To make a delicious dish, there are many techniques that differ in functionality and other parameters. Relatively recently, they made an excellent assistant for housewives - an airfryer. The technique works according to the convection method, which means that the products are made by blowing with a stream of hot air. The technique is characterized by durability, but you need to know how to choose an airfryer for your home, because the device is not yet very popular in the CIS countries, so there may be some difficulties before buying.
Content
The device and principle of operation of the airfryer
Often such a device is called a convection oven, since all dishes are created by blowing with a hot air stream. Due to this, all the ingredients retain their properties as much as possible, the juice is inside, and their upper part does not burn. The main plus is baking or frying without using oil, nothing sticks inside the bowl.
Among the main elements of the airfryer are:
- The cover is the main element on which the main technical equipment and control panel are installed.
- Fan.
- A heating element.
- A bowl with a lattice, sometimes manufacturers complete with stands, rings and other parts that will increase the working volume.
Immediately after switching on, the heating element installed in the lid is activated. It is automatically heated, after which the inside is heated. The fan blows hot air over the bowl, which gives an even cooking of the dish. Based on some designs and specific models, users can choose the temperature, fan speed.
Types of grills
You can understand which airfryer to choose if you know the main types and parameters of such household appliances. At the moment, there are 2 main types of devices.
Classic airfryer
Such devices are traditional, sold together with a bowl for loading food. Models are made of glass, which is not afraid of high temperatures, depending on the manufacturer, the devices can be equipped with different accessories The lid is the main element of the grill, it can be removable or fixed with fasteners. Often, the working volume ranges from 3-14 liters, but there are also more efficient models. You need to choose from the number of people, as well as portions.
Pros:
- Large selection of devices.
- With the help of a special extension, it is possible to increase the working volume, but this is only available with a removable cover.
- An excellent set of functionality.
- Good equipment.
Minuses:
- Big sizes.
- The high price of equipment in the presence of an electronic unit for settings.
Convection grill cover
Universal designs, the main elements for work are installed in the lid. Appliances are sold without a bowl; you can use any utensil as it, for example, a frying pan or a saucepan. As a result, food preparation does not differ in quality from classic models, but the cost is significantly lower.
Pros:
- Small size for easy storage.
- Can be placed on any dish that fits the diameter of the lid.
- Optimal cost.
Minuses:
- Poor functionality, often only mechanical control.
- A small selection of devices.
Features of choosing an airfryer
When choosing an airfryer, you need to take into account not only the type, but also the main parameters that are responsible for the entire cooking process, quality and speed.
Heater type
To provide warm air inside the device, manufacturers install various heating parts. Basic:
- TEN - a tube made of metal, which is endowed with a core inside for glowing. With it, heat waves appear, and the element itself allows you to evenly cook food inside and out. The average service life of this part is 10 years. It takes a long time to prepare food, which is considered the main disadvantage, and a lot of juice is also lost. In addition, the tube can oxidize over time, so it is better to choose a stainless steel heating element.
- Halogen lamps are a special heater that creates warm air by glowing. The work of the equipment will be faster than with the heating element, and after the device is turned off, everything cools down quickly. The main disadvantage is the high degree of fragility of the lamp and the period of use up to 3 years. During cooking, grease and other particles that can break the structure get on the lamp.
- Carbon element - heats up as quickly as possible to the desired temperature, consumes a minimum amount of current. This solution is durable, but the heater will require careful and gentle care. This technique allows you to thoroughly bake any product inside, and on top, it turns out, to make a pleasant crust. The main rule is to exclude shaking and falling of the lid.
Power
This indicator is one of the most important for the devices described, since the operating temperature range, the cooking speed and the number of possible programs depend on the power. It is not recommended to buy very powerful devices, as they consume a lot of current and lead to a very heavy load on the home network. To simplify the selection, you can use the following power gradation:
- 0.8-1 kW - low-power aero grills, which have a minimum number of possibilities. It is recommended to buy devices for houses in which the wiring is old and cannot withstand strong stress. The models are characterized by slow operation, so the dishes take a long time to cook.
- 1.2-1.4 kW is an excellent choice, such aero grills have an optimal number of modes, functions and an average cooking time is needed.
- From 1.6 kW - a powerful technique that is recommended only in cases where there is no oven or microwave oven, and the use of the airfryer will be carried out very often. Models in this category are often supplemented with options that customers never use, but this is reflected in the price.
Control type
Like any other household appliances, the airfryer can be electronically or classic controlled. The simplest devices are characterized by the presence of rotary levers that allow you to select the time up to 1 hour and the temperature for cooking. The main plus is simple operation.
The electronic control unit is a modern and functional option, which often includes not just buttons, but also a whole screen to increase information content. Due to this, the user can select the cooking mode, the temperature is monitored, the fan speed is determined and adjusted, and the main thing is that the device can be left and left the kitchen or home. After the program is made, the equipment will automatically turn off, and if there are violations, the owner is notified.
Bowl volume
Universal lids can be put on any pot and other utensils, but this is not possible in traditional convection ovens. Manufacturers can only provide additional rings that increase the working volume to 4 liters. There are no other options.
A bowl in the smallest airfryer will fluctuate between 3-8 liters, but this is enough for cooking for 2 persons. To make a whole bird or several dishes, then the choice must be made towards devices where the bowl is 10-15 liters.
