Halogen Oven vs. Air Fryer: A Comprehensive Comparison of Cost, Functionality, and Cooking Performance

If you're considering buying an air fryer but find them a bit pricey, a halogen oven might be a great alternative. In this article, we'll compare the Cookworks Halogen Oven with the Ninja Flex Draw Air Fryer, looking at cost, functionality, and cooking performance.

Cost Comparison

A halogen oven is a budget-friendly option, typically costing between £30 to £60. In contrast, a large air fryer like the Ninja Flex Draw can cost upwards of £150, with my Ninja model costing about £270.

Capacity and Components

The halogen oven has an 11L bowl, slightly larger than the 10.4L capacity of the Ninja Flex Draw. With an additional extender ring, the halogen oven can expand to 17L. It also comes with two cooking trays and a handy lifting contraption.

On the other hand, the Ninja Flex Draw features a removable center panel, enhancing its flexibility. However, it doesn’t come with additional accessories like the halogen oven does.

Functionality and Ease of Use

The halogen oven is simple to use with basic digital controls. It pre-sets to 10 minutes at 120°C. While it lacks advanced functions, it can cook everything an air fryer can by adjusting the temperature.

The Ninja Flex Draw offers a variety of cooking modes, including Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate, and Proof. While these features are useful, the halogen oven can achieve similar results with manual adjustments.

Cooking Test: Burgers, Chicken, and Chips

To compare performance, I cooked a burger, a large chicken breast, and chips in both devices. The halogen oven operates at 1400W, making it cheaper to run compared to the 2470W Ninja Flex Draw.

For the test, I set the halogen oven at 220°C and the Ninja at 200°C. After 8 minutes, the halogen oven’s food was adequately cooked, although the air fryer’s higher power meant it cooked the burger faster.

Ease of Cleaning

The halogen oven is easier to clean; you simply wipe down the bowl. In contrast, air fryers can be harder to clean, especially when dirt gets stuck in non-stick surfaces, which may wear out over time.

Health Considerations

Many are concerned about the non-stick coatings in air fryers. To mitigate this, I use baking paper in my air fryer to avoid direct contact with the non-stick surface.

Conclusion

Choosing between a halogen oven and an air fryer depends on your budget and cooking preferences. The halogen oven is cost-effective, easier to clean, and versatile. However, if you prefer faster cooking with more functions, the air fryer is a great choice.