Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. Among the top brands, PowerXL stands out for its versatile, user-friendly appliances. This article compiles authentic reviews, detailed insights, pros and cons, user experiences, and a comparison of PowerXL air fryer models to help you make an informed purchase.
Overview of PowerXL Air Fryers
PowerXL specializes in making versatile equipment for home cooks, such as indoor grills, juicers, coffee makers, and air fryers. PowerXL’s small appliances are made to maximize convenience. Their gadgets can make it easier to keep your house clean and get a healthy meal on the table fast, and are designed to perform multiple functions and maximize space on your countertop. The brand’s line of air frying devices are countertop convection ovens that simulate the effects of deep-frying. Instead of submerging your food in hot oil, you use a little bit of oil – or none at all – and let high, fast-circulating 360-degree heat do the work. Honest Brand Reviews
Air frying can be used to cook anything from what you’d typically put in a deep-fryer like french fries and chicken wings, to all kinds of proteins and veggies, to baked goods like bagels, and even sandwiches. It’s become an incredibly popular way to cook, saving time and energy while delivering consistent, tasty, and potentially healthier results.
PowerXL Air Fryer Reviews
PowerXL Air Fryer Maxx 4 Quart Review
This small-capacity appliance packs a big punch, but it also has an outsized price and a few design flaws. Small-kitchen-appliance brand PowerXL is a power player in the air-fryer market. And the Special Edition PowerXL Maxx 4 Quart is a good example of why its offerings of countertop cookers have become so popular. This small-capacity model earned solid scores in Consumer Reports’ tests because it’s relatively quiet and easy to clean. At home, it was terrific at reheating food, cooking meals, and turning out crispy fries. But it’s not the easiest air fryer to use, and, at more than $100, seems overpriced. One-button design.
The PowerXL Maxx comes with four programmed settings: french fries, fish, chicken, and steak. But instead of the one-touch presets you’ll find in other air fryers, the PowerXL Maxx designated just one button for all your options. One touch—fries. Two touches—fish. You get the picture. Some might like the streamlined look, but we found it annoying.
The PowerXL Maxx’s design took some getting used to; it was difficult to know where to touch at first, and the relatively small icons were hard to decipher. Not having a one-touch digital display for its four presets is downright frustrating at times. When your puppy is begging for attention and you’re still trying to answer late work email, it’s better not to have to play round robin with your air fryer. What’s more, the programmed settings overcompensated for the time needed to make the food. Testers noted in the lab that the temperature inside tends to run hotter than displayed, so as with most basket-style air fryers, you’ve got to check it from time to time. The PowerXL Maxx air fryer is ideal for couples and singles looking to put dinner on the table a little quicker.
PowerXL Air Fryer Pro Review
The PowerXL Air Fryer Pro is available in 6-quart and 8-quart sizes. For this review, I’ll be referring to the 8-quart unit, which features a dehydrator and rotisserie. With the 8-quart air fryer, you could basically make this kitchen appliance your main appliance because it eliminates the need for a microwave, toaster oven, deep fryer, and more! In the box, you’ll receive everything that you need to get started including: … This kitchen appliance reaches a max temperature of 400 degrees, includes 8 presets to make getting started with your first dish super quick and easy, and even has an automatic shutoff. Plus, you have to love the XL viewing screen that allows you to watch your food creations come to life.
We’ve cooked an entire duck and a rotisserie chicken in the PowerXL Air Fryer Pro. We’ve even made chicken nuggets and fries simultaneously for the kids in this bad boy. By simply looking at the photo, you may think that it’s no way that’s possible. However, that’s just another thing to love as well – its slick design. Trust me, the photos of this air fryer don’t do it justice because it’s very spacious, which makes it easy to feed a family of five without having to do multiple batches of food. The air fryer comes in one piece so there’s nothing to assemble. The quick start guide is super helpful and the display has descriptive buttons so you can’t get confused about how to operate it. Once you get the food in you just simply wait for it to beep and check to make sure the food is done. Despite the unit not having a bunch of parts, it is super easy to clean.
PowerXL Air Fryer Grill Review
When my original convection oven was on the fritz, I knew it was time to consider a new oven-type appliance. I’ve also always wanted an air fryer, so I decided I’d get an air fryer/convection oven duo rather than buying two separate appliances. After some research, I purchased the PowerXL Air Fryer Grill. This air fryer/grill combo is an 8-in-1 tool. It consists of eight functions: air fry, air fry/grill, grill, broil, bake, toast/bagel, reheat, and pizza. This model doesn’t include a rotisserie feature, but there is a version that offers that too. It really seemed like a tool that would do it all. (I mean, a pizza function?!) Also, the fact that it offers the features of my old convection oven plus air-frying capabilities made me think it was exactly what I was looking for.
