In modern kitchens, air fryers and ovens are common kitchen appliances. They each have their own characteristics and can complete a variety of cooking tasks. But when we want to decide which one is more practical, we need to compare them from different aspects. This article will conduct an in-depth analysis from the dimensions of working principle, ease of use, cooking effect, energy consumption, cleaning and maintenance, price, and scope of application.
Features of air fryer
Working principle: The air fryer uses high-speed hot air circulation technology to cook food. It uses a powerful fan to quickly circulate the heated air, forming a thin and crispy crust on the surface of the food, achieving a similar effect to frying.
Save time: Compared with the preheating and cooking time of traditional ovens, air fryers usually preheat faster and cook in a shorter time, which can complete cooking tasks more efficiently.
Very healthy: Air fryer cooking does not require the use of a lot of oil, which can reduce the amount of oil absorbed by food and make low-fat dishes. It is the choice of people who pursue a healthy lifestyle.
Easy to operate: Most air fryers have functions such as one-button start, temperature and time setting, which are simple and convenient to operate and suitable for people who are not good at cooking.
Easy to clean: The frying basket and basket bottom of the air fryer generally have a non-stick coating, which is relatively easy to clean.
Oven Features
Versatility: Ovens are generally more versatile. In addition to baking food, they can also be used for baking, toasting, baking pizza, baking cakes, etc., and are more widely applicable.
Larger capacity: Ovens are generally larger in capacity than air fryers, making them suitable for family gatherings or occasions where a large amount of food needs to be cooked at the same time.
Uniform temperature: Traditional ovens use upper and lower heating tubes and rear fans (for ovens with fans) to ensure uniform temperature inside the oven, which is suitable for complex cooking and baking that requires precise temperature control.
Preheating required: Ovens usually need to be preheated for a period of time before cooking to reach the ideal cooking temperature.
Difficulty of cleaning: Compared with air fryers, ovens may be more complicated to clean, especially when food splashes or drips into the oven during cooking.
Which is more practical, an air fryer or an oven?
Working Principle
Air fryer: uses fast-circulating hot air to cook food. This technology can make the food form a crispy layer on the surface, keep the inside tender and smooth, while reducing the use of oil.
Oven: Heat is generated by the heating element, and the food is cooked using hot air or direct radiant heat. Ovens are usually equipped with upper and lower heating tubes, which can be used for baking, roasting, and even steaming.
Usage Characteristics
Air fryer: Usually small in size, fast preheating speed, and easy operation. It is very suitable for quickly cooking small portions of food. However, due to its limited capacity, it is not suitable for large quantities of food or large families.
Oven: The preheating time is long, and more time and patience are required to cook. But the oven has a large capacity and is suitable for large-scale cooking or cooking large foods, such as a whole roast chicken.
Cooking effect
Air fryer: Because it uses high-speed circulating hot air, the outer layer of the food can achieve a relatively good crispy effect, especially suitable for cooking fried foods, snacks, etc.
Oven: Suitable for cooking foods that require longer time and temperature control, such as baking cakes and bread. The oven can provide a more uniform heating environment and is suitable for complex cooking needs.
Energy consumption comparison
Air fryer: Generally, the power is between 800-1500 watts, with relatively low energy consumption, suitable for quickly cooking small batches of food.
Oven: The power is higher, generally above 2000 watts, and long-term use will consume more electricity.
Cleaning and maintenance
Air fryer: Smaller capacity means less cleaning work. The inner pot and baking basket of many air fryers can be disassembled for easy cleaning.
Oven: It may be more troublesome to clean up, especially the oil stains and food residues splashed during cooking.
Market price
Air fryer: The price is relatively low, and ordinary household models are usually between a few hundred and a thousand yuan.
Oven: The price range is wide, from small household ovens of a few hundred yuan to multi-function ovens of a few thousand yuan.
Scope of application
Air fryer: Suitable for small families, busy office workers or singles, especially users who like to make snacks or fried food quickly.
Oven: Suitable for families who love baking, need large-capacity cooking or enjoy the cooking process.
Export trend and development prospects of China's air fryer in 2024
Technological innovation and product upgrade: With the continuous advancement of technology, air fryers have obvious advantages over traditional fryers and ovens in terms of health concepts, heating efficiency, and baking taste.
Improved health awareness: Consumers are paying more and more attention to healthy eating. As a healthy cooking method, the market demand for air fryers is expected to continue to grow.
Growth in global market size: According to forecasts, the global air fryer market size is expected to continue to grow in 2024 and is expected to reach US$3.6 billion by 2026.
International competitiveness of Chinese brands: Chinese air fryer brands such as Midea and Joyoung are gradually becoming more competitive in the international market, and exports are expected to increase.
OEM advantages: Chinese companies have professional advantages in the field of air fryer OEM, such as Biyi Co., Ltd., which occupies an important position in the global supply chain.
Specific data of China's export of air fryers in various regions around the world
United States: As the birthplace of air fryers, the US market has a large demand for air fryers, and the number of air fryers exported from China to the United States is expected to increase, especially driven by the trend of healthy cooking.
Europe: The demand for healthy home appliances in the European market is also growing, and Chinese air fryer brands have potential in the European market, especially in countries such as Germany and the United Kingdom.
Southeast Asia: The Southeast Asian market has a high degree of recognition for European, American, Japanese and Korean brands, but Chinese air fryer brands have gained a good market share in the region through high cost-effectiveness and effective marketing methods.
India: The Indian market has a large population base, accelerated urbanization, and consumers' acceptance of Western lifestyles has increased. Chinese air fryers have a large market space in India.
Australia: The Australian market is highly competitive, but Chinese air fryer brands have the opportunity to gain a place in this market with their innovation and cost-effectiveness.
It should be noted that specific export data may be affected by a variety of factors such as the global economic situation, trade policies, and exchange rate changes. When formulating export strategies, companies should pay close attention to relevant market trends and policy changes.
Summary
Air fryers and ovens each have their own advantages, and the more practical choice depends on personal lifestyles, cooking needs and budgets. If we need a fast, convenient, energy-saving cooking tool and usually cook small portions of food, an air fryer may be a more suitable choice. If we love baking or need to prepare food for a large family, the large capacity and versatility of an oven will better meet our needs.
