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Philips 4000 Series Air Fryer: A Fusion of Health and Innovation
The Philips 4000 Series air fryer represents a significant convergence of two dominant trends currently shaping the home appliance market: a growing emphasis on healthier eating habits and the increasing popularity of space-saving vertical designs. As consumers across the UK become more discerning about their dietary choices, they are simultaneously seeking smarter, more efficient cooking solutions. Navigating the vast array of available air fryers, with their differing designs and capacities, has become an essential task for the modern household.
Philips promotes this model with the claim that it delivers evenly cooked, crispy chips while using up to 90 percent less fat compared to traditional deep-fat frying methods. Its distinctive stacked configuration places it alongside notable competitors like the Ninja DoubleStack and the more budget-friendly Salter VertiCook View. However, with a retail price hovering around £270, the critical question remains: does this appliance justify its premium positioning on your kitchen worktop?
Philips 4000 Series Air Fryer: Key Specifications
Price: £269.99
Available at: John Lewis, Currys
Number of Functions: 6
Capacity: 10L
Dishwasher-Safe Basket: Yes
Dimensions: 39.9 x 23.3 x 46.9cm (HxWxD)
What We Love
- Design: The intelligent stacked configuration is a genuine space-saver for compact kitchens.
- Internal Light: A practical feature that allows you to monitor your food's progress without opening the drawer.
What Could Be Better
- Timer: The audible alert could be louder for better notification.
- Price: Positioned at the higher end of the air fryer market, making it a considerable investment.
Our Verdict
Boasting smart features such as the ability to sync two independent cooking drawers and a handy shake reminder function, combined with a sleek, modern aesthetic, the Philips 4000 Series air fryer certainly feels robust and built for longevity. Its 10-litre capacity is ample for preparing meals for up to four people, making it an ideal choice for small families or couples who enjoy hosting casual mid-week dinner parties.
However, we have awarded it three out of five stars, primarily due to its price point. At £269.99, it ventures into territory traditionally occupied by full-sized ovens. While it impresses with its feature set, chic appearance, and generous capacity, we are not entirely convinced it warrants such a steep price tag in today's competitive market.
How We Test
Our dedicated testing team subjects each appliance to a rigorous combination of repeatable, data-driven assessments and real-world usage scenarios. For this air fryer, performance was evaluated based on cooking times for a variety of foods, alongside other critical metrics. You can delve deeper into our comprehensive testing methodology for air fryers in our specialised guide.
Philips 4000 Series: Performance Review
After approximately three weeks of intensive testing, cooking a diverse range of both frozen and fresh ingredients, the air fryer demonstrated versatile capabilities. A key test involved cooking frozen basa fillets in one basket simultaneously with boiled carrots and broccoli in the other. The independent temperature control for each 5-litre drawer allowed for precise cooking—roasting vegetables at 200°C while gently cooking the fish at a slightly lower temperature before crisping the batter at the end.
The convenient sync feature proved invaluable, intelligently delaying the basket with the shorter cooking time so both drawers finished together, regardless of differing settings. This functionality liberates the cook from constant kitchen vigilance, allowing you to relax until the audible signal indicates the entire meal is ready to serve.
Philips's proprietary RapidAir technology ensures hot air circulates effectively for even cooking. The dusted basa fillets achieved a satisfying crunch, and the appliance performed reliably with standard fries. A notable limitation is the maximum temperature of 200°C; some competing models, like certain Cosori units, reach 220°C, which can yield a superior crisp on items like roast potatoes. Nonetheless, the Philips handled mozzarella sticks and homemade falafel admirably, preventing sticking and delivering results in under 15 minutes.
Maintenance is straightforward, with dishwasher-safe drawers, though hand-washing with a mild abrasive sponge is also effective. We advise against using harsh metal scrubbers to preserve the non-stick coating.
Design and Features
Despite its substantial build, the Philips 4000 Series does not compromise on style. Its sleek profile, complemented by copper-coloured handles and a responsive touchscreen panel, would integrate seamlessly into a contemporary, high-tech kitchen. The unit feels solid and durable.
A standout advantage is its space efficiency, occupying approximately 45 percent less worktop space than other Philips models—a major benefit for those in flats or homes with limited kitchen area. The capacity is genuinely impressive; Philips states it can cook up to 1.4kg of fries, 2kg of vegetables, or 24 chicken drumsticks, comfortably catering to a family of four.
The integrated shake reminder is a useful tool for ensuring even cooking, particularly for vegetables and frozen chips. The addition of an internal viewing light, activated by a simple button, allows for easy monitoring while attending to other kitchen tasks, enhancing the overall user experience.
Value for Money
Positioned as a premium product in a saturated market, the £269.99 price tag is arguably its most significant drawback. While the packaging is standard, the appliance arrived undamaged, though removing stubborn adhesive residue from the glossy black drawer required some effort.
According to energy cost estimates from Uswitch, using this model costs approximately 78p per hour. This compares to more mid-range options like the Bosch Series 6 7.2L air fryer, which runs at around 20p per hour and retails for £159.99. Philips claims its appliance cooks food 40 percent faster and uses 65 percent less energy than a conventional A-class oven, based on specific lab tests, though real-world results may vary by recipe.
Online Reception
Customer feedback for the Philips 4000 Series has been broadly positive, with users praising its ease of use, polished design, and perceived value. It is important to note that some of these reviews were incentivised, meaning the reviewers received a reward or sample in exchange for their feedback.
Why Trust Us
Our reviewer, Gina, is an experienced lifestyle reporter with three years of expertise in evaluating a wide range of consumer products, from seasonal food items to home appliances. An avid cook, she has extensive daily experience with air fryers, having regularly used a Cosori 4.7L model in her own compact apartment prior to this test.
Frequently Asked Questions
What distinguishes the Philips 3000 7.2L series from the 4000 series?
The Philips 3000 series offers a smaller 7.2L capacity in a single-basket design, though it includes accessories for multi-level cooking. It is more affordable, priced at £151.99, and boasts 16 cooking functions, including a viewing window. The 4000 series features a 10L dual-stacked design with two independent 5L baskets, 13 functions, an internal light, and a higher price point of £269.99. Both have dishwasher-safe baskets and a maximum temperature of 200°C.
How much food can the Philips 4000 series accommodate at once?
Philips asserts that this 10L dual-stacked air fryer can comfortably handle substantial quantities: up to 1.4kg of fries, 2kg of vegetables, or 24 chicken drumsticks. For those preparing a traditional Sunday roast, it can reportedly accommodate a whole 1.2kg chicken in each of its two 5L baskets.
