Extensive Air Fryer Testing Reveals a Clear Frontrunner
Over the past several years, I have rigorously tested more than fifteen different air fryers, gaining a thorough and practical understanding of the current market offerings. This journey has encompassed everything from compact single-drawer units to larger, more feature-rich dual-basket models. Each appliance presented its own unique set of strengths and weaknesses; some excelled at delivering perfectly crispy textures, while others were notable for their generous cooking capacity.
The Philips 4000 Series: A Standout Performer
My latest evaluation involved the new Philips air fryer, and I can confidently declare it my top choice. The Philips 4000 Series NA462/79 Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer immediately impressed with its innovative stacked dual-basket design. This vertical configuration is a significant departure from the more common side-by-side layouts, offering a remarkably space-efficient solution for kitchen worktops.
This intelligent design is ideal for kitchens where counter space is limited. In practical terms, it frees up approximately 45% of worktop area while still providing a substantial total capacity of 10 litres across its two drawers. The appliance itself feels solid and well-constructed, with controls that are pleasingly simple and intuitive to use.
Practical Performance and Cooking Results
Having tested numerous models, I can attest that controls on dual-drawer air fryers are often unnecessarily complicated. The Philips model avoids this pitfall. I prepared a variety of foods, including sausages, chips, and fish, and each dish turned out perfectly. My standard test of homemade chips yielded flawless results every time—crispy on the outside and delightfully light and fluffy inside.
The sausages were cooked beautifully, achieving a quality comparable to pan-frying but without the need for excess oil. A major advantage is the ability to cook two different dishes simultaneously in the independent drawers, which adds a significant layer of practicality to meal preparation. Furthermore, the drawers and trays proved exceptionally easy to clean and felt more robust than those on many other gadgets I've tested.
Design Features That Make a Difference
I particularly value that both drawers are identical in size. With some dual air fryers, mismatched basket dimensions can limit cooking versatility, but this model ensures consistent flexibility. Another standout feature is the integrated viewing window. Typically, checking on food requires pulling out the drawer, which allows heat to escape and can slow cooking or compromise crispiness. This window allows you to monitor progress without disrupting the cooking cycle.
Balanced Assessment and Market Alternatives
After testing so many models with varying pros and cons, the Philips 4000 Series emerges as the most well-rounded and balanced option available. While it is quite tall and can look somewhat unusual if placed centrally on a worktop, positioning it against a wall or next to another appliance improves its integration into the kitchen aesthetic.
It is not the most budget-friendly option, which is a minor drawback, but it frequently appears on sale. Currently, it is discounted from £269.99 to £149.99 at Currys, representing a substantial saving of £120. It is also available at John Lewis for £149.99, where it has garnered glowing reviews. One customer noted its "great design for limited worktop space" and ease of use, while another praised its build quality and cooking speed, mentioning only that the alert beep is very quiet.
For those seeking a more economical alternative, I was also impressed by the Bosch Series 6 Air Fryer, currently priced at just £89.99 at Argos. It features an integrated grill system, making it very straightforward to prepare items like chicken or vegetable kebabs. Argos stocks a wide selection of air fryers across various price points, including the Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone model for £200 and the budget-friendly Cookworks 9L Dual Air Fryer, on offer for £100, which boasts over a thousand five-star ratings.
