Halogen ovens and air fryers are both energy-saving kitchen appliances. Both work swiftly and cook pure delicacy.
But which one should you buy? Making the right pick might be confusing for you. Well, not anymore!
In a hurry? Then, here’s the information we don’t want you to miss:
Air fryers are better than halogen ovens. Even though their cooking capacity is less, they are healthier and energy efficient. Also, the UK government has put a partial ban on the sales of halogen ovens since 2018. So, now it is best for you to buy an air fryer.
In this detailed guide, we have compared both appliances in every aspect. So that you can compare and buy the perfect fit for your kitchen.
What Is The Difference Between Air Fryer And Halogen Oven?
The key difference in both is their size and technology. Halogen ovens are relatively bigger and have more cooking functionalities.
How does halogen oven work: They contain a fan and bulb within the lid. When turned on, the light bulb releases infrared beams that broil and cook your food.
How air fryers work: They have a coil installed as a heating element. They use the convection heat method to crisp and cook your food without oil.
Air Fryer Vs Halogen Oven – Why This Debate?
The exterior and technology used within both are far different from each other. But the compact size makes them a hot pick among Brits.
Halogen ovens are getting extremely popular due to the recent surge in power prices. On the contrary, air fryers are very common among Brits households as they ensure healthy food without any fat or oil.
Compared to a regular eye-level grill gas cooker, both take less than half of the time to cook.
Halogen Oven Versus Air Fryer – Our Quick Comparison
As mentioned earlier, we test both in every aspect i.e. energy consumption, technology, portability, etc. Have a quick look at our findings:
| Feature | Halogen Oven | Air Fryer |
| Easy To Use | ✅ | ✅ |
| Friendly Controls | ✅ | ✅ |
| Low Energy Usage | ✅ | ✅ |
| More Capacity | ✅ | ❌ |
| Suitable For Rugged Use | ✅ | ✅ |
| Portability | ✅ | ✅ |
| Budget Friendly | ✅ | ❌ |
| Easy To Clean | ✅ | ❌ |
| Child Safety | ❌ | ✅ |
| Time Controls | ❌ | ✅ |
Overall, air fryers consume less electricity. But, still, halogen ranges still use less compared to the traditional oven energy consumption.
Is Air Fryer the Same As Halogen Oven?
No, both are different kitchen appliances used for cooking and broiling.
The Halogen oven has a lid and upper lid that cooks using infrared light.
While most air fryers have digital control panels and removable buckets. It air fry food using the coil and convection heating.
Air Fryer vs Halogen Oven – Detailed Comparison
Home chefs across Britain love both. Choosing the right one might be a little confusing, but we are here to help you.
1. Buying Price
Air fryers are more expensive. They are 55% more expensive compared to infrared halogen ovens. On average, it costs around £110 to £8000. While halogen ovens cost around £50 to £1000. The price varies depending on size and functions.
2. Capacity
Halogen ovens have a 5-litre cooking capacity, while air fryers have a maximum 2.5-litre capacity.
Clearly, halogen ranges are the winner here. They can cook more; recently, manufacturers have introduced infrared tower ovens with racks.
3. Energy Consumption
Air fryers ovens consume 1.7kWh -2.5kWh of energy per hour. It sums up to 26p per thirty minutes.
Air Fryer Energy Consumption:
| 30 minutes | 26p |
| Per Week | £1.95 |
| One Month | £13.65 |
| Yearly | £163.8 |
Halogen Ovens Energy Consumption:
| 1 Hour | 15p |
| Per Week | £1.05 |
| One Month | £7.35 |
| Yearly | £88.2 |
Halogen ovens are also energy efficient. They consume 1.3kWh of electricity per hour.
4. Child Safety And Controls
Halogen ovens have a clear bowl, and you can see your food while baking. There are two knobs or buttons. Each controls time and temperature.
Most air fryers have digital control panels. You can set the time, temperature, and cooking method with a single touch.
The cherry on top is its “release button,” which acts as a safety lock.
Information You Must Know:
The lid of the infrared halogen oven could become extremely hot while cooking. So, wear kitchen gloves while opening it. Also, don’t place the lid on the wooden surface as it can erupt fire due to heat.
5. Temperature Range
Halogen ovens can be set at a minimum of 50 °C to 250 °C (150 °F – 450 °F). It can cook your food for a maximum of 40 minutes. Due to its extreme heat settings, keeping an eye on halogen oven cooking times is essential.
An air fryer can reach up to a maximum of 200 °C (392 °F). Its coil distributes heat evenly using the convection method.
