Need to know
- Aldi is selling a 7L air fryer as part of its Special Buys on Wednesday 9 October
- Although we weren't able to test performance for this model, we've tested a very similar-looking 7L Aldi model that performed quite well in our testing
- Become a CHOICE member to access our detailed reviews of 37 air fryers to help you choose the best air fryer for your needs
The middle aisle at Aldi is a place of mystery and magic. Wander down it on any given day and who knows what you'll find – a microscope, a trumpet, a log splitter? It's anyone's guess.
But on Wednesday 9 October, there won't be any wandering in the Special Buys section.
In fact, you might need to wear that full-face motorcycle helmet you bought as a previous Special Buy, because things could get rough.
You might need to wear that full-face motorcycle helmet you bought as a previous Special Buy, because things could get rough
Brace yourselves, shoppers: Aldi is selling a 7L steam air fryer for just $139. It comes with three cooking modes (air fry, steam and combo), LED touchscreen and a temperature range of 80-200°C for air frying.
People already go bananas for air fryers, and they go bananas for Aldi. But the two together? We could be looking at Beatlemania, supermarket-style.
Is this air fryer worth braving the melee? It depends on how much you love air fryers, and whether you're okay with grocery shopping as a contact sport.
On this page:
- Is the Aldi air fryer worth buying?
- Does Aldi make good air fryers?
- Downsides of the Aldi air fryers we've tested
- Things to consider before buying
This 7L air fryer is a Special Buy at Aldi for $139.
Is the Aldi air fryer worth buying?
Full disclosure: we can provide expert insights that can help you make up your mind, but we haven't tested this exact model.
We wish we could've got our hands on one in advance of the Special Buys sale to tell you whether it's a good buy or not, but unfortunately we don't have those kinds of connections!
(And even if we did, we wouldn't use them. Except in the rarest of cases when we borrow an item, we buy the products we test in the same way as everyday consumers to make sure we're getting exactly the same products and services that you do.)
Then there's the fact that Aldi Special Buys sell out so quickly that we usually can't even get hold of them to test.
But the good news is that CHOICE home economist Fiona Mair knows everything there is to know about air fryers, and she's even tested a Aldi Ambiano air fryer, that is very similar in terms of looks and specifications to this upcoming Special Buy.
We asked her what you should consider if you're thinking of snapping up this middle-aisle bargain.
Does Aldi make good air fryers?
While we haven't tested this exact model, we have tested two other Aldi Ambiano air fryers in previous years – and they're actually pretty decent air fryers, especially for the price.
The Aldi Ambiano 7L Digital Steam Air Fryer ($129).
Aside from the Stirling badge on the front of Aldi's upcoming Special Buy, it looks identical to the Aldi Ambiano 7L Digital Steam Air Fryer ($129) that we've previously tested. When we tested the Ambiano it was great at cooking roast pork, marinated chicken wings and frozen straight-cut chips.
Unfortunately, it delivered disappointing results when cooking crumbed chicken.
(It's not one for parmi lovers, apparently!)
We also tested out the steam function and it gave perfect results for steaming broccoli.
The Aldi Ambiano Digital Air Fryer 3L ($40).
The smaller Aldi Ambiano Digital Air Fryer 3L ($40) we tested, however, was excellent at cooking crumbed chicken.
It also nailed the marinated chicken wings and roast pork.
But it was less impressive when cooking frozen straight-cut chips.
Downsides of the Aldi air fryers we've tested
A couple of drawbacks we noted about each of these Aldi air fryers we've previously tested is that while they have digital touch controls, the functions are displayed as symbols which may require you to have the instruction booklet handy and a bit of trial and error when you start using them.
And they're not likely to have the same features or accessories as some of the more expensive models on the market.
Aldi has a pretty good track record with the air fryers we've tested so far in our kitchen lab
We can't tell you definitively whether you should buy one or not, but we can tell you that Aldi has a pretty good track record with the air fryers we've tested so far in our kitchen lab.
If you're not quite convinced, check our reviews to find the best air fryer for your needs and budget.
Things to consider before buying
Size and capacity
Make sure you have enough bench space. Air fryers can be very large and bulky, and you'll need to leave enough space around it for air flow. The 7L Ambiano we tested (which may be different to the model on sale on Wednesday) has a large cooking capacity and accommodate a small whole chicken.
Controls
Digital touch controls (such as those on the Aldi air fryer) may not be responsive if there's grease or moisture on the panel.
Audible prompts
When air frying, it's essential to shake or turn the food to allow for even cooking. Many air fryers will alert you when it's time to do this, but the Aldi air fryers we've tested don't have this helpful prompt.
Warranty
Other air fryers we've tested usually have a 12-month warranty, but the Aldi air fryer comes with an impressive three-year warranty.
Customer service and replacement parts
When you're buying from a dedicated appliance retailer, you're more likely to be able to access spare parts if anything needs replacing on your air fryer – but you might not have as much luck with Aldi.
Delivery and availability
Aldi doesn't do home delivery, so you'll have to go instore in person. And Special Buys often sell out quickly, so if there's none in stock by the time you get there, that's it.
Plus you'll have to carry the air fryer to your trolley yourself and then transfer it into your car and out again when you get home – so if you have mobility challenges, limited dexterity or anything that makes carrying a large box home difficult, you might be better off looking for an air fryer you can buy online and have delivered.
Do your research
The cheap price of Aldi's air fryer is very tempting, but before you hit that middle aisle, make sure you know exactly what you're looking for in an air fryer.
CHOICE has reviewed 37 air fryers, ranging in price from $69 to $749. Our detailed air fryer reviews will help you find the best model for your needs.
Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.
