“I’m just using the blender I’m testing for ����Vlog!” I yelled back (shouted conversations between rooms seems to be a common mode of communication in our family).

I’m not surprised she thought our neighbour was hacking down some trees. The Ninja Blendboss blender is loud. 

My daughter was referring to the (admittedly clever) way the blender noisily whirrs through cycles of pausing, pulsing and blending, based on a series of smart programs you can select (more on that later). I guess in a way it does simulate someone using a chainsaw, on and off.

Is it unreasonably loud for a powerful blender? Probably not. I’ve had a much-treasured, high-powered Vitamix for 10 years now and my husband continuously complains about how loud it is. I’d say this one is on par, and considering the great results it creates in the blended concoctions I’ve been making, and its compact size, I’m willing to overlook the noise. 

But I’m getting ahead of myself. First, what is the Ninja BlendBoss? It’s a personal blender that blends smoothies, shakes and frozen drinks directly into a 760ml travel tumbler. It currently retails for $199.

Once your drink is ready, you flip the tumbler the right way up, swap the lid with stainless steel blades for a leakproof lid and a straw, and off you go. Tumblers of this ilk, merging functionality with fashion, have become painfully trendy, thanks to “clean girl” aesthetics and many a wellness influencer touting one on the way to the gym in head-to-toe colour-coordinated athleisure wear (the BlendBoss even comes in five cute colours so you can match your top with your tumbler). 

But does it actually blend well and is it worth the $199 price tag? Here are my observations.

It is easy to use

My first observation about the BlendBoss (apart from the slightly cringe moniker): it couldn’t be simpler to use. After glancing at the instructions, I went ahead and filled the tumbler with my ingredients and selected one of the three preprogrammed smart “Auto IQ” programs which are designed to make either a smoothie, a crushed ice/frozen drink, or a blend (of fruits, veggies and liquids for drinks or purees for example). There is also a pulse function.

Each of the functions, apart from the pulse, is a timed cycle that finishes automatically. Once the blender has completed the selected program, you just turn the tumbler over and add your lid and straw. All the detachable components are easy to rinse and are dishwasher safe. 

It is powerful

The reason for the chainsaw-like volume becomes clear when you realise this compact blender packs an impressive 1100 watts of power. While a high wattage isn’t the only factor that will influence a blender’s performance, this level of power is higher than any other personal blender we’ve tested in our latest review.

It also comes close to the power of top-end full-size blenders – some personal blenders in our review have anywhere from 300 watts of power up to Ninja Nutribullet which has 1000W , while the full-size Vitamix E310 Explorian high-performance blender, which costs $699, is 1200W. 

To get this amount of power for a $200 price tag in such a compact unit (it’s significantly smaller than my Vitamix) is impressive.

And the results? All the blends and purees I made were super smooth. Even when I challenged it with the curly nemesis of many blenders – tough, fibrous leaves of kale – it blended them with frozen mango and coconut water with ease to create a silky smoothie with close to zero bits in it.

����Vlog experts know that blending kale is a task many blenders struggle with, which is why we give each blender we test in our labs a green smoothie score (no one should have to chew through their smoothie).

We haven’t yet tested this blender in our labs, but I’m confident it would rate well (stay tuned for full results once our experts have had time to conduct a series of tests).

A warning – the blender comes with suction-cup feet on its base and you better ensure those suckers are stuck to your kitchen counter before you blend (otherwise, expect it to start “walking” across your benchtop). When fully assembled, the entire unit weighs just 2.48kg, with the empty tumbler weighing a very manageable 600g. 

The tumbler and straw are handy, but may not be right for everyone  

This appliance is obviously designed for people on the go – the tumbler is light and the base fits handily into car cup holders. It even has a handle (see image).

My daughter also enjoyed using the straw to sip straight out of the container, while I enjoyed the fact she was sipping from a mostly spill-proof container on the couch.

I like to just make my smoothie and enjoy it at home while it’s freshly blended, though, so this is less of a compelling feature for me. 

Speaking of, my daily smoothie-making is mostly because I have two young kids to feed. While the 760ml tumbler is a large serving for one person, it’s not large enough to make enough for us to share between three.

So, great for individual servings, but if you’re making smoothies for multiple people or wanting a blender you can use for meal prep, you should consider one with a larger container. 

The price tag is justified

Is this the cheapest personal blender out there? No. We’ve tested a mini portable USB-powered blender from Kmart for $15 that received a ����Vlog Expert Rating of 79% in our testing, which could meet your needs if you’re after something cheap and basic. Two hundred dollars is pretty expensive for a personal blender, however I was really impressed with the performance and the quality of the components, and it comes with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty. 

Sure, you’re probably paying a little extra for the pretty colours and the brand name, but if you want to spend that cash so you can look great while sipping your purple protein blend, we won’t judge.

Is it worth buying?

If you’re often mixing up smoothies, protein shakes or frozen margaritas, and you value convenience, portability and aesthetics, the BlendBoss could well be up your alley if it fits within your price range.

If you prefer blending larger amounts of smoothies, or you want a blender you can use for a wider variety of meal prep tasks, it may be worth looking at other models instead.

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If you’re serious about your chips, you might be wondering which type or brand of air fryer you should buy to give you the most golden, crunchy results.

We selflessly cooked up batches of frozen chips in different air fryers to find out – it’s all part of the rigorous testing we conduct in the ����Vlog labs to discover which are the best air fryers, and which are the low-fliers. 

Air fryers aren’t one-trick ponies made just for hot chips. We also test each air fryer on how well it cooks crumbed chicken, marinated chicken and roast pork, and assess how easy they are to use and clean, and how much they cost to run. 

But if you’re here solely because you’re a serious chip champion, we get it. So read on as we delve into how some other air fryers compare on their chip cooking performance.

Plus, our kitchen expert shares some tips to help you achieve chip perfection.

On this page:

• What makes the perfect air fryer hot chip?
• Which air fryer makes the best chips?
• How to make the best air fryer chips
• Can you make your own air fryer chips?

What makes the perfect air fryer hot chip?

Our expert testers rate each air fryer on how well it cooks store-bought frozen thick-cut chips. 

Some air fryers score a hot 100% in the chip test, while other machines score as low as 60%. One even scored a soggy 40%.

We want our chips to be perfectly crisp and browned on the outside with a fluffy centre. Evenly cooked and golden chips are the ideal, while pale, limp, patchy coloured or burnt chips get the thumbs down from our testers.

