Multi-oven or air grill: which is better for baking, frying, and roasting

Multi-ovens and air grills are used to cook a wide range of dishes, from meat to baked goods. Both devices use hot air circulation, but differ in design, capacity, and functionality.

To make an objective choice, it is important to consider parameters such as heating speed, mode versatility, ease of cleaning, and energy efficiency. It is particularly important that the appliance's capabilities meet specific needs, such as family cooking, dietary requirements, or quick reheating of food.

Principle of operation and design

Both appliances use hot air for heat treatment of food, but differ in design. A multi-oven is a compact convection oven with electronic controls, removable racks, and advanced features. An air grill is a container with a heating element and a fan, in which food is cooked in a special basket or on a rack.

The key differences between the appliances are as follows:

• A multi-oven provides uniform heat treatment thanks to several levels and a large internal volume.
• An air grill heats up faster and is suitable for compact and quick cooking.

When choosing, it is worth considering the design features, especially if you plan to cook large volumes or several dishes at the same time. The compactness of the air grill makes it convenient for small kitchens, but the versatility of the multi-oven expands your culinary possibilities.

Capacity and ease of use

A multi-oven usually has an internal volume of 20 to 40 liters and can include up to three levels for cooking. This allows you to bake large dishes or cook several items at the same time. Models with adjustable temperature and timer ensure cooking precision.

An air grill is usually designed for 2-4 servings and requires less space. It is easy to operate, turns on quickly, and is often equipped with automatic programs.

• A multi-oven allows you to cook large portions and use different modes for complex dishes.
• An air grill is convenient for everyday use and quick processing of small amounts of food.

The devices differ in their approach to operation: a multi-oven can replace an oven, while an air grill is more of a supplement to it. In domestic conditions, the choice depends on preferences in the type of food and frequency of cooking.

Cooking speed and energy consumption

An air grill stands out for its high cooking speed: thanks to its small internal volume and powerful air circulation, it heats up almost instantly. At the same time, energy efficiency remains high due to the short operating time.

A multi-oven takes longer to heat up, especially when fully loaded, but its advantage is that it cooks food evenly and can handle more complex dishes.

• An air grill is good for quick cooking and minimizing energy consumption.
• A multi-oven is more efficient for long baking times and working with large portions.

When considering energy consumption, it is important to take into account not only the power but also the duration of operation of the device. An air grill will be more economical for short sessions, while a multi-oven will be more economical when cooking for several people at once.

Cooking modes and maintenance

A multi-oven usually offers an extended set of functions: convection, grill, baking, defrosting, sometimes even fruit drying or reheating. Models with digital controls allow you to set the temperature and time precisely.

An air grill is more often limited to standard frying and baking modes with the ability to adjust the temperature. It is designed for quick cooking, but is less versatile.

• A multi-oven is equipped with several modes and is suitable for a variety of cooking tasks.
• An air grill specializes in frying and achieving a crispy texture without oil.
• Cleaning a multi-oven takes longer, but its components are easy to remove and wash.

Both devices require regular cleaning. In an air grill, the basket and ventilation holes get dirty more often, while in a multi-oven, it is the baking trays and chamber walls. The use of non-stick materials and proper operation reduce the risk of burning and simplify maintenance.