Philips Premium XXL Air Fryer Review: Is It Worth the Hype?

In today’s review, we delve into the Philips Premium XXL Air Fryer, model 9860. After a month of extensive use, we have detailed insights to share. This review will explore the hardware, software, cooking capacity, heat distribution, and ultimately, help you decide if this air fryer is worth purchasing or if there are better alternatives available.

Hardware Design

The Philips Premium XXL Air Fryer stands out with its sophisticated gold finishes, which add a touch of elegance to any kitchen. The clear LED panel effectively displays both the temperature and cooking time. The analog dial offers a satisfying tactile feel, making it easy to set your desired cooking parameters.

Capacity and Build

This model boasts a substantial 7.3-liter capacity, capable of holding up to 1.4 kilos of food. An extendable Double C at the back simplifies the cleaning process. The separate basket and chamber design enhances oil extraction, which Philips claims makes the food healthier. This design choice promotes better airflow and heat distribution, crucial for even cooking.

However, the separation of the basket and chamber can be inconvenient, especially during cleanup when the components are still hot. This necessitates waiting for them to cool down or using mittens to handle the parts safely.

Accessories and Peripherals

The air fryer includes a perforated basket tray, but several additional accessories can enhance your cooking experience:

1. Grill Accessory: Designed to replicate the effect of a grill or broiler, though it may not achieve the same char marks due to the air fryer's maximum temperature of 200°C.
2. Skewers: Perfect for making kebabs and other skewered foods.
3. Baking Basket: Ideal for baking cakes and roasting vegetables, making cleanup easier as it can contain residue, water, and oil.

While these accessories are useful, they can be quite expensive. For instance, I spent approximately 500 ringgit on these add-ons. More affordable alternatives from OEM brands are available and can perform just as well, making them a viable option for those on a budget.

Software and Cooking Functions

The Philips XXL Air Fryer offers several cooking functions, making it versatile and user-friendly:

• Keep Warm Function: Maintains food warmth by intermittently turning on and off.
• Preset Function: Allows customization of one favorite setting for quick access.
• Smart Sensing Function: This feature claims to detect the type of food and cook it to a predefined doneness. It’s touted as a major selling point, but our testing revealed significant shortcomings.

Smart Sensing Function: A Closer Look

In practice, the smart sensing function worked well with potatoes but failed with meats and fish. For example, it overcooked salmon, making it dry and unappetizing. This suggests that the function operates more like a preset rather than adapting to the specific food being cooked. While it ensures food safety by cooking thoroughly, it doesn’t always achieve the best culinary results.

Performance and Heat Distribution

One of the strengths of the Philips Premium XXL Air Fryer is its superior heat distribution. The star-shaped design inside the chamber, combined with the suction mechanism, ensures even cooking and better oil extraction compared to many OEM brands. This results in healthier and more evenly cooked food.

Pricing and Value

The retail price of the Philips Premium XXL Air Fryer is 1,600 ringgit, though it can often be found on sale for around 1,200 ringgit. Given its performance, particularly the underwhelming smart sensing function, we believe it’s worth between 1,000 and 1,200 ringgit.

For those considering a more cost-effective option, the 9625 model offers similar features minus the smart sensing function and costs about 400 ringgit less. This model maintains the same high-quality build and user-friendly design, making it a better value for money.

Final Thoughts: Should You Buy It?

In conclusion, the Philips Premium XXL Air Fryer is a well-designed appliance with excellent heat distribution and a stylish appearance. However, its flagship smart sensing function does not live up to expectations. For this reason, we recommend considering the 9625 model or exploring other brands that offer similar features at a lower cost.

Community and Interaction

Do you own the Philips Premium XXL Air Fryer? What has your experience been like? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below.