“When we assess each air fryer on how well it cooks hot chips, we follow the cooking instructions specified for that machine, if any are provided, and use the pre-programmed setting if there is one,” says ����Vlog kitchen expert Fiona Mair. 

“Once cooked, we assess the chips on how evenly they are cooked and browned, with points deducted for sogginess, burnt areas or undercooked insides. The perfect hot chip should have an even golden colour and crispness.”

Which air fryer makes the best chips?

Three air fryers we’ve tested in the ����Vlog kitchen labs scored a perfect 100% on chip cooking performance: 

• Philips 7000 Series Air fryer Combi XXXL Connected ($699)
• Ninja Foodi 11-IN-1 6L Multi Cooker (used in air fryer mode) ($350)
• Braun MultiFry 3 Digital Airfryer ($99)

And these scored 95%, which is still rated as ‘Excellent’ by our experts.

• Ninja Foodi SmartLid Multi Cooker (used in air fryer mode) ($450)
• Ninja 4.7L Air Fryer Pro ($450)
• Ninja Air Fryer Pro XL 6.2L ($200)

These air fryers scored 90% for cooking hot chips. This score is also rated as ‘Excellent’ by our experts.

• Ninja Combi 14-in-1 Multicooker ($500)
• Philips 5000 Series Dual Basket Airfryer ($499)
• Breville the Air Fryer Chef Compact ($179)
• Philips 3000 Series Dual Basket Airfryer ($399)
• Russell Hobbs Satisfry 9L Dual Basket Air Fryer ($200)

How to make the best air fryer chips

“The key to hot chip perfection is how well the air fryer circulates the heat around the food, and the shaking or rotating of the food during cooking,” says Fiona.

Here are her tips to get the perfect air fryer hot chips: 

• Buy an air fryer with a pre-programmed chip setting and one that either has a rotating basket that will turn the chips for you during cooking, or sounds an alert to remind you to shake the food during cooking.
• If you’re using an air fryer with a pull-out basket, shaking the basket is essential, otherwise your chips will be unevenly cooked. 
• Don’t crowd chips in the basket – give them enough space to crisp nicely.
• If your model requires it, make sure your air fryer is preheated correctly.

Can you make your own air fryer chips?

As a healthier alternative to store-bought frozen chips, you can cut your own potatoes into fries or chunky chips to cook in the air fryer. 

Soak them in water for about 10 minutes, then pat dry with paper towel.

Toss in a small amount of olive oil and salt, then cook in your air fryer using the preprogrammed settings or for about 18 minutes at 200°C. 

If they’re still a bit pale or soggy, cook for a bit longer until they reach your desired crispiness. You can also try this method with sweet potato, or try making veggie chips with things like zucchini or carrot sticks. 

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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.

That’s why, for newer air fryer models, we now 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. 

44 models rated and ranked

Aldi (0) Bellini (0) Brabantia (1) Braun (2) Breville (2) Contempo (1) Crumble (1) Cuisinart (0) DeLonghi (0) Dreame (1) EasyCook (0) Gourmia (1) GreenPan (2) Healthy Choice (2) Heller (0) Kambrook (0) Kitchen Couture (1) Kmart Anko (1) Kogan (0) Magic Bullet (0) Miracle Chef (0) Ninja (10) Philips (7) Russell Hobbs (4) Smith + Nobel (0) Sunbeam (5) Taste The Difference (0) Tefal (2) Westinghouse (1)

Show more

Brabantia

Digital Air Fryer 5.5 Litre BBEK1131

Braun

MultiFry 3 Digital Airfryer HF3030

Braun

TwinCook 5 TD5030BK

Breville

the Air Fryer Chef Compact LAF535BSS2IAN1

Breville

LAF600BSS2IAN1 the Air Fryer Chef Plus

Contempo

Digital Slimline Air Fryer 8L CTAF510

Crumble

Air fryer CCAF6LAU1

Dreame

Tasti Air Fryer PT60

Gourmia

7.6L Digital Air Fryer GAF858

GreenPan

Bistro Air Fryer with See-Thru Lid CC009068-001

GreenPan

Bistro XXL Air fryer

Healthy Choice

6.5L Digital Air Fryer AFG605

Healthy Choice

7L Digital Air Fryer AFW705

Kitchen Couture

Dual View Stainless Steel Air Fryer Silver 10L

Kmart Anko

4L Air Fryer Space Saving AF4002

Ninja

Foodi SmartLid Multi Cooker OL650 (air fryer mode)

Ninja

Foodi 11-IN-1 6L Multi Cooker OP350ANZ (air fryer mode)

Ninja

4.7L Air Fryer Pro AF141ANZ

Ninja

Air Fryer Pro XL 6.2L AF181ANZ

Ninja

Combi 14-in-1 Multicooker SFP701ANZ (air fryer mode)

Ninja

DoubleStack XXXL 9.5L 2 Drawer Air Fryer SL400

Ninja

XXXL FlexDrawer Air Fryer AF500

Ninja

Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer AF300ANZ

Ninja

Crispi FN101ST

Ninja

Foodi Max XXXL Dual Zone Air Fryer AF400

Philips

5000 Series Dual Basket Airfryer NA551/00

Philips

3000 Series Dual Basket Airfryer NA352/00

Philips

Air Fryer Essential HD9200/21

Philips

Essential Airfryer XL HD9270/21

Philips

Airfryer 2000 series 6.2L NA230/00

Philips

7000 Series Air fryer Combi XXXL Connected HD9880/90

Philips

Air fryer 5000 Series XL HD9280

Russell Hobbs

Satisfry 5.5L Air Fryer RHAF2762

Russell Hobbs

SatisFry Air Fry & Grill Multicooker RHMCAF40 (air fryer mode)

Russell Hobbs

Satisfry 9L Dual Basket Air Fryer RHAF2768

Russell Hobbs

SatisFry Air Extra Large 8L Air Fryer 27170AU

Sunbeam

SteamFry Air Fryer + Steam AFP4600BK

Sunbeam

Nutricrisp 17L Air Fryer Oven COM3600BK (air fryer mode)

Sunbeam

22L Multi Function Oven + Air Fryer BT7200

Sunbeam

Multi Zone Air Fryer AFP6000BK

Sunbeam

Alinea Max DiamondForce 7.5L Air Fryer AFP4570DF

Tefal

Easy Fry Silence Essential Air Fryer 5L EY551H

Tefal

Easy Fry Grill & Steam FW201860

Westinghouse

7.5 Litre XXL Opti-Fry Air Oven WHOF11KS

Include discontinued models (55)

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 – check out experts’ verdict on them here.  

