Tower Xpress Review UK 2026
Quick verdict
Score: 7.2/10
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 (11L, oven-style, 5 functions) that crisps food fast with little oil and costs less to run than an oven.
Overall, the Tower T17038 Xpress is a compact 11L manual air fryer oven, built for smaller kitchen tasks where an oven-style layout is helpful. In this air fryer review UK 2026 context, it suits users wanting a basic tower air fryer approach, with a 60-minute timer and manual control. Its 11L footprint makes it better suited to smaller households and batch cooking like toast, chips and reheated snacks, but limited details beyond 11L and the basic controls mean larger meals may be less practical.
Key specifications
| Feature | What it offers |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 11L |
| Power | 2000W |
| Timer | 60-minute |
| Cooking modes | 5 |
Pros
- 11L capacity
- 5 cooking functions
- 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
With the Tower, the next point to assess is its food capacity and how that translates to practical counter or kitchen space. The unit is listed with an 11L capacity, which suits smaller portions, side dishes, and everyday meals rather than larger family cooking. Its oven-style form factor means it takes up vertical space, so there needs to be adequate clearance above and around it when the door is open. The front access design may also limit the room to position containers nearby.
Cooking Performance and Functions
Cooking Performance and Functions matter because the air fryer is set up as an oven-style air fryer. It cooks using rapid air circulation driven by a fan-assisted approach, which helps distribute heat through the 11L chamber for even browning. Thicker or layered meals may need turning for more consistent results. The manual controls include a 60-minute timer, so cooking can be stopped at set intervals. The Tower lists five cooking functions.
Single or Dual Zone
While many air fryers are marketed as "dual zone", the air fryer is described as having a single 11L, oven-style chamber. With one cavity, it suits batch cooking for one recipe style at a time, rather than cooking different foods at different temperatures simultaneously. The 11L capacity can help fit typical tray portions, while the 2000W power supports faster heat-up and steady cooking during the chosen function. For parallel cooking, this single-chamber layout limits flexibility.
Ease of Use and Controls
Overall, the Tower T17038 Xpress is straightforward to operate thanks to its oven-style design and a 60-minute timer. Users can select one of the 5 cooking functions and then set the cook duration for that heat profile. The controls are designed for easy access during use, with the main actions being choosing the function and adjusting the timer. The 11L capacity suits typical household portions, although smaller items may require closer timing if the timer is set near the low end.
Cleaning and Maintenance
After learning how the controls set cooking time and function, attention should shift to cleaning, since routine care helps keep the oven-style unit working as expected. The guide advises unplugging the unit before any wipe-down. After cooking, the tray and any accessories should be allowed to cool fully, then lifted out and cleaned with warm soapy water. For stuck-on food, a soft sponge is recommended rather than metal tools, which may scratch surfaces. The interior walls should be wiped with a damp cloth to remove residue, while crumbs should be cleared from corners and around the door area. The process should be finished with a dry cloth, because dryness helps prevent odours.
Noise and Energy Use
When considering the Tower manual air fryer oven, two practical points matter: noise levels during use and energy draw. This model is described as having a 2000 W oven-style power rating, so energy use is linked to how long the 60-minute timer is used and which of the five cooking functions is selected. Noise is mainly associated with internal fan operation and heating cycles, which can be more noticeable in quiet kitchens. For quieter operation, keep the door closed, place the unit on a stable surface, and avoid pausing frequently during preheating.
Who Is This Air Fryer For?
The air fryer suits UK households looking for an oven-style air fryer with an 11L capacity and a 2000W power rating, aimed at everyday batch cooking rather than larger roasting jobs. It is designed around five basic cooking functions and comes with a straightforward 60-minute timer. Its smaller footprint makes it a practical option for singles, couples, or anyone with limited kitchen space, where storage and counter room matter. It also suits busy cooks who want quick turnarounds for snacks and mid-week meals, rather than heavy-capacity cooking. For those who need significantly more capacity or greater flexibility, a larger model would be more appropriate.
Where to Buy in the UK
In the UK, the Tower Manual Air Fryer Oven is typically available via major home appliance and homeware retailers, alongside online marketplaces that carry UK stock, so availability can vary by postcode and delivery dates. Shoppers can check the oven's 11L capacity and 2000W rating in product listings, since similar-looking variants or bundles can be listed under the same or closely related names. For local purchase, use each store's own stock-check tool and consider collecting the unit to avoid waiting for delivery. For online orders, filter for "UK delivery" and confirm the finish.
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 11L 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 Tower big enough for a family?
The Tower T17038 Xpress has 11L 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 Tower 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 air fryer?
The Tower has 5 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 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 Tower T17038 Xpress?
Little or none - this 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.