Lidl's £33 air fryer rivals Ninja's £130 model
Lidl's £33 air fryer rivals Ninja's £130 model

Lidl is releasing a Silvercrest 6.7L air fryer on Thursday, October 15, priced at £32.99, positioning it as a budget-friendly alternative to the £129.99 Ninja MAX 6.2L (AF170UK). The appliance will be available in the store's Middle Aisle.

As food and energy bills continue to strain household finances, UK shoppers are looking for ways to cut costs in the kitchen. Air fryers have become a popular choice for slashing energy usage compared to traditional ovens, but premium brands like Ninja often carry a high price tag. Supermarkets, including Lidl, now offer their own versions at more affordable prices.

Features of the Lidl air fryer

Lidl says the air fryer comes with seven preset programs for "quick selection": reheat, dehydrate, roast, bake, prove, air fry, and ultra crisp. It can also be used for grilling and baking, and allows users to fry food with "little to no oil or fat."

The temperature range is 40°C to 240°C, and it has a dial for "simple operation." Lidl adds: "Frying basket and trivet with high-quality non-stick coating from ILAG: very good system with excellent corrosion resistance. Includes instruction manual and recipe book. Frying basket and trivet are dishwasher-safe."

The appliance has a capacity of 6.7L and a usable volume of 5.6L. Power consumption is 2150W. Based on the UK Ofgem Energy Price Cap electricity rate of 26.32p per kWh, running a 2150W air fryer costs approximately 57p per hour.

How it compares to the Ninja model

Shoppers can buy the Ninja MAX 6.2L (AF170UK) for £129.99 at Argos. The two appliances share a similar design blueprint: both are large-capacity, single-drawer air fryers optimised for feeding family households.

Both boast high-heat capabilities that max out at 240C, allowing users to crisp foods rapidly using a perforated bottom tray to circulate air. Maintenance is said to be straightforward for both machines, as both brands feature dishwasher-safe non-stick components.

The most significant difference lies in the retail price. The Ninja AF170UK typically commands a premium price tag of £100 to £129.99, while the Silvercrest alternative is on sale for £32.99. By choosing Lidl's version, shoppers save roughly £70 to £80 upfront.

Warranty and capacity differences

Lidl also provides a three-year manufacturer's warranty out of the box, outlasting Ninja's standard two-year registered coverage. Additionally, the Silvercrest's slightly larger capacity means users can prepare more food in a single batch, reducing cooking times and further optimising household electricity consumption.