Alright, let’s dish about countertop ovens. I’ve been on a quest, a real culinary crusade, to find that one appliance. You know, the workhorse that can whip up dinner without turning my house into a sauna? Maybe even take over some of the heavy lifting from my full-sized oven. Well, folks, I think I’ve found a contender: the KitchenAid Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven (KCO124BM) in that sleek Black Matte.
Love at First Sight?
Honestly, unboxing this thing was a moment. That black matte finish? Chef’s kiss! It’s seriously stylish and fits right in with my kitchen vibe. Fair warning, though: this baby’s got some heft. We’re not talking dinky toaster oven here, so be prepared to clear some counter real estate.
What It Can Do:
KitchenAid’s packed this oven with features, but let’s be real, the air frying was what had me hooked. I’m all about healthier versions of my comfort food, and that “No-Flip Air Fry Basket” sounded like a dream come true. So, naturally, I tossed in some homemade sweet potato fries, and you guys? Seriously crispy perfection, no flipping required! That 360° Air Fry System? It’s the real deal i.
And it’s not just a one-trick pony. The Even-Heat Convection Technology is a game-changer. I’ve been burned (literally!) by countertop ovens with hot spots – uneven cooking is the worst. But this KitchenAid oven? It keeps the temperature steady, which is key for baking. I even whipped up a batch of chocolate chip cookies, and they came out perfectly golden and gooey i.
Big Enough for the Whole Crew (Almost):
Seriously, I was shocked by how much this thing can hold. KitchenAid says it fits a 9×13-inch pan, and believe me, it does! I baked a small lasagna in it the other night, and it was just the right size for my family. Heck, it can even handle a 12-inch pizza or roast two whole chickens i.
But wait, there’s more! Besides air frying and baking like a boss, this oven’s got 9 different cooking settings, including proofing and dehydration. I haven’t gone there yet, but you know I’m itching to experiment. Oh, and did I mention the super-fast preheat? It’s ready to rock in under 4 minutes – a major win on those crazy weeknights i.
A Few Little Things:
Okay, let’s keep it real – nothing’s perfect. The knob controls, while they work fine, feel a little less intuitive than a touchscreen with presets. And yeah, it’s a big oven. So, if your counter space is precious, measure twice, buy once.
The Bottom Line:
Even with a couple of minor quibbles, the KitchenAid Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven has officially earned its place in my kitchen. The air frying is amazing, it bakes like a dream, and it’s way bigger inside than you’d think. If you’re on the hunt for a countertop oven that can do pretty much anything, this one’s definitely worth a look.
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Would I Tell My Friends to Buy It? Absolutely! Especially if you’re obsessed with air frying or looking to ditch your full-sized oven for everyday cooking.