TOSHIBA ChefFry Air Fryer Toaster Oven review versatile 12-in-1 kitchen appliance

Description

My Experience with the TOSHIBA ChefFry Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo

Testing out the TOSHIBA ChefFry Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo (model TL-AC264CZA(SS)), I felt like my kitchen got an upgrade overnight. This 12-in-1 kitchen appliance isn’t just another countertop gadget; it’s a multi-tasking powerhouse. Whether you’re whipping up a quick snack or preparing a family feast, the versatility of this air fryer toaster oven genuinely caught my attention.

Design and Build Quality

The stainless steel exterior of this appliance gives it a sleek and modern look, blending seamlessly with other kitchen equipment. Its compact dimensions (15.9″D x 18.2″W x 10.8″H) make it easy to fit on most countertops without taking up too much space. I also appreciated the dropdown door style, which feels sturdy and opens smoothly. The LED display and knob controls are intuitive, ensuring I didn’t have to fumble around with complicated settings.

While the 26.4 QT capacity is generous enough for a 12-inch pizza or a 4lb chicken, the overall weight of 18.16 pounds makes it slightly cumbersome to move around. That said, once it’s in place, you’re unlikely to feel the need to relocate it.

Key Benefits

• Multi-functionality: The 12 cooking functions include air fry, toast, bake, broil, dehydrate, and more. Each setting worked as expected, and I found the proof function particularly useful for bread baking.
• Healthier Cooking: With its ChefFry technology, the air fryer mode delivers crispy results using up to 90% less oil. My fries came out golden and crunchy without the greasy residue.
• Large Capacity: Perfect for families or when hosting, this oven easily handled a full meal in one go.
• Precise Controls: Adjusting the temperature by 5°F increments and the time by 1-minute increments gave me control over cooking like never before.

Performance and Cooking Results

One of the standout features is the Super ChefFry Airfry Tech, which utilizes 450°F superheated air. Using this, I tested frozen fries, and they came out so crispy I almost forgot they weren’t deep-fried. Similarly, the baking function produced perfectly even cookies, while the roasting mode gave me a beautifully browned chicken with juicy meat.

What impressed me most was how the air fry basket and baking trays worked together. The crumb tray kept cleanup manageable, while the baking rack ensured even heat distribution. However, the oven does run slightly hot, so I recommend keeping an eye on your food when trying out recipes for the first time.

Areas for Improvement

• Temperature Inconsistencies: While the oven heats up quickly, the temperature sometimes felt like it fluctuated slightly. I noticed this when baking cakes, where one side seemed to brown faster.
• Noise Levels: The fan can get a bit noisy on the air fry setting. It’s not overpowering, but it’s worth mentioning if you’re sensitive to sound.
• Size Concerns: Even though the capacity is fantastic, the oven may feel bulky for smaller kitchens.

Good Points

• Versatile 12-in-1 functionality covers nearly all cooking needs.
• Health-conscious cooking with minimal oil required.
• Spacious interior caters to family-sized meals.

Critiques

• The fan noise during certain operations can be disruptive.
• Temperature control could be more consistent for baking.
• Its size might not suit compact kitchen spaces.

Competing Products

Compared to other air fryer toaster ovens like the Breville Smart Oven Air or the Ninja Foodi XL Pro Air Oven, this model stands out for its affordable versatility. While Breville offers slightly more refined temperature control, it comes at a higher price point. The Ninja Foodi, on the other hand, has a stronger fan for air frying but sacrifices some of the 12-in-1 functionality you get here.

The ChefFry toaster oven strikes a balance by offering a wide range of features at a reasonable price. However, if you’re someone who prioritizes absolute precision in baking, Breville might be worth the extra investment.

Cost Efficiency

For anyone seeking a cost-effective appliance that combines multiple kitchen gadgets into one, this product delivers. It’s rare to find a unit with 12 cooking settings, a stainless steel build, and the ability to handle everything from toasting bagels to dehydrating fruits without breaking the bank. While it might not replace high-end specialty ovens, it’s an excellent choice for everyday cooking and experimenting with different recipes.

The combination of digital and manual controls makes it approachable for both tech-savvy users and those who prefer keeping things simple. It’s a great example of quality for price, offering the functionality of several devices in a single compact unit.

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