Whether it's crispy fries or chicken wings, air fryers can handle it all, with less oil but the same crunch. However, with so many options to choose from, finding the best air fryer can be something of a challenge. From capacity to functions and controls, we’ve curated a list of tips to help you make an informed decision. 

1. Capacity and Size of Air Fryer

Air fryers come in many different sizes, and capacities are usually measured in litres (L). You’ll find compact air fryers with less than 3L capacities as well as large air fryer ovens with capacities of up to more than 20L. The size you pick depends on the volume of food you cook daily. 

If you live alone, a small and compact air fryer will do, like the Mayer 2.6L Air Fryer. Such a small air fryer is also ideal for compact kitchens, as it doesn’t take up much space on the countertop. For regular sized families of about 3-5 people, you can consider Mayer’s 6.5L Ceramic Digital Air Fryer which is large enough to comfortably accommodate a whole chicken. 

2.6L Air Fryer Features: 30 minutes timer 200℃ temperature control Light weight and compact Easy to clean	6.5L Ceramic Digital Air Fryer Features:  Ceramic coated basket with tray Large capacity 60 minutes timer Keep warm option up to 120 minutes 12 preset menus

2. Ease of Control

This aspect is entirely dependent on your preferences. Some users prefer straight forward controls with manual knobs to determine temperature and time. Others might like slightly more complex digital controls which usually come with preset cooking menus, keep warm options and other features. 

Simple knob controlled air fryers would be ideal for experienced cooks who have prepared meals with these appliances before, whereas digital controlled air fryers can be more helpful for beginners. 

3. Additional Cooking Functions

Air fryers are versatile and varied, with many types combining other functions, such as baking or grilling. You may want to consider air fryers that also double as ovens, such as Mayer’s 24L Air Fryer Oven which makes it easier if you also want to bake and roast foods. 

There are also plenty of others that combine functions like dehydration, smoking and more. One example is Mayer’s 2-in-1 Air Fryer and Smokeless BBQ Grill that allows you to switch between a rotating grill plate and air frying chamber. 

24L Air Fryer Oven Features: Double glass door  Cooking temperatures up to 230℃ 5 different heating functions including air fryer Top and bottom heating elements 60 minutes timer	2-in-1 Air Fryer & Smokeless BBQ Grill Features: Interchangeable air fryer and smokeless BBQ grill Non-stick air-fryer pot Die-cast aluminium grill plate 3 power levels for grilling Automatic cut-off switch 8 Preset air fryer functions

4. Temperature Range

Most air fryers will have a temperature range of around 80℃ to 200℃, but you’ll also find some air fryers which offer temperatures beyond those. A wider temperature range will allow you better control over your cooking techniques, especially if you're the type that likes to try new recipes. 

Some air fryers offer lower temperatures for slow cooking and drying of foods, while others offer higher temperatures for ultra crispness. Make sure the air fryer you’re looking at caters for the cooking methods you often like to use. 

5. Look For Safety Features

A good, trustworthy air fryer shouldn’t just be able to perform various cooking tasks. It should also be safe to use and protect you from accidents, especially since high heat is involved. Look for features like automatic cut-off switches when you remove the cooking chamber, as well as overheating protection. 

Ideally, the bottom of your air-fryer should also come with anti-slip padding. This is because you will have to pull out and replace the cooking chamber often and you need the main air fryer body to have adequate resistance that’s durable and long lasting. 

6. Opt for Easy to Clean Materials

Make sure that your air fryer, especially the cooking basket, has non-stick properties. As you cook, you may end up with food items that melt and stick to the surfaces of the cooking chamber. There may also be excess grease from your food, so you want surfaces where the dirt comes easily off during washing. 

Our air fryers use a variety of non-stick materials in our cooking baskets, like glass, non-stick ceramic coating, die-cast metals and stainless steel. Try not to clean them with harsh metal scrubbers to avoid scratching and damaging these non-stick surfaces. 

7. Consider the Aesthetics

Although not high on the priority list, you may also want to consider how the air fryer can enhance the aesthetics of your kitchen. Although most air fryers maintain minimalist designs, there are also those that are elegant, or more whimsical in appearance. 

Take for instance the classy, fully glass chambered Mayer 4.5L 3-in-1 Glass Air Fryer with Grill or the whimsical, colourful 3.5L Digital Glass Air Fryer.

4.5L 3-in-1 Glass Air Fryer with Grill Feature: 3-in-1 functions, air fryer, grill and hotpot See through glass basket  Heat-resistant borosilicate glass Temperature range from 40℃ to 200℃ Easy flip-over for grilling and hotpot feature	3.5L Digital Glass Air Fryer Feature:  Temperature range from 50℃ to 200℃ Combination LED and knob controls See through glass basket Full set of safety features

In Closing

Air fryers have become versatile appliances that aren’t just designed to fry foods with minimal oil. They can also be used to roast, bake, grill, barbeque and so much more. Check out our Mayer line of Air Fryers. We have a variety of options to choose from depending on your needs. Feel free to contact us in case you have any questions about our air fryers or their functions.