I've been using this exact model for 3 months and I love it. Ignore most of the negative comments in this review...... virtually no air fryers have handles to move them, because they are easy to pick up anyway! If that many chips fall into the bottom it's your own fault for not fitting the tray properly..... it's not remotely difficult to do! If the timer hasn't finished when the food is ready, just leave the tray out a little and the timer will wind down without the heating element being switched on. I use it almost every day, cooking most of the things that I would previously have cooked in the large oven on my cooker. It is so easy to use that it's virtually idiot proof.
I own this same Tower model. Lot of nit picking in this review and yes for one person, you CAN cook more than one thing at the same time, I cooked 2 slices of bacon, one tomato cut in half, couple of mushrooms and a portion of chips all in one go, just use your imagination ! One tip, DONT take out the rack whilst it is still hot and when cooled down, I just clean by wiping it clean taking out the bottom grill plate and wiping that and the bottom of the container with a piece of paper towel. Yes would be handy if the time and temperature knobs were marked in white but no big deal and may mark mine with a bit of tape or a touch of white paint but it really is a very minor point in fact I am 75 years old and I can see the raised marker ok and a good tip, well just so easy to feel the little bump with your finger tip so I can use that as a guide against where the time scale is. Also I find it fairly easy to turn the mechanical timer back to the start if some minutes yet to run or you can as said just turn the power off.
Thank you. I had the different air fryer, with the glass bottom and top. This is huge and more for a family. Your message has encouraged me to buy the tower now. Thank you 😊
I've been thinking of buying an air fryer and am tired of looking at the shop reviews, your one is so practical and straightforward and you have showed the pitfalls as well as the benefits. mine will be a budget one so based on what you showed, I'll be watching out for maybe the next one up in terms of ease. Thanks so much it's so helpful .
I have the same one, my first air fryer,I bought a cheap one to see if I'd use it ,for 59 quid it's spot on, especially with electric being so expensive, I've used it every day,maybe I'll upgrade to a larger one someday but for the money you can't go wrong
I have this model which replaced a smaller Salter one that my son persuaded me to give him. I prefer the Salter. This one doesn't have a removable basket on a handle. It has a trivet type plate on the bottom that falls out when you tip your food on to a plate. Stuff gets stuck under it, especially small chips. Also the trivet has silicone covers on the edges, they come off easily. I noticed one was missing and was really upset; I went on line and found that they can be bought in packs of 16. Obviously a common problem, that does not exist with a removable basket. It's difficult to slide in out of the cooker, has to be just so. As mentioned the timer dial is not great. ( It's only clockwork though so just un plug it and let it run down). I do enjoy using it but wish that i'd upgraded to a larger Salter one. Both were £40-£50 and I highly recommend this method of cooking. I call it an air cooker, it's just a small fan oven and doesn't "fry" anything. As for using less oil, it might, but who adds oil to already oiled frozen oven chips?
I was given one of these for Christmas - it's great. Yes agree about the hard-to-see dots on the dials - a blob of white paint will sort. Re the removable grill at the bottom - you don't HAVE to use it for everything you cook, it's really for quite greasy stuff like sausages or bacon, so the fat drips through and means more healthy food! The frozen chips cook fine without the grill part.
I have one of those and your review is spot on . I marked the temperature knob and timer with white nail varnish .Make sure you have a heat proof board to sit the drawer on when you remove it from the machine as the bottom is hot . With hindsight I wish I had watched more reviews on air fryers and probably went for one with two drawers .
Depends on how many people you are cooking for, this cooker is cheap and does the job for around one to two people and yes you can cook more than one thing at a time as many other people including myself have stated in other comments. as to difficulty seeing the little markers showing the temperature and timer, yes you could add a small bit of white paint or similar, but I am 75 and I can see the markers ok, perhaps he needs glasses if he cannot see them ? Good tip you give which applies to nearly all hot air fryers, not just this one e.g ....''Make sure you have a heat proof board to sit the drawer on when you remove it from the machine as the bottom is hot''
I have bought this model to try out the whole air-fryer trend without spending a huge amount of money having seen it as one of the most affordable units I could pick up from the local supermarkets. In all, I have been quite impressed with it. My biggest gripes thus far with this model is that the timer knob can be quite difficult to grip, especially if your hands are slightly wet and sometimes the basket can be a bit reluctant to slide back into place. Between the air fryer and my microwave, my hob and oven are no longer seeing much use at all which means that I am using less electricity in my cooking.. The cooking time is a fair bit lower than a traditional oven and the basket size is just enough to allow a bit of creativity if you are only cooking for one. For instance just the other day I managed to cook a roast dinner featuring a pork chop, roast potatoes, peas, carrots and gravy just with the air fryer/microwave combo which created very little in the way of washing up. If you are cooking for a family however, you should probably look for something with a bit more capacity. In all I think it is a good first shout in terms of getting in on air fryers before you spend too much money on something you might not end up using.
