Air Fryer
I've got a combination oven that does everything. air fryer, convection, toaster oven, toaster. etc. It's in the pic below. Don't know if they still make it. I like it because it has analog controls. I have limited counter space so I pretty much had to get a do-it-all machine.
I don't have much experience deep frying, so I can't directly compare, but I like the results I get for frozen fries and fish.
An air fryer is just a slightly modified convection oven.
My instruction manual doesn't even mention pre-heating and I usually don't bother. If the recipe says air fry for 10 minutes at 325, I just cook for 10 minutes. If it ends up being over or under cooked, I just note that for the next time and make adjustments.
Anyway, I like the thing and use it frequently.
eta: it looks like my model has been replaced by the TOA-70, which looks pretty much identical. Amazon price 179, though I paid about 120 at Target a while back.
https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-TOA-70-AirFryer-Oven-Grill/dp/B09HSWBTN4
THANKS!
@drummerboy, you just reminded me that we have an counter top oven that’s only used 2 or 3 times a year. This should be a good basis for comparison.
I've recently seen an interesting rerun of America Test Kitchen which had an interesting model comparison. You may be able to view it on U Tube.
Here's the Wirecutter review of countertop ovens. Not sure if it's behind the paywall, but there was no option for a gift link.
I got the Breville (the Cadillac of toaster ovens/air fryers) because I use it pretty much every day. I hardly ever use the big oven. It warms up in a few minutes and I often don't bother waiting for it to warm up. I love it and can't live without it. Worth the $$$ price to me.
@mrmaplewood, THANKS! I found several helpful vids at ATK’s site.
@kthnry, THANKS! I know what you mean about using a toaster oven every day…we use our’s A LOT…everyday.
I’ll test our old counter top convection and report back.
THANKS AGAIN EVERYBODY
mrincredible said:
What do you get when a Franciscan monk gets a pilot‘s license?
An air fryer?
Way back I said I’d test things out and report back. In the intervening time I’ve sort of done just that.
Our family has many good cooks, including a restauranteur… then OTOH therer’s me. The consensus is that they’re not worth the bother of having another ‘frivolous’ kitchen device. Also, a comparison of cooking times on labels of foods we eat shows there’s no real time benefit and in many cases air frying takes longer at higher heat!
So… all in all we’ll take a pass on this.
I love my air fryer! If I could find a way to heat up a cup of coffee in it, I’d get rid of the microwave 
We have the updated Cuisinart air fryer that Drummerboy posted (was on sale @Costco). We use it as a toaster or regular oven almost daily and it does a great job on reheating pizza or baking French fries. I wish it was analog, though, because the digital numbers no longer light up properly so I’m not sure of the temperature when baking, etc. When it totally goes, I’ll be purchasing the cheaper single use air fryer because my favorite YouTube chefs use them. I may get rid of the microwave then.
We're looking to get a built-in form of some form of convection oven. New to all the current options (and confused). Steam oven, convection oven (had one of these at one point, so understand this one), and the combo air-fryer type. While the steam oven is tempting for baking cakes or steaming up a nice filet of sea bass with ginger and scallions, it doesn't do crispy, so no sweet potato chips or non-soggy racks of lamb / lamb chops. And KFC (Korean Fried Chicken) would be ideal in an air fryer.
So I take a look at a local retailer and find this Cuisinart: the currently out-of-stock for $4700HKD and zero details about its physical size.
CUISINART CSO-510HK Airfryer Steam Oven
musicmz said:
We have the updated Cuisinart air fryer that Drummerboy posted (was on sale @Costco). We use it as a toaster or regular oven almost daily and it does a great job on reheating pizza or baking French fries. I wish it was analog, though, because the digital numbers no longer light up properly so I’m not sure of the temperature when baking, etc. When it totally goes, I’ll be purchasing the cheaper single use air fryer because my favorite YouTube chefs use them. I may get rid of the microwave then.
yeah, one thing I like about mine is that it's all analog controls. And I use mine pretty much every day too.
@dave- so that means you can’t toast a couple of slices of bread or an English muffin? Bummer!
@drummerboy- both our toaster and countertop convection ovens have analog dial controls…both have broken. Funny how I would rather digital.
Hi,
Some years ago we got a Presto Deep Fryer and we’ve enjoyed it ever since. It’s gotten old…the thermostat recently applied for Social Security. Before we get another I’d like think about an air fryer instead. Of course there are pros and cons to each.
I’ve read some reviews and watched YouTube vids as well. Each is strong putting forth a case for what will pay them.
Have you used either or both? Do you have a strong preference? Why?. One point I haven’t heard discussed is: how long an air fryer takes to preheat, let’s say to about 350F.
We tend to use our deep fryer for frozen French Fries, TJ frozen fish One point reviewers discuss is that an air fryer can be used to cook other things and in other ways. What has your experience been like?
As always— THANKS FOR YOU TIME!