Last Updated on October 16, 2026
HEWISE • Kitchen buying guide • October 2026
Best Air Fryers 2026: Which One Fits Your Kitchen?
The best air fryer is the one that fits the way you cook. A compact drawer is excellent for weeknight fries and vegetables; two drawers make more sense if dinner regularly involves a main dish and a side; and an oven-style model earns its space if you also bake or toast.
We compare four current choices for different households, then revisit eight older air fryers from HEWISE’s original guide so readers researching those models can still find their information.
Quick recommendation: Start with the COSORI TurboBlaze if you want a versatile six-quart basket. Consider the Instant Vortex Plus ClearCook if a viewing window matters to you. The Ninja DZ550 is better for simultaneous dishes, while the Breville BOV900 is for people who want an oven as well as an air fryer.
Where the choice gets tricky: Two six-quart air fryers can hold the same advertised volume but behave differently when you spread food in a single layer. And while a dual-basket fryer has more total capacity, its individual drawers may not fit a large pan or an awkwardly shaped roast. This guide looks beyond the numbers: cooking area, temperature control, cleaning, counter space, and the compromises you will notice after the first week.
How this guide was prepared: Current-model details were checked against manufacturer information. Older model observations come from the existing HEWISE article and are identified as archival notes; they are not new 2026 hands-on tests. Product-type graphics are illustrations, not exact model photographs. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, HEWISE may earn from qualifying purchases.
Best Air Fryers 2026: Quick Comparison
These are different kinds of appliances, so the right choice depends more on your habits than on which one has the longest list of presets.
| Best for | Model | Capacity | Main advantage | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everyday cooking | COSORI TurboBlaze | 6 qt | Nine cooking modes | One cooking zone |
| Watching browning | Instant Vortex Plus ClearCook | 6 qt | Viewing window | One cooking zone |
| Family meals | Ninja Foodi DZ550 | 10 qt total | Two independent baskets | Larger footprint |
| Toast and baking | Breville BOV900 | Oven-style cavity | 13 cooking functions | More counter space |
Four Current Air Fryer Picks: Benefits and Limitations
COSORI TurboBlaze 6-Quart Air Fryer
Illustrative product-type graphic, not a photograph of this exact model.
For a household looking for one reliable starting point, the TurboBlaze has a useful balance of capacity and flexibility. Its six-quart basket is a comfortable size for routine sides and main dishes. COSORI lists nine functions, from air frying and roasting to low-temperature modes, as well as fan speeds selected by the program. A single basket is convenient to wash, but it also means chicken and vegetables that need different settings may require separate batches.
What the nine functions mean in practice: COSORI’s fan speeds are linked to its cooking programs rather than manually selectable like nine separate speeds. That distinction is useful if you expect complete control over airflow. Its low-temperature settings give you options for proofing or drying suitable ingredients, but for routine fries and chicken, basket space and the ability to check food matter more than the number of modes.
Who should skip it? If you often make a main dish and vegetables that require different temperatures, one six-quart basket will force a compromise or a second batch. If you only reheat one small portion at a time, the full size may be unnecessary. Before ordering, check that the listing says CAF-DC601-KUS and measure for the handle and rear ventilation. For replacement parts, our COSORI accessory and replacement-parts guide explains what to check for compatibility; not every older accessory fits the TurboBlaze.
Key specifications: 6 qt; 90–450°F; 1,725 W; nine modes; model CAF-DC601-KUS.
Why consider it
- Wide temperature range
- Practical family-size basket
- Basket and crisper plate are removable
What to consider
- Only one cooking zone
- Check counter clearance and coating-care instructions
Instant Vortex Plus 6QT ClearCook Air Fryer
Illustrative product-type graphic, not a photograph of this exact model.
The viewing window makes this model appealing if you often check whether fries or vegetables have browned. Instant lists six cooking functions and a six-quart basket. The window is helpful, but it does not replace shaking food when a recipe requires it, or using a thermometer for poultry. Pay attention to the exact product variation: not every Vortex Plus has identical features, and ClearCook is different from some OdorErase versions.
Where the window genuinely helps: When cooking frozen snacks or vegetables, a quick look can tell you whether the surface is starting to brown without repeatedly pulling out the basket. It will not reveal whether the center of a thick piece of chicken is safely cooked. It is also worth checking whether the window stays easy to see after repeated use; grease and condensation can reduce visibility until it is cleaned.
Which version are you buying? Instant sells several models with overlapping Vortex Plus names. The standard six-quart ClearCook page lists six cooking functions and a 1,700-watt rating; some separate versions add an OdorErase filter. Confirm the full SKU and the included parts rather than assuming a photo of one version shows every feature. A window is a convenience, not a reason to choose a smaller basket than you need.