that was a brilliant comment James, enjoyed reading it, you put that well. I just bought a tower air fryer that got delivered today. Im excited to use it
I have this air fryer. You can turn the timer knob to 0 if you pull the drawer out first. Otherwise a pretty accurate review. I got this as a Christmas gift and while initially, a little downbeat about it as I had my eye on another I've come to really like it.
I've got one and they are sound for certain foods. I like to par boil some potatoes, drain them, place into a bowl with a little oil, salt cracked black pepper mixed herbs, give them a mix and place into the air fryer for around 20 minutes. Results lovely roast potatoes 🥔 😋
You don’t have to cook until the timer runs all the way down. I have one of these and if I turn the timer further than intended I simply remove the food when it is cooked. The power cuts off when the drawer is removed and the timer will continue to Run down to zero. I agree with the settings knobs they are quite hard to see and any marks on the case wear away very quickly even when you just wipe the casing down.
I have one too. Its just a twist timer like an old style microwave or egg timer. You can just twist it to 0. Its just a bit stiffer than what you're used to so doing it feels like you're gone brake something but I do it all the time with mine. Iv'e had it about 6 months or so. You probably know this already but I'll say it for the record. Your option may be better for the life of the product though. time will tell 😂
@@s0dfish110 I’ve never turned it back. It feels like I’d be forcing it but as you say it’s just an old fashioned clockwork timer so I leave it to run down on its own.
I’ve got one and I cook different foods at the same time , just a quick basic calculation on how long they take to cook, (eg put the food that takes the longest to cook in first , and the quickest food to cook in last ). Works great for me
It's similar to the Morrisons one I bought the other year. I found the same problems so when QVC had a today's special value offer on the NinjaXL twin fryer I got one and it's so much more versatile and you can cook 2 or more things at once. You can synch the timers or match them which is great for having everything finishing together. Would recommend it without hesitation.
I wish I watched this before buying one. I agree with you they do a brilliant job at crisping things up. I'm now 2 budgies less but they were lovely with the chips. 🤣😆
I have the digital version of this and have had zero issues and it comes with an actual basket so no problems with food falling down under the tray and you can adjust both temp and timer whilst it is cooking without any issues. The digital display is lit up and very visible so pretty much does away with all the issues you mentioned!!!
I have the same model, and it's fine if you are only cooking for one or two people. The problem he had with the controls, I cured by using Tipex to mark the dimples. I have had mine for a year now, and, for the price, am pleased with it. The only small problem I have found, is the tray sometimes opens a fraction, and that turns it off, till you re close it. If you are only cooking for yourself, it really does save money. It's way cheaper, and faster to cook with, compared to my fan assist oven. Just don't expect to cook a three course meal for four in it. Lol.
I've just one of these and the similar T17021. The 21 has a better basket that's more easily removed, but is otherwise similar. I bought an accessories set of Amazon, which is really helpful and allows you to get round that 'only one thing at a time' problem. The only thing about the accessories set is that the measurements are out. I measured my basket, and I've done it again to make sure. It's 8 inches/20cm inside edge to inside edge. I ordered the 19cm set accessories, and they're too big. I measured those too. Some of them were 20cm and just don't go in at all, others go in with pushing (scratching the coating a little). If you buy the accessories go for the smaller 7 inch/18cm even if you think your basket is larger than that.
I just got one of these and so thank you so much for reviewing this product. Just to let you know that regarding the timer, you can simply turn (force) it anticlockwise to 0 the timer without issue.
I got one these makes,so far ok impressed. I sometimes sprinkle slight bit of oil over food. Id say it fits great under cabinets as others too bulky. Best if you turn n cook medium temprature. You can turn dial down to 0. Its good as if you can only leave it on 30 minutes its more safer end of night etc. This one is ok as its not bulky id say for one or couple people.
I am thinking of buying an air fryer so a bit worried now about safety. I am not sure what you mean in your comment. Do you mean it does not turn off reliably or something?
