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So my sister-in-law Sarah finally wore me down about getting an air fryer. I kept saying “it’s just a stupid convection oven that takes up counter space” but she wouldn’t shut up about it. Every family dinner – “you HAVE to get one, they’re amazing!” Finally bought one just to prove her wrong and… fuck. She was right. I hate when she’s right.
That was like 8 months ago and now my kitchen looks like Best Buy threw up. I’ve got air fryers everywhere because I got obsessed with testing them. My poor husband keeps asking when I’m going to stop bringing home new appliances. The answer is never, Dave.
Look, most of these reviews online are bullshit. Written by people who clearly just read the manual and maybe cooked one batch of fries. I actually USE these things. Like daily. Sometimes twice a day when I’m feeling lazy about real cooking. I’ve burned food, broken stuff, and yelled at several air fryers. This is real talk.
The 6 Air Fryers That Don’t Suck (In Order of How Much I Actually Use Them)
1. Ninja Foodi DZ550 DualZone – The Beast That Took Over My Kitchen
Paid $189 for mine, see prices from $179-$230
This thing is fucking HUGE. When it showed up I was like “there’s no way this fits anywhere” but somehow we made it work. Now our whole counter is organized around it because it’s just… it’s perfect. I hate that it’s perfect because it’s ugly and takes up so much space but god damn it cooks everything perfectly.
The two baskets thing sounded gimmicky but it’s actually life-changing. Last week I was running late (as usual) and just threw frozen chicken nuggets in one side and those sweet potato fries my kids are obsessed with in the other. Both done at the same time, kids happy, me not stressed. Win.
My brother is this super picky eater who sends back food at restaurants constantly. Made wings in this thing and he literally asked for the “recipe.” Dude, there’s no recipe – frozen wings, some salt, press button, magic happens.
Why it doesn’t suck:
- Two baskets = dinner happens faster
- Wings come out better than restaurants somehow??
- That temperature probe thing actually works (unlike my oven’s which is broken and we’re too lazy to fix)
- Nothing sticks to it ever
Why it kinda sucks:
- It’s enormous and ugly
- Dave still can’t figure out the controls after 6 months
- Cost way more than I wanted to spend
- Makes that beeping sound that wakes up the baby sometimes
2. Instant Vortex Plus ClearCook – My Ride or Die Daily One
Around $100-140, got mine for $99 on some random sale
This became my go-to after the novelty of the big ninja wore off. The see-through window was the selling point but honestly now I’m spoiled and can’t use air fryers without windows. It’s like cooking blind.
Weird discovery – it’s AMAZING for leftover pizza. Better than the oven, way better than microwave. My teenage son Jake basically lives off leftover pizza reheated in this thing now. Which means less complaining about soggy microwave pizza so that’s a win for my sanity.
Fits a whole chicken if you really jam it in there. I’ve tested this extensively because I’m weird like that. About 4.5 pounds max unless you want to get creative with the positioning.
The good shit:
- Window so you can actually see what’s happening
- Heats up stupid fast – usually ready before I finish cutting vegetables
- Perfect size for normal family dinners
- Cleaning is pretty easy except for that annoying drip tray
The annoying shit:
- That drip tray falls out sometimes and makes a mess (learned this the hard way)
- Not as many preset buttons but honestly who uses those anyway
3. Cosori TurboBlaze – The One My Mom Can Actually Use
$120-160ish, always seems to be on sale somewhere
Bought this for my mom after she kept asking about my air fryer obsession. She’s 68 and not great with technology – still calls me to ask how to find Netflix. But she figured this one out immediately without even opening the manual.
It cooks fast. Like really fast. The “TurboBlaze” name sounds stupid but it’s not lying. Stuff that usually takes 12 minutes is done in 8-9. Runs hot though – I’ve learned to turn the temp down like 25 degrees or things get crispy real quick.
Their customer service is actually decent too. When mom’s started making weird noises (she was overpacking it because of course she was), they spent forever on the phone helping instead of just telling her to return it.
Why it works:
- Seriously foolproof to operate
- Cooks faster than expected
- Customer service doesn’t suck
- Small footprint for 6-quart
The problems:
- Loud as hell when the fan goes
- Runs hot – gotta adjust temps
- Non-stick seems more delicate than others
4. Philips Essential XL – For When I’m Pretending to Eat Healthy
$160-200, worth it if you’re into that health stuff
Got this because Philips invented air fryers so figured they knew their shit. They do. This thing makes the crispiest vegetables with literally zero oil. Like I put broccoli in there with nothing but hope and it comes out perfect every time.
