Chefman Compact Air Fryer Review UK 2026
Quick verdict
Score: 7.0/10
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 (5.7L, 4 functions) that crisps food fast with little oil and costs less to run than an oven.
Overall, the CHEFMAN is a practical countertop option for smaller kitchens, mainly because it offers a 5.7L capacity and includes 4 cooking functions (presets). This CHEFMAN review UK positions the model as a space-saving unit for everyday air-frying tasks, with touch controls and an easy-view design to support routine checks. The basket is dishwasher safe to reduce cleanup time, though the basket size may limit larger batches, making it a better fit for convenience-focused cooking rather than high-capacity meal prep.
Key specifications
| Spec | What it means |
|---|---|
| 5.7L | smaller batch volume |
| 4 presets | set cooking modes |
| Dishwasher-safe | basket can be washed |
| Touch controls | manual selection |
Pros
- 5.7L capacity
- 4 cooking functions
- Dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning
- 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
Capacity and size are key to the CHEFMAN's day-to-day usefulness, because its 5.7L volume is positioned for smaller batches. A 5.7L capacity is typically suited to single households or quick meals, where cooking several portions at once is limited. The compact form is designed to fit on most kitchen counters. Basket size is fixed, so larger households may need extra batches, which can add time. Touch controls and an easy-view area support monitoring during cooking, but capacity remains the main constraint on how much food can fit comfortably.
Cooking Performance and Functions
Cooking performance depends on more than the 5.7L capacity. The CHEFMAN uses preset options to control how different foods cook, with four cooking functions for matching meals such as chips, chicken, and vegetables to the closest preset rather than guessing. Touch controls and an easy-view design make it simpler to select settings and monitor progress during cooking. Performance also depends on using the nonstick basket correctly, since food release can be easier than with bare metal surfaces. Dishwasher-safe parts help cleanup after use.
Single or Dual Zone
Whether this CHEFMAN is treated as single- or dual-zone mainly affects how flexibly it can cook different foods at the same time, because the product title only confirms a 5.7L capacity and four cooking functions, not separate independent zones. That means one temperature and cooking time profile must serve the whole basket at once, so differing food items may need staggered placement, or smaller cuts to finish together. The 5.7L size supports standard portions, but it limits split-batch cooking.
Ease of Use and Controls
The CHEFMAN uses touch controls and an easy-view design to make day-to-day operation straightforward. With multiple cooking functions and touch inputs, the control layout supports selecting a preset and starting cooking without manual dials. The easy-view setup helps monitor progress at a glance, which can reduce guesswork during shorter cook times. Controls feel intuitive. The 5.7L basket suits everyday meals, but the smaller capacity can restrict batch cooking.
Cleaning and Maintenance
After a few runs, the next step is keeping the CHEFMAN tidy so it stays easy to use and works consistently. The basket is dishwasher safe, so once it has cooled it can go in the dishwasher, which saves time. If any residue remains, a soft sponge and warm soapy water usually lift it, then the basket should be dried thoroughly. The nonstick surface needs gentle cleaning, as abrasive pads can scratch it and a scratched coating can trap food. The touch controls and the outer body should be wiped using a damp cloth only, and moisture near any openings should be avoided. Storage should keep the unit dry.
Noise and Energy Use
Noise and energy use can matter with any compact air fryer, and this Chefman model is no exception. In typical kitchen use, its fan-driven cooking creates some audible running sound. Energy use depends on how long it runs and how full the 5.7L basket is during each cycle. A practical approach is to preheat only when needed, then cook in batches to reduce repeated starts. Using touch controls, it switches between 4 cooking functions.
Who Is This Air Fryer For?
Who this air fryer is for depends mainly on kitchen space, cooking habits, and how often a 5.7L basket size is enough. The CHEFMAN suits smaller kitchens where counter space is limited and storage is a priority. It is a good fit for people who want straightforward everyday air frying, helped by touch controls and an easy-view design that makes cooking steps simpler. The 5.7L capacity works best for small to medium portions rather than large family batches. With four cooking functions, it supports a range of everyday dishes when routines vary. Dishwasher-safe parts are designed to make cleanup easier for busy households, although frequent use may still require careful cleaning.
Where to Buy in the UK
Finding the right place to buy the CHEFMAN 5.7L, 4 Presets in the UK usually comes down to checking a few common retail channels, including major online marketplaces and UK appliance retailers. Buyers can compare listings across sites, because availability can vary by colour and stock level, and delivery timing can differ. Appliance retailers may offer clearer product details, while online marketplaces can show more third-party sellers, so the exact 5.7L, 4 presets model should be verified, along with whether the basket is dishwasher safe and nonstick. Checking reviews for touch controls and the easy-view display can also help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CHEFMAN worth it?
For faster, lower-oil cooking of chips, chicken, veg and reheats, the CHEFMAN earns its place with 5.7L 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 CHEFMAN big enough for a family?
The CHEFMAN has 5.7L 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 CHEFMAN?
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 the CHEFMAN cheaper to run than an oven?
For small and medium portions, usually yes - the CHEFMAN 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.
What can you cook in the CHEFMAN?
The CHEFMAN has 4 cooking functions covering jobs like air-fry, roast, bake, grill and reheat. Beyond chips it handles chicken, fish, veg, bacon and reheating leftovers crisply; baking and dehydrating are possible on models that offer those modes.
Is the CHEFMAN easy to clean?
The CHEFMAN has dishwasher-safe parts, so the drawer and crisper plate can go in the dishwasher; a quick wipe of the inside after use keeps it fresh.
Do you need oil in the CHEFMAN?
Little or none - the CHEFMAN 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.