Look at capacity, the variety of cooking functions, and the type of heating technology each model uses. Also consider countertop space, ease of cleaning, and any smart‑home integrations. Finally, compare warranty length and customer support to gauge long‑term reliability.

The Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door (26 qt) and Midea Flexify (26.4 qt) can handle a 12‑inch pizza or a 6‑lb chicken, while the Ninja Flip and Black+Decker models sit around 12‑14 qt, suitable for 6 slices of toast or a small roast. Smaller units like the Ninja Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven offer a 45% larger pan area than some competitors but still fall short of the true XL models. Choose capacity based on your typical household size and the biggest dish you plan to prepare.

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro leads with 13 built‑in functions, followed closely by the COSORI Smart 12‑in‑1 and Black+Decker 12‑in‑1 combos. Models like the Ninja Flip and Emeril Lagasse offer 8‑10 functions, which cover the basics but lack specialized modes such as dehydration or proofing. More functions give flexibility, but they may add complexity to the user interface.

Dual‑zone ovens, such as the Emeril Lagasse Dual Zone 360 and the Midea Flexify, let you cook two dishes at different temperatures simultaneously, saving time for large meals or parties. If you frequently prepare multi‑course meals or need to keep sides warm while the main cooks, the feature adds real convenience. For single‑dish cooking, a standard single‑zone model usually provides sufficient performance at a lower price.

Breville’s Element iQ system uses five independent quartz elements for precise temperature control, while Ninja’s OvenCrisp combines infrared heating with rapid air circulation for even browning. The Emeril Lagasse models rely on a dual‑speed fan and 360° superheated air, and the Cuisinart employs AirAdvantage technology for fast, crispy results. Each system aims to reduce hot spots, but the proprietary algorithms in Breville and Ninja often deliver the most consistent outcomes.

The COSORI Smart 12‑in‑1 balances a generous 26 qt capacity, 12 cooking functions, and smart‑app connectivity at a mid‑range price, making it a strong value proposition. The Ninja Flip provides a space‑saving design and solid performance for a lower cost, while the premium Breville and Emeril Lagasse Dual Zone models command higher prices for advanced features. Value depends on whether you prioritize capacity, smart features, or dual‑zone cooking.

Premium models like the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro and Emeril Lagasse Dual Zone cost more but include sophisticated heating elements, dual‑zone cooking, and extensive preset menus. Budget‑friendly options such as the Black+Decker Crisp ’N Bake or Ninja Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven still deliver essential air‑fry and bake functions but lack the extra zones and high‑precision sensors. If you need advanced control and larger capacity, the higher price is justified; otherwise, a basic model will meet everyday cooking needs.

Stainless‑steel interiors and removable crumb trays, like those found on the Cuisinart and Black+Decker models, simplify wipe‑down after each use. Some units, such as the Chefman and Ninja, include dishwasher‑safe accessories, reducing manual scrubbing. Look for non‑stick surfaces and easy‑access doors that let you reach all corners without disassembly.