Air fryers continue to gain space in Italian kitchens, especially in the XXL formats, designed for large families or for those who like to prepare multiple dishes at the same time. But when we talk about large models it is not enough to look at the declared litres, the quality of cooking, electricity consumption, practicality of use and ease of cleaning also count. To help consumers with their choice, Altroconsumo has tested different models of XXL air fryers, evaluating their performance in the laboratory. Four products emerge from the tests which are distinguished by different characteristics, depending on the needs of the buyer.
The best ever
The title of best in the test goes to the Cecotec Cecofry Duo Level, which convinces with its good balance between performance, capacity and functionality. It has a declared capacity of 10 litres, distributed in two 5-litre overlapping baskets, a solution that allows you to cook different foods at the same time while taking up less space in width compared to the classic models with a double drawer side by side. According to Altroconsumo, it offers good cooking results, particularly with chicken, has average consumption and is rather silent. Less convincing, however, is cleaning, made a little complicated by the structure of the device, which is also quite heavy.
Cecotec Air Fryer 9 Liters – Air Fryer Cecofry Dual 9000. 2850W, Dietary and Digital, Touch Panel, Divisible into 2, Double and Adjustable Temperature, 6 Modes, PerfectCook Technology
The model that consumes less
If the objective is to reduce energy consumption, the choice should fall on the Moulinex Easy Fry Silence XXL EZ846HF0. With a capacity of 7 litres, it was the most energy efficient among the XXL models analysed. An interesting detail is the presence of a transparent window, which allows you to monitor cooking without opening the basket and dispersing heat. Maintenance is also simple, as the basket, tray and lid can be washed in the dishwasher.
Product not available
The most practical to use
If you are looking for an intuitive and simple to manage device you could choose the Philips NA460/00 Dual Stacked 4000 Series. Also in this case the overall capacity is 10 litres, divided into two independent cooking zones. The vertical format limits clutter on the worktop, while the dishwasher-safe components make cleaning easier. Laboratory tests highlight good cooking quality and very practical management in daily use. The only aspect that is less convincing is the noise level, which is higher than other models.
Offer
Philips Airfryer 4000 Series, 10L Vertical Double Basket Air Fryer, RapidAir Technology, Sync Function, PFAS-free ceramic coating, Windows, 45% smaller (NA460/00)
The most versatile
Do you want the ultimate in flexibility? Altroconsumo highlights the Ninja AF500EU FlexDrawer, whose strong point is the large 10.4 liter drawer, which can be used as a single compartment or divided into two independent areas, thus adapting to both abundant preparations and the simultaneous cooking of different foods. During the test it cooked over 2.2 kg of chips, highlighting an excellent load capacity. However, the dimensions must be considered: with approximately 50 centimeters in width, it is one of the bulkiest fryers in the category.
Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer – Large Air Fryer with Removable Separator – Oil-Free Cooking – 10.4L, Dishwasher Safe Components – Model AF500EUCP, Black/Copper Color
XXL doesn’t always mean better
The acronym XXL does not identify a category with precise characteristics, some manufacturers use it for models of around 7 litres, others for appliances of 10 liters or more, often equipped with a double cooking zone or modular baskets. For this reason, before purchasing, it is important to evaluate not only the declared capacity, but also the shape of the basket, the space actually available for food and the overall dimensions of the appliance. An XXL air fryer can be a good choice for large families or for those who often cook for several people, while those who usually prepare small portions may not fully exploit its potential. In these cases, a more compact model, or one with a modular compartment, can prove to be a more practical, economical and less bulky solution.
To compare all air fryer models, you can use the Altroconsumo comparator.
