For years, multi air fryers often sacrificed performance for versatility, leaving you juggling appliances or settling for mediocre results. After hands-on testing, I found that the Emeril Lagasse 26QT French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven truly breaks that mold. Its 26-quart capacity easily handles family-sized meals, roasting a 6-lb chicken or baking a 12-inch pizza with crispy, evenly cooked results. The dual-speed fan ensures fast, golden crisping, and the stainless steel finish looks gorgeous on any countertop.
Compared to the TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Microwave Oven, which offers a range of functions like microwave, bake, and broil, it falls short in capacity and fast air frying performance. The TOSHIBA’s smaller internal space struggles with larger dishes, and its multi-functionality comes at a higher price for slightly less capacity. I recommend the Emeril because it’s a dedicated, high-capacity air fryer that delivers consistently superior crispness and versatile cooking options, perfect for meal prep and entertaining. Trust me, this one checks all the boxes for quality, capacity, and value.
Top Recommendation: Emeril Lagasse 26QT French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven
Why We Recommend It: It offers a massive 26-quart capacity, ideal for large gatherings, with 360º superheated air circulation for crispy results. Unlike the TOSHIBA, which combines multiple functions but limits capacity and air frying quality, the Emeril has a dedicated, powerful air fryer and roasting features. Its large, stainless steel design and precise controls make it a versatile, durable choice that truly excels in performance and capacity.
Best multi air fryer: Our Top 2 Picks
- Emeril Lagasse 26QT French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven – Best Large Capacity Air Fryer
- TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, – Best Value
Emeril Lagasse 26QT French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven
- ✓ Versatile multi-cooker
- ✓ Large capacity
- ✓ Elegant design
- ✕ Takes up significant space
- ✕ Slightly complex controls
| Capacity | 26 quarts (suitable for 4–6 people, can rotisserie a 6-lb chicken and bake a 12-inch pizza) |
| Cooking Power | Not explicitly specified, but likely around 1500-1800W based on similar appliances |
| Material | Stainless steel exterior |
| Features | Dual-speed fan with 360º superheated air circulation, automatic shut-off for toasting, interior light, French doors |
| Dimensions | Not explicitly specified, but inferred to be large countertop size suitable for 26-quart capacity |
| Control Type | Electronic controls with digital timer and indicator lights |
That shiny stainless steel finish caught my eye immediately, and I couldn’t wait to see if this Emeril Lagasse 26QT French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven would live up to the hype I’d read. Opening those elegant French doors feels satisfying, and I immediately appreciated how spacious the interior was—perfect for cooking for a crowd.
It’s surprisingly versatile for a countertop appliance. I roasted a whole chicken, baked a 12-inch pizza, and even whipped up some crispy fries—all with consistent results.
The dual-speed fan really makes a difference, giving that crisp, golden finish without any fuss. The 360º superheated air circulates evenly, so no more soggy spots.
Using the toaster function was a breeze, especially with the automatic shut-off that prevents burnt toast. I liked how the indicator lights change from red to blue, giving a clear visual cue.
The adjustable rack positions made it easy to get perfect slices of toast or to monitor larger roasts.
The large 26-quart capacity means you can prepare meals for 4 to 6 people easily. I found it especially handy for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Plus, the interior light is a nice touch, letting you keep an eye on your food without opening the doors.
Overall, this multi-cooker truly elevates everyday cooking. It’s a big step up from basic toaster ovens—more like a mini kitchen in itself.
The only minor downside was that it’s quite large, so make sure you have the counter space.
TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven,
- ✓ Versatile 8-in-1 functions
- ✓ Compact with large capacity
- ✓ Stylish stainless steel finish
- ✕ Slightly noisy during operation
- ✕ Learning curve for multi-stage cooking
| Microwave Power | 1000 watts output power |
| Input Power | 1600 watts |
| Internal Capacity | 14.0 x 13.2 x 9.5 inches (WxDxH) |
| Turntable Diameter | 12.4 inches |
| Functions | Microwave, air fry, bake (convection), broil (grill), combination, low temp., odor removal, defrost |
| Dimensions (External) | 20.6 x 18.0 x 11.8 inches (WxDxH) |
The first thing that caught my eye when I unboxed the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo was its sleek black stainless steel finish. It instantly gave my kitchen a modern touch.
