Year in Review: Living with the Midea Dual Basket Air Fryer Oven
It's been a whole year since I decided to add the Midea Air Fryer Oven to my kitchen lineup. I bought it during a sale, intrigued by the promise of cooking two separate dishes at once. Here’s a rundown of my experiences, the good and the occasional hiccup, with this kitchen powerhouse.
Setup and First Impressions
Unboxing the Midea was straightforward. It's a sleek machine with a user-friendly interface, and despite its size, it fit well enough on my countertop. The initial setup was as simple as washing the baskets and plugging it in—no complex installation required.
What I Love About It
- Dual Baskets: This feature is as cool as it sounds. I can cook fish in one basket and veggies in the other, each with their own settings. This alone has saved me from juggling appliances and burners.
- Smart Features: Initially skeptical, I've grown to love the WiFi connectivity. Starting dinner from another room or checking on cooking progress without pausing my chores has been a game changer.
- Versatility: It’s not just for frying. I’ve used it to bake cookies, roast chicken, and even make dehydrated fruit snacks. Each mode has performed well beyond my expectations.
Some Drawbacks
However, no appliance is perfect:
- Size: The air fryer is bulky, which can be a challenge in smaller kitchens. It demands its own dedicated space.
- Noise: It operates louder than I’d like, especially on high settings. It's something to consider if you prefer a quiet cooking environment.
Performance in the Kitchen
I've really put this air fryer to the test, cooking a variety of dishes. Vegetables come out crispy, and meats are juicy with a perfect exterior. The learning curve was minimal, with intuitive settings that helped me get the results I wanted quickly. The dual baskets make meal prep faster and simpler, allowing me to focus on other tasks while dinner cooks.
Value for Money
The air fryer's original price point is $179.99, but I snagged it for $139.99 with a promotional discount. Considering the usage I get out of it, this feels like a good investment. It's sturdy, reliable, and versatile enough to justify the cost, especially with the added convenience of dual baskets.
Final Thoughts
After a year with the Midea Dual Basket Air Fryer Oven, it’s become a valued part of my daily cooking routine. It handles everything from quick snacks to full family dinners. While it may be large and a bit noisy, the time it saves and the quality of the food it produces make those small drawbacks easy to overlook. Would I recommend it? Absolutely—to anyone looking to streamline their cooking without compromising on the quality of their meals.