The Philips Essential Air Fryer XL stands out among air fryers, excelling with its unique preset options and remarkable air frying capabilities.
Pros
Consistent cooking results
Drains excess fat effectively
Spacious basket size
Excellent build quality
Enhances air circulation
Cons
Bulky and awkward basket design
Some users may find presets unnecessary
We rigorously test and compare various products to help you make informed choices. Philips consistently ranks among the top air fryer brands. Although its pace of innovation may lag behind competitors like Ninja or Instant, the Essential Air Fryer XL introduces some smart features.
This air fryer includes a 'starfish' design in the basket to optimize air circulation, ensuring even cooking. Additionally, the cooking insert is designed to lift out, allowing excess fat to gather at the bottom rather than on your food.
In our tests, we evaluated the Philips Essential Air Fryer XL alongside other leading models. Despite a few usability quirks, it delivers impressive cooking quality.
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Philips Essential Air Fryer XL Specifications
- Capacity: 6.5 quarts
- Cooking Modes: Frozen snacks, french fries, meat, fish, chicken, cake, veggies
- Dimensions: 15.1 x 15.1 x 14.2 inches
- Weight: 12.95 pounds
- Cleaning: Nonstick trays and basket, dishwasher-friendly
- Temperature Range: Up to 400°F (200°C)
Unboxing Experience
We carefully assess the packaging that accompanies products. Unfortunately, the Philips Essential Air Fryer XL is packed in layers of polystyrene, which is standard for air fryers. In contrast, some brands prioritize recyclable packaging.
This model is notably heavy, featuring a basket that can easily be removed. The basket securely clicks into place, and the air frying insert is lifted using a simple button mechanism. The basket's unique 'starfish' design promotes optimal air flow during cooking.
Unlike many air fryers offering multiple cooking modes, the Philips Essential Air Fryer XL focuses solely on air frying. It provides preset options for various foods, automatically adjusting time and temperature. However, these settings can be adjusted for different cooking needs.
Testing Homemade Fries
We typically test air fryers using homemade fries. We slice potatoes into wedges, season, and air fry at a high temperature for about 20 minutes.
For this model, we selected the fries preset, navigating through the options with ease. Upon retrieving the basket, we noticed a slight wobble, as the handle is not attached to the base, but the fries turned out exceptionally well—crispy and fluffy.
The removable basket proved advantageous during this test. Although minimal oil dripped off the fries, it was contained at the bottom, preventing mess on our plates.
Cooking Frozen Foods
Air fryers are renowned for transforming frozen items into crispy delights. We tested pre-made chicken goujons at the highest temperature of 400°F (200°C). While this is lower than some alternatives, it still performed adequately.
Adjusting the temperature can be cumbersome as it only increases in five-degree increments. However, this rarely affects cooking, as most recipes use common temperature settings. For more precise temperature control, consider other models.
After 12 minutes, the chicken was evenly cooked, though slightly less crispy compared to other tests. It still had a satisfying crunch.
Roasting Vegetables
While many air fryers include roast settings, the Philips Essential Air Fryer XL utilizes a vegetable preset for roasting. We prepared a mix of Mediterranean vegetables.
The ample basket size allowed for even layering of vegetables. Some items cooked faster than others, with onions browning quickly while butternut squash required more time.
During testing, we found this air fryer somewhat noisy, measuring around 70dB. It's manageable for conversation, but could be bothersome during extended use.
Cooking Bacon
Bacon cooks quickly in air fryers, but some models can blow it around the basket. Fortunately, the Philips Essential Air Fryer XL maintained its shape, easily accommodating multiple slices without overlap.
In just five minutes, the bacon reached perfect crispiness. The design allowed for easy draining of excess grease, enhancing the cooking experience.
Cleaning Process
This air fryer features dishwasher-safe components, although the basket's size may require ample space on the top rack. Handwashing is recommended for convenience.
Comparative Performance
We compared the Philips Essential Air Fryer XL with models from other brands, noting its superior performance. While the Instant Vortex Plus Dual Basket Air Fryer also performed well, it lacks dishwasher compatibility.
While this air fryer doesn't include modes for roasting or broiling, it features intuitive controls and user-friendly presets.
Is the Philips Essential Air Fryer XL Worth It?
Despite hesitations regarding its preset-only operation, the Philips Essential Air Fryer XL stands out for its excellent cooking results. Ideal for families, it simplifies meal preparation, focusing on straightforward dishes.
The dishwasher-safe insert is a bonus, though it may occupy considerable space. Its unique design significantly improves air flow, ensuring even cooking results.
