Smeg, known for its iconic retro-inspired kitchen appliances, has entered the air fryer market with the launch of its first standalone model, the AFC01 Dual Flavour Air Fryer. Priced at £199.95, the appliance is positioned as a premium option, aiming to blend high-end design with versatile cooking capabilities.
Available in Black, White, Emerald Green, and Storm Blue, the AFC01 features Smeg's signature rounded corners and branding, designed to be a statement piece on kitchen countertops. A key design element is its upward-opening lid, activated by a button, which lifts to reveal the 7.3-litre capacity basket. This mechanism requires sufficient overhead clearance, a consideration for kitchens with limited vertical space.
The air fryer's interface includes a touchscreen display with multiple cooking modes. The primary functions are 'Crispy,' for achieving a golden crunch, and 'Juicy+Crispy,' which combines hot-air circulation with an internal steaming system to keep food moist on the inside while crisping the exterior, particularly suited for meats. Seven preset programs are also available for items like chicken wings, meat, fish, shrimp, chips, vegetables, and roast chicken. A manual mode allows users to set their own temperature and cooking time.
A notable feature is the cooking window integrated into the lid, allowing users to monitor food without opening the appliance and losing heat. An internal light illuminates the cooking basket, further aiding visibility. The basket handle is made from silicone, designed to remain cool during operation, eliminating the need for oven gloves when removing the basket.
During testing, the preset functions proved useful for beginners. The 'Vegetables' preset, for instance, automatically set the air fryer to 180°C for 20 minutes with the 'Crispy' function. A particularly appreciated feature was the automatic prompt to turn the food over halfway through the cooking cycle. The appliance delivered well-cooked carrots with a good crisp and broccoli that was slightly crispy around the edges without being overdone. Yorkshire puddings also cooked to a golden crisp and remained warm and crispy even when kept in the appliance while waiting for other components of a meal to finish.
However, the air fryer's capacity presented a limitation for larger items. A 1kg chicken was too large for the basket, necessitating the use of a conventional oven. This suggests that while the 7.3-litre capacity is generous for multiple portions, it may not fully replace an oven for cooking larger items like a whole roast chicken.
Cleaning is described as straightforward, with the basket and rack being dishwasher-safe. The exterior can be wiped down, and Smeg recommends using an absorbent kitchen towel for the cooking window. The basket features a non-stick ceramic coating that Smeg states is PFAS-free.
Despite its premium price tag, the Smeg air fryer appears to justify its cost for consumers prioritizing design and ease of use. The intuitive interface, useful presets, and practical features like the cooking window and food-turning reminders contribute to a positive user experience. The cooking results for vegetables and Yorkshire puddings were satisfactory. The main consideration for potential buyers remains the appliance's size and its ability to accommodate larger meals, alongside the investment required for a designer appliance.