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, depending on their additional features
• 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: $200

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

Sunbeam Nutricrisp 17L Air Fryer Oven COM3600BK

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 69%
• Claimed capacity: 17L
• Price: $149

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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Although they perform more like mini-ovens than deep fryers, they can be used to cook many food items you’d normally deep fry, shallow fry or grill.

And as air fryers have evolved and grown in popularity, so too have the things you can do in one. They can be used to make your own crispy fries from scratch, cook frozen foods such as chicken nuggets, and grill smaller cuts of meat, as well as roast or bake them. 

Here we explain how air fryers work, what you can cook in them, the controls and features to look out for, and much more.

On this page:

• How do air fryers work?
• Is an air fryer worth it?
• What to look for in an air fryer
• Things to consider before buying
• What can you cook in an air fryer?
• Can you put baking paper and foil in an air fryer?

How do air fryers work?

An air fryer is a small benchtop oven that circulates hot, dry air to produce crispy food, much like a wall oven in fan-forced mode. Just like with an oven, food being cooked in an air fryer needs to be regularly rotated or shaken to ensure even browning. 

There are three different ways this is achieved, depending on the design of your air fryer.

1. Pull-out drawer

Air fryers with a pull-out drawer and basket require manual shaking every five minutes or so to ensure even cooking. If the model doesn’t have a timer or alert to remind you to shake your food, you’ll need to make an effort to remember this yourself. These models are best for foods you’d normally shallow fry or grill, such as fish, chicken, meatballs, vegetables and crumbed foods.

2. Stirrer

Self-stirring air fryers have a paddle that gradually stirs the food around the bowl throughout the cooking process. This eliminates the need to manually shake the food, but some models stir better than others and it’s still possible to end up with unevenly browned food or items that have been bent or distorted by the stirrer.

These models are best for foods that are usually deep fried, shallow fried or baked, such as small portions of meat, vegetables or chips. Some models may come with an extra bowl without a paddle suitable for roasting meats or even baking a cake.

3. Rotating basket multi-cooker

These more versatile air fryers have a rotating basket that automatically rotates the food inside. They include accessories that allow for additional functions such as roasting, baking and grilling. Some models can even cook a whole chicken.

How much do air fryers cost?

Air fryers we’ve tested cost anywhere from $49 up to $699.

Is an air fryer worth it?

An air fryer would best suit:

• people living in one-person or small households
• university students living in accommodation with no kitchen
• people living in a caravan, campervan or a home with no oven
• those who like to reheat food more than cook
• teenagers (who can be trusted with such an appliance) wanting an afternoon snack
• home cooks who enjoy experimenting with crispy foods such as vegetable chips (think sweet potato or kale)
• people who struggle with hot kitchens in the summer, as an air fryer doesn’t heat up a room like an oven does.

You probably don’t need an air fryer if:

• you have a large household and you already have an oven, a grill and a cooktop
• you want to cook battered foods (an air fryer can’t replace a deep fryer).

Do you need a double basket or dual air fryer?

This depends on how many people you’re cooking for.

Dual air fryers have two separate cooking baskets side-by-side. They allow you to cook two different food types at the same time using different cooking functions and temperature settings.

You can even set up each basket to finish cooking at the same time. The idea is that you can cook a complete meal in one go, but this may only be the case if you’re cooking for two people.

If you’re cooking for a family, you might find that you need both baskets to cook only one type of food. In this case you may be better off with a single basket air fryer that has a larger cooking capacity.

Newer models, however, are offering more versatility by using a removable divider. This means you can use the air fryer as two separate cooking zones, or simply remove the divider to create a large cooking area to cook one type of food.

What to look for in an air fryer

Space

First, make sure you know how much bench space you have available. Air fryers come in different shapes and sizes and some models are quite large. If you plan on using you air fryer regularly, it will require a permanent spot on your benchtop. 

Be aware that top-opening models could be out of the running if you have restricted space above the bench, as the lid needs to be opened upwards. 

If you’re planning to pack your air fryer away after use, look for a compact size with a uniform shape to slot easily into a cupboard.

Claimed capacity or volume

Take the manufacturer’s claimed measurements with a grain of salt as the claimed capacity or volume can be misleading. 

Some manufacturers measure the whole space inside the air fryer and not the actual usable capacity. 

A ’10-litre’ model may only be able to cook about 500g of chips and a ‘2500-gram’ model won’t actually be able to accommodate that weight of food.

Viewing window and internal light

A viewing window and internal light means you won’t lose heat by continually opening the drawer or door to check on the food. And since air fryers are becoming more multi-functional with the ability to cook more sensitive foods like bread and cakes, viewing the food without having to open the drawer/door is more important.

Pre-programmed settings

An air fryer with pre-programmed settings gives you more options for what you can cook, and it also takes the guesswork out of deciding which temperature setting to choose and how long to cook the food.

Instructions

Comprehensive instructions with guides and recipes will go a long way towards ensuring you get the most out of your air fryer. Having access to recipes with step-by-step instructions (whether it’s through an app or a recipe booklet provided with the air fryer) will help you get the most out of your air fryer.

Cleaning

If you clean your air fryer after each use, this will help to ensure that grease and grime don’t build up in the cooking cavity. Air fryer parts are reasonably easy to clean and usually fit into a domestic sink. Most parts are dishwasher-safe, but they’re also easily cleaned by hand if they have a non-stick coating.

Multi-functional models

If you’re looking for more versatility, there are models available with extra functions like steaming, dehydrating, grilling, baking and proving. There are also multi-cookers available with air fryer functionality. Consider how you cook and what functions and features you need – if you can combine the functionality you need in one appliance it’ll save you kitchen space.

Controls

There are two types of controls: dial or digital. 

Dial controls are more basic and less accurate, consisting of just a temperature dial and a timer dial that dings when the timer ends. Look for a timer that can be set for longer than 30 minutes. 

Digital controls have a touch display with an accurate timer, temperature readings and some may also have pre-programmed settings. Look for models with easy-to-understand icons and an alarm that sounds when cooking is completed.