Build quality is noticeably better. Had it for months, heavy use, still looks new. The basket is different – one piece instead of basket plus tray which makes cleaning easier but also means you can’t separate food from grease as easily.
This is what I recommend to my health nut friends. You can actually make healthy food that doesn’t taste like cardboard. Even my kids will eat vegetables from this thing which is basically a miracle.
Health nut benefits:
- Needs almost no oil for great results
- Built like it’ll last forever
- Perfect for whole foods cooking
- Makes vegetables taste good somehow
Regular person problems:
- More expensive than similar sizes
- Fewer digital bells and whistles
- Hard to find replacement parts if something breaks
5. Ninja AF101 4-Quart – The Little Engine That Could
$70-100, perfect starter
Don’t let the size fool you. This little guy is basically the same as the big expensive Ninjas just smaller. Got it originally for my office but ended up using it at home all the time for quick stuff.
Perfect for meal prep or if you’re cooking for two people. I use it for my lunches now – chicken and vegetables, 15 minutes, done. Kids use it for after school snacks. It’s like having a backup oven that doesn’t heat up the whole kitchen.
If you’re not sure about this whole air fryer thing, start here. Low investment, same technology as expensive models, small enough to shove in a closet if you hate it.
Small but mighty:
- Cheap way to test air frying
- Same tech as bigger Ninjas
- Perfect for couples/small families
- Doesn’t dominate your counter
Obviously limited:
- Small capacity means multiple batches for families
- No fancy features
- Have to adjust cooking times for smaller amounts
6. Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro – For Rich People (Or People Pretending to Be)
$400-500, yes really
Okay this one’s stupid expensive. Like mortgage payment expensive. But my chef friend let me borrow hers for a month and holy shit. It’s not just an air fryer, it’s like having a professional kitchen appliance on your counter.
The precision is insane. Made cookies that came out more evenly than my actual oven. The fan has different speeds so you can do gentle stuff or aggressive crisping. It’s like the iPhone of air fryers – costs too much but works perfectly.
Most people don’t need this. I certainly don’t NEED it but I want it. If you cook a lot and have the money, it’s incredible. If you’re normal people like me, stick with something cheaper.
For cooking nerds with money:
- 13 different functions
- Professional level everything
- Can replace multiple appliances
- Will probably outlive me
For normal people:
- Stupid expensive
- Takes up half your counter
- Probably overkill unless you’re obsessed with cooking
- Learning curve because it does everything
Stuff You Need to Know Before You Buy One of These Things
Size Matters Way More Than You Think
I fucked this up initially. Bought a tiny 3-quart thinking “how much food could we possibly need?” Wrong. So wrong. Was doing multiple batches for everything and getting pissed off constantly.
Real talk on sizes:
- 2-3 quarts: You live alone and eat small portions
- 4-5 quarts: Two people or small family with patience
- 6-8 quarts: Normal family size, can fit whole chickens
- 10+ quarts: Large families or people who meal prep everything
Go bigger than you think. The counter space difference isn’t huge but the cooking difference is massive.
Basket vs Oven Style (And Why Most People Should Get Basket)
Tested both extensively because I have no life apparently.
Basket style (the drawer ones) are better for normal people. Easier to use, faster cooking, cleaning doesn’t suck. Good for everyday stuff like fries, vegetables, chicken pieces.
Oven style look fancier and work better for big flat things. Good for whole fish, sheet pan stuff, impressing your friends. But they’re slower and more annoying to use.
Unless you have specific reasons to get oven style, go with basket.
Features That Actually Matter vs Marketing Bullshit
Actually important stuff:
- Temperature range at least 180-400°F
- Timer that goes to an hour minimum
- Dishwasher safe basket (trust me on this)
- Basket that doesn’t stick when you try to pull it out
Nice but not essential:
- Digital display (easier to read)
- Window (spoils you but worth it)
- Good presets (most suck anyway)
- Auto shutoff when you open it
Complete marketing bullshit:
- “Rapid air technology” – they all use hot air and a fan
- “Fat removal” – just means grease drips out
- WiFi connectivity – why the fuck does an air fryer need internet
The Truth About Cleaning (This Is Where People Give Up)
If it’s annoying to clean you won’t use it. Period.