My PowerXL Air Fryer Grill came with a bunch of accessories, including a nonstick grill grate, two crisper trays, a baking pan, a drip tray, and an oven/pizza rack, along with a cookbook to help get me started. When I tried to use the PowerXL Air Fryer Grill for baking, I ran into a similar problem. I tried easy-to-bake cheddar biscuits inside the air fryer grill, and baked them according to the box directions. As with the gnocchi, the final product was tasty. But the biscuits were dry on the outside and undercooked on the inside. And the cheese on top was straight-up burned. I’ve since tried biscuits, croissants, and even garlic bread, and each time, the outside was overcooked but the inside was too doughy. As for that fancy pizza function? I tried to reheat some and—you guessed it!—the crust came out burned, while the middle of the pizza was cold.
Overall, does the PowerXL Air Fryer Grill get the job done? Yes, technically. Does it get the job done the way I was hoping it would? No. I’ve tried different temperatures and functions; I’ve tried flipping the foods over while cooking them. Nothing seemed to help. There’s only one dish I’ve been able to perfect using this device, and that’s a cheese quesadilla on the broil setting. It comes out crispy in the right places, while the cheese gets gooey, and nothing overcooks because it takes about five minutes. If you’re trying to choose between an air fryer and a convection oven, my recommendation after using the PowerXL Air Fryer Grill would be to try a different model or go with two separate appliances.
Buying Guide for PowerXL Air Fryers
Choosing the right PowerXL air fryer depends on your cooking needs, kitchen space, and budget. Here are key factors to consider:
- Capacity: PowerXL offers models ranging from 3.4 to 10 quarts. Smaller models (3.4-5.3 quarts) suit singles or couples, while larger models (7-10 quarts) are ideal for families or frequent entertaining.
- Functions: Some models focus on air frying, while others include baking, grilling, rotisserie, and dehydrating. If you want a multi-functional appliance, opt for models like the PowerXL Air Fryer Pro or Grill.
- Ease of Use: Look for intuitive controls and presets. Models with digital displays and one-touch presets are more user-friendly, though some, like the Maxx, have less intuitive designs.
- Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe parts and nonstick surfaces simplify cleanup. Most PowerXL models excel in this area.
- Price: PowerXL air fryers range from $100 to $200. Consider your budget and whether additional features justify the cost.
- Warranty: Some models offer only a 60-day warranty, which may be a drawback compared to competitors with one-year warranties.
Comparison Table: PowerXL Air Fryer Models
| Model | Capacity | Wattage | Functions | Price | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PowerXL Maxx | 4 Quart | 1700W | Air Fry | $100+ | Quiet, easy to clean, crispy results | Confusing controls, overpriced |
| PowerXL Air Fryer Pro | 6 or 8 Quart | 1500-1700W | Air Fry, Bake, Grill, Rotisserie, Dehydrate | $150-$200 | Spacious, versatile, easy to clean | Short warranty, door issues reported |
| PowerXL Air Fryer Grill | 7 Quart | 1500W | Air Fry, Grill, Bake, Broil, Toast, Reheat, Pizza | $129 | Multi-functional, good value | Inconsistent cooking, overcooked exteriors |
Pros and Cons of PowerXL Air Fryers
Pros
- Versatile Cooking: Models like the PowerXL Air Fryer Pro offer multiple functions, including air frying, baking, grilling, rotisserie, and dehydrating, making them a one-stop kitchen appliance.
- Large Capacity: The generous basket size, especially in 7-10 quart models, allows for cooking large batches, ideal for families.
- Easy to Clean: Dishwasher-safe parts and nonstick surfaces simplify maintenance.
- Healthier Cooking: Uses little to no oil, reducing calorie intake while maintaining crispy textures.
- Video Recipes: PowerXL’s infomercial presence means YouTube is rich with step-by-step recipe videos, easing the learning curve for new users.
Cons
- Inconsistent Cooking: Some models, like the Air Fryer Grill, struggle with uneven cooking, burning exteriors while leaving interiors undercooked.
- Confusing Controls: The Maxx’s one-button preset system and some models’ icon-based controls can be unintuitive.