App connectivity

We’re starting to see models with app connectivity. It’s not a “must-have” feature but it can be handy. If it’s something you’re interested in, consider how you want to use the app. 

Some models connect to the air fryer via Bluetooth, allowing you to use the air fryer through your phone. Other models have an app that doesn’t connect to the air fryer – it simply provides information and step-by-step recipes for your particular model.

Should you buy a benchtop oven with air fryer functionality instead?

We’ve tested benchtop ovens that come with air fryer functionality but they usually don’t perform very well in our air fryer testing. 

They don’t do as well for chips or foods that require shaking or turning constantly, because when the oven door is opened, heat is lost and the food is unable to crisp and brown evenly.

However, they do often perform well for grilling and roasting. 

If you’re considering a benchtop oven with air fryer functionality, look for one that has a rotating basket and wire shelves to allow for better airflow during cooking.

Are air fryers a sustainable appliance?

Air fryers are smaller in size compared to ovens so they generally heat up quicker as their element sits close to the basket. Some manufacturers even say you don’t need to pre-heat them. 

In some cases, cooking time can be faster in comparison to an oven, and this makes an air fryer more energy-efficient.

However, this does depend on the quantity of food you’re cooking. 

If you need to cook multiple batches to complete your meal, it would no longer be the most efficient option. In this case, you may be better off using your oven where you can cook the whole meal at once and potentially also save time.

Things to consider if you’re buying an air fryer

• Unless you buy a double basket (or dual) air fryer, you can only cook one food at a time.
• Because the element sits close to the basket it can overcook and dry out food.
• The size of the cooking area can be restrictive, so you’ll need to make sure the food can fit in the drawer/cavity – in some cases it may be better to use an oven with fan-forced mode.
• Air fryers generally have a smaller capacity than an oven, so you might need to cook multiple batches, especially if you’re cooking in larger quantities. 
• Most air fryers don’t have a viewing window so you can’t see what’s happening during cooking. 
• It can take some trial and error to get the time and temperature for cooking right.
• They can take up quite a lot of space – consider that your air fryer might be a permanent fixture on your bench or make sure you’ll have the space to store it before you buy.
• Some air fryers can use more energy than an oven.

What can you cook in an air fryer?

Air fryers use dry heat so they’re great for cooking foods that require roasting or baking. And if you want to cook traditionally deep-fried food without all the oil, they’re great for that too. 

When air fryers were first released they were marketed more as a great way to cook pre-fried frozen foods like chips, nuggets and battered fish. 

But as they have become more popular, there’s been a lot more experimenting in the kitchen. Now you can join online communities where they share recipes and tips for getting the most out of your air fryer. 

Lovers of air frying also boast that you can make whole meals with one, roasting meat, baking fish and veggies and even making cakes, desserts, granola and roasting nuts is all possible in an air fryer. 

Keep in mind that air fryers produce high temperatures in a small space very quickly, so you may need to adjust cooking times to avoid burning food. 

Do you need to add oil?

You’ll only need up to one tablespoon of oil for one kilogram of fresh food when cooking with an air fryer. While oil adds flavour to food, it isn’t needed if you’re cooking pre-cooked frozen foods.

Can you reheat food in an air fryer?

Air fryers are great for reheating, especially if it’s food that you want to keep crispy and not soggy, like pizza and battered foods. Because heat is directed from the top of the air fryer you my find the base to be lacking the usual crispiness you’d expect from a conventional oven.

How many chips can you make in an air fryer?

An air fryer may look like a big appliance, but the actual capacity is much less than an oven. 

Depending on the capacity of the model, you can make between 500g and 1kg of chips, which is enough for two to four people. 

Be aware that the manufacturer’s claimed capacity may sometimes be misleading. For example, a ’10 litre’ model may only be able to cook around 500g of chips. 

Check the specifications for ‘working capacity’ or ‘cooking capacity’ to get a better idea of how much the air fryer can cook at one time.

Tips for homemade chips

To achieve the perfect crunchy chip, cut the chips evenly and soak in water for at least 30 minutes to remove the starch. Then dry completely by laying them out on a tea towel in a single layer. Place them in a bowl and toss through oil until evenly coated. Cook according to the instructions for your air fryer.

Can you use baking paper and foil in an air fryer?

Always check the manufacturer’s instructions before using baking paper or foil in your air fryer. While it is possible, you need to be careful with it and consider the effect it can have on the end cooking result.

Some manufacturers recommend against using baking paper or foil because by covering the bottom of the basket, you could disrupt and reduce airflow and in turn affect cooking performance. 

If the manufacturer’s instructions allow it, lining the bottom of your basket with baking paper can be great if you’re cooking sticky and greasy foods that would otherwise stick to the basket, like marinated chicken wings.

Not only does the baking paper act as a non-stick surface, but it can also mean less mess to clean up when cooking is finished (for this reason it’s also great when cooking crumbed foods). 

Do not use baking paper or foil during pre-heat – because the air fryer is circulating hot air, the baking paper or foil could potentially fly up into the heating element and burn. Only use it once it’s weighted down by the food you’re cooking.

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The types of air fryers, and range of features, are expanding rapidly, with brands doing everything they can to capture the dollars of air fryer fans: there are vertical dual-basket designs, smart app integration and cooking features such as steaming, reheating and more. 

Now, to meet the consumer demand for cooking equipment and appliances made with non-toxic materials, we’re seeing a new trend on the air fryer scene: glass air fryers. These models swap traditional non-stick baskets for glass containers or baskets.

Offering benefits such as more visible cooking, easier cleaning and a naturally non-stick, PFAS-free surface, they certainly tick a lot of boxes. But are they better than conventional air fryers? 

����Vlog experts have tested dozens of air fryers in our kitchen labs, including several models with glass components, and they think there are a few things you should know before buying one.

What are glass air fryers?

Glass air fryers cook in the same way as traditional air fryers, but they have a transparent glass bowl or basket instead of a traditional plastic drawer with a non-stick coating. 

“We’re seeing more glass air fryers come onto the market in Australia and expect to see more,” says ����Vlog kitchen expert Chantelle Dart.

“They seem to be growing in popularity for people who want to avoid non-stick chemical coatings, and they offer other benefits such as being easy to clean and easier to view your food as it cooks.”

Chantelle says that if you’re after an air fryer with a glass basket, there are a couple of different designs to consider. 

