Smeg has entered the air-fryer market with its first standalone model, the AFC01 Dual Flavour Air Fryer. Priced at £199.95, the appliance combines retro aesthetics with specialized cooking modes, though its capacity may limit its utility for large family meals.
Smeg’s Retro Design Language in a 7.3-Litre Frame
Smeg is expanding its kitchen empire beyond refrigerators and toasters with the AFC01 Dual Flavour Air Fryer. This new appliance leans heavily into the brand's signature aesthetic, featuring rounded edges and bold lettering that one reviewer described as "very, very Smeg." Available in four finishes—Black, White, Emerald Green, and Storm Blue—the unit is designed to function as a visual centerpiece on a kitchen counter.
The appliance follows a long-standing tradition of retro-inspired design that has defined the Italian manufacturer's brand for decades. According to the report, the AFC01's silhouette is tall and narrow,making it more of a "design object" than a standard functional appliance. While this makes it visually striking,the vertical orientation and upward-opening lid mean users must ensure they have sufficient clearance from overhead cupboards, similar to the footprint of a portable mini oven.
Specialized "Juicy + Crispy" Modes and Seven Cooking Presets
The AFC01 aims to differentiate itself through specialized cooking technology, specifically its "Crispy" and "Juicy + Crispy" modes . The latter adds a steaming element to help retain moisture in proteins, a common pain point for air-fryer users. The device also includes seven preset programs for items like chicken wings, fish, vegetables, shrimp, and roast chicken, all controlled via a user-friendly touchscreen and a dedicated start button.
As the report notes, the appliance includes thoughtful details like a lid-mounted window and an integrated light to help users monitor food without losing heat. A silicone handle on the basket also serves to prevent the unit from becoming dangerously hot, reducing the immediate need for oven mitts during operation.
The 1kg Chicken Ceiling and Sunday Roast Limitations
Despite these technical features, the practical capacity of the 7.3-litre cooking chamber presents a significant hurdle for traditional meal preparation. in a real-world test, the machine struggled to accommodate a standard Sunday roast. While the unit can handle a chicken weighing up to approximately 1 kg, the report notes that supermarket chickens often start at 1.5 kg, forcing the reviewer to return to a conventional oven for the main course.
This capacity gap suggests the appliance is better suited for smaller cuts of meat and side dishes, such as crisps or fresh fish, rather than serving as a primary cooking tool for large gatherings. For those looking to replace a traditional oven for weekend meals , the AFC01 may fall short of expectations due to these size constraints.
The Gap Between 1kg Capacity and 1.5kg Supermarket Standards
Several questions remain regarding the long-term utility and product roadmap for the AFC01. It is currently unclear if Smeg intends to release a larger-capacity version of the fryer to better accommodate the 1.5 kg poultry standard found in most grocery stores. Additionally, the report does not specify how the appliance's touchscreen and internal components hold up under heavy, daily use.
Finally, because the lid opens upward, the appliance's suitability for kitchens with low-hanging cabinetry remains a point of concern for potential buyers. Consumers must carefully measure their vertical clearance before committing to this style-forward investment .
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