Best Air Fryer: Top 5 Ranked by Data (2026)
We analyzed the leading stainless steel air fryers on the market using our EVS (Evaluated Value Score) system, which evaluates products across three weighted dimensions: value for money based on price relative to features, reliability derived from review volume and rating consistency, and aggregate customer ratings. Every product was scored objectively through our data-driven methodology — no hands-on cooking tests, no brand favoritism. The EVS scoring system processes thousands of verified buyer reviews into a single comparable number so you can quickly identify which air fryers deliver genuine value.
Our analysis revealed a category dominated by Nuwave, which holds three of the five spots. The Nuwave Brio Plus 8 Qt at $135.99 stands out with a massive 8,953 reviews and a perfect reliability score, earning it the top EVS of 9.21. Meanwhile, the Chefman Crispinator enters at $99.99 as the most affordable option with a unique viewing window and ceramic basket. The Kismile glass air fryer at $159.99 occupies a niche for those who want visible cooking with dual glass containers, while the Nuwave Brio 15.5Qt toaster oven combo at $201.27 serves buyers needing large-capacity versatility.
Quick Comparison: Top 5 Data Picks
| Product | Best For | Key Specs | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuwave Brio Plus 8 Qt | #1 Best Overall Pick (EVS: 9.21) | PFAS Free | Digital Touch Screen | 50-400°F (5° Increments) | 100 Presets + 50 Memory | 3 Wattage Settings | ★ 4.3 | $79.91 |
| Nuwave Brio Plus 8 Qt (Newer Model) | #2 Best Feature Upgrade (EVS: 8.51) | PFAS Free | 7 One-Touch Functions | 150 Presets | 50-400°F | Air Fry/Bake/Roast/Dehydrate/Toast/Reheat/Preheat | ★ 4.5 | $67.99 |
| Chefman Crispinator 6-in-1 | #3 Best Value Pick (EVS: 8.48) | 8 Qt Capacity | 450°F Max Temp | TurboFry Pro | Viewing Window | Nonstick Ceramic Basket | ★ 4.5 | $71.5 |
| Kismile 5-in-1 Portable Glass Air Fryer | #4 Best for Compact Kitchens (EVS: 7.84) | 2.6QT & 4.7QT Dual Glass Containers | 85% Less Oil | Deep Roast/Crisp/Keep Warm | Freezer & Dishwasher Safe | ★ 4.5 | $119.99 |
| Nuwave Brio 15.5Qt Air Fryer Toaster Oven | #5 Best Large-Capacity Combo (EVS: 6.93) | Toaster Oven & Rotisserie Kit | Turbo Convection | 1800W | 50-425°F | 150 Presets | Smart Probe | 4 Rack Positions | ★ 4.3 | $129.99 |
How We Ranked These Products
Every product receives an Editorial Value Score (EVS) from 0-10 based on five weighted dimensions:
Nuwave Brio Plus 8 Qt: Best Overall Pick
Key Specs: PFAS Free | Digital Touch Screen | 50-400°F (5° Increments) | 100 Presets + 50 Memory | 3 Wattage Settings
CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+ Rotisserie, Dehydrator, Convection Oven, 17 Touch Screen Presets Fry, Roast, Dehydrate, Bake, XL 10L Family Size, Auto Shutoff, Large Easy-View Window, Black, 10 Quart, Black
The Nuwave Brio Plus 8 Qt earned the highest EVS in our analysis at 9.21, supported by a perfect value score of 10, a perfect reliability score of 10, and a rating component of 8.8. The reliability score reflects an extraordinary 8,953 reviews — over 14 times more than the second Nuwave model — giving its 4.4-star rating exceptional statistical confidence. At $135.99, it offers precise temperature control in 5-degree increments from 50-400°F, 100 preset cooking functions, 50 custom memory slots, and three selectable wattage settings (700/1500/1800W) for energy flexibility.