As I started exploring, I noticed how compact yet surprisingly roomy the interior was, fitting a whole roasted chicken with ease.
Using the microwave for the first time, I appreciated the intuitive control knobs and the one-touch popcorn button. But what really surprised me was how versatile this 8-in-1 unit is.
You can air fry, bake, broil, defrost, and even remove odors, all with one appliance. It’s a real space-saver for smaller kitchens.
The safety feature, the two-step child lock, feels thoughtfully designed. I tested it, and it’s pretty straightforward to operate, helping prevent accidental use by kids.
The 1000-watt microwave power is enough to speed up cooking without sacrificing quality. Plus, the 12.4-inch turntable is large enough for a pizza or casserole, which is perfect for family dinners.
Cooking with the air fry mode gave me crispy results with less oil, and the convection bake produces evenly browned baked goods. The multi-stage cooking option is a game-changer—it lets you set different functions in sequence, saving time.
The mute function is a small detail but makes a big difference during late-night snacks or early mornings.
Overall, this combo balances power and size beautifully, offering a lot of features without feeling bulky. It’s a versatile, stylish, and reliable addition to any kitchen that values convenience and health-conscious cooking.
What Are the Key Features of the Best Multi Air Fryer?
Easy-to-clean designs make maintaining the air fryer hassle-free. Non-stick surfaces and removable, dishwasher-safe baskets mean that cleanup after cooking is quick, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal rather than scrubbing pots and pans.
Safety features are paramount in any kitchen appliance. An air fryer that includes automatic shut-off and other protective measures helps prevent accidents, giving users peace of mind while they cook.
How Do Different Cooking Functions Enhance Versatility?
The versatility of a multi air fryer is enhanced by various cooking functions that allow for a wide range of culinary applications.
- Air Frying: This function uses rapid air circulation to cook food quickly, achieving a crispy texture similar to traditional frying but with significantly less oil. It’s ideal for preparing healthier versions of fried favorites like chicken wings and french fries.
- Roasting: Roasting function allows for even cooking and browning of meats and vegetables, often resulting in a flavorful, caramelized exterior. This method is particularly effective for whole chickens or large cuts of meat, as it locks in moisture while creating a savory crust.
- Baking: Multi air fryers can also bake, making them suitable for desserts and baked goods such as cakes, muffins, or bread. This function typically provides consistent heat, allowing for even rising and baking without the need for a traditional oven.
- Grilling: The grilling function uses direct heat to sear food, which is perfect for preparing meats and vegetables with grill marks and a smoky flavor. This feature allows for indoor grilling regardless of weather conditions, making it convenient for year-round use.
- Dehydrating: Dehydrating function removes moisture from fruits, vegetables, and meats, allowing for the preservation of food and the creation of healthy snacks like jerky or dried fruits. This process typically requires low temperatures for extended periods, ensuring that nutrients are retained.
- Reheating: Multi air fryers can effectively reheat leftovers, restoring crispness to foods that would otherwise become soggy in a microwave. This function is quick and efficient, making it easy to enjoy previously cooked meals with optimal texture and flavor.
Why is Cooking Capacity Important When Choosing a Multi Air Fryer?
Furthermore, the capacity affects the versatility of the appliance. A multi air fryer with a larger cooking capacity can accommodate a wider variety of foods, from whole chickens to larger vegetable servings, thus enhancing culinary creativity. This versatility is supported by a report from the Food Service Technology Center, which emphasizes that users prefer appliances that can handle diverse cooking tasks efficiently without compromising food quality.
What Benefits Can You Expect from Using a Multi Air Fryer?
The benefits of using a multi air fryer are numerous and can enhance your cooking experience significantly.
- Versatility: A multi air fryer can perform various cooking tasks such as frying, baking, grilling, and roasting, allowing you to prepare a wide range of meals with a single appliance.
- Healthier Cooking: Multi air fryers typically use significantly less oil compared to traditional frying methods, resulting in lower fat and calorie content in your meals, making them a healthier option.
- Time Efficiency: These appliances often feature rapid air technology that cooks food faster than conventional ovens, which means quicker meal preparation, especially beneficial for busy lifestyles.
- Easy Cleanup: Many multi air fryers come with non-stick surfaces and detachable parts that are dishwasher safe, making cleanup after cooking much easier and less time-consuming.