There’s the standard drawer type, like the Healthy Choice 6.5L Digital Air Fryer AFG605. And then there are models where the heating element sits on top of a glass container – this is the design that has been replicated in the new Ninja Crispi and the Dreame Tasti air fryers. 

Other brands to release air fryers with glass baskets or containers include Kmart Anko and Smith & Nobel. And Sunbeam has reimagined its traditional NutriOven (which traditionally uses a halogen lamp as the heat source) to one with a heating element, rebranding it as the NutriCrisp Glass Air Fryer.

“All these options have good visibility when cooking, which means you don’t have to stop cooking to see how your food is crisping up, says Chantelle.

“You still have to shake and turn the food halfway through cooking to get good results though, the same as you would with a traditional air fryer.”

And if you’re concerned about chemical coatings, Chantelle says a glass air fryer might not necessarily be entirely free of them.

“Some glass air fryers still have components, such as a crisping plate, that has a non-stick coating. The Dreame Tasti air fryer comes with a stainless steel crisping plate, which is preferable if you want to avoid non-stick coatings.”

Are glass basket air fryers better?

The performance of the glass air fryers we’ve tested in the ����Vlog kitchen labs is on par with non-glass air fryers, but Chantelle says there are a few pros and cons to be aware of.

“Glass air fryers are definitely a good option to consider if you want to avoid non-stick coatings, and the glass containers are easy to clean and wipe over,” she says. 

“But keep in mind, glass baskets can be heavier and slightly more difficult to manoeuvre and can get really hot.

“We have measured temperatures on these baskets of over 100 degrees, depending on the settings used, so you really need to exercise caution and follow the manufacturers’ safety instructions to ensure you don’t burn yourself.”

Chantelle recommends you buy a model that is made from thermal shock-resistant borosilicate glass so it can withstand these high temperatures, and ensure you are always following manufacturer’s instructions for use.  

Pros of glass basket air fryers

• You can see your food while it cooks (but you still need to shake and turn the food to ensure ultimate crispness).
• Greasy stains are more visible but glass is easy to clean and wipe over. Glass containers are also generally dishwasher-safe and you don’t have to worry about damaging, degrading or scratching a non-stick coating. 
• No PFAS/non-stick coatings on glass components (but other components such as crisper trays may still have non-stick coatings).
• Depending on the type you choose, glass containers are designed to double up as storage containers (some brands even include storage lids).
• Some glass air fryers come with different size containers so you can adapt the size of the container to what you’re cooking.

Cons of glass basket air fryers

• Exterior surfaces can get very hot. You may need to use oven mitts when operating.
• Glass adds significant weight compared with metal baskets, which can make the basket trickier to shake during cooking or more awkward to clean by hand.
• Some glass air fryers still have non-stick coatings on components such as crisper trays.
• There are currently fewer shapes and sizes to choose from, compared with traditional drawer-type air fryers.

����Vlog verdict

While glass air fryers appear to be a growing trend, for the time being there are still fewer options to choose from, which might make it harder to find one that suits your needs and budget.

The models we’ve tested perform well, and if you can find one in the right size and shape, with the features you need for the right price, it can be a good option, particularly if you want to avoid non-stick coatings.

A glass air fryer is not for everyone though, and could be unsuitable if you think you’ll have an issue with a heavier basket or extremely hot surfaces. 

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

But even though 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.

The 3.4L model has since been discontinued, but the company’s latest offering isn’t much better – though this one has a much larger capacity, 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 second-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 doing 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

(Tested in air fryer mode)

• ����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 as a benchtop oven (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 cooking crumbed chicken nuggets, which is virtually unforgivable in an air fryer. It scored just 55% on this test.

Fiona says 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 that this model is difficult to clean, it has no pre-programmed settings and has just two shelf positions. If you’re focused on air-frying capability, there are better options, even at this low price tag.

Read the full Sunbeam 22L Multi Function Oven + Air Fryer review.

Sunbeam Nutricrisp 17L Air Fryer Oven

(Tested in air fryer mode)

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 69%
• Performance score: 73%
• RRP: $149

Yes, you read that correctly: another Sunbeam (and another benchtop oven at that).

This one is $150 cheaper than the 22L model above, but even at half the price it’s no better a buy.

Hot chip lovers, avert your eyes: this one scored just 50% for cooking frozen thick-cut hot chips, making it the worst at that task of all the air fryers in our current review.

Nugget fans, you’re in luck: it’s excellent for cooking crumbed chicken nuggs – it’s up there with the best in our test. However, it’s at the bottom of the heap for ease of use: our experts found it hard to set the time and temperature accurately, the lack of an internal light means you can’t check your food, the lack of handles and grip area makes it difficult to lift, and it’s a pain to clean.

It’s also lacking stoppers on the wire shelves, so you could lose your lunch if you accidentally pull the shelves out all the way.

Benchtop ovens typically take up a lot of space and because they’re so big you can’t stash them in a cupboard. But do you really want to give up that much room in your kitchen for an appliance this disappointing?

We don’t think it’s worth the bench space or the money.

Read the full Sunbeam Nutricrisp 17L Air Fryer Oven review.

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Here are the five things our ����Vlog home economist Fiona Mair avoids doing as the seasoned owner of an air fryer. 

1. Forget to shake

If the foods you prepare in your air fryer aren’t cooking evenly, you’re probably not moving them around the basket as often as you should.

Turning larger items such as schnitzel and shaking smaller items like chips is necessary if you want to produce golden brown goodies.

“Some air fryers beep to remind you to shake the food,” says Fiona. “If not, you’ll need to set a timer to remind yourself to shake the basket every five minutes.”

2. Crowd the basket

Trying to fit too much in your air fryer is a recipe for disappointment.

An overfilled basket will stop the hot air that does the cooking from circulating properly, which can result in slower, uneven cooking and make foods soggy rather than crisp.

Do you want limp, steamed chips? No, we didn’t think so. 

But how much food is too much? Unfortunately, our testing often finds that claimed capacity can be misleading. That’s why our latest reviews include a measured usable capacity for the models we’ve tested, so be mindful of these findings when deciding how much to add to your air fryer.

We also measure the capacity of a single layer of food (chicken nuggets) to give our members an idea of the size of the basket. 

“We base this on the chicken nugget capacity,” explains Fiona. “Extra-large baskets can hold more than 30 nuggets, large baskets hold 25 to 29 nuggets, medium baskets hold 15 to 24 nuggets, and a small basket holds fewer than 15 nuggets.”

