An air fryer with a viewing window lets you monitor chips, vegetables, chicken or snacks without repeatedly pulling out the basket. It may seem like a small addition, but it can help reduce heat loss and unnecessary interruptions. However, a window alone is not a reason to buy a particular model. There are significant differences in capacity, controls, cleaning and energy consumption.
As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I focus mainly on verifiable specifications. Marketing claims such as “much faster” or “lower energy consumption” should always be considered in relation to the comparison point, portion size and temperature selected.
An 8- or 10-litre model may sound spacious, but the shape of the basket determines how much food can actually fit side by side. A deep basket may be suitable for a roast, while a wide basket is more practical for chips and vegetables. When choosing an air fryer for the whole family, do not just check the number of litres. Also consider:
A stated capacity is therefore not the same as four generous portions of crispy chips.
An air fryer without oil uses hot air instead of a deep-fat fryer. Some ingredients already contain enough fat, while other dishes brown more evenly with a small amount of oil. The term “oil-free” therefore mainly describes the cooking method, not a guaranteed result for every recipe.
Claims about using less fat, cooking more quickly or saving energy are brand claims. According to Philips’ own information, RapidAir Plus technology can reduce fat usage by up to 90%. According to Instant’s own information, energy consumption can be up to 80% lower than with traditional cooking methods. These percentages are not a general guarantee: the outcome depends on the dish, quantity, appliance and oven comparison selected.
A digital air fryer or air fryer with touchscreen may look neat and simple, but check whether you can also set the time and temperature manually. For everyday use, a clear timer, quick-stop function and easy-to-read notifications are often more important than a large number of programmes.
An air fryer with multiple cooking programmes is useful for standard preparations, but presets do not always replace checking the food. A viewing window with an interior light is particularly useful when you want to check the colour without opening the basket.
A compact basket may be sufficient for one or two people. Families are more likely to look for around 5 to 7 litres, while a large air fryer of 8 to 10 litres may be suitable for bigger portions. If you want to prepare a main course and side dish at the same time, consider an air fryer with dual baskets or a model with multiple cooking zones.
Do bear the available worktop space in mind. Vertical models take up less width, but they may be taller and require more clearance above the appliance.
The wattage indicates how much electrical power the appliance uses while heating. A higher wattage does not automatically mean lower costs. A 2,000-watt appliance may finish more quickly, but actual consumption depends on how long it is used and how many heating cycles are required.
Also look for:
If you are looking for an energy-efficient air fryer, compare not only the wattage, but also the cooking time and the amount of food prepared per session.
Check whether the basket, rack and other removable parts are dishwasher-safe. A dishwasher-safe air fryer mainly saves time when you use the appliance frequently. The motor housing and heating element must not be immersed in water.
Also consider the non-stick coating, the use of stainless steel and any material claims. A coating-free basket may appeal to anyone looking to limit wear to a non-stick coating, but always check the care instructions. Do not use metal or abrasive utensils unless the manufacturer explicitly permits this.
Why it suits this profile: The generous capacity, six cooking programmes, timer and touchscreen offer an easy starting point for families who want to try different dishes.
The viewing window reduces the need to open the basket. The product information also states that the removable parts are dishwasher-safe; check exactly which parts are suitable for the dishwasher before use.
9-litre capacity, six presets, touchscreen, timer and automatic shut-off.
Why it suits this profile: The combination of 6.2 litres, 16 cooking functions, a touchscreen and HomeID app support is ideal for home cooks who value variety and preset settings.
The viewing window makes it less necessary to open the basket during cooking. According to the product information, the removable parts are dishwasher-safe, making cleaning easier.
6.2 litres, 16 functions, temperatures up to 200 °C, viewing window and dishwasher-safe parts.
Why it suits this profile: The two stacked baskets of 3.5 and 6.5 litres are designed for users who want to prepare two dishes with different settings at the same time.
The viewing windows on top let you check the food without opening the basket. The vertical design takes up less worktop width than two separate appliances, but it does require additional height.
10 litres in total, two baskets, 2,000 watts, ten presets and dual airflow according to the product details.
We have compiled a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Place the air fryer on a flat, heat-resistant surface with sufficient clearance around the air inlet and outlet. Do not overfill the basket: hot air needs to flow around the ingredients. Only shake or turn food when the instructions allow it, and use oven gloves when handling a hot basket.
Allow removable parts to cool before cleaning them. The base must not be immersed in water. Stop using the appliance if you notice smoke, a damaged cable or an unusual noise, and do not attempt to repair the heating element yourself.
Not automatically. The window may help you open the basket less often, allowing less heat to escape. Overall consumption mainly depends on power, cooking time, portion size and preheating. Compare both the wattage and the length of use.
For a family of three to five people, a capacity of around 5 to 7 litres can be practical. An 8- to 10-litre model offers more room for larger portions. Choose a dual-basket model if you often prepare two dishes with different temperatures or cooking times at the same time.
Its service life depends on how frequently it is used, how it is cleaned and how the basket and coating are treated. Overloading, abrasive cleaning products and blocked ventilation can accelerate wear. Also check the warranty and availability of replacement parts before ordering.