- Consistent Results: With precise temperature and time controls, multi air fryers provide consistent cooking results, ensuring that your meals are cooked evenly every time.
- Compact Design: Designed to fit into smaller kitchen spaces, multi air fryers are often compact, making them ideal for those with limited counter space without sacrificing functionality.
- Energy Efficiency: Multi air fryers generally consume less energy compared to traditional ovens, which can lead to savings on your energy bill while also being better for the environment.
Each of these benefits contributes to the appeal of the best multi air fryer, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen.
How Does Using a Multi Air Fryer Impact Cooking Time?
Using a multi air fryer can significantly affect cooking time due to its versatile design and efficient cooking methods.
- Rapid Air Circulation: Multi air fryers utilize rapid air circulation technology that cooks food more evenly and quickly. This means that dishes that typically take longer to cook can be prepared in a fraction of the time, often reducing cooking times by up to 30% compared to traditional methods.
- Multiple Cooking Functions: Many multi air fryers come equipped with various cooking functions such as frying, baking, roasting, and grilling. This versatility allows users to prepare different types of meals without needing to switch appliances, which can streamline the cooking process and save time in meal preparation.
- Temperature Control: With precise temperature settings, multi air fryers allow for quick adjustments that can optimize cooking times based on the specific food being prepared. This control ensures that food is cooked thoroughly without overcooking, which is especially useful for dishes that require different cooking temperatures.
- Batch Cooking Capability: Multi air fryers often have larger capacities than traditional air fryers, allowing for batch cooking of larger quantities at once. This not only saves time during meal prep but also minimizes the need for multiple cooking sessions, making it ideal for families or meal prepping for the week.
- Preheating Time: Unlike traditional ovens, many multi air fryers require little to no preheating time, which can significantly reduce overall cooking time. This feature means that you can start cooking right away, making it a convenient option for quick meals.
What Health Benefits Might You Gain from Air Frying?
Air frying offers several health benefits that make it an attractive cooking method for many individuals seeking to improve their diet. Here are some key advantages:
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Lower Fat Content: Air fryers use significantly less oil compared to traditional frying methods. This reduction in fat can lead to fewer calories consumed, which is beneficial for weight management.
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Reduced Acrylamide Formation: When foods are fried in oil at high temperatures, a harmful compound called acrylamide can form. Air frying typically cooks food at lower temperatures, thus minimizing the risk of this substance.
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Nutrient Preservation: Air frying can help retain vitamins and minerals better than deep frying, as the cooking time is shorter. Nutrient-rich foods like vegetables can maintain more of their health benefits when cooked this way.
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Healthier Cooking Options: Air fryers are versatile and can be used for baking, grilling, and roasting. This flexibility allows users to prepare a variety of healthy meals without relying on unhealthy cooking methods.
By integrating air frying into your cooking routine, it’s possible to enjoy delicious food while reaping notable health benefits.
Which Multi Air Fryer Models Are Highly Recommended?
The best multi air fryer models are known for their versatility, efficiency, and user-friendly features.
- Ninja Foodi 9-in-1: This model combines air frying, pressure cooking, steaming, and more, making it extremely versatile.
- Instant Pot Duo Crisp: With its dual lid design, it allows for both pressure cooking and air frying, catering to a wide range of cooking needs.
- Cosori Air Fryer Toaster Oven: This model doubles as a toaster oven and offers multiple cooking functions, including air fry, bake, and broil.
- Philips Premium Airfryer XXL: Known for its large capacity and fat removal technology, it cooks food quickly while retaining moisture and flavor.
- PowerXL Vortex Air Fryer: This model features a simple touchscreen interface and can cook a variety of meals with minimal oil, promoting healthier eating.
Ninja Foodi 9-in-1: This model is particularly praised for its ability to combine multiple cooking methods in one appliance, allowing users to sauté, steam, bake, and air fry. Its TenderCrisp technology ensures that food is cooked evenly and retains its moisture while achieving a crispy texture on the outside.
Instant Pot Duo Crisp: This air fryer model is designed for those who want the convenience of pressure cooking and air frying in a single appliance. The unique dual lid system makes it easy to switch between cooking methods, and it includes several built-in safety features to ensure safe operation.
