KitchenAid Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven KCO124BM review for versatile cooking options

Description

A Stylish and Versatile Countertop Addition

The KitchenAid Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven, KCO124BM, Black Matte is a sleek kitchen appliance that promises to combine the functionality of an oven with the added bonus of air frying. As someone who spends a lot of time experimenting in the kitchen, I was eager to try out this multi-functional device and see if it could truly deliver on its claims of versatility and convenience. Spoiler alert: it didn’t disappoint, but there are a few things worth noting.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that grabbed my attention was the Black Matte finish, which gives the oven a modern and premium look. Its compact dimensions (16″D x 17″W x 11.3″H) make it a great fit for most countertops without taking up too much space. Despite its smaller size, it feels solid and durable, weighing in at around 15.9 pounds. The dropdown glass door adds a touch of elegance while making it easy to monitor food without letting heat escape.

Inside, the oven is spacious enough to accommodate a 9×13-inch baking pan, which actually comes included. This meant I could bake a family-sized lasagna or roast a whole chicken (or two, up to 3.4 lbs each) without needing my full-sized oven. The removable crumb tray and other components, like the metal rack and air fry basket, made cleaning up a breeze. I will say, though, the crumb tray can be a bit fiddly to slide out if not aligned perfectly.

Key Benefits

One of the key benefits of this product is how it combines multiple cooking functions into one device, which has made my kitchen routine so much easier. Here are a few standout features:

• The 360° Air Fry System and No-Flip Air Fry Basket ensure perfectly crispy results without the hassle of flipping food manually.
• With Even-Heat Convection Technology, the oven maintains a consistent temperature, so you don’t end up with burnt edges and undercooked centers.
• It offers 9 cooking settings, including air frying, toasting, baking, broiling, proofing, and even dehydrating—perfect for someone who loves experimenting with recipes.
• Fast preheat means the oven is ready to use in under 4 minutes, which has saved me a ton of time on busy days.

Areas for Improvement

While the oven performs admirably in most areas, there are some flaws worth noting:

• The knob controls feel a little outdated compared to touchscreens. While functional, they could use a more modern upgrade.
• The oven exterior can get quite warm during extended use, so it’s not something I’d recommend placing near heat-sensitive surfaces.
• Although the large capacity is impressive, the internal height limits the types of pans or dishes you can use inside.

Cooking Performance: A Game-Changer

Cooking with this oven has been a joy. The air fry function is truly a standout feature. I tested it on a variety of foods, from frozen french fries to fresh salmon, and the results were consistently crispy yet tender. The Even-Heat Convection Technology proved its worth when I baked a chocolate cake. It came out fluffy and evenly cooked, something that doesn’t always happen in my traditional oven.

For those who love dehydrating fruits or proofing dough, the added settings worked surprisingly well. Proofing dough in this oven cut the process time in half compared to my usual method. The dehydration feature was another unexpected win – my homemade apple chips turned out crisp and delicious.

Product Competitors

When comparing this appliance to Breville’s Smart Oven Air Fryer and Cuisinart TOA-60, a few interesting differences stood out. The KitchenAid model excels in ease of cleaning and includes a No-Flip Basket, which simplifies air frying. The Breville, on the other hand, offers a touchscreen interface, which some may prefer over manual knobs. Cuisinart’s model is slightly more compact but lacks the same level of cooking precision.

What I noticed is that the KitchenAid oven provided better heat distribution than the Cuisinart, leading to more consistent results. However, Breville’s model edges out slightly in terms of advanced cooking presets, which might appeal to tech-savvy home cooks.

Cost-Effectiveness

When considering the price-performance ratio, this oven feels like a practical investment. The inclusion of additional accessories like the air fry basket, baking pan, and crumb tray adds value, as I didn’t have to purchase these separately. While it may come at a higher price point than some basic toaster ovens, the added versatility and durability make it worth every penny.

You’re essentially getting a mini oven, air fryer, dehydrator, and proofing station all in one. If you’re someone who values multi-functionality and reliable performance, the cost is justified. However, if you only plan to use it for basic tasks like toasting bread, there are more affordable options available.

Who Should Buy This?

This product is ideal for anyone looking to save space without sacrificing functionality. It’s particularly suited for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or those who don’t want to rely on a full-sized oven. If you’re someone who loves experimenting with cooking techniques, this oven’s 9 cooking modes will keep things interesting. Families will appreciate its large capacity, while singles or couples may find it a bit excessive unless they entertain often.

Final Thoughts on the KitchenAid Countertop Oven

After testing this oven extensively, I can confidently say it delivers on its promises of convenience and versatility. The air fry and convection technology make it a standout in its category, and the thoughtful design touches, like the crumb tray and included accessories, enhance the overall experience. While there are minor drawbacks, they’re not deal-breakers for me, especially considering how well it performs.

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