Imagine perfectly crispy fries without all the oil, or juicy roasted chicken made in a fraction of the time. Air fryer ovens promise all this and more, transforming your kitchen into a haven of quick, delicious meals. But with so many models on the market, how do you know which one is truly the best?
The world of air fryer ovens can feel overwhelming. You see fancy features and big promises, but what really matters? Deciding between different sizes, power levels, and special functions can leave you scratching your head. You want to invest in a kitchen gadget that actually delivers, not just takes up counter space.
This guide is here to help! We’ve dug into the latest Consumer Reports findings to bring you the inside scoop. You’ll learn about the top-rated air fryer ovens, what makes them stand out, and which ones are worth your hard-earned money. Get ready to discover your perfect kitchen companion and start cooking up a storm.
Our Top 5 Air Fryer Ovens Consumer Reports Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Air Fryer Ovens Consumer Reports Detailed Reviews
1. Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready to revolutionize your kitchen with the Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo. This amazing appliance does it all, from making crispy snacks to roasting a whole chicken for your next get-together. Its sleek stainless steel design and elegant French doors will make your kitchen look extra fancy.
What We Like:
- It’s a super versatile air fryer and multi-cooker. You can air fry snacks or roast a big meal for your friends and family.
- You’ll never burn your toast again! The oven has a timer that turns off automatically, and an indicator light shows you when it’s toasting and when it’s done.
- The dual-speed fan circulates hot air all around your food, making everything perfectly crispy and golden brown.
- It’s extra-large, with a 26-quart capacity. This means you can cook enough food for 4 to 6 people, and even fit a 6-pound chicken or a 12-inch pizza inside.
- The stainless steel exterior looks great in any kitchen. The French doors open easily with one pull, and an interior light lets you watch your food cook.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 24 cooking functions, learning to use all of them might take a little practice.
- For smaller kitchens, the 26-quart capacity might take up a bit more counter space than expected.
This Emeril Lagasse oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering endless cooking possibilities. It makes preparing delicious meals for your family and guests easier than ever before.
2. Breville BOV900BSS Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro and Convection Oven
Rating: 9.1/10
The Breville BOV900BSS Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro and Convection Oven in brushed stainless steel is a powerful and versatile kitchen appliance that can do it all. It’s like having multiple cooking tools in one, making meal prep easier and more efficient.
What We Like:
- The Element iQ System uses smart algorithms and independent quartz elements for precise cooking, eliminating cold spots.
- Super convection technology cooks food up to 30% faster and ensures even heat distribution for perfect air frying and roasting.
- It offers 13 cooking functions, including air fry, dehydrate, bake, roast, pizza, and more, making it incredibly versatile.
- The extra-large capacity fits a 14-pound turkey, a 5-quart Dutch oven, or 9 slices of bread, handling family-sized meals with ease.
- The interior oven light lets you check on your food without opening the door, and the easy-to-read LCD display makes selecting functions simple.
- It comes with useful accessories like a pizza pan, oven racks, a broil rack, and a mesh basket for dehydrating and air frying.
What Could Be Improved:
- The unit is quite large and takes up significant counter space.
- While versatile, mastering all 13 functions might take some practice.
This Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is an excellent investment for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen and simplify their cooking experience. It’s a true workhorse that delivers delicious results for a wide variety of dishes.
3. Nuwave Bravo XL Pro Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill Combo
Rating: 8.9/10
The Nuwave Bravo XL Pro Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill Combo is your ultimate kitchen upgrade for 2025. This versatile appliance boasts a new ultra-fast convection system that makes food 35% crispier and cooks it 2X more evenly. With 142 easy-cook presets, a wide temperature range from 50-500°F, and a smart probe, it simplifies cooking for any meal. Its large 30QT capacity and durable stainless steel construction make it a powerhouse for families and gatherings, while PFAS-free accessories ensure a healthier cooking experience.
