Multi-cookers

Splurge vs save: The cheaper air fryers that rival expensive ones

Our tests reveal some budget buys can outperform models more than five times their price.

Need to know

  • Our testers have reviewed more than 40 popular models for cooking performance and ease of use
  • We highlight cheaper air fryers that perform similarly or better than pricier products
  • Exclusively for members, we reveal the cheaper air fryers that outdo pricier competitors

Buying an expensive appliance that turns out to be a flop is frustrating: not only have you wasted your money, you feel obliged to use it because of how much you spent on it.

And when you do, it delivers disappointing results – reminding you yet again of your purchase regret.

That’s why you should check CHOICE’s reviews every time you buy a new appliance. Not only could it prevent you from making a costly mistake, it’ll also give you the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve spent your money well.

Here, we reveal two air fryers that both disappointed in our testing, despite a $360 price difference, showing that spending more doesn’t always buy you more.

And exclusively for CHOICE members, we’ll show you which cheaper models are better buys than ones costing hundreds of dollars more.

If you just want to get straight to the best products, you can jump to the results now.

Splurge vs save: Crumble vs Kmart Anko

With a price difference of $360, these two air fryers are worlds apart in terms of price and features, but they deliver pretty much the same performance.

Sure, the Crumble would look beautiful on your benchtop, but you know what would look better? That extra $360 in your bank account.

Their CHOICE Expert Ratings are only one percentage point apart, and they received similar ratings for ease of use and cooking ability.

Overall, both are good but not great, especially when compared to the highest-ranked air fryers in our review that scored CHOICE Expert Ratings of 80% and higher.

The Kmart fryer actually served up much better chips (an important consideration when buying an air fryer) but the Crumble did rate higher in our roast pork trail.

If you’re looking to save money but don’t want to miss out on top-notch tucker, you’ll be pleased to know that there are plenty of models costing $200 or less that are recommended by our experts.

You can filter our detailed air fryer reviews by price, brand, capacity and more to find the best for your needs.

The best cheaper buys that outperform expensive models

We independently test and review dozens of new air fryers each year in our onsite kitchen lab, and our experts know exactly what to look for to help you find the best product.

Our detailed air fryer test results are available exclusively for CHOICE members. If you’re not yet a member, join CHOICE to get instant access to our independent reviews, from fridges and freezers, toasters and TVs, and more.

Or log in to unlock this article and find out which cheaper air fryers outperformed expensive models in our expert testing.

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Alice Richard is a Content creator and marketer. Alice writes on a range of topics, from health insurance to heaters and BBQs to bargain-hunting, always with the aim to help consumers find the best products to buy, and which to avoid. Alice can take vast amounts of data from CHOICE product tests and turn it into content that is easily digestible and fun for readers.  Alice has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Queensland.

Alice Richard is a Content creator and marketer. Alice writes on a range of topics, from health insurance to heaters and BBQs to bargain-hunting, always with the aim to help consumers find the best products to buy, and which to avoid. Alice can take vast amounts of data from CHOICE product tests and turn it into content that is easily digestible and fun for readers.  Alice has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Queensland.

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