Philips 5000 Series Air Fryer Review

The Philips 5000 Series Megabasket with Steam Air Fryer is priced at £259.99, which TechRadar notes places it at the premium end of the market. It features a large 9.5-litre basket and combines air frying with steam and steamfry cooking modes.

Versatility and Performance

According to the TechRadar review, this appliance is wonderfully versatile. It produces excellent results across its air fry, steam, and steamfry functions. The reviewer was particularly impressed with the steamfry mode, stating it created some of the best chicken wings they had ever made. This function merges the crispiness of air frying with the moisture retention of steaming. The machine can handle a wide variety of foods, from cakes and cookies to fish, vegetables, and dumplings, delivering consistently good outcomes.

The large basket is designed for family-sized portions. It can hold 2.5kg of fries or a whole chicken. An included divider splits the main basket into two compartments of 3L and 6L. This allows users to cook two different foods at separate temperatures and times simultaneously. Using only one side for smaller meals can save on power consumption.

Design and Usability

The air fryer has a substantial footprint, measuring 496mm x 329mm x 355mm. Its size means it requires considerable counter space, a point highlighted as a con in the review. The glossy black top surface shows dirt and fingerprints easily. Hot air and steam vent from the rear, so adequate clearance from walls is necessary.

On the positive side, the touch controls are praised for being intuitive and well-laid out. The review states that the illuminated touch buttons on the top of the machine make it really easy to select the basket size you wish to cook with, and to set the temperature and time. A set of tongs is included in the box, which is noted as a useful addition.

Cleaning is straightforward. The basket, divider, and trays are dishwasher safe. A dedicated steam clean function helps loosen grease inside the basket. The reviewer advises a specific initial cleaning process: after washing the parts, run the empty fryer at 200°C to burn off the protective shipping coating, though they found a 50-minute cycle sufficient rather than the suggested 180 minutes.

Price and Market Comparison

The source provides a direct price comparison with other large-basket air fryers. The Philips model is positioned against competitors with similar capacity but lower prices.

The review notes that the exact model (NA465) is available in the UK but not in the US or Australia. Those regions get a different dual-drawer model priced at $349.99 and AU$499. TechRadar gives the value a score of 4 out of 5, acknowledging its premium cost.

Practical Considerations

Using the steam function adds to the appliance's height. Users must ensure they have enough vertical clearance, especially under low cabinets. The one-meter power cable includes a clip-on tidy for storage. While the basket is spacious, its handles are described as two small protrusions, requiring two hands to open and carry it, even when lightly loaded.

The machine comes with several cooking presets for items like frozen fries and chicken drumsticks. The reviewer found these sometimes needed fine-tuning to personal preference during testing. The included paper manual covers basics, but more detailed instructions are available through Philips's free HomeID app.

Despite its size and cost, the review concludes that the Philips 5000 Series Megabasket with Steam Air Fryer delivers excellent and versatile cooking results from a single appliance. For more detailed specifications and performance stats, or to compare its design against other kitchen fixtures, further information is available.