Tefal's Massive Air Fryer Put to the Ultimate Sunday Roast Test
Air fryers have become ubiquitous in British kitchens, occupying countertops nationwide as they evolve with larger sizes, sophisticated designs, and numerous cooking modes. Increasingly, these appliances are supplanting traditional ovens for many culinary tasks. The Tefal Easy Fry Dual XXL stands out as the market's largest dual oven air fryer, boasting a capacity to prepare up to ten portions.
Impressive Capacity and Design
This model features two drawers with capacities of 6.5 litres and 4.5 litres respectively, culminating in a total 11-litre volume. Priced at £199.99, it undercuts some Ninja air fryers but remains above budget-tier options. Selecting an air fryer involves more than just cost; functionality and features are paramount.
Given its substantial size, diverse cooking options, and sleek aesthetics, we decided to evaluate how effectively the Easy Fry Dual XXL could manage a full Sunday roast dinner—a meal where synchronising all components is notoriously challenging.
The Sunday Roast Challenge
Across the UK, countless families gather weekly for a roast dinner, often considered a cherished ritual that unites people over food and fellowship. Having previously attempted Christmas dinner in an air fryer, we were optimistic that Tefal's mega-fryer could rise to the occasion.
Our test involved a whole chicken, a bag of potatoes, and assorted vegetables, rigorously assessing the appliance's capabilities.
Performance and Cooking Results
Typically, roasting a whole chicken in a conventional oven requires approximately one hour and twenty minutes. Remarkably, the Tefal Easy Fry achieved a perfectly roasted chicken in just fifty minutes at 180°C. After basting and seasoning, the air fryer produced a golden, crispy chicken that was thoroughly cooked.
Roast potatoes and carrots completed in thirty-five minutes total, though the carrots could have been removed slightly earlier to avoid overcooking—a common pitfall for air fryer novices. The appliance's alarm sounded audibly upon completion and it automatically shut off, allowing unattended operation without concerns about timing or burning.
Design and Usability
Despite its 11-litre capacity, the air fryer's footprint is manageable, with a sleek, modern design that complements kitchen countertops. Initial setup and mastering the various modes required some time, particularly learning to configure each drawer for different foods, but this becomes intuitive with practice.
Cleaning is straightforward thanks to a non-stick coating that facilitates washing off grease and debris. The trays feature convenient finger holes for easy removal, and the frying basket is dishwasher-safe.
Cooking Features and Functionality
The air fryer includes six preset functions: fries, chicken, vegetables, fish, dehydrate, and dessert, enabling comprehensive meal preparation. A synchronised cooking function proved especially beneficial, allowing simultaneous cooking of chicken in one drawer and roast potatoes with carrots in the other.
Simply setting the cooking modes for each compartment and pressing start prompted the air fryer to calculate timing so all items finished together. A 'shake' alert reminds users to toss chips midway through cooking, a feature absent from many budget models. Notably, it lacks a Yorkshire pudding setting, necessitating oven use for that item.
Value and Comparisons
The Tefal Easy Fry Dual XXL frequently retails below £150 on promotion, though its full price is £199.99. Compared to previous budget air fryers costing £40-£50 with single modes and half the size, this model offers significantly greater versatility, capacity, and functionality.
It is also more affordable than competitors like the Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone Air Fryer (£179.99 on offer) and the Philips 4000 series (£169.99 reduced), both of which are smaller.
Online Reception and Verdict
On Tefal's website, the Easy Fry Dual XXL has garnered over 1,000 reviews, earning an impressive 4.5 out of five stars. Many users praise its ease of cleaning and effectiveness with various foods.
Our assessment confirms that its ability to cook two different foods simultaneously is impressive, simplifying the timing-critical task of preparing a roast. Both drawers are spacious, accommodating a whole chicken for four with room to spare, though it may not suffice for more than five people despite Tefal's ten-portion claim.
With an extensive range of cooking programmes, this model excels at handling essential roast dinner components, making it a robust choice for families seeking convenience and performance.
