Chefman 12-Quart Air Fryer Oven Review: Is It Worth Buying?

We recently spent some time using the Chefman 12-Quart Air Fryer Oven and found it to be a versatile addition to the kitchen. Its ability to handle multiple cooking methods—from air frying to rotisserie—made it convenient for preparing family meals without needing several appliances. The touchscreen controls were straightforward, though the plastic door front felt less durable than we expected.

Chefman 12-Quart Air Fryer Oven

Its large capacity really stood out, allowing us to cook for multiple people at once, but the size takes up a fair bit of counter space. Cleanup was easy thanks to the dishwasher-safe parts, making it practical for everyday use. Overall, it offers solid performance but may not suit smaller kitchens or those looking for ultra-durable build quality.

Overview of Chefman 12-Quart 6-in-1 Air Fryer Oven

After using this versatile kitchen appliance, we found it combines multiple cooking methods in one unit, making it practical for preparing family-sized meals. Its 12-quart capacity comfortably fits larger portions, and the touchscreen controls simplify the process with preset options.

The rotisserie function stood out for producing crispy skin with less fat, while the oven’s wide temperature range gave us control for different recipes. Cleanup was easier than expected due to dishwasher-safe parts. However, the plastic door feels somewhat fragile, which we noticed during use.

Overall, it balances convenience and functionality, especially if you want a multi-use appliance without needing several devices.

Versatile 6-in-1 Cooking Functions

We found the 6-in-1 cooking options on this Chefman model genuinely useful for everyday meals. Air frying and roasting deliver crispy results without extra oil, while baking and dehydrating expand its use beyond quick snacks. The rotisserie function stands out, cooking chicken evenly with a nicely crisped skin.

Using the reheat option was convenient, preserving food quality better than a microwave. However, switching between functions sometimes required a moment to adjust settings, which could interrupt workflow when cooking multiple dishes.

ProsCons
Multiple cooking methodsControls need occasional adjustment
Efficient rotisserie featureSlight learning curve on function changes
Crisp results with less oil

Overall, it simplifies cooking various meal types in one unit, making it a versatile appliance for our kitchen.

Large Family-Sized Capacity

We found the 12-quart size of this air fryer oven well-suited for larger households. It easily handled meals for four to six people without overcrowding, which meant more even cooking and less need for multiple batches.

The interior space is generous, allowing cooking of a whole chicken or multiple dishes simultaneously. That said, the unit’s size requires ample countertop space, which may be a drawback in smaller kitchens.

Overall, the capacity strikes a good balance between size and usability, making it practical for family-sized meal prepping without constant monitoring.

Digital Touchscreen and Cooking Presets

We found the touchscreen interface straightforward and responsive, making it easy to select options without delay. The 12 cooking presets cover a broad range of foods, which simplifies the cooking process, especially for those who prefer convenience.

While the presets are helpful, they may not perfectly suit every recipe, so manual adjustments can be necessary. The bright display is clear even in a busy kitchen environment, and the controls maintain their sensitivity over multiple uses.

Pros:

  • Intuitive capacitive touch controls
  • Wide variety of preset functions
  • Clear, easy-to-read display

Cons:

  • Presets can be generic, needing tweaks for some dishes
  • No physical buttons, which some users might prefer

Overall, the digital touchscreen enhances user experience and streamlines cooking with its preset options.

Temperature Range and Hi-Fry Option

We found the temperature control on this air fryer oven to be very flexible, allowing adjustments from low heat around 95°F up to a high of 450°F. This wide range gives us the ability to slow cook or quickly crisp food as needed.

The Hi-Fry option, which heats at the maximum temperature, provides a quick and efficient way to get a crispy finish. We noticed it shortens cooking times for fried-style dishes without sacrificing texture. However, keeping an eye on food is important since the high heat can occasionally cause uneven browning if left unattended.

Overall, the temperature range and Hi-Fry setting make this unit versatile enough for everything from dehydration to fast frying, accommodating different cooking styles with ease.

Rotisserie Feature

Using the rotisserie function, we found it easy to achieve evenly cooked meats with a crisp exterior. The stainless-steel spit held the food securely, and the rotating action helped the heat distribute well for juicy results.

Cleaning was straightforward, as the spit and forks are removable and dishwasher safe, which saved us time. However, loading larger cuts can be a bit tricky, and the interior space limits the size of what can fit comfortably.

Overall, the rotisserie adds versatility for roasting whole chickens or kebabs without needing a separate appliance. It’s a solid option if you value hands-off cooking with consistent results.

Interior Lighting and Viewing Window

The interior lighting in this air fryer oven makes it easy for us to keep an eye on food without interrupting the cooking process. The bright light clearly illuminates the entire cooking chamber, improving visibility especially with darker foods.

The large viewing window is a helpful feature. It provides a clear view of your meal mid-cycle, allowing us to monitor progress without opening the door and losing heat. However, the glass can get a bit foggy during longer cooks, so occasional wiping is necessary.

Overall, the combination of lighting and a sizable window enhances convenience and control during cooking, saving us time and guesswork.

Easy Clean-Up and Included Accessories

We found that cleaning the air fryer oven was fairly straightforward. The removable drip tray catches most of the excess grease, making it easier to avoid a big mess. Plus, the racks and rotisserie parts being dishwasher-safe means less scrubbing by hand.

The package comes with useful accessories like three cooking racks, a rotisserie spit with forks, and a retrieval tool. These make changing cooking setups painless and add versatility, though handling the rotisserie parts requires some care to avoid spills during removal.

Overall, the ease of removing parts and loading them into the dishwasher speeds up clean-up time. It’s a practical design choice that fits well with regular use.

