Air Fryer Tests Reveal Distinctive Qualities of Top Models
Let's dive into the world of air fryers, no holds barred!
Air fryers may be famous for their oil-free cooking, but that's not all they're cracking up to be. Health-conscious folk and busy bees alike are drawn to the air fryer for its convenience and lower-calorie cooking alternatives. If you're feasting on small portions, an air fryer could save you a chunk of time and electricity.
But how do these gadgets really hold up in everyday use? The leading test labs - Stiftung Warentest and IMTEST – have put various models through their paces, including well-known brands like Ninja, Philips, and Tefal. Criteria such as food quality, ease of use, and energy efficiency were under scrutiny. The top performers from each test are a must-see.
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Air Fryer Showdown: Top Performers at Stiftung Warentest and IMTEST
Stiftung Warentest test winners:
- Cosori CP158-AF, 5.5 liters: With a "Good" rating of 2.3, this budget-friendly option is a solid choice(available for as low as €100 during sales). Its eleven automatic programs allow for quick and easy preparation of two to four portions.
- Gourmetmaxx 13606, 12 liters: Also earning a "Good" rating of 2.3, this model caters to larger households with its generous 12-liter capacity.
- Ninja AF180DE, 6.2 liters: Another "Good" rated (2.3) appliance, this versatile model boasts dual cooking zones to handle various dishes at once.
IMTEST test winners:
- Philips Airfryer XXL Connected Series 5000, 7.2 liters: Scoring a "Good" rating of 2.07, this model is a front-runner due to its versatility and large capacity ideal for larger households.
- Tefal Dual Easy Fry & Grill, 8.3 liters: With a "Good" rating of 2.25, this French powerhouse offers ample space for big family meals.
- Cosori Dual Basket 8.5 liters: Also earning a "Good" rating of 2.36, this model stands out with its double baking basket for even more cooking flexibility.
The Inner Workings of an Air Fryer: Explained
An air fryer is a hot-air fryer, using circulating hot air to cook food, similar to a convection oven. Inside, a heating element generates heat, and a fan evenly distributes it throughout the cooking chamber. Supposedly, air fryers can create crispy fries, vegetables, and meat with little to no oil, much like a deep fryer. Given its health benefits, air fryers are considered a more wholesome alternative.
Compared to the oven, the health benefits are not as pronounced as you might think. Both work with hot air, but air fryers are advertised to produce crispier results due to enhanced air circulation. Properly adusted, air fryers are said to prepare vegetables or fish nutrient-preserving.
Air fryers cook faster and are more energy-efficient than ovens due to their smaller size and reduced preheat time. Moreover, many air fryers are multifunctional, replacing grill, oven, and microwave in small households. A typical array of applications ranges from fries and chicken wings to oven vegetables to reheated bread and cake.
Key Performance Factors for Air Fryers
Cooking Function: In the test, both "Stiftung Warentest" and "IMTEST" scrutinized the air fryer's cooking function by cooking various foods, such as fries and vegetables. Stiftung Warentest also evaluated the air fryers' ability to cook meat and bake muffins. Afterward, the test team evaluated the food based on taste, evenness of browning, and consistency.
Ease of Use: An air fryer should be simple to operate, offer clear instructions, and have versatile cooking functions. Additionally, the control elements should not have sharp edges, and they should not heat up excessively – both pose a risk of injury. Both tests took energy consumption into consideration.
Safety: Both tests assessed the safety of the air fryers, primarily focusing on the control elements remaining cool to the touch during operation and sporting rounded edges.
Top Flight Air Fryers: A Closer Look
Cosori CP158-AF, 5.5 liters: The reigning champion in Stiftung Warentest's test, this model features easy operation and excellent safety, all for around €140 (or less during sales). With a capacity of 5.5 liters, it caters to households with up to four people. Its eleven programs can be selected via an LED touch display, allowing for hassle-free preparation of fries, chicken, or vegetables. The usable temperature range is from 75 to 205 degrees Celsius.
Philips Airfryer XXL Connected Series 5000, 7.2 liters: In IMTEST's comparison, the enchanting Philips air fryer emerged victorious, scoring a "Good" rating of 2.1. This heavyweight offers easy operation via touch display, hassle-free handling of the frying basket, and top-notch construction. Its large 7.2-liter capacity service six portions and is equipped with Rapid Air technology for optimal hot air circulation.
Forged in the multifunctional fires of versatility, this air fryer offers 16 different cooking functions, including baking, grilling, roasting, drying, and fermenting. The digital touchscreen display enhances usability, while the removable basket and non-stick pan make cleanup a breeze. Better yet, it connects to your smartphone via the HomeID app, allowing you to select recipes and control cooking. The air fryer is available in several colors, including black and white.
Air fryers, with their lower-calorie cooking alternatives, are not just for health-conscious individuals or busy cooks; they also serve as a multifunctional home-and-garden gadget, replacing the need for grills, ovens, and microwaves in smaller households. Gadget aficionados exploring the world of air fryers might express interest in smart models such as the Philips Airfryer XXL Connected Series 5000, which offers 16 different cooking functions, including baking, grilling, roasting, drying, and fermenting, and connects to a smartphone app. This technology-driven device is an exciting addition to the lifestyle of the modern home-and-garden enthusiast, offering versatility and convenience.
