The 12-Quart Chefman Air Fryer Oven is the ultimate budget-friendly solution for families who want crispy food without the greasy mess. In our tests, the 1700W heating element and "Hi-Fry" function delivered incredible crunch on french fries, and the included spit easily handled a whole rotisserie chicken. While its bulky size takes up significant counter space, its dishwasher-safe parts and 6-in-1 versatility make it a massive upgrade over standard basket-style air fryers.
Table of Contents
If you are tired of juggling multiple kitchen appliances just to get a hot dinner on the table, our Chefman Air Fryer Oven review will help you decide if this multi-cooker is actually worth the counter space.
In our Ultimate Guide to the 5 Best Countertop Cookers, we explained the Golden Rule of countertop cooking: The “Wet vs. Dry” rule. While pressure cookers use moisture to make food tender, they leave your food soggy.
If you want crispy chicken wings, golden french fries, and crunchy roasted vegetables, you need rapid, dry heat. We put this 12-Quart, 6-in-1 oven to the test to see if it delivers real restaurant-quality crunch, or if it is just another bulky gadget.
Quick Specs & Pros/Cons
Before we dive into the testing data, here is exactly what you get out of the box:
The Specs:
- Capacity: 12 Quarts (Multi-Rack)
- Wattage: 1700 Watts
- Functions: 6-in-1 (Air Fry, Bake, Dehydrate, Rotisserie, Roast, Reheat)
- Control: Capacitive Touchscreen with 12 Presets
- Weight: 16 pounds
The Pros:
- ✅ Multi-Rack Cooking: Cook three different trays of food at the same time, unlike a standard basket air fryer.
- ✅ Rotisserie Included: Comes with a stainless-steel spit and retrieval tool for perfectly even roasting.
- ✅ Easy Cleanup: The removable drip tray and cooking racks are 100% dishwasher safe.
The Cons:
- ❌ Countertop Hog: It is tall and bulky, making it difficult to store in small apartment kitchens.
- ❌ Capacity Reality: While “family-sized,” cooking for more than 4 people usually requires running two batches.
How We Tested the Chefman Air Fryer Oven
To see if the Chefman Air Fryer Oven could replace a deep fryer, we skipped the frozen chicken nuggets and went straight for a multi-level cooking test.
The Process: We used the included stainless-steel rotisserie spit to skewer a 3.5-pound whole chicken. We placed the chicken in the center of the oven and slid a tray of freshly cut potatoes onto the bottom rack to catch the drippings. We engaged the “Rotisserie” preset and let the 1700W rapid-air heating elements go to work. In the last 5 minutes, we hit the “Hi-Fry” button for an extra blast of heat.
The Result: The extra-large viewing window allowed us to watch the skin crisp up without opening the door and losing heat. The chicken was incredibly juicy on the inside, while the outside featured a perfectly rendered, crispy skin. The potatoes on the bottom rack were perfectly roasted and infused with flavor. The fact that we cooked a main dish and a side dish simultaneously—without turning on the wall oven—proves the immense value of this appliance.
Performance Analysis: Why the Chefman Air Fryer Oven Wins
If you are comparing this machine to a standard basket air fryer, the Chefman Air Fryer Oven wins for two specific reasons:
1. No More Shaking Baskets
Standard air fryers require you to pull the basket out every 5 minutes and shake it so the food cooks evenly. Because the Chefman uses multiple wire racks, the super-heated air circulates completely around the food. You don’t have to shake anything; you just push the button and walk away.
2. The “Hi-Fry” Function
A lot of air fryers cap out at 400°F. The Chefman reaches 450°F. The dedicated “Hi-Fry” button is not a gimmick—it provides a sudden blast of extreme heat at the very end of the cooking cycle, which is the secret to getting that deep-fried crunch using 98% less oil.
If your old machine is caked in grease, read our complete guide on how to clean an air fryer safely.
Quick Comparison: Chefman Air Fryer Oven vs. The Competition
| Feature | Chefman Air Fryer Oven | Breville Smart Oven | Instant Pot Duo (7-in-1) |
| Cooking Style | Dry (Air Fry/Crisp) | Dry (Bake/Air Fry) | Wet (Pressure/Steam) |
| Functions | 6-in-1 | 13 Smart Modes | 7-in-1 |
| Capacity | 12 Quarts (Multi-Rack) | Fits 9×13″ Pan | 6 Quarts |
| Rotisserie Spit | Yes | No | No |
| Price Point | Budget / Mid-Range | Premium Luxury | Budget / Value |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Chefman Air Fryer Oven big enough for a family?
It is ideal for families of 2 to 3 people. While it is much larger than a standard basket air fryer, the 12-quart interior can feel slightly cramped if you are trying to cook a main dish and multiple sides for a family of 5 or more.
How easy is it to clean the Chefman Air Fryer Oven?
It is surprisingly simple. Air fryers get notoriously greasy, but the Chefman features a slide-out drip tray that catches all the fat. That tray, along with the wire racks and rotisserie spit, are all completely dishwasher safe.
Does the Chefman Air Fryer Oven have safety certifications?
Yes. It is cETL approved and features advanced safety technology to prevent overheating, making it safe to leave running on your countertop.
Final Verdict
The Chefman Air Fryer Oven offers incredible value for anyone who wants to ditch their deep fryer and toaster oven. By combining a multi-rack interior with a dedicated rotisserie spit and 1700 watts of power, it delivers crispy, healthy meals with zero guesswork.
(Remember: An air fryer cannot make rice or pulled pork! If you want a complete kitchen setup, pair this dry cooker with a wet cooker. Check out our Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart Review to find the perfect companion).
Never knew this, appreciate it for letting me know.
Glad you found it helpful! Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment.