Best Air Fryer 2024: Ninja, Tefal & Philips Models Tested & Rated | RTÉ

The kitchen appliance market continues to evolve, with air fryers now a mainstay in many households. Journalist Glenn Kelly recently position three leading models to the test – the Tefal Easy Fry Dual XXL, the Ninja MAX Dual Zone, and the Philips 4000 Series Stacked – to determine which delivers the best combination of performance, capacity, and convenience for busy families. The review, published by RTE.ie, highlights the trade-offs consumers face when choosing between these increasingly sophisticated devices.

The shift from traditional cooking methods like ovens and stovetops to air fryers reflects a broader trend towards faster, more convenient meal preparation. As Kelly notes, the decision now isn’t simply about if you seek an air fryer, but which one best suits your needs. This has led to a more nuanced market, with manufacturers focusing on features like dual-zone cooking, increased capacity, and space-saving designs.

The Contenders: Capacity, Speed, and Space

The three air fryers tested represent different approaches to addressing these needs. The Tefal Easy Fry Dual XXL prioritizes capacity, boasting a total of 11 liters split between two drawers of differing sizes (6.5L and 4.5L). This makes it ideal for larger families or those who frequently cook entire meals in one go. The Ninja MAX Dual Zone, priced at €259.99 via ninjakitchen.ie, focuses on performance, utilizing its 9.5L capacity and “Max Crisp” technology. Finally, the Philips 4000 Series Stacked aims to solve the problem of counter space with its vertical design, maintaining a 10L capacity while reclaiming up to 45% of worktop area.

Ninja MAX Dual Zone: The Overall Winner

Kelly’s review designates the Ninja MAX Dual Zone 9.5L as the “Best Overall Machine,” awarding it a rating of 5/5. The Ninja’s strength lies in its combination of power, flexibility, and ease of leverage. The dual 4.75L drawers allow for simultaneous cooking of different foods, with the added benefit of a “sync” feature that automatically adjusts cooking times to ensure everything finishes at the same time. This eliminates the common problem of one component of a meal getting cold while waiting for another to finish. The “Max Crisp” technology, capable of reaching 240°C, delivers a particularly impressive crunch for frozen foods, surpassing the results achieved with traditional ovens.

While the Ninja MAX is not without its drawbacks – its size is considerable, and the opaque drawers require frequent checking – Kelly concludes that its overall performance and features justify the investment. The intuitive digital instrument panel further enhances the user experience, making it easy to customize cooking settings.

Tefal Easy Fry Dual XXL: Best for Large Families

The Tefal Easy Fry Dual XXL earns a rating of 4.5/5 and is identified as the “Best Air Fryer for a Large Family.” Its key advantage is the asymmetrical drawer split, with a larger 6.5L drawer and a smaller 4.5L drawer. This configuration allows users to cook a substantial main course, such as a 2kg chicken or leg of lamb, alongside a side dish without compromising capacity. Tefal.co.uk/ie lists the price at €232.95. While the Tefal’s user interface requires a slight learning curve and its “crispy” results don’t quite match the Ninja’s, Kelly notes that it remains a highly effective option for families seeking a replacement for their conventional oven, particularly at its price point.

The sheer size of the Tefal XXL is a potential drawback, making storage challenging. But, for those who regularly host gatherings or have large families, its capacity is a significant benefit.

Philips Stacked 4000 Series: Space-Saving Design

The Philips Stacked 4000 Series, priced at €329.99 and available through Currys.ie, receives a rating of 4/5 and is highlighted as the “Best Stacking Air Fryer.” Its vertical design is a standout feature, saving up to 45% of counter space. This makes it an ideal choice for kitchens with limited surface area. The unit comprises two 5L baskets, providing a total capacity of 10L. The inclusion of viewing windows with internal lighting allows users to monitor cooking progress without losing heat.

While the Philips 4000 Series delivers reliable results with its RapidAir technology, Kelly notes a slight learning curve. The vertical airflow requires more frequent use of the “Shake Reminder” to ensure even cooking. Despite this, the space-saving design and convenient viewing windows make it the top pick for those prioritizing compactness.

The Evolving Air Fryer Market and Consumer Choices

The review underscores the increasing sophistication of the air fryer market. Consumers are no longer simply choosing between basic models; they are now evaluating features like dual-zone cooking, capacity, and design to find the appliance that best fits their lifestyle. The competition between Tefal, Ninja, and Philips – all established players in the kitchen appliance space – is driving innovation and offering consumers a wider range of options.

The rise of stacked air fryers, like the Philips 4000 Series, demonstrates a clear response to consumer demand for space-saving solutions. Similarly, the focus on dual-zone cooking, evident in the Ninja MAX and Tefal XXL, reflects a desire for greater convenience and efficiency in meal preparation.

What’s Next for Air Fryer Technology?

The air fryer market is likely to continue evolving, with manufacturers exploring new technologies and features. Potential areas of development include improved temperature control, more precise cooking programs, and integration with smart home ecosystems. Further refinement of dual-zone cooking capabilities, such as more sophisticated synchronization features, could likewise enhance the user experience. As the market matures, price competition is also expected to intensify, potentially making these convenient appliances even more accessible to a wider range of consumers. The views expressed in the review are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ.