If you want to introduce air frying into your meals, you are probably stuck between buying one of the best air fryers or one of the best roasting ovens. This isn’t unusual when you consider how similar these devices are, at least at first. Both are kitchen appliances that can be air fried for crunchy and juicy results.
However, there is really a big difference between air fryers and toaster ovens, and depending on what you choose, your entire experience will be different. And while the right choice for you depends on your circumstances and preferences, I personally believe that an air fryer is the best route you can take. Here’s why.
1. Better performance
First of all, air fryers are intended for this reason. Designed specifically for air frying as well as grilling, these devices will easily produce crisp, delicious results. Although the settings tend to be limited, they are enough to get the job done. And with a large basket that can hold up to seven quarts, it’s more convenient to stack French fries versus a toaster oven tray of french fries.
In comparison, toaster ovens are more versatile, but they don’t necessarily excel at any one task. It can bake, roast and roast as well as air fry and grill. While this opens up more recipe possibilities, in my testing experience I’ve found that toaster ovens don’t perform as strong when it comes to air frying as a result. For that matter, some toaster ovens may have difficulty with many of the settings shown. Due to their wide versatility, these devices can fail to deliver outstanding performance across the board.
Air fryers, on the other hand, have only one thing to do and as such they tend to do it well. You can find air fryers that offer more features and functionality to improve versatility in this aspect as well. For example, file Ninja Food Air Fryer 2 basket It features two baskets, so you can cook more than one thing at once, as well as a range of alternate settings, such as drying and roasting. Meanwhile, the Kosori Smart WiFi Air Fryer It comes with a smart connection and a range of food settings. Despite the additional settings, the primary appeal of these designs is still air frying, so performance doesn’t tend to fluctuate.
2. More compact design
If you’ve ever taken the time to look at these devices in person, the only thing you’ll spot right away is the size difference. Air fryers are generally much smaller than toaster oven alternatives. Air fryers tend to be a little more than 10 inches in height, width, and depth, while toaster ovens can be over 20 inches wide. If your kitchen worktop space is limited, then toaster ovens are off-limits immediately.
Even if you have the space, toaster ovens have a lot more weight, weighing in at 40 pounds, so you’re pretty much stuck with it unless you want to keep pulling it. The average air fryer weighs 10 to 15 pounds, which is more convenient for storage. You are not bound by that weight either; There are small designs that weigh less than six pounds, such as Dash Compact Air Fryer. I prefer a clear kitchen counter, so for me, choosing between the two was easy in this case.
3. More affordable
Since air fryers have fewer settings and a more compact design, they are usually the least expensive option. Air fryers are often found for under $100, and some start at $33. There are great value toaster ovens out there, but most start around $100 and can go as high as $300. The extra cost of a toaster oven can give you a nicer appliance, but it’s not worth the expense in my opinion unless you want to keep it on display.
In terms of operating costs, air fryers are also more economical. Since they heat a smaller area, and tend to come with less wattage, they will cost less over time. Toaster ovens, on the other hand, require more energy to heat a larger oven area.
4. Easier to clean
If you have ever searched for How to clean the air fryerYou will know that the process is very straightforward. The majority of air fryer baskets are dishwasher safe, and when deep cleaning is necessary, the interior of the air fryer only requires a soft-bristled brush, a microfiber cloth and some dish soap.
Cleaning a toaster oven can be somewhat more complicated. This is because the manufacturer often recommends washing the accessories by hand, rather than using a dishwasher. We found that this is the case with KitchenAid Digital Oven With Air Fryer. Sometimes the accessories are just something completely unnecessary for the dishwasher, which is a major drawback of Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro. Since toaster ovens often come with a glass door, the interior can be trickier to clean as well.
5. Easier to use
Fewer controls means less confusion. As mentioned above, most air fryers will offer basic air frying controls, which include a temperature control and a timer. Some even feature an analog design to make things as simple as possible – which is Chefman Turbofry 3.5 Liter Air Fryer Shows. Of course, this isn’t always the case: some of the more advanced air fryer control panels will clutter up the settings if they offer additional features.
However, the controls for an air fryer, in general, will be faster and easier to adjust versus a toaster oven. Again, this isn’t always entirely true, but it’s often because there are no alternative settings to navigate. Simplicity in use is always a positive point in my opinion, so be sure to check it out whether you’re buying a toaster oven or an air fryer.
6. Less safety risks
Finally, one thing you might not think about is how hot these devices are. After all, the internal temperature can reach 400 degrees Fahrenheit, so you’d expect a little residual heat to get outside—but, some models can heat dangerously, and these tend to be toaster ovens rather than air fryers.
This is because toaster ovens often have stainless steel exteriors and glass doors, while air fryers are mostly plastic. In our tests, we found that the hottest toaster oven got to 278.3 degrees Fahrenheit on the glass, while the air fryer got as hot as 166.2 degrees Fahrenheit on the outside by comparison. So, if you have any hands curious about the kitchen, an air fryer is usually the safest option.
What should you buy?
Ultimately, that decision is up to you. Because of the above points, I would always choose an air fryer over a toaster oven. However, some will swear by toaster ovens and support the versatility as well as the aesthetics of these premium appliances. Consider your priorities before buying, and choose what best suits your needs. If air-fried foods are all you want, I’d say an air fryer is the way to go.
For more tips, tricks and how to do an air fryer, check out 11 Air Fryer Mistakes You Might Make, 9 Things You Should Never Put in an Air Fryer, How to Use an Air Fryer and Is an Air Fryer Really Healthy? Here’s what you need to know.
