Breville Halo Air Fryer Review UK 2026
Quick verdict
Score: 6.7/10
Best for: Faster, lower-oil everyday cooking and reheating
Not for: Large family roasts and big-batch cooking, where a full-size oven still wins on capacity
Bottom line: A practical air fryer (5.5L, oven-style) that crisps food fast with little oil and costs less to run than an oven.
The Breville Halo Air Fryer is a large, oven-style air fryer with a 5.5 L capacity and a 1700 W power rating. It is designed for frying, baking, roasting and grilling in one unit, making it best suited to households that need more space than a small basket-style air fryer. Results depend on batch size, so cooking performance is strongest when the oven-style layout is used to suit the amount being prepared.
Key specifications
| Feature | Detail Notes |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 5.5 L Verified |
| Style | Oven-style Verified |
| Power | 1700 W Verified |
| Functions | Fry, Bake, Roast, Grill Verified |
Pros
- 5.5L capacity
- Faster and cheaper to run than a full-size oven
Cons
- Takes up worktop space
- Cooks smaller batches than a full-size oven
- Some foods still need a light spray of oil to crisp up
Capacity and Size
A 5.5 L capacity defines the cooking space, and it helps set expectations for how much food can fit at one time. This air fryer is an oven-style air fryer, aimed at tray-based cooking rather than small basket portions. With a 5.5 L interior, it suits smaller to medium batches, such as a few portions of fries, vegetables, or baking items, while larger family meals may require multiple rounds.
Cooking Performance and Functions
With a 5.5 L oven-style design and 1700 W power, the Breville is designed for oven-like cooking results rather than small basket batches. For everyday use, it is positioned to fry, bake, roast and grill, covering a range of meal types without switching appliances. Digital controls support repeatable cooking, which is useful when batch sizes vary. In use, food is placed inside the oven cavity, preheating can be used if desired, then a mode is selected and the cook is monitored for browning, since crispness depends on thickness and spacing.
Single or Dual Zone
The oven-style 5.5 L capacity and 1700 W power influence how the air fryer manages cooking loads, which determines how it works for different items at once. With only a single oven cavity, it functions as a one-zone appliance, so separate foods can be cooked under broadly similar conditions. Dual-zone models offer more flexibility by splitting cooking into separate zones, but this oven-style layout has no clear way to run different temperatures side-by-side. It can still cook mixed foods, but large differences in thickness can lead to uneven browning. Keeping batches smaller helps airflow manage cooking more consistently, improving the overall finish.
Ease of Use and Controls
The Breville's Halo Air Fryer VDF126 is designed for straightforward operation using digital controls, which helps cooking settings be selected directly on the display. It has an oven-style layout and a 5.5 L capacity, with modes that can include fry, bake, roast, or grill. Cooking time and temperature are adjusted through the digital interface, and the display provides guided step-by-step operation, which is quicker than dial-only designs.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning and maintenance for the air fryer focus on keeping the oven-style cavity and the cooking basket free of grease. Leftover oil can affect smell and future cooking quality. After each use, allow the unit to cool completely, then wash the basket and any removable parts in warm soapy water before drying thoroughly. Wipe grease inside the cavity with a damp cloth, and use a non-abrasive sponge for stubborn spots. If an oily residue remains, wipe the area again, and ensure no water reaches the internal electrics. Regular upkeep supports consistent cooking performance.
Noise and Energy Use
Noise and energy use are closely tied to the way an oven-style air fryer runs its fan and heating elements, so the sound level will vary by cooking task and load size. The Breville Halo Air Fryer is a 5.5L, 1700W oven-style model, built for active heating rather than quiet, passive warming. During preheat, the fan typically runs more noticeably, then cycles as food cooks. Energy use depends on how long it is run, because higher power is applied across the full cooking window; larger batches can reduce per-item cooking time, while small loads may feel less efficient if cooking time stays long.
Who Is This Air Fryer For?
Who is this air fryer for? The Breville suits people who want an oven-style machine with a 5.5 L capacity, and a single appliance for frying, baking, roasting and grilling. It is suited to households that cook for more than two people, or anyone who needs batch cooking in the same tray area. With 1700 W power, it is designed for quicker heating than smaller units, although cooking performance will vary with the amount of food. This model may feel bulky for smaller kitchens, and it is less suitable for anyone prioritising a compact setup on limited counter space.
Where to Buy in the UK
For shoppers ready to purchase the air fryer in the UK, the best starting point is to check major retailers that commonly stock The Breville counter appliances, because availability can vary by colour and the exact model number. Next, compare listings to confirm the verified details, namely 5.5 L capacity, 1700 W power, and the black VDF126 variant, as similar-looking models may differ. For online buying, use delivery filters and check stock status for your postcode. For in-store purchases, confirm the exact VDF126 label before paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the air fryer worth it?
For faster, lower-oil cooking of chips, chicken, veg and reheats, this air fryer earns its place with 5.5L capacity. It is also cheaper to run than heating a full-size oven - check the current Amazon UK price, as it changes often.
Is the Breville big enough for a family?
The Breville Halo Air Fryer has 5.5L capacity. As a rough guide, 4-5L suits 1-2 people, 6-8L suits 3-4, and larger or dual-drawer models suit families of 4 or more.
What are the downsides of the air fryer?
Air fryers take up worktop space, cook smaller batches than a full oven, and some foods still need a light oil spray. They are best for crisping and reheating rather than replacing every oven job, which is why they suit some kitchens better than others.
Is this air fryer cheaper to run than an oven?
For small and medium portions, usually yes - the Breville heats a much smaller space than a full-size oven and cooks faster, so it uses less energy. For large meals that fill a big oven anyway, the saving is smaller. Exact cost depends on its wattage and your tariff.
Is the air fryer easy to clean?
The drawer and crisper plate wipe or wash clean; non-stick coatings make this easier. Clean it after each use, as baked-on grease is harder to remove later.
Do you need oil in the Breville?
Little or none - the air fryer circulates hot air to crisp food, so most things need only a light spray of oil or none at all. Naturally fatty foods like sausages need no added oil, while a fine mist helps fresh chips and breaded items crisp up.