CHEFMAN 5.6L Dual Air Fryer Oven – A Versatile Kitchen Workhorse
I recently purchased the CHEFMAN 5.6L Dual Air Fryer Oven (Black, with sync finish, hi-fry mode, auto shutdown, easy-view windows and dishwasher-safe baskets) and have used it extensively for weeknight dinners, batch cooking, and family meals.
First Impressions & Build Quality
Out of the box, the oven feels solid and well assembled. The black finish is sleek and modern, and the “sync” design (dual side-by-side compartments) gives it a more premium aesthetic than many single-basket air fryers. The viewing windows on the front allow you to monitor cooking without opening the door—a welcome touch especially when roasting or baking.
The baskets and interior parts feel well engineered; the frying baskets are labelled dishwasher-safe, and the internal surfaces have a nonstick coating which seems robust (though long-term durability is yet to be fully tested). The control panels are intuitive, with clearly marked dials and buttons for temperature, time, and mode selection.
Usability & Features
One of the key selling points is the dual compartment design. This allows cooking two different dishes at once (for example, fries on one side, vegetables or chicken on the other) without flavor transfer or overcrowding.
Notable Features I’ve Tried
-
Hi-Fry mode: This gives a rapid burst of high heat at the start to crisp up food. In my tests, it produced crisp exteriors faster than standard mode, especially on breaded or thin items.
-
Auto shutoff: The oven powers off automatically once the timer ends, which is great for safety and peace of mind if you get distracted.
-
Easy-view windows: These really add convenience—I was able to check browning progress mid-cook without disturbing the heat.
-
Adjustable temperature and timers: The range is quite generous (I’ve tested from ~80 °C up to ~200 °C), covering most home cooking needs from dehydrating to roasting.
Cooking Performance
I ran multiple cooking experiments (fries, chicken wings, roasted vegetables, fish fillets, and baked items) to see how it handles real kitchen tasks.
Highlights (What It Does Well)
-
Even and consistent cooking
Both compartments delivered reliable heat distribution. I didn’t notice cold spots or undercooked sections, even when the baskets were fuller than usual. -
Dual usage practicality
One evening I cooked sweet potato chips in one basket and salmon fillets with vegetables in the other. Both were done at the same time, with their own optimized settings, with negligible flavour interference. -
Crispiness & texture
Using the hi-fry mode and a light spray of oil, I got crunchy exteriors and moist interiors on fries, wings, and breaded items with less time than a conventional oven. -
Baking & roasting capability
It’s not limited to “fried” foods; I’ve roasted vegetables and even baked muffins. The viewing window and uniform heat make it quite versatile.
Some Limitations & Minor Quibbles
-
Capacity constraint in each section
While dual, each compartment is smaller than a full-size fryer. If you have a large family or batch cook in big volumes, you’ll find yourself running multiple batches. -
Learning curve for timings
Because of the dual setup and hi-fry feature, there’s a calibration phase. For certain dishes I had to experiment with time and temperature to match my desired doneness. -
Nonstick wear caution
Though the coating is solid now, heavy use over many months may challenge it. I avoid metal utensils and always hand-wash delicate parts whenever possible to prolong life. -
Noise & airflow
The fan is noticeable, especially at higher temperatures. It’s not intrusive, but it’s louder than basic air fryers I’ve used in the past.
Maintenance & Longevity
After several weeks, here’s what I found with upkeep:
-
Ease of cleaning
The dishwasher-safe baskets are a real advantage. I often place them in the dishwasher, while wiping the interior with a soft cloth. The nonstick surface has held up so far without scratching or peeling. -
Accessory resilience
Hinges, seals, and basket handles are holding firm. No loose parts or rattling yet. -
Interior condition
The oven cavity remains clean with minimal grease accumulation if wiped promptly after use. Occasional light degreasing has been enough to keep it pristine.
Given the current durability, I expect several years of reliable use if properly maintained. However, longevity beyond that will largely depend on user handling and how frequently it’s used.
Suitability for UK Homes & Use Cases
For UK households, this appliance offers strong appeal, especially where kitchen space is limited:
-
Ideal for families or flatshares: The dual basket setup helps cook more variety in one operation, reducing dinner prep friction.
-
Useful for multi-dish meals: If you often want to cook mains and sides simultaneously, this is a distinct advantage over single-basket fryers.
-
Compact alternative to a full oven: In kitchens with limited oven capacity, this can ease pressure, especially for smaller or side dishes.
-
Good choice for healthier diet: If you’re trying to reduce oil usage while retaining crispness, an air fryer with good performance is a smart investment.
One caveat for UK buyers: always check the voltage and plug compatibility for your region (UK mains 230 V) and ensure any import complies with UK electrical standards.
Final Verdict
The CHEFMAN 5.6L Dual Air Fryer Oven is a compelling hybrid appliance combining flexibility, performance, and safety. Its dual compartments and hi-fry mode are standout features that genuinely make it more versatile than many traditional air fryers. The viewing windows and auto shutoff add user convenience. While capacity per side is somewhat limited, and there is a mild learning curve, the overall performance more than justifies the device for many modern kitchens.
If you value cooking multiple items at once, want crisp results with minimal oil, and are willing to experiment with timings, this oven is a solid investment. It’s especially good for families, couples who entertain, or kitchens where space is at a premium.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you purchase through them, at no additional cost to you.