Key specifications: 6 qt; 1,700 W; six functions; ClearCook window (confirm listing SKU).
Why consider it
- Easy visual progress checks
- Good for daily sides and reheating
- Six common cooking modes
What to consider
- Single-basket design
- Compare model variations before ordering
Ninja Foodi Smart XL DZ550 DualZone
Illustrative product-type graphic, not a photograph of this exact model.
The DZ550 solves a problem that a large single basket cannot: cooking a protein and a side with different timing. Its two independent five-quart baskets add up to ten quarts in total. Smart Finish can synchronize the cooking cycles, and Match Cook can apply the same settings to both sides. The included thermometer is useful for checking meat doneness, although it needs to be positioned correctly. This is a substantial appliance; it makes more sense for people who will use both drawers regularly.
Understand the split capacity before paying: Ten quarts here means two five-quart zones, not one wide ten-quart chamber. That makes it attractive for salmon in one drawer and potatoes in the other, but less convenient for a single long casserole pan or a very large piece of food. Match Cook is most useful when both drawers need the same temperature, while Smart Finish is intended for different foods that you want ready together.
The extra space is not free: Two baskets mean two crisper plates to wash and more room needed to pull the drawers forward. If you rarely use both sides, an ordinary six-quart air fryer might be a better value. The DZ550’s integrated thermometer is a meaningful feature for suitable proteins; follow the manual for where to insert it and confirm safe internal temperatures rather than treating a preset as proof of doneness.
Key specifications: 10 qt total, two 5-qt baskets; six functions; Smart Cook thermometer; model DZ550.
Why consider it
- Two separate cooking zones
- Useful for coordinating dinner
- Large combined capacity
What to consider
- Needs more counter space
- Two baskets mean more washing
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro BOV900
Illustrative product-type graphic, not a photograph of this exact model.
The BOV900 is an oven first and an air fryer second. If you want one countertop machine for toast, pizza, cookies, roasting, and air frying, its thirteen functions and oven-style cavity are attractive. Breville says it accepts a 9-by-13-inch pan. The trade-off is obvious once you measure it: it occupies considerably more space than a basket air fryer and has racks and trays to clean. A simple drawer model is usually the easier choice if crisping fries is your main goal.
What you’re actually buying: The BOV900’s oven-style racks and large interior suit families that want to toast bread in the morning, roast vegetables at lunch, and bake on a tray later. Breville lists a one-cubic-foot cavity and thirteen functions, including proofing and slow cooking. That makes this a flexible countertop oven, but not necessarily a replacement for a full-size oven in every recipe.
When a basket fryer makes more sense: If most of your use involves a small serving of fries or quick frozen snacks, washing a basket can be simpler than cleaning a larger cavity, wire rack, and tray. And the appliance is heavy and deep enough that you should measure countertop clearance before shopping. Think of the Breville as a multi-purpose oven with an air-fry mode, not an ordinary drawer fryer made bigger.
Key specifications: 13 functions; 1,800 W; approximately 21.4 × 17.3 × 12.7 in; model BOV900.
Why consider it
- Much more than an air fryer
- Useful for toast and baking
- Large usable oven chamber
What to consider
- Bulky and relatively costly
- Extra racks and trays to clean
How to Choose an Air Fryer Without Guessing
First, think about the food you make on a normal week. An inexpensive basket air fryer can be sufficient for frozen fries, chicken pieces, potatoes and reheating. If you usually prepare two dishes with different settings, a dual-basket appliance may genuinely save time. An oven-style fryer is worth considering when toast, pizza and baking matter as much as air frying.
Capacity: look past the advertised quarts
A six-quart basket does not necessarily hold twice as many chicken pieces as a three-quart basket. Its usable base area and shape matter. For one or two people, a 3–5-quart class model may work well. For many families of three or four, 5–7 quarts is a practical starting point. For larger households, compare the actual basket dimensions or consider independent cooking zones.
Single basket, dual basket or countertop oven?
| Style | Works well for | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Single basket | Fast small batches and everyday reheating | Different dishes share one temperature |
| Dual basket | Cooking a main dish and side together | Extra footprint and cleaning |
| Oven-style | Toast, bake, pizza, roasting and air frying | More racks and a bigger cavity to clean |
Choose useful controls, not a long list of buttons
The settings you will use most are time, temperature and perhaps a familiar favorite preset. Look for simple controls, removable parts that are practical to wash, and enough clearance for hot exhaust air. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for nonstick coatings and dishwasher cleaning. If avoiding particular food-contact materials matters to you, verify the full component specifications rather than relying on packaging claims.
