Joybuy Insights

Air Fryer with Grill Function Buying Guide: How to Choose Wisely

An air fryer with a grill function promises the best of both worlds: crispy French fries with almost no oil and juicy steaks with authentic grill marks, all from a single, compact appliance. These 2-in-1 devices are especially appealing for households looking for a versatile and fast indoor cooking solution. However, the market is flooded with models whose marketing promises often fall short in practice. Before you make a decision, it's crucial to understand the common pitfalls that can lead to disappointment.

The 3 Most Common Pitfalls When Buying an Air Fryer Grill

Many appliances boast multifunctionality, but not all deliver convincing results. Watch out for these three common issues to avoid making a bad purchase.

  1. A "Grill Function" Without Sufficient Heat: The biggest frustration is a grill function that doesn't live up to its name. Many models fail to reach the high temperatures needed for searing and developing roasted flavours. Instead of a grilled steak, you often get a piece of meat that's merely cooked at a high temperature, lacking the characteristic crust. A true grill function requires temperatures well above 200°C (400°F).
  2. Misleading Capacity Claims: Manufacturers often advertise the total basket volume in litres. However, this figure is irrelevant for the grilling function. The crucial factor is the actual, usable grilling surface area. A 5-litre appliance with a small grill surface will barely fit more than one steak or two burger patties, making it impractical for a family.
  3. Inefficient Performance Despite High Power Consumption: An appliance marketed as an energy-efficient alternative to a conventional oven should heat up and cook quickly. However, some underpowered models require long preheating times and cook unevenly. This undermines the advantage of energy-saving cooking and leads to frustrating results.

What Really Matters: The Key Parameters

To ensure your appliance excels at both air frying and grilling, you should check three core technical features.

Power and Maximum Temperature Range

High wattage is crucial for authentic grilling performance. Models with at least 1800 watts and a maximum temperature of 230°C (450°F) or more are capable of generating the necessary heat for a proper sear. This high temperature is the fundamental requirement for a true electric indoor grill that creates roasted flavours and grill marks instead of just drying out the food.

Grill Grate Material and Construction

The quality of the grill grate directly impacts the result. A solid die-cast aluminium or cast-iron grill grate retains heat much better than a simple chrome-plated wire rack. Only a heavy, highly conductive grate can transfer heat quickly to the food to create those signature grill marks. Look for a sturdy, non-stick surface that also simplifies cleaning.

Usable Cooking Space and Accessories

Check the dimensions of the grill plate or basket, not just the litre volume. Consider what you typically plan to cook. For a family of four, the grilling surface should have enough space for at least four burger patties or two large steaks. Useful accessories, like different inserts for oil-free frying or dehydrating, expand the appliance's functionality and turn it into a true 2-in-1 air fryer.

Picks for Every User Profile

Instead of making a one-size-fits-all recommendation, we have identified models tailored to specific needs and household sizes.

BEST FOR: VERSATILE FAMILY COOKS
Tefal Easy Fry & Grill Air Fryer, 2-in-1 Technology

Tefal Easy Fry & Grill Air Fryer, 2-in-1 Technology, XL, EY5058

Why it's a good fit: Ideal for families seeking a straightforward, all-in-one solution for daily use. The 4.2-litre capacity is designed for up to 6 portions, and its 8 automatic programs cover many common dishes, from French fries to grilled chicken.

How it avoids the pitfall

The appliance features a die-cast aluminium grill grate that effectively retains heat to create proper grill marks, thus avoiding the trap of simply "browning with hot air."

Key Advantage

The combination of Extra Crisp technology for crunchy results and a cooking time that is, according to Tefal, 49% faster than a conventional oven makes it a time- and energy-saving option.

BEST FOR: PERFORMANCE-FOCUSED HOME CHEFS
Cecotec Air Fryer and Grill 2400W – Cecofry FireDome 6000

Cecotec Air Fryer and Grill 2400W – Cecofry FireDome 6000

Why it's a good fit: For those who demand maximum power and control for perfect grilling results. Its high power and temperature are ideal for searing meat and fish, making it a favourite for discerning cooks.

How it avoids the pitfall

With a power output of 2400 watts and a maximum temperature of 260°C (500°F), this appliance is one of the most powerful in its class. It delivers the necessary heat for a true grilling reaction, bypassing the problem of weak "grill" programs.

Key Advantage

Four adjustable grill levels allow for precise customisation for different types of food. The high power ensures rapid preheating and efficient, energy-saving cooking.

BEST FOR: PRECISION-MINDED TECH ENTHUSIASTS
Tilswall Infrared Thermometer (Not for People)

Tilswall Infrared Thermometer -50°C to 800°C (-58°F to 1472°F)

Why this accessory fits: For users who leave nothing to chance. A precise thermometer is essential for measuring the internal temperature of meat and hitting the perfect level of doneness—no matter which appliance you use.

How it avoids the pitfall

It exposes inaccurate temperature displays on the appliance itself. You can precisely measure the actual surface temperature of the grill grate and the internal temperature of the food, giving you complete control.

Key Advantage

The combination of non-contact infrared measurement and a K-type probe for contact measurement offers maximum flexibility. It provides a highly accurate reading in just 0.5 seconds.

Looking for more options?

Outdoor cooking remains a popular alternative. We've curated a selection of appliances for this purpose that cater to a variety of needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much electricity does an air fryer with a grill function actually use?

Power consumption depends on the wattage and duration of use. An appliance with 2000 watts (2 kW) running for half an hour consumes 1 kWh of electricity. Compared to a conventional oven, which often requires 2500-3000 watts and a longer preheating time, an air fryer is typically the more energy-efficient choice for small to medium portions. Furthermore, efficient high-power models cook faster, which further reduces the total runtime and consumption.

2. Can you create an authentic grill flavour in a 2-in-1 air fryer?

The typical smoky aroma of a charcoal grill cannot be fully replicated in an electric indoor appliance. However, a high-quality air fryer with a grill function can use high temperatures and a solid grill grate to create intense roasted flavours and a caramelised crust (the Maillard reaction), which comes very close to the taste experience of a gas grill. For quick and healthy recipes in daily life, the result is often more than convincing.

3. What is the most effective way to clean an air fryer's grill grate?

Most modern grill grates and baskets are dishwasher-safe. For stubborn residue, it's best to soak the grate in warm, soapy water immediately after it has cooled down. A soft brush helps remove burnt-on food without damaging the non-stick coating. Avoid using steel wool or abrasive scourers, as they can scratch the surface and compromise its non-stick properties.