As mentioned above, for crispy, golden results you need to turn or shake your food as it cooks, but overcrowding stops this from being effective. 

“If your basket is overfilled, then shaking the food becomes difficult,” says Fiona.

“Food that requires turning, such as crumbed chicken nuggets, should be placed on a grill rack in a single layer and turned at least once.”

3. Subject it to the dishwasher

We get it, air fryer baskets can be large and bulky, making them awkward to clean by hand in a domestic sink. While many manufacturers will claim their air fryer baskets can be cleaned in the dishwasher, Fiona urges caution.

“Putting them in the dishwasher can damage the non-stick surface quite quickly due to the harsh detergents and prolonged exposure to hot water,” she says.

But that isn’t the only problem. “Damage to the non-stick coating may also release flakes of coating into your food when your air fryer is overheated to very high temperatures,” she says.

“You should also avoid using metal tongs and utensils to prevent scratching the non-stick coating. If the coating is scratched you may want to replace the basket.”

The non-stick coatings found on many air fryers are often made with PFAS – a group of widely used chemicals that are exceptionally resistant to oil, water, heat and stains and give many forms of cookware their non-stick properties. You may recognise the name of the specific PFAS used in cookware: PTFE, also known as Teflon.

It’s currently unclear if migration of PFAS chemicals in non-stick cookware into food harms human health. But if you’d prefer to avoid these types of coatings, look for an air fryer with a glass basket. 

In our latest review, we included two models with glass baskets – the Ninja Crispi and Dreame Tasti. While the baskets in both these products are glass, they also come with a crisping plate: the Ninja’s has a non-stick coating, but the Dreame’s is stainless steel.

The Dreame is also $100 cheaper than the Ninja model.

To see how their performance compares, check out our air fryer reviews.

4. Not clean it properly

Skipping the dishwasher doesn’t mean you can ignore the need for cleaning. 

While a conventional oven might only need to be cleaned every three to six months, depending on how much use it gets, an air fryer should be cleaned after every use.

Failing to do so can leave residue and crumbs that can burn, and leftover oil, which can smoke. This can affect your food’s flavour and can even pose a fire hazard. 

“After each use, clean around the fan and wipe inside the unit with warm soapy water and a microfibre cloth,” advises Fiona. Doing this while it’s still warm makes cleaning easier, too. 

Some air fryers also have special steam-cleaning functions that can make the job easier. 

Some people recommend silicone liners to help stop splatters, which will reduce the need for cleaning. However, they can prevent any oil from foods from draining away, and this can make your food less crispy.

In our most recent test, we found that the two air fryers with glass baskets – the Dreame Tasti and Ninja Crispi – were easier to clean than the other models, so if cleaning your air fryer is something you find bothersome, one of these products could be a good choice.

5. Forget about it in the cupboard

Unlike a fancy stand mixer, most air fryers aren’t very aesthetically pleasing, but putting them away in a cupboard can be a mistake. 

Air fryers are often heavy and bulky, so moving them from a cupboard to a benchtop can be hard work. That means you may be less likely to use them, making your investment a waste of money. 

“To get the most out of your air fryer, you might want to leave it out permanently,” advises Fiona.

“This, of course, depends on you having the space on your kitchen counter.”

A lack of space might also be a barrier to storing your air fryer in a cupboard, so bear these points in mind before you buy. 

Check out the pros and cons for each model in our air fryer reviews to read the tester’s comments on how bulky different models are and how easily they may fit into your cupboard. 

On the subject of space, make sure you position your air fryer so it isn’t against a wall, which can be a fire hazard.

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Owning one of these fridges represented having Made It In Life – if you had one, you’d reached the zenith of coolness (in more ways than one).

Fast forward to adulthood, and owning a fridge with a water and ice dispenser is still a somewhat-achievable symbol of affluence that many of us aspire to. Plus, they’re genuinely quite handy.

Here’s what you need to know about fridges with water and ice dispensers. Plus, exclusively for ����Vlog members, we’ll reveal which ones are worth the money.

If you want to find out which fridges with ice and water dispensers top our tests, join ����Vlog to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews. Already a member? You can jump straight to the results now.

How much do fridges with ice or water dispensers cost?

Most fridges with ice and water dispensers are either French-door or side-by-side models, which are generally at the more expensive end of the market.

And you will inevitably pay more for a fridge with fancy features – no surprises there.

A fridge with a water dispenser is likely to cost you a minimum of $1399 for a freezer-on-bottom model, and as much as $4500+ for a French-door fridge.

Add in an ice dispenser as well and costs goes up even further: $1899 for a side-by-side model and over $5000 for a French-door fridge.

(Prices based on the fridges in our current review.)

Do you want to give up the freezer space?

Those dispensers have to fit somewhere, and they’ll eat into the usable storage space in your fridge or freezer. 

An ice dispenser can take up almost 30% of your freezer space. For side-by-side fridges, this is an especially big issue because the freezer space is already quite narrow.

Given normal ice trays aren’t that difficult to use, you might ask yourself whether an ice dispenser is actually a must-have.

Of course, if you fancy yourself as a home bartender, an ice dispenser may be a must-have for you. And if you want to get really fancy, you can now get fridges that make “craft ice” – those huge spheres of ice you get in overpriced cocktails at trendy bars.

LG makes these fridges, and some Samsung fridges make ice cubes in two different sizes.

Can’t plumb water into your fridge? 

Fridges with these dispensers need to get their water from somewhere. Most need to be hooked up to the plumbing, which pretty well rules them out for renters. But some models can work around this.

We’re seeing more and more fridges with water and ice dispensers that don’t require plumbing. Instead, they have an internal water reservoir that does the same thing. You just need to remember to top it up.

These models typically offer only water or ice. Some can do both, but that’s not as common. We note which fridges offer these features without plumbing in our test results.

Tight on space? Options may be limited

You can find a regular-sized fridge with a water dispenser, but they’re less common than French-door or side-by-side styles. 

In our entire fridges review of more than 100 products, 18 fridges have both ice and water dispensers, 14 have a water dispenser only, and five have ice dispensers but not water dispensers.

Of those with water dispensers only, four are single-width (freezer-on-bottom style), and they don’t score as well as the larger fridges. Just two of the four ice-only fridges are single-width.