Check usable basket area, not only quart capacity
Air fryers work best when heated air can move around exposed surfaces. A six-quart basket packed to the rim may hold plenty of food, but stacked pieces can cook less evenly and need extra shaking or batches. If you often cook breaded cutlets, fish fillets, or several chicken pieces, compare the basket’s width and bottom area as well as its stated volume. Two narrow baskets are excellent for separate foods but may be inconvenient for one large item. Manufacturer food-capacity photos are useful starting points, not guarantees that your usual meal will fit.
Think about cleanup, replacement parts, and noise
A removable crisper plate can be easier to wash than a closely spaced metal mesh, but grooves and corners still collect oil. Check whether your particular basket and tray are dishwasher-safe and whether the coating requires hand washing to avoid damage. A window adds another surface to clean; an oven-style fryer adds racks and a crumb tray; dual baskets double the removable pieces. Fans also make noise, which can matter in a small open-plan kitchen. If a basket wears out, replacement-part availability may matter more than a feature you rarely use.
What about cooking speed and health claims?
Air frying generally uses less added oil than deep-frying comparable food, but that does not automatically make every air-fried meal healthy. Cooking times vary with food thickness, basket loading and preheating; claims like “50% faster” should not be treated as universal results. Food browns best when hot air can circulate, so avoid packing the basket too tightly.
Three foods that reveal whether an air fryer suits you
After buying, start with the meals you already make rather than an unfamiliar recipe. First, cook a modest layer of frozen fries or diced potatoes to see how evenly the basket browns them. Next, try a vegetable such as broccoli or zucchini and pay attention to whether you need to stir or shake it. Finally, cook a familiar protein using its recommended setting and a thermometer. Notice the number of batches, the effort of loading and unloading, and the time it takes to clean afterward. Those everyday details offer a more useful picture of ownership than a large preset count.
Food safety is more important than crispness
Use a food thermometer for meat and poultry rather than judging only by color. USDA guidance calls for 165°F (74°C) for poultry and reheated leftovers, 160°F (71°C) for ground meats, 145°F (63°C) for fish, and 145°F (63°C) followed by a three-minute rest for whole cuts of beef, pork, veal, and lamb. Follow package directions and do not overcrowd the basket. USDA specifically advises against preparing raw, stuffed, breaded chicken-breast products in an air fryer. Keep raw and ready-to-eat food separate and refrigerate perishable leftovers promptly.
If you want more flexibility from an appliance you already own, see HEWISE’s guide to useful air fryer accessories. Verify that any rack or insert is approved for your exact model.
Eight Air Fryers From the Original HEWISE Review
These models appeared in the earlier HEWISE article. We have retained their images and main observations for readers researching an older unit or replacement accessories. They should not be read as eight newly tested 2026 winners; availability and warranty support may have changed.
1. Philips Airfryer XL HD9240
The original HEWISE notes focused on the XL model’s digital controls, useful capacity and ability to handle frozen foods. The mesh basket was less enjoyable: grease and food residue could cling to it, calling for soaking and gentle scrubbing. Although the digital settings helped repeat familiar recipes, the old reviewer also described having to adjust them after checking food. This is an older model, so check the condition of the basket and control panel. Also, HD9240 is not the same product as the HD9650/XXL mentioned in the earlier comparison table.
2. GoWISE USA GW22621
The 3.7-quart GW22621 brought touchscreen operation and seven preset programs to a relatively compact everyday fryer. The original HEWISE article appreciated the clear cooking icons and ease of choosing a setting. It also recorded an important frustration: if the basket was not seated properly, the sensor could interrupt cooking. For shoppers considering an older or secondhand unit, basket alignment and the condition of the control panel deserve more attention than the preset count alone.
3. Philips Airfryer HD9220
The HD9220 was one of Philips’ smaller early-generation basket fryers, better suited to one or two people than a large household. In the original write-up, HEWISE liked the consistent browning of several recipes and the accessory options for cooking beyond fries. Its shortcomings were practical rather than dramatic: the basket’s mesh could hold grease, cleaning took extra care, and a small cooking space meant multiple batches for family meals. Check accessories and replacement baskets before buying an older one.
4. GoWISE USA GW22638
HEWISE originally placed this 3.7-quart, eight-program GoWISE model in the budget category. It aimed to offer basic digital air-frying convenience without the cost of a larger premium unit. The earlier review liked its safety shutoff and choice of presets but found the buttons less straightforward than expected and warned that the handle area could become hot. Those are useful details to consider when comparing a used GW22638 with a newer entry-level basket fryer. Availability and warranty terms may have changed.
