When looking for air fryers, there are a lot of options out there. From air fryers in the $30-40 range to ones that go up $500! In this huge variety of price points, there is bound to be some confusion about which air fryers are worth the cost.
In most cases, when it comes to electronics, the cost tells you a lot about the quality you will get. And air fryers don’t differ in that regard.
Yes, cheap air fryers are great for personal use and get the job done. For most, $100 is where you’ll get the most value for your money regarding function and reliability. You’ll see diminishing returns as you move upwards to the $200 range and beyond.
With air fryers looking more than just a fad, using them in your home has now become a matter of convenience and looking out for your health. In this article, we will discuss what price bracket you should be targeting to get the most bang for your buck.
Are Air Fryers Necessary For Cooking?
No air fryers are not necessary for cooking. However, they are much healthier than conventional fryers. So, while they aren’t necessary, they certainly are worth it if you care for your health.
An air fryer is a piece of kitchen equipment that allows you to cook food with far less oil. This is why air fryers are an excellent choice for anyone looking to eat more healthily and hoping to incorporate that choice into their daily cooking processes.
An air fryer can cook all kinds of food, such as potatoes, chicken, vegetables, eggs, and even confectionary treats like donuts! Therefore, if you eat these foods regularly and want to opt for a healthy option, an air fryer can be an extremely valuable addition to your kitchen.
Comparing Cheap And Expensive Air Fryers
When you decide that an air fryer is worth the expense, you can start looking for one you can use in your home. However, you may notice a huge variety of air fryers out there, and one of the most significant things to note is how much the price can vary.
Typically, air fryers can be found within the price range of $30 up to $500 or more. This is a huge change in cost, considering the more expensive ones can offer more or less the same features. That raises an important question – why are some air fryers about a tenth of the price of others, and what makes the costlier fryers worth it?
Here’s my Video review from my YouTube channel on my cheap air fryer!
In most cases, air fryer costs are there for a few notable reasons. The first, and most important one, is the type of manufacturer. A brand with a known name will have a higher cost because of the assurance they offer to customers in terms of the value of the air fryer.
There is also an impact on the model you use – a newer one will typically cost more than an older one, even if their features are similar. The size of the air fryer also factors in, along with extra features, warranty options, and extra abilities of the air fryer.
How Features Impact The Cost Of An Air Fryer
Let’s look at three different air fryers to understand better how the above factors impact the cost. The Chefman 2-quart air fryer is an example of this. This is not a well-known brand, and the fryer comes with some basic features and no additional accessories; the reviews indicate it is a solid choice for a basic air fryer.
At the same time, let’s look at an air fryer by Tower that comes in at a little more expensive. The price increase is steep, but consider that this air fryer can hold about 9 quarts, has two baskets, and has an energy-saving feature that will help you keep the cost of electricity down. It comes with a warranty and is from a brand that is well-known and one you can trust.
The additional wattage, the use of newer frying technology, and the range of ways you can use this fryer all add value to the cost. Therefore, despite the huge hike in price, you are getting a lot more features, and you know that the air fryer is worth the added cost.
Finally, let’s take a look at another air fryer by NCRD. While these air fryers have many more features than the first one we looked at, if you compare it to the Tower air fryer, you will find there are almost no more additional features.
The capacity of this air fryer is much lower than the Tower air fryer. What this tells us about air fryers is that there is a plateau at around $200 where you will find that there is no more added value to justify the cost of the air fryer. While air fryers in this range can offer value compared to cheaper air fryers, they will be similar to any above this cost.
How To Choose The Right Air Fryer
When it comes down to deciding on what air fryer is best for you, consider your needs and priorities. If budget is the primary concern, choosing one of the cheaper options may be the way to go.
However, if finding an air fryer with extra accessories or added features like energy-saving technology is important to you, it may be worth investing in a more expensive air fryer.
Ultimately, the best thing to do is to look at the features and compare them to your wants and needs rather than just going for the cheapest or most expensive option without considering if those added features are worth it.
No matter what price range you choose, ensure that you get an air fryer from a trusted brand and one with a good warranty. This will guarantee (pun intended) that your air fryer will last and be worth the cost in the long run.
Here’s a quick look at all the differences you’ll be running into with each price jump you make when it comes to purchasing an air fryer:
Final Thoughts
Regarding the cost of air fryers, a few factors are at play. The type of manufacturer and the model of the air fryer impact the price, as do the size and added features.
While it may be tempting to go for a cheaper option, consider your needs and priorities and if investing in a more expensive air fryer with added features will be worth it in the long run. Make sure to choose a trusted brand and one with an excellent warranty to ensure your investment is good.
