Air fryers have stormed into kitchens, offering the promise of crispy food without the guilt. But buyer beware – not all air fryers live up to the hype. Some models are more likely to serve up frustration than fries, with subpar performance, poor durability, and usability issues. To help you avoid air fryer regret, we’ve compiled a list of models that are best left on the shelf. Here are seven air fryer models you should steer clear of at all costs.
1. Kitchen Couture 3.4L Air Fryer: The Frustration Machine
Kitchen Couture’s 3.4L Air Fryer may look sleek, but its performance is anything but. With a disappointing 67% performance score, this model seems more intent on ruining meals than creating crispy, golden perfection. While it might handle basic frozen fries, anything more complicated results in uneven cooking and burnt edges.
The usability of this air fryer is a headache on its own. The controls are confusing, and adjusting the temperature feels like solving a riddle. Add to that the inconsistent cooking results—one side burnt, the other raw – and you’ll quickly lose your patience. If you’re hoping for reliable, stress-free cooking, this is not the air fryer for you.
2. Kmart Anko 9L Twin Air Fryer AFD2906: Double the Disappointment
At first glance, the Kmart Anko 9L Twin Air Fryer seems like a great deal with its dual baskets, allowing you to cook two things at once. However, in reality, it’s just double the frustration. With a poor 65% performance score, this air fryer struggles to cook food evenly, leaving you with soggy fries and dry, flavorless chicken.
Its massive size takes up valuable counter space, but its cooking capacity still underwhelms, and you’ll need to cook in batches to get decent results. Worse yet, the usability of the dual baskets is a nightmare. If you value consistent results and efficient cooking, this air fryer will likely leave you wishing you’d spent a little more for something reliable.
3. Sunbeam 22L Multi-function Oven + Air Fryer BT7200: Jack of All Trades, Master of None
The Sunbeam 22L Multi-function Oven + Air Fryer tries to do it all – bake, roast, air fry – but in trying to be versatile, it doesn’t excel at anything. With a 74% performance score, it’s just average across the board. Chicken nuggets and frozen fries come out either overcooked or underdone, and other foods, like pork belly or marinated wings, fare even worse.
This model also lacks a key feature – there’s no reminder to shake or turn food, which means you’re constantly peeking inside, hoping your food isn’t burning. In the end, its subpar performance in every cooking mode makes it an unreliable kitchen companion, especially when you need consistent, quality results.
4. Ultrean Air Fryers: A Flimsy Letdown
Ultrean air fryers have gained a following for their affordable price, but buyer beware – these models are prone to serious design flaws. The baskets are often poorly constructed, with handles that loosen or even break off completely during use. Imagine pulling out your hot food, only to have the basket separate from the handle and crash onto your counter. It’s not just inconvenient – it’s a safety hazard.
The build quality feels cheap, and the constant maintenance of tightening screws becomes a frustrating chore. Ultrean’s unreliable construction and potential danger make it a model to avoid, even if it seems like a budget-friendly option at first.
5. Ninja, Philips, Tower, and Tefal: Big Names, Big Letdowns
Despite their reputation as top-tier air fryer brands, Ninja, Philips, Tower, and Tefal have had their fair share of reliability issues. A recent survey found that these popular brands had some of the highest fault rates, with problems ranging from poor cooking performance to broken trays and auto programs that malfunction. It’s like buying a luxury car, only to have it constantly in the shop for repairs.
What’s worse, these brands offer only 1-2 year warranties, meaning if your air fryer breaks down after that, you’re on your own. With the high price tags attached to these brands, their lack of reliability and durability makes them risky choices. You’d expect premium performance from these brands, but unfortunately, they often fall short.
6. Budget Air Fryers: Cheap Isn’t Always Cheerful
When it comes to budget air fryers, the old saying holds true: you get what you pay for. Low-cost models like the Kmart Anko air fryers might seem like a steal at first, but their inconsistent cooking results and frequent breakdowns make them more trouble than they’re worth. While saving a few bucks upfront might be tempting, these budget models often need replacing sooner, costing you more in the long run.
For just a little more investment, you can get a model with far better performance, durability, and reliability. Spending wisely on a higher-quality air fryer from the start can save you from the frustration (and wasted food) that comes with cheaper options.
Faulty Warranties: Don’t Rely on a False Sense of Security
Many air fryer models come with short 1-2 year warranties, which might seem reassuring at first, but don’t be fooled. These warranties often fail to cover the frequent issues that plague unreliable air fryers. Worse still, trying to get a replacement or repair under warranty can be a nightmare of unresponsive customer service and difficult-to-find parts.
Many air fryer models are difficult to repair, with internal components that are either inaccessible or costly to replace. It’s not uncommon for users to be told that their air fryer is beyond repair, even for issues that should be fixable. Instead of relying on a short warranty, invest in a more reputable model with a track record of reliability. It’s the best way to avoid future headaches and disappointments.
Noise Levels: The Unwanted Kitchen Concert
One often-overlooked factor when choosing an air fryer is the noise it produces during use. While some models are relatively quiet, others can sound like a jet engine taking off in your kitchen. Imagine trying to have a conversation, watch TV, or simply enjoy a peaceful cooking experience, only to be interrupted by the loud whirring of your air fryer. Noise complaints are common, especially with larger, more powerful models.
If you have a small apartment or open kitchen layout, the constant droning of a noisy air fryer can quickly become a source of irritation. Be sure to check user reviews for any mentions of excessive noise before making your purchase, as this is an issue that can easily turn your convenient kitchen tool into an annoying distraction.
Air Fryer Models to Steer Clear Of
Not all air fryers are created equal, and as these models demonstrate, some are best avoided. From unreliable budget brands to big names that don’t live up to their reputations, it’s important to do your research before purchasing an air fryer. Avoid these problematic models, and instead, look for air fryers that consistently deliver great results, durability, and ease of use. When you invest in the right model, air frying can be a true game-changer in your kitchen.
Cheaper Price Equals Frequent Repairs
What are your thoughts? Are you willing to trade a cheaper price for the possibility of frequent repairs or poor performance when buying an air fryer?