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If you’re looking for a great way to cook healthier meals, then it’s time to get an air fryer. Air frying is a new cooking technique that uses very little oil and no added fat. The result is delicious food with fewer calories and more nutrients! But how do you know which one to buy? That’s why we put together this buying guide of 15 things you should look for before purchasing your air fryer.
Capacity
Depending on how much capacity you need, an air fryer can come with anywhere from two to six baskets. To keep the size and price down, many air fryers have only one or two baskets–one for food to be fried and another for oil circulating it. If you’re cooking everything at once, this is probably fine; if not, consider getting an air fryer with three or more baskets.
If you’re cooking for one, a small air fryer is best; if you’re cooking for four people, get the largest that fits in your budget and kitchen space!
Price
Air fryers range in price from RM 400 to up to RM2000. While the more expensive air fryers will usually have a larger basket capacity, better technology and faster cooking times–you should also consider what you want out of your air fryer. If you’re looking for something super speedy that cooks everything at once without any guesswork, then go with one of the top-of-the-line models.
Energy Savings
An average conventional oven uses about 1800 watts per hour on low heat, while an electric stove burner is around 1300 watts; this means it takes much less energy to cook food in an air fryer than using other traditional methods! An air frying has a timer or sometimes even multiple timers to set how long you want it to cook and when the cooking time is up, your food will automatically shut off.
Some air fryers also have an auto-shutoff function that turns them off after a certain number of hours; this can save power not just in the present but for years to come!
Temperature Control
While most air fryers allow you to set how long or short you want your food cooked, some are better than others regarding temperature control. If you’re looking for something more precise, then look into getting one with electronic controls rather than dials–especially if there’s any chance of children using the device. Also, look at what range of temperatures they have–most air fryers go between 170 degrees Fahrenheit and 390 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ease of Cleaning and Storage
An air fryer should never be submerged in water as doing so can cause damage to the cooking chamber! An air fryer is a pretty simple device, so you should be able to take it apart and clean all of the parts very quickly. Make sure that your future purchase offers removable baskets as this will make cleaning much easier–and if not, look for an air fryer with non-stick coating on its inside surfaces.
Safety Feature
An air fryer is only good if it’s safe. You don’t want something that could malfunction or have some other issue while in use, do you? Check whether there are any safety features before purchasing; many models include automatic shutoff functions after set time periods or temperatures thresholds (or both!) plus, they’re often listed, which means they’ve been tested and certified for safety.
Related Read: 16 Reasons to Cook with an Air Fryer
Size
Air fryers come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s important to measure your cooking space before purchasing one! If you’re looking for a small air fryer that can be stored away when not in use, find the smallest footprint model.
If you need something larger or if there isn’t enough storage space available, then look into an air fryer without legs–some models even have hinged lids which means they’ll take up less room on your countertop too!
Brand Name vs Generic Models
Many people think, “if I buy brand-name, I’m going to get better quality.” But many times, this is just false advertising as manufacturing costs are often lower than retailing costs. The only thing that matters is whether the product you’re buying has been tested and certified for safety! So before making a purchase, make sure to check reviews from people who have used the brand-name item and generic models.
Style
The style of air fryer can be important if it’s something you’ll have out on your kitchen counter or just a small space in a cabinet. There are different colours and sizes to choose from! Make sure you get one that matches your kitchen.
Height of food basket
With most air fryers, the height of the food baskets are only one inch taller than what they should be–so make sure yours has enough room so that whatever you cook will have some space between each piece (or else things could get soggy!).
Cook time
Several types of heating coils determine how fast your food will cook–so make sure the one you get fits with what you’re looking for.
Controls
Check out all the controls on an air fryer before buying to see if it does exactly what you want it to do. For example, some units allow users to set timers or adjust temperature settings while others don’t (which might not work for everyone!). Be aware of how many buttons the unit has and what they do.
Wattage
The wattage determines just how hot an air fryer can get–so be careful with this because some units don’t go up high enough (like 600 watts) so food might still come out chewy in texture rather than crispy like expected. If using these types of air fryers, cook at lower temperatures in order to avoid overcooking.
Warranty
A one year warranty is pretty standard–but make sure it comes with the same type of coverage you want and that there are no hidden fees!
Accessories
Some air fryers come with items like a recipe book, spatula, or tongs, so be aware of what accessories might be included before buying an appliance. It’s also important to know how big the cooking baskets are because they can vary in size from two inches up to six inches wide (so find out what will work best for your needs!)
Extra Tips: Simple Air Fryer Recipes
Conclusion
We hope this list will help you find the perfect air fryer for your needs. If we missed anything, please let us know! Our team would love to hear from you and learn more about what’s essential when purchasing an air fryer. Have any of these tips help you narrow down on which one is right for you?