6 Best Air Fryers UK 2018

As we look to more healthier lifestyles, air fryers have become a popular gadget in the UK to replace deep fat fryers. In this post we will be looking at some of the best air fryers in the UK, the functions and features that are common to many of the models and a range of designs. We will consider 6 models across the price range, looking at two main types, tower air fryers and bowl style air fryers. Our air fryer review is comprehensive so make sure that you check it out before making a purchase.

1.Tefal FZ740840 Actifry Original Air Fryer, 1Kg Capacity

At a Glance

• Brand: Tefal
• Model Number: FZ740840
• Colour: Black / White / Grey
• Weight: 4kg
• Capacity: 1 Kg
• Material: Plastic

Tefal are one of the main manufacturers in this line of products, and offer a wide choice of air fryers that are well built with a good range of features and functions, and that cover a wide spectrum of prices. The Actifry one of the original air fryers is still a strong contender in this category.

Our Outline

The Original Actifry offers a bowl style model that is capable of cooking a wide range foods that includes casseroles, curries, sausages and even desserts if you want it to. The machine has a range of features and technologies that ensures great and easy cooking every time.

No Stirring 

One of the best features of this air fryer is the in built automatic paddle. This means that one the food has been placed in the machine, the combination of hot air and the automatic stirring (if the food requires) means that you get food that is cooked evenly without any excess interaction from you.

Low Oil Requirement

As with all air fryers, there is little requirement for oil making this air fryer produce food that is healthier. The Actifry requires only a single spoonful of oil to cook the food, which makes food less greasy and more enjoyable.

Large Capacity

The 1Kg capacity of the Actifry provides enough space to be able to cook a meal that is suitable for a family. The actifry has one of the larger capacities of any model in our review, and this extra space is a real bonus for this machine. The Actifry produces great results everytime, no matter whether it is a smaller or larger meal that you are preparing.

Easy Interface

The interface on the Actifry is based at the top of the machine. It offers a range of buttons, with each being clearly labelled for operation. The range of in built functions are easily operated through this interface, offering one button cooking for a range of products. The interface also offers a time, and screen to keep the user informed.

Design

The bowl style design of the Actifry is functional. The handle at the front is sturdy and the machine has an overall quality feel to it. The colour scheme and finish do not give this machine the most modern look, and it will not be a piece that stands out in the kitchen.

Cleaning

Tefal have made the Actifry very easy to clean, appreciating that people do not want to spend ages cleaning an oven. Many of the parts are removable, non-stick and dishwasher safe, meaning that clean up won’t take very long at all.

Price

The Actifry Original is priced in the mid range. For this you do get a machine that is capable of cooking a wide range of foods and for a large group of people. The several in built programs and the overall quality of the food produced, mean that this is good value for money.

2.Tefal AH960840 Actifry Genius XL Air Fryer

At a Glance

• Brand: Tefal
• Model Number: AH960840
• Colour: Black
• Weight: 5.07Kg
• Capacity: 1.7 Kg
• Material: Plastic

The second and final entry from Tefal in this category provides a step up from the previous model. The Genius Actifry has many of the features of the original model above, however expands and improves on these in all areas. The price tag is more expensive, however the design and features may well be worth it.

Our Outline

As with the original Actifry, the Genius offers a bowl style shape that is practical for cooking a wide range of foods. The Genius is as reliable as the original in ensuring great results from your cooking every time.

No Stirring

The same technology that is displayed in the original, we can again see in this model, with Tefal implementing a no stirring system which means that you can put the food in to cook and be confident that it will be cooked through thoroughly.  This machine also uses very little oil to create meals that are lower in fat.

Large Capacity

One of the key changes for the Genius over the original is the larger capacity bowl. At 1.7Kg, this machine is capable of cooking meals for large amounts of people, offer 75% more space that the original model. This machine is also suitable for smaller meals when required.

Interface Design

As with the original mode, the interface is placed at the top of the machine. The interface is all touch based, a change from the original and is much sleeker that on the original. With 9 automatic cooking settings (including two 1-meal-in-1-go programmes), timer, pause setting and user window, the interface is very professional and a clear step up from the original.

Design

The design of this machine is outstanding. In black or grey with chrome highlights, this machine will stand out in any kitchen. Where as the original was functional, the Genius is functional and stylish and Tefal have outdone themselves with this element.

Cleaning

As with the original, cleaning of the Genius is simple with many removable parts that are dishwasher safe. The outside of the machine can easily be wiped down with a cloth to keep it looking pristine in your kitchen.