- Durability Issues: Reports of door malfunctions, exploding glass, and short lifespans (some units failing within months) raise concerns.
- Short Warranty: The 60-day warranty on some models is less competitive than brands offering one-year coverage.
- High Price for Features: Some users find models overpriced for their performance, especially when compared to brands like Ninja or Philips.
User Experiences
Positive Feedback: Customers are positive about the Air Fryer Oven’s ease of use, health benefits, rotisserie function, and the fact that it requires no oil. They appreciate that it allows them to eat healthier and enjoy fried foods without the grease. The rotisserie feature is particularly popular, with many customers mentioning how much they use it. One user said, “This is one of the best investment I ever done in my kitchen … I love this air fryer this is the best, it makes cooking so much faster and healthier, i love how the chicken drumsticks turns out in this.. best purchase I had made.” Another shared, “I am so happy they finally came out with an air fryer oven style unit. I have the original air fryer which I was using often. This takes it to a whole new level, it is designed like an oven, is compact and you can heat up different items at the same time, and it even has a setting to dehydrate veg and fruits.”
Negative Feedback: Some customers have expressed a desire for a larger size. Others reported significant issues, such as, “Bought one of these at $199 lasted 3 months. Gave them the benefit of the doubt as I liked the air fryer type, so went to buy another one, only to realise they put the price up by $80, now $280 and this lasted 2 WEEKS!!! Absolutely trash, they know it’s trash, yet put prices up!” Another user noted, “I purchased this after watching the TV infomercial showing how easy cooking great food could be. However this is not the case. They leave out you can not actually cook all of that chicken at one time and you have to take each rack out to turn over each piece and rotate the racks. The hamburgers were especially messy and dangerous to me because of the dripping grease onto the open door when you have to pull them out to flip them and then rotate the racks.”
In-Depth Analysis
PowerXL air fryers shine in versatility and capacity, particularly for families or those seeking a multi-functional appliance. The Air Fryer Pro’s ability to handle whole chickens or large batches of fries makes it a standout. However, inconsistent cooking performance, especially in oven-style models like the Air Fryer Grill, suggests that basket-style models may be more reliable for even results. Durability concerns, such as door malfunctions and short lifespans, are significant drawbacks, especially given the premium price points. Compared to competitors like Ninja or Philips, PowerXL offers good value but lags in control intuitiveness and warranty support. For those prioritizing health and ease of cleaning, PowerXL delivers, but potential buyers should weigh the risk of mechanical issues against the benefits.
Best Product Recommendations
Based on reviews and performance, we recommend the PowerXL Air Fryer Pro 8-Quart for its versatility and capacity. It’s ideal for families and those wanting a multi-functional appliance. You can find it here: PowerXL Air Fryer Pro on Amazon.
For smaller households, the PowerXL Maxx 4 Quart is a solid choice despite its control quirks, offering reliable performance for singles or couples. Check it out here: PowerXL Maxx on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you make breakfast in an air fryer?
Yes! Create an entire morning spread with air-fryer breakfast recipes, from Danishes to quiche. For a grab-and-go breakfast, people swear by using the air fryer to make hard-boiled eggs.
How do you clean a PowerXL air fryer?
To clean an air fryer, first remove all of the removable pieces, like the basket and tray. Suds them up with dish soap and water—or pop the pieces in the dishwasher. Then, use a damp cloth to wipe down the rest of the unit and the control panel. Thoroughly dry everything before you reassemble the air fryer.
How can you convert recipes for an air fryer?
To convert an oven-cooked recipe to an air-fryer one, reduce the temperature by 25°F and cut the cook time by about 20%. For more tips and tricks, bookmark this guide to air-fryer cooking times.
Can you put foil in a PowerXL air fryer?
Yes, you can use aluminum foil in a PowerXL air fryer, but follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure safety. Avoid covering the air vents to maintain proper air circulation.
What is the warranty on PowerXL air fryers?
Warranties vary by model. Some, like the PowerXL Air Fryer Pro, offer a 60-day warranty, while others may include a 12-month warranty through retailers like Global Shop Direct. Check the product listing before purchasing.
Conclusion
PowerXL air fryers offer a compelling mix of versatility, capacity, and healthier cooking options, making them a popular choice for home cooks. While models like the Air Fryer Pro excel in multi-functionality, issues like inconsistent cooking and durability concerns warrant careful consideration. By weighing your needs against the pros and cons outlined in this guide, you can choose the PowerXL model that best fits your kitchen. Happy air frying!