Chefman Air Fryer Toaster Oven review versatile 7-in-1 countertop cooking appliance

Description

Design and Build Quality

The Chefman Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo (Air Fryer Toaster Oven XL 20L) immediately stands out with its sleek stainless steel exterior. It looks modern, feels sturdy, and fits effortlessly on my countertop without hogging too much space. The 20-quart capacity is a game-changer. I was able to fit a 10-inch pizza in it without any awkward adjustments. Its compact shape doesn’t sacrifice functionality, and the lighted interior is surprisingly helpful for checking on food without opening the door. The cool-touch handle is a small but thoughtful addition that prevents any accidental burns.

At 15.2 pounds, it’s not the lightest appliance, but the weight gives it a sense of durability. The pull-out crumb tray is a simple yet effective feature that made cleaning up after toasting bread or grilling chicken wings ridiculously easy. It’s worth mentioning that the nonstick coating on the accessories actually works, unlike some kitchen gadgets I’ve owned where food gets stubbornly stuck.

Performance and Versatility

This kitchen beast is more than just an air fryer. It’s a 7-in-1 appliance that can air fry, bake, broil, convection bake, convection broil, toast, and warm. I tried all the modes to really give it a workout. Air frying chicken wings was a revelation—they were crispy on the outside, tender inside, and required 98% less oil than traditional frying. The temperature range of 200-450°F has been perfect for everything from slow-cooking vegetables to searing meat.

The integrated 60-minute countdown timer is a handy tool, though I did notice that the timer knob feels a little less premium than the rest of the unit. The automatic shut-off function became my unsung hero during busy cooking sessions. It saved my garlic bread from becoming a tragic charcoal block more than once.

One surprising highlight is how evenly it toasts bread. I could customize the shade to get my toast just the way I like it—not too dark, not too light. The convection bake mode also deserves a shoutout. It provided consistent heat, which made my banana bread rise beautifully.

Key Benefits

• Multifunctionality: Combining seven cooking modes in one appliance saves space and money.
• Large Capacity: The ability to fit a 5.5lb chicken or multiple slices of toast.
• Healthier Cooking: Air frying with minimal oil helps me keep meals lighter.
• Convenient Features: The interior light makes checking progress stress-free.
• Ease of Cleaning: All accessories being dishwasher-safe is a lifesaver.

Areas for Improvement

• The timer knob feels a bit flimsy compared to the rest of the unit.
• It takes a little longer to preheat than I expected, especially in baking mode.
• The fan in air fry mode can be a bit loud, though it’s not unbearable.

Competing Products

When comparing this model to other air fryer toaster ovens, like the Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven or the Instant Pot Omni Plus, there are clear pros and cons. The Chefman Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo excels in its affordable price range and versatility. However, competitors like the Ninja Foodi often boast faster preheating times and slightly quieter operation. That said, the Chefman has a larger capacity than many of its rivals, making it a better choice for families or anyone cooking for a group.

The Instant Pot Omni Plus, on the other hand, provides more precise digital controls, but the Chefman wins on its user-friendly manual dials and straightforward functionality. While it might not have all the bells and whistles, the Chefman’s focus on practicality and cleaning ease makes it a standout.

Value for Money

The Chefman Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo offers excellent value for its price. Considering the multifunctionality and large capacity, I’d call it a budget-friendly powerhouse. It’s rare to find an appliance that combines this many features without feeling like a compromise in quality. While it doesn’t have the most advanced digital interface, the manual controls are intuitive, and the included accessories make it a true workhorse. If you’re someone who wants an all-in-one device but doesn’t want to break the bank, this is an excellent option.

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