Best Small Air Fryers – Buying Guide explores the features and pros and cons of 4 small air fryers in the 2 – 3.5 quart capacity; Nuwave Brio, Hamilton Beach, Elite Platinum, and Phillips Premium. You’ve probably heard about air fryers, but when cooking for 1 or 2 people, they just are too big and take up too much counter space. However, did you know that they make smaller air fryers that fit well with the person cooking for 1 or 2.
By reading this post you will become a better-informed consumer and be able to discover the best air fryer for you. There is a table at the bottom of the post for an easy side-by-side visual comparison.
Preview Table – Air Fryer
| # | Preview | Product | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | NuWave Brio | Best With Temperature Check |
| 2 |  | Hamilton Beach | Best Name Brand |
| 3 |  | Elite Gourmet | Best With Timer and Auto Shut-Off |
| 4 |  | Philips Premium | Best With Most Functions |
Why Should You Purchase An Air Fryer?
There are many reasons air frying might be perfect for you, but I think at the top of the list for most people is how much more healthy it is in preparing food, especially those that are typically fried food. Imagine preparing chicken wings frozen fries with minimal fat and oil. No added fats means less calories and saturated fat.
But nowadays, air fryers can do so much more than prepare food in a healthier manner. They can also bake, grill, broil, dehydrate, roast, toast, and even reheat.
It seems so much easier and faster than cooking the traditional way with so many options. Don’t get me wrong, you can still use your oven and other kitchen appliances if you are a person that loves to cook or bake. But there may be a time when you are short on time, and an air fryer most of the time will prepare food faster than the traditional methods.
How Does An Air Fryer Work?
An Air fryer is a kitchen appliance that cooks by circulating hot air around food. By using circulating fans there is minimal heat loss through the cooking chamber.
Unlike an oven, the air fryer does not need to preheat. Simply place your food into the cooking chamber, set the temperature and timer, and let it work its magic.
The fan circulates heat around your food for even cooking so you’ll get evenly crisp vegetables and meats without any added oils or fats.
NUWAVE BRIO 3-Quart Digital Air Fryer
Features
- 3-Quart
- Color
- Black
- Non-Stick Coating
- Temperature Range
- Between 100°F and 400°F, Adjustable In 5°F Increments
- Reheat and Preheat Buttons
- Reheat function Warms Food at 360°F For 4 Minutes
- 6 Preprogrammed Settings
- Air Broil
- Grill
- Roast
- Bake
- Dehydrate
- Drawer and Food Basket Are Dishwasher Safe
- Notice: DO NOT immerse the whole Air Fryer in water
Specifications
- Product Dimensions
- 9 x 9 x 12.5″
- Weight
- 14.6 lbs
- 1300 Watts
- Manufacturer: NuWave
- Brand: NuWave
- ASIN: B075X3287P
- 1-year Limited Manufacturer Warranty
Pros
- Dishwasher Safe
- Pre-programed Settings
- Temperature Check
Cons
- Wire Mesh In Bottom of the Pan Can Be Hard To Clean
Review
The brand NuWave has been a front runner in small kitchen appliances for years. This particular air fryer has a 3-quart capacity.
The Nuwave has quite a few features, including six preset programs and a preheat and reheat setting.
The NuWave checks the temperature 120 times per second. This allows a more consistent cooking temperature than many of its competitors.
Overall the NuWave Air Fryer comes with some excellent features such as the preheat and reheat and preprogrammed settings. Having these features and with the added temperature check, it could be the small air fryer that fits your needs.
Hamilton Beach
Features
- 3.2 Quarts
- Color
- Black
- Temperature Up to 400°
- 60-minute Timer
- Non-Stick Basket
- Fast Preheating
- 6 Pre-Programmed Settings
- French Fries
- Chicken
- Seafood
- Steak
- Baked Goods
- Vegetables
- Beeps When Food Is Done
- Hand-Wash
- Notice: DO NOT immerse the whole Air Fryer in water
Specifications
- Product Dimensions
- 14.2 x 11.2 x 12.6 inches
- Weight
- 12.12 lbs
- 1500 Watts
- Manufacturer – Hamilton Beach
- Brand – Hamilton Beach
- ASIN: B07X6W6ND8
Pros
- Programmed Settings
- Known Brand Name
Cons
- Hand Wash
Review
The Hamilton Beach Air Fryer has a 2.1-quart capacity. It comes with six pre-programmed settings for french fries, chicken, seafood, steak, baked goods, and vegetables. You can manually set the time and heat as well.