If you’re looking for an ice-dispensing fridge for a small space, you’ll have very few options.

Some freezer-on-top or freezer-on-bottom style fridges do come with an ice drawer, which is a good space-saving alternative to an ice dispenser that still allows you fast access to plenty of ice.

On the upside, single-width fridges cost less to run than French-door or side-by-side fridges. The 10-year running costs for French-door fridges in our current test range from $1248 to $2276. 

By comparison, the 10-year running costs for top- or bottom-mount fridges in our current test range from $612 to $1560. 

Australia’s best fridge brand

Which brand of fridge should you buy? By analysing our test results and taking member feedback into consideration, we’ve identified the best brands of the year. 

Here’s how the brands compare.

Best fridge brand 2025: Mitsubishi Electric

Best fridge brand 2025 scores:

• Mitsubishi Electric – 78%
• LG – 75%
• Samsung – 74%
• Fisher & Paykel – 71%
• Westinghouse – 71%

What are the best fridges with water and ice dispensers?

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

Only ����Vlog members can access our detailed fridges testing data. 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 to find out which fridges with ice and water dispensers we rate as the pick of the bunch.

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There’s no need to reinvent the wheel when you’ve got a good thing going, and for years KitchenAid has stuck with the tried and true flagship Artisan mixer. That is, until now.

With the release of the Artisan Plus, KitchenAid has made the first major advancements to this model since 1955, with new features designed to improve precision, control and visibility. But are these features genuinely useful and worth upgrading for?

����Vlog kitchen expert Chantelle Dart is currently putting this mixer to the test against rival brands Kenwood, Kmart Anko, Breville and more. Full results will be published soon in our kitchen stand mixer reviews, but here Chantelle shares her first impressions.

What’s new in the KitchenAid Artisan Plus?

At a glance, the Artisan Plus looks just like any other KitchenAid mixer. Same sturdy construction, same aesthetically pleasing look. 

Like other KitchenAid mixers, it’s manufactured in the USA, comes with a 5-year warranty on the motor and is available in a range of colours. 

The advancements come in the area of functionality, with a focus on improving precision, control and visibility.

Integrated LED bowl light

This is the only mixer in the KitchenAid line-up to have a built-in bowl light.

The light sits above the mixing bowl, illuminating the contents of the stainless steel bowl to improve visibility. 

Chantelle says this is a welcome feature. “The light illuminates the bowl more clearly and gives you better visibility over whatever you’re mixing, whipping or kneading,” she reports.

“This means you can check how the ingredients are developing without having to stop the mixer partway through to look.”

Precision speed control

����Vlog experts have found that the traditional speed control lever on earlier models of KitchenAid mixers can be a bit stiff to operate.

This control has been redesigned on the Artisan Plus.

You can either stick to the traditional ‘click’ speeds, or twist the lever’s cap to more smoothly transition between speeds, allowing for gradual and precise speed control.

Double-edged silicone beater

Current KitchenAid owners may be familiar with the standard single-side beater accessory with the flexible silicone edge that comes with some models. 

Now there’s a double-edged silicone beater that’s designed to ensure no bits of mixture gets left behind, acting as a built-in spatula to gently scrape the sides of the bowl while mixing.

This accessory isn’t completely new to the world of stand mixers – we’ve tested Breville and Sunbeam mixers that also come with a double-edged silicone beater.

The ‘double flex edge beater’, which is what KitchenAid calls this accessory, joins the three stainless steel accessories you’ll usually find with a KitchenAid mixer: the flat beater, dough hook and wire whisk. All but the wire whisk are dishwasher-safe. 

You’ll also get a splash guard with the Artisan Plus, an accessory that doesn’t always come standard with KitchenAid mixers.

Fold speed

For delicate recipes that require gentle folding of ingredients (think adding blueberries to a cake batter or folding whipped egg whites), KitchenAid has introduced a dedicated half-speed setting.

Soft start function

Have you ever braced yourself when turning on your mixer for fear that the flour and sugar will come flying out of the bowl? With KitchenAid’s “soft start” feature, the mixer will gradually build up speed rather than jumping instantly to the selected speed, preventing mess and splatters.

KitchenAid Artisan vs Artisan Plus: What’s the difference?

Can I use my existing KitchenAid attachments with the Artisan Plus?

All KitchenAid mixers have a multi-purpose attachment hub at the front of the unit. It’s an outlet where you can attach KitchenAid accessories that can be bought separately, such as the food grinder, food processor or pasta roller. 

These optional extras can give your mixer more versatility, meaning you won’t need to buy each dedicated appliance separately, but keep in mind they’ll add a significant amount to the cost of this already expensive appliance.

The good news is, these attachments are universal and can be used on any KitchenAid stand mixer, including the latest Artisan Plus. So if you’ve already bought these attachments for an older KitchenAid stand mixer, they’ll be compatible if you upgrade.

����Vlog verdict: Should you upgrade to the KitchenAid Artisan Plus?

Our kitchen expert Chantelle Dart is an avid baker and regularly puts mixers through their paces in the ����Vlog kitchen lab, whisking egg whites, and making pizza dough and cake batter. These tests assess the three main mixing tools that come standard on almost all mixers.

It’s also important that your kitchen mixer is easy to use, so that’s a big part of our ����Vlog testing.

The KitchenAid mixers we’ve previously tested all do well across our various performance tests, and initial testing of the Artisan Plus looks promising. However, KitchenAid mixers aren’t always the easiest to use in our experience. 

If you’re in the market for a new mixer, and a KitchenAid has been on your wishlist, the Artisan Plus might be worth considering. Its more advanced features will be useful for keen bakers and for regular home cooks who are after more professional results, but they may not be worth paying up to $350 more for if you only use the mixer occasionally.

It’s also worth keeping in mind that there are many cheaper mixers in our ����Vlog review that perform well in our testing – and even outperform some of the leading brands, including KitchenAid. So you may find another model that better suits your needs and budget. 

To see how the KitchenAid Artisan Plus stacks up against other models from Breville, Kenwood, Sunbeam and more, stay tuned for the full test results.

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Shoppers love a classic design at a bargain price and some manufacturers are only too happy to meet that need, creating almost-identical replicas of high-end products at low-end prices. 

And some knock-offs are so good that you have to look twice to make sure they’re not the OG.

Kmart and Target are known for their convincing copies of iconic products from Dyson, KitchenAid and Smeg, but they’re not the only brands catering to champagne tastes on beer budgets. 