Price

The Tefal Genius improves upon the Actifry in almost all areas and therefore you pay more for these features. It is however the stylish design and larger capacity that you are really paying the extra money for, and although £80 more than the original, it is we believe, a price worth paying for a higher quality machine. For both the Original and the Genius you are able to access 300 recipe ideas using the Actifry app, although 150 of them are designed specifically for the Genius’s automatic cooking menus.

3.Tower T17005 Air Fryer

At a Glance

• Brand: Tower
• Model Number: T17005
• Colour: Black
• Weight: 3.82Kg
• Capacity: 3.2 litres
• Material: Plastic

Tower are not as well known as Tefal in this market, however their entry with the T17005 air fryer, proves that they know what they are doing and make high quality machines at a good price point and with styling that will work well across all kitchens.

Our Outline

The T17005 Air Fryer is the first of three ‘tower air fryers’ in our review. This design makes for a more compact machine than the bowl design, although can therefore offer less capacity for cooking. The T17005 however offers a good capacity, combined with simplicity of use.

Rapid Air Circulation

The most important feature of any air fryer is its cooking ability. The T17005 offers rapid air circulation technology which ensure that food is cooked evenly throughout. Whilst capable of cooking a great range of food, the T17005 is not as versatile as the first two options in the range of food it can cook, but when cooking food does produce great quality results.

Capacity

The 3.2 litre capacity provides enough space to cook five portions of food. This means that the T17005 is suitable for family cooking. The tower machine offers a draw at the bottom where the food is placed, and this simplicity of design makes it very easy to use.

Adjustable Temperature Control an In-built Timer

The T17005 does not offer a huge range of features, however the adjustable temperature control provides a range from 80 – 200 degrees, and there is a 30 minute adjustable manual timer. These two features when combined mean that you have complete control over the cooking, although you do need to make sure to check the food on occassion.

Interface Design

The interface on the T17005 Air Fryer is very simple with a forward facing dial on the front. Two LED lights indicate the status of the machine. This design makes it very easy to understand and operate.

Design

The overall design of this T17005 is clean and sleek. The tower style of machines lend themselves to more elegant style than the bowl type. The machine is compact and in black the machine will sit unobtrusively within any kitchen.

Cleaning

The T17005 is easy and quick to clean. The plastic exterior can be kept clean by wiping down the surface and the removable draw makes it easy to clean the frying element.

Price

The Tower T17005 offers great value for money. At a very low price point it offers great styling, capacity and cooking all in a compact machine. The price point is one of the main features of this machine, and it will prove a popular model with many thanks to this.

4. Duronic Air Fryer AF1/B

At a Glance

• Brand: Duronic
• Model Number: AF1/B
• Colour: Black / White
• Weight: 7Kg
• Capacity: 2.2 litres
• Material: Plastic

Duronic are another make that are not as well known in the air fryer market. Their tower design for the AF1/B offers similar styling to our previous review due to the nature of this type of air fryer, although is wider and shorter than the T17005.

Our Outline

The Duronic AF1/B offers an air fryer that looks great and offers the quality results that you want in your cooking using very little oil. The shape is similar in style to all tower type air fryers, however the AF1/B  is a little wider and shorter that other options, offering a slightly different look for the kitchen.

Air Circulating Technology

This air fryer  utilises air circulating technology to ensure that your food is cooked evenly throughout. The air fryer requires very little oil and this again helps with ensuring that food is healthier without losing the taste of it.

Capacity

Unlike the previous option, the capacity of the AF1/B is more limited at only 2.2 litres. This means that whilst it can still hold and cook a nice range of food, it is not necessarily suitable if you are going to need to cook a lot of portions for each meal. This is a drawback for this machine and mean that it will not be suitable for some.

Adjustable Temperature Control an In-built Timer

As with the T17005 there is a built in temperature control and timer. The temperature control has a range from 80 – 200 degrees celcius, whilst the timer runs up to 30 minutes. As with the previous option, this gives you full control over the cooking of your meal, ensuring that you can achieve great quality food every time.

Interface Design

The interface on the Duronic Air Fryer is a little different from the T17005, as it has a mix of two different dials for the temperature and time. This gives an overall pleasing effect. The control system is very simple and intuitive to use.

Design

The tower design of air fryers means that they all look very similar. The AF1/B is a little wider and shorter than the Tower T17005, however it will sit just as comfortably in any kitchen. With a choice of white or black, this design is very easy on the eye.

Cleaning

Duronic have made the AF1/B very easy to clean. The plastic finish will require a wipe down and the removable draw makes the rest of the machine easy to clean.

