Buying Guide for the Best Philips Air Fryers
When shopping for a Philips air fryer, the goal is to find a model that suits the size of your household, your cooking habits, and your kitchen space. Air fryers offer a healthier way to enjoy fried favorites by using little to no oil, but not all models are the same. Think about how often you expect to use it, what kinds of foods you want to prepare, and how much counter space you have. By understanding the key features, you can identify the best air fryer fit for your home.CapacityCapacity refers to how much food the air fryer basket can hold at once. This is typically measured in liters or quarts. A small capacity (about 2-3 liters) is best for 1-2 people or for snacks and small sides. Medium (3-4 liters) works for small families or preparing a main dish for two. Large capacity (over 4 liters) is suited for bigger families, meal prepping, or if you like cooking larger items like a whole chicken. Think carefully about how many people you'll usually cook for—bigger isn't always better since large models take more space.
WattageWattage is the power of the air fryer and affects how fast and evenly it cooks your food. Most models range from 1200 to 2200 watts. Lower wattage means slower cooking and may not get as crispy, while higher wattage cooks faster but uses more electricity. If you often cook larger meals, a higher wattage can be helpful. If you're mostly making snacks or sides for one or two, lower wattage is usually enough and may be easier on your power outlets.
Control TypeControl type refers to how you set time and temperature. Manual controls use knobs or dials—these are simple and intuitive, great if you want something straightforward. Digital controls (with buttons and displays) give you precise settings and sometimes preset cooking programs, which are handy if you want more options or cook a variety of foods. Choose manual if you like basic operation and digital if you want versatility and convenience.
Preset ProgramsPreset programs are one-touch buttons for common foods like fries, chicken, fish, or baking. These make air fryers especially user-friendly since you just press a button and let it run. If you want to make lots of different foods but don't want to experiment with times and temperatures, look for several presets. If you mostly cook the same things or like experimenting, fewer presets are fine.
Ease of CleaningAir fryers with removable, dishwasher-safe baskets and parts are much easier to clean after cooking. Some models have nonstick coatings, which help prevent food from sticking and simplify washing up. If you want minimal cleanup effort, prioritize dishwasher-safe and non-stick options. If you’re happy to hand-wash or don’t mind a little scrubbing, this spec might be less critical.
Size and FootprintThis refers to the physical size of the air fryer and how much space it takes on your counter. Larger models can cook more but take up more room, while compact models fit better in smaller kitchens. Before buying, measure your available space to ensure it fits comfortably. Select a size based on your storage and counter space, balancing capacity needs with convenience.
Additional FunctionsSome air fryers offer extra features like grilling, roasting, baking, or dehydrating. These added functions can replace other appliances and provide more cooking versatility. If you want a device that can do more than just air fry, consider one with multifunction capabilities. If you mainly want it for basic air frying, you can skip the extras.