What We Like:
- Incredible versatility with 12 cooking functions and 142 total presets for effortless cooking.
- Significantly faster cooking times and 35% crispier results thanks to the powerful 1800W and new convection system.
- 2X more even cooking across multiple racks, eliminating hot spots.
- Authentic char-grilled flavor with the included grill plate.
- Customizable cooking with adjustable heater ratios and fan speeds, perfect for pizza.
- Large 30QT capacity easily fits family-sized meals.
- Easy to clean with a pull-out crumb tray and dishwasher-safe parts.
- Precise cooking with the upgraded smart digital thermometer that automatically stops cooking.
- Durable, food-grade stainless steel construction means no plastic odors.
- All accessories are PFAS-free for a healthier home.
What Could Be Improved:
- The size, while large capacity, might be a bit bulky for very small kitchens.
This Nuwave Bravo XL Pro is a game-changer for busy kitchens, offering speed, convenience, and delicious results for all your favorite dishes.
4. Gourmia Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo 17 cooking presets 1700W french door digital air fryer oven 24L capacity accessories
Rating: 9.4/10
Get ready to transform your kitchen with the Gourmia Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo. This versatile appliance is a true multitasker, offering 17 different cooking modes to handle everything from toasting your morning bread to air frying crispy chicken wings. Its sleek design and powerful 1700-watt motor mean you can cook delicious meals quickly and evenly. The 24L capacity is surprisingly spacious, fitting a 12-inch pizza or up to six slices of bread. Plus, the automatic French doors add a touch of convenience and style.
What We Like:
- It has 17 different cooking presets, making it super easy to cook many kinds of food.
- The 1700-watt power cooks food fast and makes it nice and crispy.
- The automatic French doors are a cool feature that makes opening and closing simple.
- It comes with everything you need: a fry basket, oven rack, baking pan, and a crumb tray.
- It’s perfect for small kitchens, apartments, or even your vacation home because it saves space.
- The digital control panel is easy to use with just a few clicks.
- It has 360° airflow for perfectly even cooking every time.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the large size a bit much for very tiny countertops.
- While it’s great for many things, mastering all 17 presets might take a little practice.
This Gourmia combo oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, especially if you’re looking for a space-saving appliance that doesn’t compromise on performance. It makes gourmet cooking accessible for everyone.
5. Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill
Rating: 8.8/10
The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill is a kitchen powerhouse. This 1800-watt appliance does it all, from toasting your breakfast bread to grilling a delicious dinner. It’s built to handle a variety of cooking tasks, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen. The stainless steel design looks sleek and modern on your countertop.
What We Like:
- It has 8 cooking functions: air fry, toast, convection bake, bake, convection broil, broil, grill, and warm.
- It’s big enough to toast 6 slices of bread, air fry 3 lbs. of chicken wings, bake a 12” pizza, or roast a 4-lb. chicken.
- You can easily set the temperature from Warm up to 450°F and use the 60-minute timer.
- AirAdvantage technology makes your food crispy and locks in flavor.
- It comes with useful accessories like an oven rack, baking pan, air fry basket, and a reversible grill/griddle.
- The stainless steel interior is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the initial learning curve a bit steep with all the different functions.
- While it has a large capacity, it does take up a good amount of counter space.
This Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill offers incredible flexibility for your cooking needs. It’s a fantastic choice for busy families and home cooks looking for convenience and delicious results.
Choosing the Best Air Fryer Oven: Your Guide to Crispy Perfection
Looking for an air fryer oven that cooks food perfectly? Consumer Reports tested many models to help you find the best one. This guide will show you what to look for so you can make a smart choice.
What to Look For in an Air Fryer Oven
When you shop for an air fryer oven, some features make a big difference.
Key Features to Consider:
- Capacity: How much food can it hold? If you cook for a big family, you need a larger oven. For one or two people, a smaller one works well.
- Cooking Presets: Many ovens have buttons for common foods like fries, chicken, or vegetables. These make cooking easy.