Kogan has recently released the Dual Thermoblock Espresso Coffee Machine with Grinder, which bears a striking resemblance to the $700 Breville Barista Express BES780.

They share many of the same features, and most people would be hard pressed to tell them apart at a glance.

The Kogan looks like the real deal, and at $250 cheaper than the Breville it’s certainly well-priced. But does this cheap dupe live up to its expensive looks? 

On this page:

• Is it worth spending more on a coffee machine?
• Kogan vs Breville
• The Kogan Dual Thermoblock Espresso Coffee Machine with Grinder
• The Breville Barista Express BES870
• ����Vlog verdict

Is it worth spending more on a coffee machine?

Like death and taxes, there’s another certainty in life: you don’t always get what you pay for.

“Over decades of testing appliances, our experts consistently come across expensive products that under-deliver, and affordable options that outperform their higher-priced counterparts,” says ����Vlog appliance expert Kim Gilmour.

Choosing a coffee machine based on price alone could leave you disappointed – not just by the performance, but also the value for money. Some of the lowest scorers in our review cost more than $2000. That’s a lot to pay for a bad brew!

But some expensive products do live up to their price tag: 10 of the 20 manual and semi-automatic espresso machines recommended by our experts cost more than $1000. On the flipside, it’s also possible to pick up a top-scoring machine for less than $500.

Before you rush out to your nearest Kmart, Target or Big W, our experts have a few words of caution.

“There can be drawbacks to buying bargain products: appliances from discount retailers can be built with poor-quality materials and you might not be able to repair them easily,” says Kim. 

“Plus, you may not get the same level of customer service and support that you could from an established company that focuses on servicing a particular type of appliance.

“Of course, there’s no guarantee that you’ll get good service for a more expensive product, either, so do your research before you buy.”

Checking our detailed reviews will help you find the best espresso machine for your budget, whether you have $200 or $2000 to spend.

Kogan vs Breville

These two machines may look similar on the outside, but it’s what’s inside that counts. How do they compare?

In some aspects they actually are quite similar; in others, not so much.

Taste

Kogan comes out ahead on taste, creating an excellent espresso while our experts rated the Breville’s as ‘very good’.

It’s not a big difference, but most people would expect a better tasting coffee from a $700 machine than a $450 one.

Time

In a hurry? The Kogan takes almost twice as long as the Breville to froth 200mL of milk.

It’s not a huge difference – we’re talking 43 seconds – but if you’re desperate for your first coffee of the day it could feel like an eternity.

Fortunately they both only take around 45 seconds to heat up, so you’ll be on your way to caffeination fairly quickly.

Temperature

Making multiple coffees? For every espresso machine we test, we measure the temperature of four coffees in a row to see whether they’re consistently hot – or not.

While the Breville will pump out hot coffees pretty consistently, the Kogan is more hit and miss. Our experts scored it just 30% on this test.

Trimmings

Both machines have a built-in burr grinder that allows you to adjust the grind.

They both come with a tamper, but Breville’s fits into a nifty magnetic holder. They both come with a milk jug and 1-cup and 2-cup filter baskets.

The key difference is the heating system: the Kogan has two thermoblocks, while the Breville only has one. Two thermoblocks mean you can make an espresso and steam milk at the same time.

Trust

Each year, ����Vlog surveys coffee machine owners to find out how satisfied they are with their machines, and how reliable they’ve found them.

Breville is well-regarded by Australian consumers: in our 2025 ����Vlog Best Brand espresso machine recommendations; it came second to DeLonghi by just one point overall, and is the highest rated brand for customer satisfaction. (It was named best espresso machine brand in 2020, 2021 and 2024.)

Since there are so few Kogan-branded coffee machines on the market, we don’t have robust customer satisfaction or reliability data on their products, so it’s hard to say how they’d compare.

Kogan doesn’t have a great track record, however. In 2021, we gave a Shonky Award (the award no-one wants to win) to Kogan’s knock-off bladeless fans. “Almost every feature either didn’t work or was pointless, and the performance was the worst we’ve ever seen,” ����Vlog appliance expert Adrian Lini said at the time.

And in 2023, Kogan received its second Shonky for tricking customers into signing up for its $99 Kogan First program.

and criticised for flouting Australian consumer laws, so we suggest you proceed with caution if you’re thinking of getting in on this deal.

The Kogan Dual Thermoblock Espresso Coffee Machine with Grinder

Priced at a very appealing $449*, this semi-automatic machine has pretty much everything that pricier machines have – plus a few extras.

Its heating system is its biggest plus: it has two thermoblocks, whereas most other espresso machines in this price range only have one.

(A thermoblock passes water over a block of metal, heating it as needed. It’s usually cheaper and more energy-efficient than a boiler system, which keeps the water at a constant temperature.)

Having just one thermoblock means you can only do one thing at a time: steam milk or make an espresso. Two thermoblocks allows you to do both at the same time, which means you can knock out coffees faster and keep everything as hot as possible.

The Kogan machine also has an in-built burr grinder with 20 settings, so you can grind your beans fresh for every coffee, and adjust the grind so it’s as coarse or as fine as you need. This is key to getting the best espresso possible from your machine.

A good grinder can set you back hundreds of dollars, so a machine with one built in can save you money and bench space.

The Dual Thermoblock Espresso has a removable drip tray and water reservoir, cup warming plate, hot water nozzle, automatic shut-off, and reminder for when the water reservoir needs refilling. You can program the size of each espresso and adjust the water temperature.

Read the full Kogan Dual Thermoblock Espresso Coffee Machine with Grinder review.

*Price paid by ����Vlog at time of testing. At the time of writing, it’s listed for $429 or $399 for Kogan First members.

The Breville Barista Express BES870

Except for the dual thermoblock, the Breville Barista Express has pretty much all the same features as the Kogan. 

Instead of giving you a prompt to refill the water reservoir as the Kogan does, the Breville has an indicator on the drip tray that pops up when it’s full.

It has an automatic shut-off, just like Kogan’s machine, but in addition, it has a standby mode that kicks in after an hour.

The Breville’s water reservoir is smaller than Kogan’s (2L compared to 2.7L), but the machine is heftier: it weighs 10.2kg while the Kogan model weighs 8.78kg, despite both having almost the same dimensions.

Read the full Breville Barista Express BES870 review.

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