Chefman TurboFry Touch Review
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
This Product Chefman TurboFry Touch | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Awards | Best Overall Air Fryer | An Excellent Mid-Volume Model | Best Air Fryer on a Budget | ||
Price | $120 List $69.99 at Amazon | $140 List $79.99 at Amazon | $130 List $69.99 at Amazon | $70 List $69.99 at Amazon | $70 List $59.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score | |||||
Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | Solid crisping abilities, but it's set temperature isn't the most accurate | A high-performing and multi-functional device with an outstanding design | Its versatility allows it to cook a wide variety of foods well and it's quite easy to use | Good cooking performance for a reasonable price | A small air fryer with average cooking performance and basic options |
Rating Categories | Chefman TurboFry Touch | Instant Vortex Plus | Ninja Air Fryer | Ultrean Air Fryer | Dash Tasti-Crisp |
Cooking Performance (35%) | |||||
User Friendliness (25%) | |||||
Ease of Cleaning (20%) | |||||
Temperature Accuracy (20%) | |||||
Specs | Chefman TurboFry Touch | Instant Vortex Plus | Ninja Air Fryer | Ultrean Air Fryer | Dash Tasti-Crisp |
Measured Dimensions | 12.5"L x 13"W x 15"D | 11.5"L x 13.3"W x 12.8"D | 13.6"L x 11"W x 13.3"D | 13.2"L x 11.3"W x 12.4"D | 8.6"L x 11"W x 10.7"D |
Capacity | 8 qt | 6 qt | 4 qt | 4.2 qt | 2.6 qt |
Accessories | None | None | None | None | None |
Power Consumption | 1700 watt | 1700 watt | 1550 watt | 1500 watt | 1000 watt |
Max Outside Temperature | 133 | 146 | 160 | 154 | 164 |
Measured Cooking Area | 97.5 sq in | 87.8 sq in | 53.5 sq in | 59.2 sq in | 49 sq in |
Time to Preheat to 400F | 5:07 | 2:31 | 4:25 | 2:37 | 3:13 |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Chefman TurboFry Touch made some delicious donuts and impressively juicy chicken during our testing, but it delivered lackluster results in other areas. We do like that it has an 8-quart capacity, which makes it great for cooking for larger groups and families. And, despite it's large capacity, it doesn't take up too much real estate on your counter.
Performance Comparison
Cooking Performance
In our cooking performance tests, the Chefman TurboFry Touch showed mixed results. This places it slightly above average compared to other models we've tested, but there's definitely room for improvement.
When it came to sweet potato fries, the results were disappointing. While the interiors remained soft, the edges and corners tended to blacken, lacking the crispy, crunchy texture we look for in perfectly air-fried potatoes. On a more positive note, the Chefman did fry up deliciously crispy donuts. We were pleased with the flaky, crispy exterior that gave way to a light and fluffy interior — a testament to its ability to handle baked goods reasonably well.
The standout performance of the Chefman is cooking chicken. The chicken emerged tender and juicy, rivaling some of the best results we've seen in our air fryer tests. If chicken is a staple in your diet, this air fryer certainly deserves your attention.
Tater tots were another high point. The TurboFry Touch created a great outer texture, although the interior wasn't quite as impressive as the exterior promised. Still, this air fryer delivers satisfactory resuls for crispy potato bites.
User Friendliness
The Chefman TurboFry Touch is fairly user-friendly but has some noticeable drawbacks, landing it in the middle of the pack in this test.
One of the first things we noticed was the small text on the display. While the control panel is functional, the tiny text may pose a challenge for users with vision impairments or those who prefer larger, more legible controls.
The drawer opens easily with one hand, which is convenient when you're juggling multiple tasks in the kitchen. However, we found removing the crisping plate for cleaning to be more difficult than it should be. This could be a pain point for users who prioritize easy maintenance. Other than that, this device is fairly straightforward and simple to use.
The Chefman offers a variety of presets, which can be handy for quick cooking. However, our testing team noted that these presets have a limited temperature range, which might restrict some cooking options. The presets include fish (375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes), fries (400 degrees for 18 minutes), chicken (400 degrees for 22 minutes), and meat (375 degrees for 18 minutes).
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning the Chefman TurboFry Touch presents a mixed bag of experiences. The drawer itself is easy to wipe down, which is a plus. However, the crisping plate poses some challenges, as mentioned earlier.
The non-stick coating does its job for the most part, but we found that oil residue tends to accumulate in the corners, making thorough cleaning a bit of a chore. This is a common issue with many air fryers, but it's worth noting for those who prioritize easy cleanup.
On a positive note, the drawer is dishwasher safe (top rack only). We were pleasantly surprised to find that it fit in our office dishwasher without any issues, which could be a time-saver for busy households.
Temperature Accuracy
Unfortunately, the Chefman TurboFry Touch fell short in our temperature accuracy tests. While it showed consistency in maintaining its temperature, the accuracy left much to be desired. This could lead to inconsistent cooking results, especially for recipes that require precise temperature controls.
On the bright side, in our outside temperature test, the front of the air fryer only reached 133 degrees Fahrenheit, falling below our 140-degree threshold. This means the exterior remains relatively cool during operation, reducing the risk of accidental burns.
Should You Buy the Instant Vortex Plus?
The Chefman TurboFry Touch air fryer could be a good fit if you're looking to cook large quantities of tasty and juicy chicken. Its spacious cooking area and excellent performance with poultry make it a solid choice for those who frequently fry their meat and poultry or for larger households.
What Other Air Fryers Should You Consider?
If you're looking for better overall performance and the convenience of dual drawers, we recommend checking out the Instant Vortex Plus. It consistently outperforms many competitors across our tests and offers more cooking versatility. For those on a tighter budget who don't want to compromise on cooking performance, the Ultrean Air Fryer is worth considering. It performed well across all our tests, made us crispy potatoes and tater tots, and offers great value for its price point.