- Temperature and Time Controls: You want precise control over how hot the oven gets and how long it cooks. Digital controls are usually easier to use than knobs.
- Accessories: Does it come with a basket, baking tray, or rotisserie spit? These extras add to what you can cook.
- Ease of Cleaning: Look for non-stick surfaces and dishwasher-safe parts. Cleaning up should be simple.
- Special Functions: Some ovens can also bake, roast, toast, or dehydrate. This makes them very versatile.
Important Materials
The materials used in an air fryer oven affect its durability and how it cooks.
- Stainless Steel: This is a strong and good-looking material. It’s often used for the oven’s exterior and interior. It’s easy to clean and lasts a long time.
- Non-Stick Coatings: The cooking surfaces inside should have a good non-stick coating. This stops food from sticking and makes cleaning easier. Make sure the coating is PFOA-free for your health.
- BPA-Free Plastics: Any plastic parts, like handles or control panels, should be BPA-free. This means they are safe to use around food.
Factors That Affect Quality
Several things can make an air fryer oven perform better or worse.
- Heating Element Design: A good heating element cooks food evenly. Some ovens have elements at the top and bottom for better results.
- Air Circulation: The way air moves inside the oven is key. Good circulation creates that crispy texture you want. Look for ovens with powerful fans.
- Build Quality: A well-built oven feels sturdy. Its doors should open and close smoothly. The controls should be responsive.
- Insulation: Good insulation keeps heat inside the oven. This helps food cook faster and saves energy.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the oven and how easy it is to use matters a lot.
- Ease of Use: Is it simple to set the temperature and time? Are the buttons clear? A user-friendly interface makes cooking enjoyable.
- Cooking Performance: Does it make fries crispy? Does chicken cook through without burning? Consumer Reports tests these things to give you the best information.
- Versatility: Can it cook more than just fried foods? If you want to bake small cakes or roast vegetables, look for an oven that can do it all.
- Countertop Space: Air fryer ovens can be a bit bulky. Measure your kitchen counter to make sure it fits.
- Noise Level: Some ovens can be loud when the fan is running. If noise bothers you, check reviews for this information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Air Fryer Ovens
Q: What is the main benefit of an air fryer oven?
A: The main benefit is that it cooks food with hot air, making it crispy with much less oil than deep frying. It also often cooks faster than a traditional oven.
Q: Are air fryer ovens healthy?
A: Yes, they are healthier because they use significantly less oil. You can enjoy crispy foods without the extra fat and calories from deep frying.
Q: How big should an air fryer oven be?
A: This depends on how many people you cook for. A small oven might be 10-15 liters, good for 1-2 people. A larger one can be 20-30 liters or more, suitable for families.
Q: Can I cook raw meat in an air fryer oven?
A: Yes, you can cook raw meat. Make sure to set the correct temperature and time. For thicker pieces, it’s good to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Q: Do air fryer ovens replace regular ovens?
A: Not entirely. They are great for smaller portions and quick cooking. For baking large items like a whole turkey or multiple trays of cookies, a traditional oven is usually better.
Q: How do I clean an air fryer oven?
A: Most have removable baskets and trays that are dishwasher safe. Wipe down the interior and exterior with a damp cloth. Some parts might need a gentle scrub.
Q: What foods are best for air fryer ovens?
A: Foods that do well include french fries, chicken wings, frozen snacks, vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts, and even some baked goods like muffins or small cakes.
Q: Is an air fryer oven noisy?
A: They can make some noise due to the fan. The level of noise varies by model. It’s usually comparable to a microwave or a small fan.
Q: How long does food take to cook in an air fryer oven?
A: Cooking times are usually shorter than in a conventional oven. For example, fries might take 15-20 minutes instead of 30-40 minutes.
Q: Are there any safety concerns with air fryer ovens?
A: Like any cooking appliance, use them with care. Ensure they are on a stable surface, don’t touch hot surfaces, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.