Choosing Between a Traditional Ovens, Convection Oven, and Air Fryer: Which is Best for Your Home?

Ovens and air fryers are common kitchen appliances with similar baking functions, often leaving families undecided about which is better to purchase. In reality, unless you're aiming for professional baking results and large quantities, air fryers are more suitable for home use. Let’s take a closer look at the comparison between air fryers and ovens.

Different Heating Principles

Traditional ovens heat food through upper and lower heating elements, achieving a baked effect. Air fryers, essentially, bake using high-speed air circulation technology to heat the air in a sealed space. Their baskets have a special texture that removes moisture from food during heating, allowing it to dehydrate and cook quickly. Thus, an air fryer can be considered a mini convection oven, significantly different in appearance from traditional ovens but similar in principle and structure. The core components of an air fryer are the heating element and fan.

Oil Usage

Some foods can't be fried in air fryers without oil, contrary to the belief that frying can be done without it. Baking in ovens requires oil and constant monitoring of the food’s cooking status.

Different Experiences

Ovens generally require preheating, whereas air fryers do not, saving time by allowing food to be cooked immediately upon placement. Ovens, with their large capacity and diverse functions, are more suited for larger families who enjoy cooking and baking and have the patience and time for it. Air fryers, being time-efficient and easy to use and clean, are more suitable for culinary beginners in small families who prioritize convenience and health.

Price Difference

Convection ovens > Air fryers > Traditional ovens

The price gap between convection ovens and air fryers is small, with traditional ovens being generally cheaper, ranging €100 to €200, depending on features.

Size and Capacity

Convection ovens > Traditional ovens > Air fryers

Conventional ovens, usually between 13-34L, can easily accommodate a whole chicken, making them ideal for larger families. Air fryers have a much smaller capacity but are also less bulky compared to ovens. However, large-capacity air fryers are available for those who prefer them, such as the HYSapientia 24L Digital Large Air Fryer Oven 10-In-1 Toaster Oven, which is launched by HYSapientia, can satisfy your love of air fryer. It can also solve the problem of small capacity of air fryer.

Heating Time

Air fryers < Convection ovens < Traditional ovens

Unlike ovens that require preheating, air fryers can start immediately, saving a lot of time. This is a highly appreciated feature among users. Air fryers work more efficiently due to their different working principles, heating up faster than ovens.

Ease of Cleaning

Air fryers > Convection ovens > Traditional ovens

Cleaning an air fryer is much easier than cleaning an oven, which can accumulate hard-to-remove oil stains over time. Air fryers require less or no oil for cooking, producing minimal splatter and being easy to clean due to their compact size and detachable parts.

Cooking Results

Traditional ovens might cook unevenly due to their simple heating principle, while air fryers, with their smaller size and better air circulation, are less likely to have this issue. The key factor, however, is the taste of the food. For instance, air-fried chicken wings are quickly cooked with a crispy outer layer and a rich flavor due to reduced oil, while oven-baked chicken wings retain more moisture, offering a tender and delicious taste without the worry of added fat. For larger items like roasts and steaks, ovens are preferable for their precise temperature control and larger capacity, suited for professional baking. Air fryers, being compact and efficient, are more appropriate for general home use.