One appliance combines crisping, baking and smart cooking.
REDMOND, United States | June 2026
The air fryer may no longer be the only countertop appliance promising faster cooking with less oil. A new generation of electric ovens now combines air-frying technology with baking, roasting, dehydrating, reheating and other functions inside a single unit. These multifunction devices are designed for households seeking greater capacity and versatility without filling the kitchen with several separate appliances. Their appeal lies in offering the crisp texture associated with air fryers while performing many of the tasks of a conventional oven.
The technology is commonly described as an electric oven with an integrated air-frying function. Unlike basic countertop ovens, these models use high-speed fans to circulate hot air continuously around the food. This 360-degree convection process removes surface moisture and promotes browning. The result can resemble conventional frying without requiring food to be submerged in oil.
Air fryers operate through a similar principle, which means the newer ovens are not replacing the technology so much as expanding it. A compact basket-style fryer concentrates hot air inside a small cooking chamber, making it efficient for fries, wings and individual portions. A multifunction oven offers more internal space and a wider range of cooking configurations. The tradeoff is usually a larger footprint and, in some cases, longer preheating.
Manufacturers claim that some models can reduce conventional cooking times by as much as half and lower oil use by up to 85 percent. Those figures vary according to the food, appliance, portion size and comparison method. Foods that naturally contain fat may require no added oil, while breaded products often benefit from a light coating. The health impact also depends on ingredients and serving size rather than the appliance alone.
Capacity is one of the clearest advantages. Certain models offer around 30 liters of internal space, allowing users to prepare larger portions than most basket air fryers can accommodate. A whole chicken, pizza or several trays of vegetables may be cooked in one cycle. This can be particularly useful for families or people who prepare several meals in advance.
Temperature flexibility also expands the range of possible recipes. Some ovens operate from approximately 30 degrees Celsius to 230 degrees Celsius. Low settings may be used for fermentation, proofing dough or dehydrating fruit, while higher temperatures support roasting, baking and rapid browning. A conventional air fryer usually focuses on a narrower selection of high-temperature tasks.
Many multifunction ovens include between seven and 15 preset modes. Common options include air frying, baking, roasting, dehydrating, reheating, maintaining temperature and preparing pizza or bagels. Some units add rotisserie systems for whole poultry. Others allow two cooking stages to be programmed sequentially, such as intense initial browning followed by gentler roasting.
This programming can improve consistency in more complex recipes. Instead of manually changing the temperature halfway through cooking, the appliance can move automatically from one phase to another. That function is useful when food needs a crisp exterior but a slower internal finish. It also reduces the need for constant supervision.
Higher-end models add wireless connectivity and mobile applications. Users may monitor cooking progress, adjust temperature or change the remaining time through a smartphone. Some appliances work with voice assistants, allowing commands such as preheating or changing a setting without touching the control panel. These functions are convenient, although they are not essential to achieving good cooking results.
Smart temperature probes represent a more practical innovation. Inserted into meat or poultry, they measure internal temperature and can stop cooking when the selected level is reached. This helps reduce both undercooking and excessive dryness. It is especially valuable for large cuts whose exterior appearance may not reveal whether the center is ready.
Guided cooking applications can also lead users through recipes step by step. The selected program may automatically adjust heat and time during different stages. This can make unfamiliar preparations easier for inexperienced cooks. However, users still need to confirm that ingredients, quantities and tray positions match the program’s assumptions.
Safety features have also become part of the category. Automatic shutoff can stop heating when the programmed cycle ends, reducing the risk of overheating. Some models include insulated handles, removable trays and alerts when food needs to be turned. Self-cleaning or simplified cleaning systems are also promoted, although grease and crumbs still require regular manual attention.
Cleaning may be easier than maintaining a full-size oven, but multifunction units have more surfaces than basket air fryers. Racks, trays, doors and internal walls can collect splashes and residue. Removable dishwasher-safe components provide an advantage when available. Buyers should examine how easily the interior can be accessed before choosing a model.
Energy use depends on cooking time, wattage and quantity. A compact air fryer may remain more efficient for one or two small servings because it heats a smaller chamber. A larger convection oven may be more practical when cooking several portions simultaneously. The best option therefore depends on household size and normal cooking habits rather than on one appliance being universally superior.
Counter space is another important consideration. A multifunction oven can replace a toaster, dehydrator and small convection oven, but it is generally larger than a standard air fryer. Kitchens with limited space may not benefit unless several existing devices are removed. Door clearance and ventilation requirements should also be checked before installation.
Price can vary considerably according to capacity, materials and smart functions. Basic models focus on manual controls and essential cooking modes, while premium units add digital displays, applications and temperature probes. Consumers should avoid paying for connectivity they are unlikely to use. Cooking performance, temperature stability and ease of cleaning are often more valuable than an extensive list of automated features.
The traditional air fryer remains attractive for speed, simplicity and compact dimensions. It is especially effective for small quantities and users who mainly want crisp foods with minimal preparation. The multifunction oven becomes more convincing when a household needs greater capacity and wants to consolidate several appliances. It does not make the basket fryer obsolete, but it broadens the available choice.
The shift reflects a wider trend in kitchen technology toward multipurpose equipment. Consumers increasingly expect one device to perform several tasks while saving time and space. Manufacturers are responding by combining convection, sensors and digital controls in increasingly compact formats. The result is an appliance that behaves like an air fryer, toaster oven, dehydrator and roaster within the same enclosure.
Convenience grows when one appliance replaces several routines. / La comodidad crece cuando un electrodoméstico reemplaza varias rutinas.