To bring home a good air fryer you don’t need to break the 200 euro ceiling, and sometimes it’s enough to stay under 100. This is what the Altroconsumo tests say, which tested 53 models and awarded the title of Best of the test to a 120 euro appliance. Others exceed 200 and even 300 euros without any guarantee of cooking better, consuming less or making less noise. There are five models recommended by the association, designed for different needs. Prices are the best recorded at publication and may change.
Under 100 euros
The Philips NA221/00 Series 2000, around 75 euros, was awarded the Best Buy award. The 4.2 liter basket holds up to a kilo of chips, the right size for singles and couples. In tests it stands out for its ease of use, clear instructions, silence and low consumption; for large quantities, however, it must be narrow.
A completely different philosophy for the Cecotec Cecofry DuoLevel 10000 Window, around 90 euros, the best among the two-basket models. The total 10 liters are divided into two separate areas, so two different dishes cook at the same time, and a window allows you to monitor cooking without opening the drawer. It is suitable for large families and for those who use the fryer instead of the oven, but it does not have smart functions and requires space in the kitchen.
Between 100 and 200 euros
For this price range we find the Moulinex EZ832HF0 Easy Fry Infrared, which takes home the title of Best of the test with an overall quality judged to be excellent. It costs around 120 euros, has a single compartment of around 7 liters and an inspection window. The limit is the single basket, which is inconvenient for preparing multiple things at once.
The Philips NA150/00, around 108 euros, is among the best purchases for those looking for two cooking zones. The declared 7.1 liter compartment can be used whole or divided into two. Good overall quality, performance close to excellent and a particularly positive opinion on the construction.
The most expensive of the group is the Cosori TwinFry Chef Edition, around 180 euros: 10 liters declared, two cooking zones, five automatic programs, recipe book and connectivity. It can hold over 2 kilos of chips, although the best result comes with about a kilo and a half. Solid and simple to use, it requires a lot of work surface, given that it measures 52 centimeters wide.
How much is worth spending
According to Altroconsumo the right budget is between 75 and 120 euros. The range between 80 and 150 concentrates the greatest number of models with good or excellent performance; over 150 you pay above all for capacity, double zones and smart functions, not necessarily better cooking. Silvia Bollani, expert in the quality and safety of the association’s products, suggests starting from the usual portions and the habit, or otherwise, of cooking several dishes together. A compact single-basket model is enough for a couple, and it makes no sense to pay more for rarely used programs.