Price

The Duronic Air Fryer is a little more expensive than the Tower T17005. Although still providing good value for money, with a capacity that is slightly less, similar design and no extra features it does not offer as good a value as the T17005

5.Philips HD9216/41 Air Fryer

At a Glance

• Brand: Philips
• Model Number: HD9216/41
• Colour: Cashmere Grey
• Weight: 6.64Kg
• Capacity: 800 grams
• Material: Plastic

Philips are a well known brand, and their version of the tower style air fryer is slim and attractive. Philips have clearly put time and effort into designing a fryer that will produce great results but will also be a standout feature in the kitchen.

Our Outline

The HD9216/41 offers a similar styling to other tower fryers, and boasts the same ability to cook using very little oil, reducing the amount of fat intake in food. A very popular option, this air fryer has sole over seven million units across the world.

Rapid Air Technology

Philips uses a unique rapid air technology system to ensure that when cooking, the air fryer produces great even results every time. With a cooking tray at the front, the air is able to circulate around the food, and the quality can be seen in the food cooked.

Capacity

The limited capacity of 800 grams make this the smallest air fryer that we are reviewing, and it is one that is clearly aimed for those that require it to cook smaller meals. The limited capacity will mean that this is a machine that is unlikely to suit larger families.

Adjustable Temperature Control an In-built Timer

Philips have integrated an adjustable temperature control and timer into their design. These are very similar in functions to those seen on previous models, although they have been included particularly well in the overall design of this machine.

Interface Design

The interface of the HD9216/41 is the most sleek that we have seen on a tower air fryer. The temperature control is built into a wedge at the top, whilst the time becomes part of the handle. Whilst the controls are no different or easier to manage than other machines, they do show a higher quality finish.

Design

Of the three tower machines in our review, this is the best looking. With a very modern design and small footprint, this will become a focal point in the kitchen, and will sit easily alongside any other machines on the counter top.

Cleaning

The Philips HD9216/41 has dishwasher safe removable parts that make cleaning very simple. The outer plastic case also ensure that any spillages can be wiped off the surface easily with a cloth, keeping the great finish of this machine.

Price

The Philips HD9216/41 has a very high price point for a tower fryer. The sleek design and interface speak to a machine that is very well produced, however with no additional functions and limited capacity, this might be a price that is higher than most are willing to pay.

6. Breville VDF105 Halo Plus Health Fryer

At a Glance

• Brand: Breville
• Model Number: VDF105 Halo Plis
• Colour: Green and White
• Weight: 4.5Kg
• Capacity: 1.2 Kg
• Material: Plastic

Breville are a well known brand that make a variety of different types of kitchen machines and gadgets. With their Halo Plus air fryer, they have created a machine that matches many of the features of the Tefal similarly designed bowl models.

Our Outline

With the Halo Plus, we again have a bowl style air fryer that is capable of cooking food using a limited amount of oil. As with the Tefal models, it is possible to use this machine for a range of food and for different styles of cooking, including baking, sauteing and roasting.

Tilt and Rotate

The Halo Plus offers a tilt and rotating bowl feature. These work in combination to make sure that not only is your food being cooked thoroughly and evenly, but also that food does not get stuck to the bottom of the bowl. This feature makes for great results every time when cooking.

Capacity

The 1.2Kg capacity is larger than the Actifry Original, however offers less space than the Genius. This capacity however makes it large enough to cook several portions at a time, making it a suitable option for large families.

Adjustable Temperature Control an In-built Timer

The Halo Plus has a built in 75 minute digital time, with easily adjustable temperature settings. The longer timer make it more flexible than all of the tower based options, and the range of options for temperature make cooking any type of food simple.

Interface Design

The interface design sits on top of the machine, and consists of four buttons that control the time the operational settings for the machine. This design makes the Breville Halo Plus very simple to use and ensures that cooking is easy.

Design

The bowl style air fryer has a harder time with design than the tower style, and whilst they tend to offer more features, it is harder to make them look good with their larger footprint. The Halo Plus consists of a modern design in a striking white and green. Although modern, we felt that the both the Tefal options offered a better design that the Breville.

Cleaning

With a dishwasher safe removable bowl, roasting rack and measuring spoon, the Halo Plus is very easy to clean. The plastic outside can be cared for with a simple wipe down, ensuring that you do not have to spend long on this task.

Price

The Breville Halo Plus comes in at a mid price point. Cheaper than the other two bowl style air fryers in this review, but more expensive that two of the tower fryers. For this price point, you get a machine that has great capacity, a good range of features and produces well cooked food.

Our winning choice for this review is the Tefal Actifry Genius. Although the most expensive within our review, the range of options and the capacity of the machine, mean that it is worth the extra money. As well as this the styling and design is great, meaning that this will be a showpiece for the kitchen. Buy it for less than £220 on Amazon by clicking below.