Thanks so much for the guide I have had one of these tower vortex for a year Cooks more than chips I bake cakes, biscuits, fruit tart, chicken, lamb choc lava cakes and many items Just use your imagination 🐔🍗🎂😋
I bought a Tower Air Fryer about a year ago, it has a digital interface (no dials) and if I'm honest, it's great, Yes I'm looking at replacing it with a larger one but I may keep it as a secondary cooker. Mine only cost me £50-ish.
I've just cooked my first meal in my new Daewoo one, chicken Kiev and chips for 2 of us, perfect, heat air fryer on for 5 mins to heat up, then 15 mins to cook, well recommended. £39-95 from Farm Foods.
Liked the video, straight to the point no messing about opening boxes and telling you what's in it which we already know. I just want to know how to use the air fryer and this is exactly what you did.😊
I had a tower air fryer bought it in Lidl, loved it, after two months the fan stopped working, got a refund and bought another make, wanted a Ninja but the are like gold dust at present. My new one is good too but bigger and I think the smaller ones are better in a way as the heat is more intense, I cook almost everything in it that I would have used my big oven for.Thanks for the review.
I've got a tower air fryer works well had it a few years mine has a basket instead of that silly plate thing which I prefer, my next one I'm going to upgrade to digital rather than manual controls for temp and time more accurate and no annoying tick tick sounds
Got the same model. Had it about a year now and its great. Its fab for sausages, burgers, chicken, duck steaks, and even mid sized gammon joints. Maybe I'm a bit "ham-fisted" (pardon the pun) but I can turn the timer knob back to zero if there's time left. I looked at reviews before I bought it, and many said the non stick coating wore off fast. Fingers crossed,,,mine hasn't suffered so far. One REALLY annoying bit is the tiny rubber feet things on the removable tray. I'm terrified of losing them
I'm planning on getting an air fryer and found this very useful. I noticed the same issue with the clockwork timer on my Mum's machine. I think I'll go for a similar model with digital controls so that I can stop cooking at any time. Thanks for the review!
Fantastic video, so helpful thank you! I just bought the compact version so came to you tube for advice on how to use and this answered every question I had and made me want chips 😂
Bought a similar one today. I agree that the knobs aren't clearly marked. They should have a white line going down the side of the knob to line up with the time/temperature.
Hi Ben, yea that's the one I was looking at today. Is it possible to cook like say a burger and fries at the same time??? or do you have to do it one by one? Cheers mate.
I have been lent an air frier and to be honest I was a bit worried about trying it (I am a pensioner and set in my ways !) But after watching your video I can't wait to try it out .. thank you
Just bought one and they are realy good this video gave me a couple of things I didn't know about the frier which was very helpful so thank you for that.
My elderly parents have bought this. On the box it says it grills, frys and bakes. But there is no button to select for a different cooking function. We've got a 2 draw Ninja Kitchen- absolute dream. It's a shame they sell out so quickly.
For the last few years every day twice a day ive used an halogen oven which last around 6-9 months as the bulb usually blows , if I keep the box and the recite the shop usually exchanges with another one . My last one lasted a year so unable to get an exchange so I bought a Tower air fryer £45 from the food warehouse( Iceland) The first thing that struck me was the size of the tray , unless your cooking a roast for a 6 yo how can you squeeze a portion of spuds,a chicken breast etc , Yorkshire puddings and some parsnips in at the same time , let alone a roast for 2 ? A halogen oven which comes in one size wins for capacity . Sure the Air fryer had 4 liters on the box which I didn't notice at the time . Had the box had read in big letters "THIS OVEN IS ONLY SUITABLE FOR OOMPA LOOMPAS i might have done !
thank you i was considering a halogen and only considered this as argos did not have any in stock but i did not consider having to replace bulb (once mentioned seems obvious now) and you were lucky to get a good supplier..sincereley thank you i dont think i will go for halogen now.
There seems to be many clones of this machine, for one or two people they're great. Mines a Salter bought from Lidl with a three year guarantee. Don't know whether mines a duff one or not but I find the handle for lifting the grate can be sharp, so be careful. I'll be adding a permanent lifter - something like a Split Ring. With the tightness of the grate I don't think it will be long until the sides get scraped. I would also let the grate cool completely before attempting to lift it, remember metal expands. Could the metal grate be replaced by a silicone grate?