5. Power Air Fryer XL 5.3-Quart
This older 5.3-quart Power Air Fryer XL was featured for families who needed more cooking room. HEWISE’s earlier account appreciated the touchscreen presets and capacity for larger batches, but it also reported difficulties sliding the basket back in smoothly after shaking food. As with any air fryer, heat from the rear vent calls for adequate space away from curtains and other heat-sensitive materials. Read the original Power Air Fryer XL review for the more detailed notes and earlier cooking examples.
6. BLACK+DECKER HF110SBD
This two-liter BLACK+DECKER fryer used manual time and temperature dials and a dual-fan arrangement. HEWISE’s original review emphasized the simple controls and relatively modest 1,200-watt power draw. It also found the cooking space too small for some larger meals and noted that the printed dial markings could be difficult to read. Buyers who prefer physical knobs might still appreciate the design, provided the basket coating and electrical cord are in good condition. See the full BLACK+DECKER air fryer review.
7. NuWave Brio 33201
The NuWave 33201 Brio was included for shoppers looking for an affordable digital model. The original article highlighted its illuminated controls, preheating option and an interlock intended to prevent operation when the basket was not correctly positioned. Its nonstick surface deserved careful treatment, as with other coated baskets. Before purchasing an older Brio, check the full model number and confirm that its accessories, basket and power components are complete.
8. Secura 4-Liter Air Fryer
The older Secura four-liter air fryer was a simple alternative to models with touchscreens. HEWISE’s earlier notes liked the mechanical settings and the possibility of using a rack or skewers with compatible bundles. The review was less enthusiastic about its small printed control markings. This model is better evaluated as a straightforward older appliance than as a current top performer. Check the timer, temperature dial and supplied accessories if you encounter it for sale.
How We Selected the Current Shortlist
Rather than treating marketing discounts or seller star ratings as lasting facts, we compared manufacturer-listed capacities, cooking formats, controls, cleaning requirements and size. The recommendations explain which household problem each product solves. We have not assigned invented test scores or claimed to have personally cooked with every newly listed model.
Our main editorial questions were: Can the basket hold a useful single layer of the food people normally cook? Can the controls do the everyday job without confusion? Is there a meaningful advantage over a simpler alternative? How much washing and counter space does the appliance demand? And can a buyer identify the exact model rather than being sent to a confusing range of look-alike products?
What these recommendations cannot establish: We have not carried out a controlled head-to-head cooking experiment on the four current models. We therefore do not award lab scores for crispness, noise, power consumption or reliability, and we do not claim one machine is the fastest. Manufacturer specifications describe what a product is designed to do; your results can vary with food, load size, settings, and maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What size air fryer works for a family of four?
A well-shaped five- to seven-quart basket is a useful starting point. If you cook a protein and side at different settings, consider a dual-basket fryer. For example, a six-quart basket may handle one layer of chicken pieces but not a complete family meal if sides also need room. Check food dimensions and usable basket width, especially for cutlets or fish.
2. Is air frying healthier than deep-frying?
It usually requires less added oil for comparable recipes, which can reduce added fat. Overall nutrition still depends on the ingredients and serving size. A lightly oiled vegetable dish can be nutritious, while a heavily processed snack remains a heavily processed snack even when air fried. Think about the meal, not just the appliance.
3. Can frozen foods go straight into an air fryer?
Many frozen fries and vegetables can. Follow the product’s directions, avoid overfilling the basket and check safe temperatures for meat and poultry. Do not assume raw frozen stuffed poultry is suitable. USDA advises against using air fryers for raw, stuffed, breaded chicken-breast products.
4. Is an air fryer toaster oven better than a basket fryer?
Choose an oven-style model for toast and baking as well as air frying. A basket fryer is often quicker to load and easier to clean for small batches. Consider whether you would use toast, cookies or a baking tray weekly. If not, the smaller footprint and removable basket may be more convenient.
5. How do I clean the air fryer basket?
Unplug the appliance and let it cool. Use mild detergent and a nonabrasive sponge. Put removable parts in the dishwasher only when the model’s instructions permit it. For hard-to-reach greasy spots, soak removable parts in warm, soapy water instead of using abrasive pads on coated surfaces.
6. Should I buy a discounted older air fryer?
Check the exact model number, seller, recall information, replacement baskets, accessories and warranty terms. An inexpensive older model is not a bargain if essential parts are unavailable. Some models have multiple versions with similar names, so match the model on the bottom label with the parts and manual offered by the seller.
Bottom line
For most weeknight cooking, start by comparing the COSORI TurboBlaze and Instant Vortex Plus ClearCook. The Ninja DZ550 is more practical if you need two independently timed foods, while the Breville BOV900 makes sense if you also bake and toast. Choose by usable size, cleanup and everyday convenience—not a discount badge.
Product and safety information: COSORI, Instant Pot, Ninja, Breville, and the USDA air fryer food-safety guide.
