When you start looking for an air fryer, you’ll be overwhelmed by options and headlines which shout about L (litre) size or capacity.  Some shout “XL” and “XXL” and others “8L” and “7.6L” but what exactly does this mean?   And what are the features you should be looking for when choosing an air fryer?
 
The “L” “Litre” deception
 
The “Litre Volume” information provided by many air fryer manufacturers is not a fair reflection of cooking capacity because they measure the inside cavity (with the basket or drawer removed).   The cooking area (base measurements of the basket) is more important than the height/volume, as you need to cook items in a single layer for best results.  

The Instant Vortex air fryer range features drawers designed to maximise the cooking area, without negatively affecting cooking performance. Our Vortex 5.7L models have a drawer area of 240 x 245mm which is big enough for a 1.6kg whole chicken, plus roast potatoes.  This is ample size for a family of 4.   
 
Our biggest air fryer, the Vortex Versazone has a big drawer size 320 x 240mm. This easily fits two roast chickens plus potatoes and veggies, or a 2kg tray bake or even a full size pizza.  Plus, it features VersaZone technology, so you can quickly switch from one extra-large cooking drawer to two independently controlled cooking zones with separate time and temperature settings, just by adding a divider. With the divider in, each cooking area is 160 mm x 240mm.  This means you air fry TWO whole chickens at once, or grill succulent chops in one zone, while roasting vegetables in the other. The possibilities are endless! 
 
What design features effect size
 
To assist with the most effective cooking, look for an air fryer which is more rectangular in shape (not oval), and which has a drawer rather than the mesh basket / clip system.  A drawer design ensures the cooking area is maximised and you can fit more in, e.g. a roast chicken plus potatoes.  The rectangular drawer shape will help spread the food across the cooking area, to roast and air fry evenly, rather than squashing it or stacking it on top of each other which will negatively affect the cooking performance.
 
The Vortex range of air fryers are designed to fit beautifully on a kitchen counter with a sleek, rectangular design.  In addition there are no mesh baskets or clips, the Vortex drawer slots in and out easily and is a dream to clean
 
Now that you are armed with more information, visit your nearest @home, Hirsch’s or Tafelberg store to see the Vortex range on shelf.  Or shop online from Takealot, @home (Bash their online shop) and Hirsch’s Homestores
Priced from R2,499

Size matters

When it comes to airfryers!