What to evaluate when buying an air fryer? Definitely these aspects!

Power:

it must be at least 1500W but if it reaches 1800W or 2000W it is even better.

In this way, clearly, the power consumption is not really very low.

But if you think that the same dishes you should cook them in the oven.

Which consumes the same way but cooks in twice the time and which must be preheated) or on an induction hob.

For cooking in a pan or on an electric plate for grilling meat, fish and vegetables.

You will immediately realize the savings not only in economic terms but also in healthy terms: less fat and less fried.

The Capacity:

there are different sizes, more than aesthetic but of basket capacity. Capacity bands are typically

• up to 2 people (format 800 g or 2,5 l)
• up to 3 people (1.2 kg or 3.5 l format)
• for 4 or more people (1.4 kg or 5.5 l format)

All the molds that are typically used for cooking in the oven can be used in the air fryer.

But always make sure of the quality and that they are suitable for cooking in the oven at high temperatures.

Dimensions

In this regard, we need to open a parenthesis to talk about the different types of air fryers in relation to the size.

It is true that the greater capacity of the appliance corresponds to larger dimensions.

But it must be specified that not all hot air fryers are morphologically the same.

Some models develop more in height, others more in width.

This also depends on the internal cooking system, we see the differences.

Vertical development:

in air fryers that develop convection vertically.

With a fan that creates air recirculation from the bottom up or vice versa.

The height development is significant, even over 40 cm, with a width also it is between 30 and 40 cm.

Horizontal development

in those models that develop horizontal convection.

The height is more contained, around 30 cm or less.

But the overall dimensions are greater, which can reach 40 cm.

The choice of the air fryer must therefore also take into account the spaces available in the kitchen.

In addition to the dimensions of the closed fryer.

You must also consider how it opens to allow the loading of the dishes.

We said that there are models that develop convection vertically and others that develop it horizontally.

Broadly speaking, we can say that each of these types corresponds to a different loading system.

Drawer:

in vertical convection air fryers.

The food compartment is normally located in the lower half of the machine.

Immediately below the resistance that generates the heat and the fan that spreads it.

The cooking basket can be pulled out like a drawer, by pulling a handle on the front of the appliance.

It is usually possible to extract it from the drawer simply by lifting it, and place it on another heat.

This type of opening therefore requires free space on the front of the fryer.

A condition that practically all kitchens can satisfy.

Folding:

in horizontal convection deep fryers.

On the other hand, the fan is normally located behind the cooking basket.

Which is protected by a usually transparent lid that rises with a book opening to allow food to be inserted.

In this case, it is not necessary to remove the basket except for cleaning after use.

And the visible lid allows you to monitor the cooking status at any time.

This opening system therefore requires some free space above the air fryer.