Focus on power (1800 W ensures fast heating), capacity (liters or quarts for your household size), and cooking functions such as air fry, bake, toast, and grill. Also check for safety features like automatic shut‑off and temperature precision. A digital or touchscreen interface can make setting time and temperature more intuitive.

Larger capacities, like the 12.7‑qt Mondial or the 26‑qt Emeril Lagasse model, let you cook family‑size meals without multiple batches, saving time and energy. Smaller units (6‑qt to 9‑qt) are more compact and fit tighter kitchens but may require extra rounds for big gatherings. Choose the size that matches your typical cooking volume for the best cost‑performance balance.

Cuisinart’s 1800 W toaster ovens provide eight built‑in functions, including air fry, convection bake, broil, grill, and a warming setting. Ninja’s 8‑in‑1 and Foodi series also cover air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate, and more, while the Emeril Lagasse combo adds a rotisserie and French‑door design for easy monitoring. Versatility often translates to fewer appliances needed in the kitchen.

The Mondial model uses a sleek digital touchscreen for precise time and temperature entry, which many find modern and easy to clean. Ninja’s Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven offers a backlit digital display with preset buttons, while the Nuwave Brio features a cool‑white LCD with on‑the‑fly adjustments. All three provide quick access, but touchscreens tend to be more intuitive for users who prefer visual feedback.

Cosori’s TurboBlaze air fryer includes a premium ceramic coating that is non‑stick, heat‑resistant, and easier to clean than traditional metal baskets. This coating can extend the lifespan of the basket and reduce the need for oil, but it adds to the retail price. If you value easy cleanup and durability, the ceramic option offers good long‑term value.

Automatic shut‑off, cool‑touch exteriors, and sturdy cord lengths (like the 1‑meter cord on Mondial) help prevent accidents. Models such as the Nuwave Brio also include an integrated temperature probe that stops cooking once the target internal temperature is reached. These safeguards protect both the user and the appliance during extended use.

The Emeril Lagasse Extra‑Large French‑Door model offers a 26‑qt capacity, dual‑speed fan, and multiple cooking modes, making it ideal for feeding 4‑6 people in one go. Ninja’s XL Pro with a 6.5‑qt basket handles up to 9 lb of wings, while the Cuisinart 8‑qt toaster oven balances size and functionality at a moderate price point. Consider how often you cook big meals versus everyday snacks to gauge value.

Pre‑sets, like the 100 menu options on Nuwave Brio or the AirAdvantage presets on Cuisinart, simplify cooking by eliminating guesswork for temperature and time. They are especially helpful for beginners or busy households that need quick, reliable results. While you can always manually set parameters, presets can speed up routine meals and improve consistency.