Modern convection ovens include 2 types of lids. Some devices are characterized by a folding option, while others are removable. In the first case, the fixing method helps to save time, and the hostess does not need to hold the lid, because it is weighty. Among the minuses, one can single out the inability to increase the working dimensions, and the opening mechanism may break. The second models make it possible to use rings to expand the possibilities and volume of the bowls.
Additional functions
Modern devices for cooking include many possibilities, often the hostess does not know about them or does not use them at all, but each one affects the price when buying, so it is important to understand what functions will be useful:
- The presence of a timer with an alert is convenient, because at the end there will be a signal and an automatic shutdown.
- Delayed start.
- Keeping cooked food warm for a certain period.
- Airflow that can be adjusted by selecting the fan speed. This allows you to reduce current consumption, make a crispy crust or improve baking inside.
- Automatic heating.
- Drying is great for those who like to prepare for the winter in the form of mushrooms, herbs, vegetables and fruits while maintaining maximum benefits.
There is sometimes self-cleaning, but this is not a separate option, because any grill can make it by simply pouring detergent and water inside and turn on the grill for a quarter of an hour. Soft fat is easier to pull off surfaces.
How much does the airfryer cost
The cost of all devices available on the market differs significantly, which is caused by the name of the company, functions and other parameters. On average, the pricing policy will be as follows:
- Classic devices in which there is a heating element are the most common options, they can be found in different working volumes with a price of 3-13 thousand rubles.
- Some models are equipped with halogen lamps, they are slightly cheaper and will cost 2-9.5 thousand rubles.
- Least of all on sale are carbon devices, but they are considered the cheapest and the cost will be about 3000 rubles.
One of the main elements of the airfryer is the lid; a universal addition can be bought for about 1-2 thousand rubles in the event that the main one is burst or lost.
The best manufacturers of airfryer
In our country, in the kitchen you can rarely find such equipment, moreover, in stores it is rarely sold or presented in a minimal assortment. It should be noted that the choice will be small, but there are several interesting devices from the best companies:
- Polaris;
- Redmond;
- Hotter;
- Kitfort.
Knowing the TOP manufacturers, which airfryer is better to choose, there will not be much difference, since all the brands presented make high-quality and functional models that can serve for many years.
TOP best airfryer from well-known manufacturers
One of the best brands for the production of such equipment is Hotter. The company creates quality products for all characteristics. To find a reliable assistant, it is recommended to give preference to this particular brand. However, there are other representatives in points of sale that differ functionally, in quality and cost. Among the inexpensive models, UNIT, Homus, Smile, Domus can be distinguished, aero grills from VES will be slightly better. The main difference between the brands is in the heating element, control and functions.
REDMOND RAG-240
A manufacturer that is considered elite and makes quality equipment. This model of the airfryer is characterized by its reliability.
pros:
- Nice appearance.
- Small size.
- Affordable cost - about 3000 rubles.
There are no pronounced shortcomings.
Hotter HX-2098 Fitness Grill
The best device, according to experts, which has everything you need to prepare delicious meals.
Pros:
- Self-cleaning option.
- Heating element is used for heating.
- The power of the device is 1.4 kW.
- Electronic control.
- A timer is set.
- There are 10 cooking programs to choose from.
The main disadvantage in the cost is 12,500 rubles.
SUPRA AGS-1101
A well-known brand that has made a quality model of the airfryer.
pros:
- Excellent build quality.
- Beautiful view.
- The presence of a large number of functions.
- Intuitive controls.
Minus not found.
Smile AG 1905
Inexpensive construction with good quality. An excellent choice for those looking for a kitchen assistant.
pros:
- Electronic control.
- The working volume is 12 liters.
- The presence of a timer.
- 10 programs to work with.
Minuses:
- Halogen heating element.
- The cost is about 6500 rubles.
VES AX 787
A reliable model at an optimal cost.
pros:
- The price of the device is about 4000 rubles.
- Delayed start.
- There is a removable cover.
- Self-cleaning option.
The main disadvantage is a halogen-type heating element.
Which airfryer is better to choose
When choosing, you need to take into account the needs. Experts advise focusing on the following parameters and features:
- If the family is small or an oven is installed at home, there is a microwave oven, then it is better to buy a small size airfryer. The best choice would be a classic device with a working volume of 3-6 liters, which will have a power of 1 kW or more, as well as a hinged cover. But you should take a closer look at the functions and choose richer equipment and control using electronics.
- For those who like to cook and conduct experiments in the kitchen, it is recommended to choose devices that are equipped with a removable lid, and the working volume will be up to 10 liters. It is very good if the kit includes extensions. It is better to buy such aero grills with a power of about 1.5 kW and rich functionality.
- If the house does not have an oven, then you will need to take large air grills of 14 liters or more. It is better that the lid is removable, extensions are supplied in the kit, and the power of the device starts from 1.8 kW. For comfortable work, you should select a model with the ability to set the temperature and fan speed.
On sale you can find a universal cover that can replace a full-fledged airfryer. To begin with, you can buy simple equipment with a mechanical type of control and a heating element made of steel. If the product will be used as heating food, then a halogen heating element is better. The optimum power will be up to 1 kW.
