time, unless you have a dual-drawer air fryer (like this Kmart twin air fryer) or one with a flexi zone that lets you cook using two different times and temperatures. But obviously an air fryer has far fewer functions than a multi-cooker.

3. How big is your kitchen? 

Multi-cookers are generally quite large, and their round shape can make them awkward to store. Plus, you’ll need somewhere to keep the accessories, some of which can be quite bulky. 

However, they can replace multiple appliances so you’ll need much less storage space than if you had a standalone slow cooker, air fryer, pressure cooker and so on.

Some air fryers do have large footprints, but if space is at a premium you can opt for a smaller size, or even a stacked two-drawer model like the Ninja DoubleStack XXXL.

4. Where will you put it? 

Multi-cookers can be large and heavy, so they’re not the kind of appliance you’ll want to haul in and out of the cupboard every time you want to cook. 

You can pick up an air fryer that’s lighter and smaller than a multi-cooker if you want something to use every day. But if batch-cooked meals are in high rotation in your household, you might decide that your multi-cooker more than earns the space on your benchtop.

“If you want an air fryer, it’s best to use it as a permanent bench fixture so you can access it easily for quick heating and cooking,” says Fiona.

“A twin basket with a steamer makes the air fryer more versatile, which is something to consider.”

5. What kind of foods do you want to cook? 

If you just want crispy food, then you only need an air fryer – and there’s not much point paying for all the extra functions in a multi-cooker if you’re not going to use them. 

But if you want to cook a variety of meals using a range of different cooking techniques, a multi-cooker is the way to go.

Air fryers and multi-cookers compared: Which is best for which task?

Here are the benefits of a multi-cooker over an air fryer:

• You can batch cook, which is a great way to save money and time
• They’re very versatile so you can use them for many different dishes and ways of cooking, while air fryers only do one thing
• Slow cooker mode means you can prep meals ahead of time and come home to an already-cooked dinner
• Buying multiple appliances in one is cheaper than buying each one separately – and you’ll only need to store one appliance rather than several

Here’s where air fryers have the edge over multi-cookers:

• They can be cheaper
• Since they only have one function, they’re easier to learn how to use
• Some have a smaller footprint than multi-cookers
• There are a range of sizes to suit different households – whereas multi-cookers are generally all quite large

Expert verdict: air fryer or multi-cooker?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here: it depends on how you like to cook and what’s important to you in a kitchen appliance. 

“I think a multi-cooker can be a good option for someone who has limited bench space, or a small kitchen with very few appliances,” says Fiona. 

“If you don’t already have a slow cooker, pressure cooker, air fryer, and rice cooker but you’re interested in using these cooking methods, or if you want to consolidate a number of appliances into one, then I would definitely consider a multi-cooker with air fryer mode. 

“But if you just want crispy food, then you’ll only need a standalone air fryer.”

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