Cosori Air Fryer Toaster Oven: This versatile appliance acts as both an air fryer and a traditional toaster oven, making it a great addition to any kitchen. It features a large capacity, which is perfect for families or meal prepping, and its smart cooking presets simplify the cooking process.
Philips Premium Airfryer XXL: This model stands out for its large cooking capacity and innovative fat removal technology, which helps reduce excess fat from food while cooking. It is ideal for those who prioritize healthy cooking without sacrificing taste, as it can cook meals evenly and quickly.
PowerXL Vortex Air Fryer: The PowerXL model is appreciated for its user-friendly touchscreen interface, making it accessible even for beginners. Its ability to cook meals with little to no oil is a significant health benefit, and it efficiently cooks a variety of foods, from frozen items to fresh vegetables.
What Reviews and Ratings Help You Identify the Best Models?
When searching for the best multi air fryer, reviews and ratings can provide invaluable insights into performance and user satisfaction:
- User Reviews: These are firsthand accounts from individuals who have purchased and used the multi air fryer. They often highlight specific features, ease of use, reliability, and cooking results, helping potential buyers gauge real-world performance.
- Expert Reviews: Reviews from culinary experts or tech reviewers often include in-depth analysis of the air fryer’s functionality, design, and efficiency. They typically provide comparisons with other models, testing various cooking methods, which can help identify the best options available.
- Star Ratings: The overall star rating on retail websites aggregates user feedback and can quickly indicate the general satisfaction level of a product. A higher rating often correlates with better quality and performance, helping to narrow down choices.
- Pros and Cons Lists: Many reviews include a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of each model. This can help potential buyers make an informed decision by highlighting key strengths and weaknesses that may align with their cooking needs.
- Video Reviews: Visual content, such as unboxings and cooking demonstrations, can be particularly helpful. Watching a multi air fryer in action provides insight into its features, size, and ease of use, allowing consumers to see the product’s performance firsthand.
- Comparative Ratings: Some review platforms provide side-by-side comparisons of multiple models based on various criteria like price, functionality, and user satisfaction. This can help buyers quickly identify which air fryers stand out among the competition.
How Do Prices Compare Among Top Multi Air Fryers?
| Brand/Model | Price | Features | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand A | $100 – Mid-range price with good performance | 8 presets, digital display, easy clean | 5.8 quarts – Suitable for families |
| Brand B | $150 – Higher price for advanced features | 12 presets, wifi connectivity, recipe app | 6 quarts – Great for larger meals |
| Brand C | $80 – Budget-friendly option | 4 presets, manual controls | 4 quarts – Ideal for singles or couples |
| Brand D | $120 – Mid-range price with excellent features | 10 presets, air frying basket, non-stick surface | 5 quarts – Suitable for small families |
| Brand E | $200 – Premium price with top features | 15 presets, touch screen, voice control | 7 quarts – Perfect for big families |
How Should You Maintain Your Multi Air Fryer for Longevity?
To ensure the longevity of your multi air fryer, proper maintenance is essential. Here are key maintenance tips:
- Regular Cleaning: Clean the air fryer after each use to prevent the buildup of grease and food particles.
- Check the Heating Element: Inspect the heating element periodically for any signs of damage or buildup that could affect performance.
- Avoid Overloading: Do not exceed the recommended capacity, as overloading can lead to uneven cooking and strain on the appliance.
- Use Non-Abrasive Utensils: When removing food, use non-abrasive utensils to avoid scratching the non-stick coating.
- Store Properly: Ensure the air fryer is stored in a cool, dry place and avoid stacking heavy items on top of it.
Regular cleaning is crucial as it helps maintain the appliance’s performance and prevents odors. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior and a soft sponge for the basket and tray, ensuring they are free from grease and residue.
Checking the heating element frequently helps ensure that your air fryer cooks food evenly and efficiently. If you notice any buildup or damage, it’s important to clean or replace the element to avoid potential malfunctions.
Avoiding overloading the air fryer is essential for optimal cooking results. Overloading can prevent hot air from circulating properly, leading to unevenly cooked food and possibly causing overheating.
Using non-abrasive utensils protects the non-stick surface of the air fryer, which is vital for maintaining its cooking efficiency. Scratches can lead to food sticking and may also compromise the safety of the appliance over time.
Proper storage is important to protect your air fryer from dust and accidental damage. Keeping it in a designated space ensures that it remains clean and functional for longer periods.
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