Remember the first time halogen ovens appeared in the kitchen appliance world? That was a miracle for both foodies and cookers. With its economy, speed, and versatility, halogen ovens still keep helping most of us tackle the greatest recipe projects with little to no effort at all.
The latest trend among the kitchen appliances, though, has made us re-think our relationship with halogen ovens. Air fryer has become increasingly popular among healthy eaters thanks to its ability to cook crispy, crunchy meals without the mess and unhealthy oils.
Although a halogen oven and an air fryer have tons of similarity, there are some differences to consider before making that final purchase.
Air Fryer Vs Halogen Oven
How they work
Almost all halogen ovens and air fryers use the same technology to provide the heat needed for cooking foods. A halogen bulb in a halogen oven and most varieties of air fryers acts as a powerful heat source that, when coupled with a fan, creates a hot air flow that plays a crucial role in how well your food is cooked.
The lid of a halogen oven not only has a motor fan that creates a hot air circulation but also controls the temperature inside during the cooking process. Unlike an air fryer, a halogen oven has a transparent glass bowl that allows you to watch the whole cooking process. Air fryer has a much smaller bowl and sometimes you’ll need to open the lid to check the progress, if it has a lid.
Default programs
Both a halogen oven and an air fryer have a great variety of programs for cooking various meals. It depends on the brand and the price. More expensive appliances have more options and programs and clear instructions to them. However, it doesn’t mean that cheap brands are all bad. They have a set of options that are suitable for cooking for the entire family. Unless you own a restaurant, a budget-friendly halogen oven or air fryer will do the trick.
Moving shelves
Unlike modern models, the older versions of a halogen oven don’t feature rotating paddles, making it harder to cook chips and fries. Air fryers, on the contrary, feature rotating paddles, providing automatic uniform cooking. Be more attentive, though, some models don’t have rotating paddles. Check it out before paying the bill.
Timer
Both a halogen oven and an air fryer feature a timer – either mechanical or digital. If you like the accuracy of seconds, choose the one with a digital timer. If you’re going to work with minutes and hours rather than seconds, opt for a mechanical timer.
Energy consumption
Since halogen ovens are bigger, they need more power. Modern air fryers are almost 80% more energy efficient than halogen ovens. If you worry about your energy bills, choose a compact model. The smaller, the better.
Volume
Speaking of the size, it’s also important that you consider the volume you need before purchasing the appliances. If you’re good with 1 to 4 liters, choose an air fryer. If you have a big family and need a bigger version, a 5-liter halogen oven will satisfy all your cooking needs.
Price
Although halogen ovens tend to be expensive, some air fryers may cost a little more. The price highly depends on volume, capacity, programs, design, and even the brand name. The average starting price for air fryers is $17, and for halogen ovens is $50.
Now it’s up to you to decide whether to buy a halogen oven or an air fryer and which model to choose. Make sure you pay attention to the instruction and cookbook it has. More complicated programs require proper step-by-step instructions. Happy shopping!
Related Readings: More about our recommendations and air fryer ratings on the latest air fryers to help you pick the ideal one for your lifestyle.