Non-stick basket is mandatory. Had stainless steel ones and scrubbing them clean made me want to throw the whole thing away. Also dishwasher safe parts or you’ll hate your life.
Pro tip: clean while it’s still warm but not hot. Food comes off way easier. If you let it cool completely and get crusty you’re screwed.
Mistakes That Ruin Everything
Overcrowding – biggest mistake everyone makes. Air needs space to move around. Two smaller batches always better than one packed batch.
Too much oil – these work with almost no oil. Light spray is plenty. More just makes greasy mess.
Wrong temperature – most stuff cooks at 375-400. Don’t just blast it at max heat.
Not shaking – shake the basket halfway through unless it’s something delicate
Skipping preheat – 3-5 minutes makes huge difference
Budget Real Talk
Under $100 – basic models, smaller sizes. Good for testing if you’ll actually use it.
$100-200 – sweet spot for most people. Good size, works well, won’t break immediately.
$200-300 – fancy features, bigger capacity, better quality.
$300+ – professional shit, multiple functions, lasts forever.
Start around $100-150 unless you know you need something specific. Can always upgrade later when you get obsessed like me.
What Works Great and What Doesn’t
Perfect results: Frozen fries, wings, bacon, reheating fried food, roasted vegetables
Pretty good: Fish, pork chops, chicken (watch it doesn’t dry out), small desserts
Annoying but doable: Chicken breasts (dry out fast), delicate stuff
Don’t bother: Wet batters, huge things that don’t fit, anything that’ll blow around
Energy Bills (Because Everything Costs Money Now)
These use way less energy than ovens for small stuff. My electric bill definitely went down after I started air frying instead of heating the big oven for small portions.
Air fryers use like 1000-1500 watts vs 3000-5000 for ovens. If you cook small portions a lot, savings add up.
Keeping Them Working
Clean after every use while warm. Get a bottle brush for the basket holes. Don’t use harsh cleaners – dish soap works fine and won’t fuck up the coating.
Check the heating element monthly for buildup. If there’s grease up there, wipe it with damp cloth.
Replace when the coating starts flaking or it stops making things crispy. Good ones last 3-5 years if you don’t abuse them.
Bottom line – air fryers aren’t magic but they’re genuinely useful. Just ignore the marketing hype and get one that fits your space and budget. You’ll probably end up loving it and annoying your friends about it like I do.
Oh and Sarah? You were right. But I’m not telling you that.
Vacuum Cleaner Annual Electricity Cost Calculator
When is the best time to buy?
Just about anytime. Vacuum cleaners are featured in almost every holiday sale, including Presidents Day and Black Friday. If you miss one sale, another is likely to be coming right behind it. So unless you’re in dire need of a replacement, you can avoid paying full price.
Vacuum cleaner attachments
Depending on the model you’ve chosen, this appliance can come with several attachments all of which do different jobs. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common attachments and what each are for:
- Crevice tool — This is a long thin tube which is designed to reach into awkward areas, such as down the sides of vehicle seats. These are also useful for vacuuming along skirting boards.
- Dirt brush — This tool comes with stiff bristles on it to help dislodge dirt as you vacuum.
- Mini motorized brush/Pet tool — Mini-motorized brushes are becoming more popular with stick vacuums. These alternative motorized heads are designed to be used on handheld vacuums. As they feature a rotating brush, they have much better pickup than other accessories and can be great for pet hair.
- Mattress tool/Upholstery tool — A small, flat head, which is designed to vacuum the mattress or upholstery, removing dirt and allergens.
- Combination or 2-in1 tool — A common attachment which features soft bristles that can slide over a small nozzle or be locked back in place. This makes it good for delicate work and everyday cleaning.
- Dusting brush — This tool features soft bristles over a small nozzle which makes it ideal for dislodging dust from delicate surfaces, such as lampshades.
Why You Should Trust Us
We have purchased different vacuum cleaners from various platforms, to test them. Our team tested these vacuum cleaners in real-life scenarios, from hardwood floors strewn with pet hair to thick carpets full of crumbs, and we can responsibly tell you that the models of vacuum cleaners we recommended above are outstanding in terms of performance, and ease of functionality. If you are still hesitant, you can use the selection assistant we built in the article in real time to recommend the one that better suits you.