Detailed Review

After spending time with this air fryer oven, we found it versatile enough to replace several kitchen gadgets. It handles everything from air frying to roasting and dehydrating with solid performance. The 12-quart size fits well for family meals, and the touch controls are responsive and straightforward.

Pros

  • Multi-functionality: It combines six cooking methods, allowing us to switch easily between air frying, baking, roasting, and more.
  • Large capacity: The roomy interior lets us cook multiple items at once or larger portions without crowding.
  • Ease of use: The touchscreen presets simplify cooking, especially when we’re in a hurry.
  • Cleaning: Removable parts like racks and drip tray are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup hassle-free.
  • Visibility: The large window and interior light let us check cooking progress without opening the door.

Cons

  • Bulky size: It requires significant counter space and might feel heavy to move or store.
  • Plastic door front: We noticed the plastic on the door feels less durable and could be prone to damage over time.
  • Occasional power issues: Some users have reported unexpected shutdowns, though we didn’t experience this ourselves.
  • Noisy fan: The convection fan can be louder than expected during operation.

Overall, the unit balances convenience and functionality well. It’s best suited for those wanting a multi-use tool with enough room for family-sized meals, but counter space should be considered before purchase.

Healthier Cooking with Less Oil

Using the Chefman air fryer, we noticed how much less oil is needed compared to traditional frying. The rapid air circulation crisps food effectively, meaning dishes like chicken or vegetables come out satisfying without excess fat.

While some foods still benefit from a light spray of oil for texture, the appliance generally reduces oil use significantly. This helps us prepare meals with fewer calories and less grease without sacrificing flavor or crunch.

Pros:

  • Cuts down oil use drastically
  • Retains crispiness well
  • Suitable for a wide range of recipes

Cons:

  • Certain items may feel less rich without any oil
  • Requires some trial to perfect oil levels for different foods

Overall, it supports a healthier cooking routine by minimizing added fats naturally.

Who Should buy this?

This air fryer oven fits well for households wanting to prepare meals for multiple people without juggling several appliances. If you often cook family-sized portions or entertain guests, its large interior and six cooking functions streamline meal prep.

We found it practical for anyone who values versatility, as it handles everything from roasting to dehydrating in one unit. However, those with very limited countertop space might find it bulky.

It is best for users comfortable navigating digital presets and touchscreen controls, offering convenience but requiring a bit of setup time initially. If you want easy cleanup with dishwasher-safe parts and a clear view of your food while cooking, this model delivers.

If you need a multi-functional air fryer that handles bigger meals and offers several cooking modes, this Chefman model is a reliable choice. The ease of use and large capacity make it a good fit for families or batch cooking.

Check it out and decide if it fits your kitchen needs. Buy the Chefman 12-Quart Air Fryer Oven now.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


1. What cooking functions does the Chefman 12-Quart Air Fryer Oven include?

The Chefman 12-Quart Air Fryer Oven is a 6-in-1 appliance with the following cooking functions:

  • Air Fry
  • Roast
  • Bake
  • Reheat
  • Dehydrate
  • Rotisserie

It’s designed to replace multiple countertop appliances, making it ideal for kitchens with limited space but high functionality needs.


2. What comes in the box?

Included accessories:

  • 3 chrome-plated air flow racks
  • Rotisserie spit and forks
  • Rotisserie retrieval tool
  • Removable drip tray
    These accessories support a wide range of cooking styles—from air frying to slow roasting.

3. How large is the cooking capacity?

This air fryer oven has a 12-quart capacity, making it suitable for:

  • Whole chickens (rotisserie-style)
  • Batch cooking for 4–6 people
  • Multiple dishes cooked simultaneously on different racks

It’s ideal for families or meal prepping, though the large footprint may be too much for very small kitchens.


4. What is the temperature range?

The temperature range is 95°F to 450°F (35°C to 232°C).
This allows for:

  • Low-temp dehydrating
  • Moderate baking
  • High-temp frying or roasting
    The Hi-Fry mode heats at maximum temperature for faster crisping and browning.

5. Are the parts dishwasher safe?

Yes. The following components are dishwasher-safe:

  • Air flow racks
  • Drip tray
  • Rotisserie spit and forks

The ease of cleaning is a major plus, especially for frequent use.


6. Does it have a rotisserie function?

Yes. The rotisserie function includes:

  • Spit rod and fork assembly
  • Automatic rotation for even cooking
  • Capacity to hold a small whole chicken or roast

This feature adds excellent value, delivering crispy exterior and juicy meat without needing a separate appliance.


7. How easy is it to use the digital touchscreen?

We found the touchscreen intuitive and responsive. Key features:

  • 12 cooking presets (fries, chicken, fish, meat, and more)
  • Bright LED display
  • Single-touch start and pause

However, you may need to adjust time and temp manually for more precise cooking.


8. Does the unit include interior lighting?

Yes. It has built-in interior lighting that:

  • Helps you monitor food without opening the door
  • Reduces heat loss during cooking
  • Enhances visibility, especially in dim kitchens

Combined with the large viewing window, it’s great for precision cooking.

Conclusion

After spending time with the Chefman 12-quart air fryer oven, we see its versatility as a real advantage. It handles multiple cooking tasks well, from air frying to dehydrating, saving space by replacing several appliances.

The touchscreen and presets simplify operation, though the plastic front door feels less durable than the rest. Cleaning is straightforward, and meals cook evenly and quickly.

Overall, this air fryer oven suits families or anyone wanting a multi-use, countertop appliance. It’s not perfect, but its combination of size, functionality, and ease of use make it a practical choice if you need more than just a basic air fryer.

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