Mines brilliant for the money. Why does it need a handle, how often would you move it. Would have to be very small fries to fall through the slots in the rack. Mine does more than one thing at once. Look up the recipe for diced chicken and roast potatoes and throw in some mushrooms. Or bacon & egg on toast. Don't take the rack out when it's hot. Your right about the black dot though, spot it white with tipex or something.
@Gordon Willows, I own this same Tower model and agree with everything you have written in your comment. Lot of nit picking in this review and yes for one person, you CAN cook more than one thing at the same time ! Agree DONT take out the rack whilst it is still hot and when cooled down, I just clean by wiping it clean using a piece of paper towel.
I picked mine up yesterday exactly this one as it’s only just for me, no longer an air fryer virgin haha my mum kept saying get one after my first meal which was done in half the time, I’ve come attached to it already
Somebody at work told me to buy an air-fryer. Looked at some reviews and a few state drawers/trays give better even cooking and avoid non-stick trays as they contain chemicals that can contaminate food. Buy ones with steel or ceramic trays instead. My deep fat fryer once hot takes 5 minutes to cook chips as opposed to 16 minutes.
I can see some use in a small air fryer? Only after considering as an option after my oven gave up the ghost. My microphone is a small very basic , with similar controls to this which I hate , after some research I decided to get a microwave combo inverter 3in 1 . As you say this is a oven with a powerful fan . My microphone 3in 1 does pretty much the same job ? Only the rectangular footprint gives 27 litres space which is much more versatile? I just got it 5 days ago so still learning . I did cook chips in a pyrex dish with convection and 300watt low microwave setting, chips ready in 10 min came out great . So I can see a place for a small air fryer, but for me the much more expensive Panasonic inverter 3in 1 microwave combo is good all around option . The thing that puts me off a air fryer like this is the oval shape wasted space. The more expensive square ones were an option ? But that would mean having to also find space for a micro which was also a basic which I would also replace at some point . In summary a microwave 3 in 1 inverter is a better option if you are going to replace either a microwave or oven rather than get a extra air fryer gadget? Panasonic nn-ct56jb . Is the model i got .
The timer keeps going even with the basket out so you actually don't need to turn the temperature dial down if cooking finishes before the timer runs out, just remove the basket and let the timer continue. I had the older model of this for my first air fryer and you absolutely can turn the timer dial to zero as well on the older version, just grip it firmly and turn it to zero. It feels wrong but it even said in the instruction book to do that if you needed to. Maybe this newer model has a different mechanism for the timer, check the instructions. I've now upgraded to a dual basket air fryer from Salter with many more features but for those on a budget who just want a basic model this Tower is a decent buy.
Thanks, i liked it so much that I bought one, my one came with rubber feet on the trivet so it doesn't move around, a phone call should get you a new set.
Nice mate. I was looking at a lot of these Tower ones and got the Tower Vision digital 7 litre. Can get loads in and actually see the food as it cooks. Blown away by it lol
l bought a cheap one from kmart it has a digital display and full basket nz$69, the only things i think are wrong with it, the maximum timer is 30 minutes, and no bake setting, the fan on the fryer is strong enough to blow pies out of the case ,cheese off toast, and flip burger buns. for 2 of us its brilliant, for a family of 5 its too small, but thats what the oven in the stove is for
THANK YOU FOR A VERY HELPFUL VIDEO AS A VISUALLY IMPAIRED PERSON WHO IS THINKING OF BUYING A. ANUAL AIRFRYER TWO BASKET TYPE I AM LOOKING FOR ADVICE ON BEST BUY HELP
You can also get silicone liners with holes to allow the air to circulate, but protects the fryers coating from things like rashers or other meats, also very easy to wash afterwards ...
Hiya mate. Think that little lip under the blower at the back is for helping you lift it. Also can you use silver foil and parchment paper in these?...Are you from Hull?
I bought the 4 l tower from Morrisons ,,, 4 days , 4 meals and on the 5th day i am finishing a small pork joint off in the oven as the drawer is falling apart ! ... hmm cheap is it seems very expensive indeed ,,, Oddly my electric oven cooked the joint far faster than the tower ???? maybe i just got a lemon ???
I bought one of these today a bit terrified 😄. I wanted to cook bacon in it but didn't know whether I can just put the bacon straight in it or whether I need to put baking paper down first. And how about fish? Does it stick to the bottom?!
I've been thinking about buying an air fryer. I currently use an old fashioned deep fat fryer but have chips from potatoes which I have sliced myself. Would like to have seen how air fryers cope with proper potato chips.