Air fryers are a very worthwhile investment. They are, in my mind, a necessary appliance if you're looking to save money," Jenny says. What type of air fryers are there? Mini oven’ types: these models use convection or fan technology to cook food on flat, slide-in trays. As well as roasting, their extra air-frying functions circulate hot air around the food for more efficient crisping. These took up the space of an average-sized microwave. Some may also include rotisserie elements.

TUV Rhineland conducted independent lab tests with the Blaupunkt Rapid 4.5 litre family-sized air fryer versus a conventional oven. Results from tests concluded cost per hour as noted: Blaupunkt Rapid 4.5 litre family-sized air fryer cost 18.4p per hour compared to a conventional oven at 62.2p per hour concluding it used 70% less energy. Costs based on 34p per kWh – Maximum amount charged at Energy Price Cap (Ofgem price set between 1/10/22~1/4/24). Style: Basket | Capacity: 7.6L | Size: 38.4D x 31.7W x 40.3H centimetres | Cooking modes: Air fry, roast, grill, bake, reheat and dehydrate | Dishwasher-safe parts: Yes | Wattage: 1700W What we like Style: Basket | Capacity: 6.6L | Size: ‎35.56 x 27.94 x 38.35 cm | Cooking modes: Air fry, bake, dehydrate, plus more | Dishwasher-safe parts: Yes | Wattage: 1500W What we like Once considered mostly in terms of getting the best flavour out of 'beige' food, air fryers have exploded in popularity over the last few years as energy costs have risen, and are now viewed by countless households as the better alternative (in terms of cost as well as health) to conventional cooking methods.Offering 13 preset cooking functions and a digital one-touch LED control screen if you don't want to use the app, this air fryer is simple to get to grips with – perfect if you’re a newbie to the world of air fryers. The removable basket is dishwasher-safe too, which is always a winner when it comes to cleaning up after family meals. Other useful settings include preheating and keeping warm options in case you can’t sit down to eat as soon as the food is ready. An avid foodie, she loves nothing more than trying new culinary creations in the kitchen, which often includes testing out and researching the latest time-saving gadgets for Mumsnet. She has also had work published in The i Paper, Stylist Magazine, Gransnet and Exposed Magazine. Why you should trust us I couldn’t afford [a Ninja] so have a Tower one and it’s been brilliant. My oven broke for the third time and no way was I paying for another repair so the air fryer has completely replaced my oven!" (Brand recommended by Mumsnet user ThatsRoughBuddy) Our verdict

Can also recommend Ninja AF400 dual. Had it over a year and no issues, gets used about three times a week too."(Recommended by Mumsnet user heidihigh) Our verdict The Blaupunkt Rapid 4.5 Litre Family-sized Air Fryer also has great benefits for your kitchen by being able to be stored neatly on your work surface or stored away after use. With a 4.5 litre size you’ll have plenty of space to cook for the whole family, and with rapid cooking times dinner will be on the table before you have the chance to set it!

Where to find air fryers in stock and on sale

It has six impressive cooking modes and is large enough to cater for up to eight people, so you can either dish up a family-sized feast to be devoured immediately or make dinner with enough left for your lunch box the next day. Mumsnet has been helping parents make their lives easier since 2000 and, in those years, we’ve investigated, tried and reviewed thousands of products. Our biggest gripe is that it's not the most user-friendly device initially; we'd recommend you take some time to read the instructions and get to grips with the different settings before the first use. Once you get the hang of it, however, you'll soon be impressed with the delicious results - the chips in particular are second to none.