✓ What We Loved
- 8,953 reviews provide the strongest reliability score in the category — 14.6x more data than the next Nuwave model
- Precise 5-degree temperature increments from 50-400°F offer finer control than most competitors
- Three wattage settings (700/1500/1800W) allow energy-efficient cooking or high-power searing
- 100 presets plus 50 custom memory slots eliminate guesswork for repeat meals
- PFAS-free construction addresses growing health concerns around non-stick coatings
✕ Dealbreakers
- 8 Qt capacity is mid-range — may feel limiting for families cooking large batches
- No viewing window means you need to open the basket to check food progress
Nuwave Brio Plus 8 Qt (Newer Model): Best Feature Upgrade
Key Specs: PFAS Free | 7 One-Touch Functions | 150 Presets | 50-400°F | Air Fry/Bake/Roast/Dehydrate/Toast/Reheat/Preheat
This newer iteration of the Nuwave Brio Plus 8 Qt shares the same $135.99 price as the top-ranked model but scored a lower EVS of 8.51 due to significantly fewer reviews (614 versus 8,953), which depressed its reliability score to 7.06. Feature-wise, it actually surpasses the original with 150 presets (versus 100), 7 dedicated one-touch cook functions, and the same PFAS-free 50-400°F range. The 4.5-star rating (versus 4.4) suggests marginally higher customer satisfaction, but the 14.6x review gap means that advantage could narrow over time.
✓ Pros
- 150 presets represent a 50% increase over the original Brio Plus model
- 7 dedicated one-touch functions cover the full range of common cooking tasks
- Same $135.99 price as the older model with demonstrably more features
- 4.5-star rating is the highest in the top three, indicating strong early satisfaction
✕ Cons
- Only 614 reviews versus 8,953 for the original — the reliability score of 7.06 reflects this data gap
- Too new to assess long-term durability; scores may shift as review volume grows
More Data-Backed Picks for 2026
Chefman Crispinator 6-in-1: Best Value Pick
8 Qt Capacity | 450°F Max Temp | TurboFry Pro | Viewing Window | Nonstick Ceramic Basket
The Chefman Crispinator earned an EVS of 8.48 at $99.99 — the lowest price in the group — with a perfect value score of 10. Its 4.5-star rating across 371 reviews produces a strong 9.0 rating component, but a reliability score of 6.50 reflects the smaller review base compared to the Nuwave models. The standout differentiators are a viewing window (rare at this price), a maximum temperature of 450°F (50 degrees higher than the Nuwave models), and a ceramic nonstick basket that avoids PFAS concerns entirely without requiring seasoned maintenance.
Kismile 5-in-1 Portable Glass Air Fryer: Best for Compact Kitchens
2.6QT & 4.7QT Dual Glass Containers | 85% Less Oil | Deep Roast/Crisp/Keep Warm | Freezer & Dishwasher Safe
The Kismile Glass Air Fryer takes a unique approach with dual borosilicate glass containers (2.6QT and 4.7QT with lids) instead of a traditional basket, earning an EVS of 7.84. At $159.99, it carries the second-highest price and a value score of 8.50 — solid but not perfect. The 4.4-star rating across 355 reviews yields an 8.8 rating component, but the reliability score of 6.46 reflects moderate review volume. The glass design is genuinely different: containers are freezer-safe, dishwasher-safe, and can transition directly from freezer to air fryer, making it a space-saving option for small kitchens that need multi-functional cookware.
Nuwave Brio 15.5Qt Air Fryer Toaster Oven: Best Large-Capacity Combo
Toaster Oven & Rotisserie Kit | Turbo Convection | 1800W | 50-425°F | 150 Presets | Smart Probe | 4 Rack Positions
The Nuwave Brio 15.5Qt is the most feature-rich and most expensive product in our analysis at $201.27, earning an EVS of 6.93. Its value score of 6.76 is the lowest in the group, reflecting the premium price, while a reliability score of 5.60 stems from just 162 reviews — the smallest sample in the category. However, it's also the most versatile: it functions as both an air fryer and a toaster oven with a rotisserie kit, four rack positions, a smart temperature probe, turbo convection, and 150 presets. For buyers who want to replace multiple appliances with a single unit, this is the only option in the group that can do it all.
Buying Guide
Our Scoring Methodology
Picking the right air fryer depends on your kitchen space, cooking habits, and whether you need a simple basket model or a multi-function appliance. Here are the criteria that matter most when comparing options.
- 01. Capacity and Household Size: Air fryer capacity directly determines what you can cook and how much. A 2.6-4.7QT model (like the Kismile) suits individuals or couples cooking single portions. An 8QT model (Nuwave Brio Plus or Chefman Crispinator) handles families of 3-4 with room for a full meal. The 15.5QT Nuwave Brio toaster oven is designed for larger households or those who cook whole birds and roasts. Match capacity to your typical cooking volume to avoid frustration.