Though weighing only 12.12 lbs, it is larger, which is something to keep in mind if you plan on keeping your air fryer on counter space.
Preheating is fast, and there is an audible beep when cooking is done.
One disadvantage is that the Hamilton Beach is hand-washable only. This might be an issue for some. If you aren’t opposed to hand washing, the manufacturer suggests using just soapy water.
Elite Gourmet
Features
- 2.1 Quart
- Color
- Blue Gray
- Analog
- Non-Stick Coating
- Temperatures From 180 to 395°
- 30-Minute Timer
- Auto Shut-Off
- Basket Dishwasher Safe
- Notice: DO NOT immerse the whole Air Fryer in water
Specifications
- Dimensions
- 19.75″D x 8″W x 11″H
- Weight
- 6.75 lbs
- Manufacturer: Elite Gourmet
- Brand: Elite
- 1000 Watts
- ASIN: B09SGRR979
Pros
- Compact Design
- User-Friendly Controls
- Stylish
Cons
- Limited Capacity
Review
The Elite Gourmet is a compact and space-saving electric hot air fryer that promises a healthier cooking experience.
With its 2.1 Qt. capacity, it’s perfect for personal or small family meals. The fryer boasts a 1000W power output and offers both timer and temperature controls, ensuring your food is cooked to perfection every time.
Its stylish blue-gray finish adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen.
Philips Premium
Features
- 3 Quart
- Color
- Black
- Non-Stick Coating
- 30-Minute Timer
- Air Fry, Bake, Grill, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate, and Toast
- Fat Removal Technology
- Cook Book
- Removable Dishwasher Safe Parts
- Notice: DO NOT immerse the whole Air Fryer in water
Specifications
- Product Dimensions
- 14.02 x 13.7 x 13.54 inches
- Weight
- 15.08 lbs
- Manufacturer: Philips Kitchen Appliances
- Brand: Philips Kitchen Appliances
- ASIN: B07VDVD4VJ
Pros
- Available as Analog or Digital Air Fryer
- Ease of Use
- 7 Cooking Functions
Cons
- Accessories Can Be Expensive
- No Preset Programs
- Size
Review
The Philips Premium Air Fryer comes in at the higher end of the price point for the smaller size fryer. The capacity is 3 quarts, and Analog and Digital are available.
There are no preset programs, but there is an instructional guide for Air Fry, Bake, Grill, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate, and Toast.
The Philips Premium comes with a 30-minute timer.
Comparison Table
| NuWave | Hamilton Beach | Elite Gourmet | Philips Premium | |
| | | | |
| Size | 3-quart | 2.6-quart | 2.1-quart | 3-quart |
| Color | Black | Black | Blue Gray | Black |
| Digital | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Timer | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Shut-Off | No | No | Yes | No |
| Programmed | 6 | 6 | No Stated | 7 Functions |
| Recipes | No | No | No | Cookbook |
| Dimensions | 9 x 9 x 12.5″ | 14.5 x 12.5 x 12.5″ | 9.75″D x 8″W x 11″H | 14.02 x 13.7 x 13.54″ |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs. | 12.12 lbs. | 6.75 lbs | 15.08 lbs |
| Watts | 1300 | 1500 | 1000 | Not stated |
| Warranty | 1-year Limited | Not Mentioned | Not Mentioned | Not Mentioned |
| Price | Current Price | Current Price | Current Price | Current Price |
If you are interested in toaster ovens I wrote a buying guide that explores the features, pros and cons of them you might find value in reading:
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Ninja Speedi Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer
With all products, features can change, so before purchasing, be sure the features that attracted you to the product are still the same.
I hope in reading Best Small Air Fryers – Buying Guide, you were able to see the differences in the small fryers and see which is the best air fryer that fits your needs.
Do you have any experience with air frying? If so, please comment below.
