Kalorik MAXX Air Fryer Oven review 10-in-1 stainless steel cooking powerhouse

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A Versatile Kitchen Companion: Kalorik MAXX Air Fryer Oven

After putting the Kalorik MAXX Air Fryer Oven (AFO 46045 SS) through its paces, I can confidently say this 26-quart 10-in-1 countertop appliance is a game-changer for any kitchen. Whether you’re an experienced chef or someone just looking to simplify meal prep, this gadget has plenty to offer. From its sleek stainless steel design to the impressive cooking capabilities, it’s clear that a lot of thought went into making this appliance both functional and visually appealing.

Design and Build Quality: Aesthetic Meets Functionality

The stainless steel finish immediately grabbed my attention, giving it a polished and professional look that fits seamlessly into modern kitchens. The French doors are a standout feature—not only do they look cool, but they also make it ridiculously easy to open the oven without the risk of burning your hands. The digital interface is intuitive, with clearly marked button controls and a blue LED display that’s easy to read. I must admit, the 17.2-pound weight makes it feel sturdy and durable, though moving it around the counter isn’t exactly effortless.

What really surprised me was the 26-quart capacity, which is perfect for cooking for a family or even hosting gatherings. It can fit a 14-pound turkey, a 12-inch pizza, or even up to 9 slices of toast. That’s a level of versatility you don’t often see in countertop appliances. The multiple rack levels also allow for simultaneous cooking, which is a massive time-saver.

Performance: Cooking Made Faster and Better

Cooking with the Kalorik MAXX Air Fryer Oven is a breeze thanks to its Turbo MAXX Technology. Everything I tested—whether it was chicken wings, French fries, or steak—cooked significantly faster than it would in a conventional oven. For instance, French fries were done up to 22% faster, while steak cooked up to 37% quicker, and chicken finished 27% faster. These are not just numbers; I could see and taste the results. The fries were crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and the steak came out tender and perfectly seared.

The temperature control is precise, ranging up to 500°F, which opens up a wide array of cooking possibilities. I particularly appreciated the automatic shut-off feature, which gave me peace of mind when multitasking in the kitchen.

Key Benefits

• 10-in-1 functionality: It can bake, air fry, toast, roast, rotisserie, braise, sear, dehydrate, broil, and warm, effectively replacing several other appliances.
• Turbo MAXX Technology: Cooks meals faster while saving over 77% in energy compared to traditional ovens.
• 21 smart presets: Simplifies meal prep with pre-programmed settings for popular dishes like French fries, onion rings, shrimp, and more.
• Large capacity: Ideal for family meals or meal prepping.

Accessories Galore: Expanded Cooking Options

This oven doesn’t skimp on accessories, either. The box includes an air frying basket, baking tray, air rack, crumb tray, bacon tray, rotisserie spit & forks, a rack handle, and a rotisserie handle. Using the rotisserie spit was a personal highlight—I roasted a whole chicken, and the result was nothing short of perfection. The included cookbook was an unexpected bonus, offering easy-to-follow recipes that made experimenting with the oven even more enjoyable.

Caveats: Areas That Could Use Improvement

As much as I loved using this appliance, it’s not without its flaws. For starters, the manual could be more detailed. It took some trial and error to figure out the optimal settings for certain dishes. Additionally, the fan noise is noticeable—it’s not overwhelmingly loud, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re sensitive to sound.

Another minor gripe is the learning curve for the 21 presets. While they’re convenient, navigating through them felt slightly overwhelming at first. Lastly, the size of the oven, while a plus in terms of capacity, may not be ideal for smaller kitchens with limited counter space.

Less Favorable Aspects

• The fan noise can be distracting during use.
• The manual lacks detailed instructions for beginners.
• Requires a bit of a learning curve to master all the functions.
• Bulky design may not suit compact kitchens.

Competing Products: How It Stacks Up

Compared to similar products like the Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 and the Breville Smart Oven Air, the Kalorik MAXX Air Fryer Oven holds its own in terms of versatility and capacity. While the Breville offers slightly more refined temperature control, it comes at a significantly higher price point. The Ninja Foodi, on the other hand, has comparable functionality but doesn’t match the Kalorik’s French door design, which is both practical and visually appealing.

However, the Kalorik MAXX wins in terms of efficiency, thanks to its Turbo MAXX Technology, which noticeably speeds up cooking times. It also includes more accessories straight out of the box, making it a more complete package for those looking to expand their culinary horizons.

True Value: Is It Worth It?

Considering the wide range of features, build quality, and the convenience it brings to meal prep, I’d say this product offers excellent value for money. While the initial investment might seem steep, it pays for itself by replacing multiple appliances and saving on energy bills in the long run. It’s particularly ideal for busy households or anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine without compromising on quality.

If you’re in the market for an all-in-one kitchen appliance, this air fryer oven combo is definitely worth considering. It’s not perfect, but its performance and versatility more than make up for its minor shortcomings.

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