- 02. Temperature Range and Precision: Wider temperature ranges unlock more cooking techniques. The Nuwave models cover 50-400°F in 5-degree increments, enabling low-and-slow dehydrating alongside high-heat air frying. The Chefman Crispinator reaches 450°F for faster crisping. If you plan to dehydrate, reheat gently, or sear at high heat, check that the temperature range covers your needs. Models with coarse 25-50 degree increments may struggle with delicate tasks like dehydrating herbs.
- 03. Coating Safety and Maintenance: Traditional nonstick coatings have raised PFAS health concerns. All five products in our analysis are PFAS-free, but they take different approaches: Nuwave and Chefman use ceramic coatings, while Kismile uses bare glass. Ceramic is durable and easy to clean but can degrade over high heat. Glass is completely inert but more fragile. Consider your comfort level with each material and your willingness to maintain the coating properly.
- 04. Review Volume and Score Stability: Products with thousands of reviews (like the top-ranked Nuwave Brio Plus with 8,953) have stable, reliable ratings. Products with fewer than 500 reviews may see their scores shift as more buyers weigh in. Our EVS reliability component accounts for this, but if you're choosing between two similar models, the one with significantly more reviews is generally the safer bet for predicting your own experience.
- 05. Multi-Functionality vs. Simplicity: Decide whether you want a dedicated air fryer or a combo appliance. The Nuwave Brio Plus models and Chefman Crispinator are focused air fryers — simple to use, easy to store, and excellent at one job. The Nuwave Brio 15.5Qt combines air frying with toaster oven and rotisserie functions, replacing multiple appliances but requiring more counter space and a steeper learning curve. The Kismile glass model doubles as food storage. Choose based on whether you value specialization or consolidation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the same brand (Nuwave) appear three times?
Nuwave dominates this category because their Brio product line covers multiple segments: the standard 8Qt basket model (ranked #1 with 8,953 reviews), a feature-updated 8Qt model (ranked #2 with newer functions), and a 15.5Qt toaster oven combo (ranked #5 for large-capacity needs). Our EVS system is brand-agnostic — each product is scored independently on its own data. The fact that three Nuwave products appear simply reflects their strong market coverage and competitive feature sets in the stainless steel air fryer segment.
What does PFAS-free mean and why does it matter?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals historically used in nonstick coatings that have been linked to health concerns with long-term exposure. All five air fryers in our analysis are marketed as PFAS-free, meaning they use alternative coatings (typically ceramic) or uncoated materials (like glass). This is a positive trend across the category — if you're comparing against older air fryer models not on this list, verifying PFAS-free construction is worth checking.
Is a glass air fryer actually practical?
The Kismile glass air fryer is practical for specific use cases. Its borosilicate glass containers transition from freezer to air fryer to dishwasher, which reduces the number of containers you need. However, glass is heavier and more fragile than metal baskets, and the maximum capacity (4.7QT for the larger container) is modest. We analyzed the data and found a 4.4-star rating across 355 reviews — respectable, but with a reliability score of 6.46, it doesn't yet match the proven track record of the top-ranked Nuwave model.
How much should I spend on an air fryer?
Our data shows a tight price cluster from $99.99 to $159.99 for standard air fryers (excluding the $201.27 toaster oven combo). The best EVS in the group (Nuwave Brio Plus at 9.21) costs $135.99, while the cheapest (Chefman Crispinator at $99.99) scores 8.48 — a difference of only 0.73 EVS points for a $36 price gap. We recommend spending between $100 and $140 for the optimal value-to-performance ratio. Going below $100 often means sacrificing features like preset memory or precise temperature control.
What's the difference between the two Nuwave Brio Plus 8 Qt models at the same price?
Both cost $135.99, but they differ in review volume and features. The original model has 8,953 reviews and a reliability score of 10, with 100 presets and 50 memory slots. The newer model has only 614 reviews (reliability 7.06) but upgrades to 150 presets and 7 dedicated one-touch functions including dehydrate and toast. If you prioritize proven reliability, choose the original. If you want the latest features and are comfortable with less long-term data, the newer model offers more functionality for the same price.