6. Cooking Method
Air fryers are often labelled as healthy. As it bakes your food using hot air. But it entirely depends on your way of marinating or baking dishes.
While halogen ovens use infrared lights emitting from bulbs to cook your food. So, it is also a major win.
7. Shelf Life
You can use a halogen range for at least 10 years. The plus point of it is that you can also buy a separate lid if you break the original one.
On the contrary, the shelf life of an air fryer is 6 – 8 years.
Their damaged parts are also replaceable, but they could be expensive.
8. Overall Design
The design of both appliances is very simple and user-friendly. All you need to do is remove the lid or basket and put in your food.
The only similar flaw in both is that they can make a foul smell, and they create smoke due to heat.
Why is my air fryer smoking? Due to excess grease and remaining food particles under the basket, it could make white smoke. You can fix it by deep cleaning it or pouring a spoon full of water into it to stop smoke.
9. Cleaning Solutions
Halogen ovens are very easy to clean. They consist of a lid and a glass bowl. All you need to do is wipe the glass bowl after you’re done with baking.
When it comes to cleaning an air fryer, you need to be very careful and have to try several hacks. Its heating element is very sensitive and can be damaged easily.
Halogen Oven Advantages And Disadvantages
No doubt, halogen ovens have everything to be the perfect fit for your kitchen. But it does have a fair share of flaws.
- Both bulb and lid are replaceable
- It is energy efficient
- It cooks food evenly within minutes
- The bowl is easy to clean
- It can manage heat up to 250 °C
- The lid gets hot quickly
- There is no child lock
- Not suitable for slow cooking
Pros And Cons Of Air Fryer
No doubt air fryers can be the right choice for a health-conscious person. But is it the right fit for you? Have a quick look at our findings:
- The design is very user-friendly
- Digital control ensures perfect crispiness
- The release button works as a child safety lock
- It is a more healthier option
- Compact design is suitable for small kitchen
- It is expensive to buy
- The internal parts are expensive to replace
- Due to grease under the basket, it could make smoke
- The coil can get damaged easily
Which One Is Better, Air Fryer Or Halogen Oven?
Air fryers are way better than compared to halogen ovens. Contrary to popular belief, they are energy efficient.
The capacity of air fryers is also limited. As they can only air fry a maximum of 2 litres at a time.
While halogen range ovens have a minimum of 5-litre capacity. But, there is a threat of cancer development due to overuse of it.
Air fryers ovens have one unique feature: they can save your food for an even cook.
Also, the UK government is considering putting a permanent ban on halogen ovens. As they are dangerous for health and the environment.
Halogen Oven Health Risks
It is safe and unsafe at the same time. Food cooked under high infrared light is carcinogenic. It means that you can build cancer cells, but it’s very rare.
The only plus point here is that the food cooked in the halogen oven is safer than grilling on charcoal.
Air Fryer Attachment For Halogen Oven
You can also buy a halogen oven air frying ring and make it your DIY air fryer. It can be used to cook your chips and wings. The attachment resembles a metal tray. It can be used as a stand and is easily adjustable/removable.
3 Best Air Fryers In The UK
Among young Brits, air fryers are getting extremely popular. It cooks your food without any oil. Compared to a regular mini oven with fan, it uses 60% less energy which is a major win.
Here are our top three air fryers that cook healthier and have amazing features.
1. Cosori Premium Air Fryer – Maximum Capacity
Since its first release, Cosori has dominated the air fryer industry with a huge buzz. It currently ranks at the #1 position as a best seller on Amazon.
No doubt, it is worth a huge buzz with its 5.5-litre capacity. It can air fry your food at 205 degrees celsius.
With its touch control panel, it comes with 13 pre-setted functions. To clean it safely, you can also remove the basket easily.
Additionally, it requires 1.4 kWh of energy, and its plastic body is also dishwasher safe. Furthermore, you also get a 100-recipe book with it.
Which air fryer uses the least electricity?
Cosori Premium air fryer is the most economical and energy efficient. It uses 1.5 kWh of energy. Keeping the current cap in mind, it’ll cost around 45p per hour.
2. Tefal Air Fryer XL – Cooks Multiple Dishes At Once
Tafel stands out with its functionality. In this xl fryer, there are two separate compartments. On top, you can grill the snacks, and in the main basket, you can cook the main course simultaneously.
The internal body is made of aluminium, and the exterior is plastic. It comes with Genius technology, which means it uses 97% less oil.
It comes in eight different compartments and a designated place for steaming vegetables.
The capacity of its basket is only 1.7 litre which is not suitable for any big family. Ironically, this model is the xl addition.
Do you put oil in an air fryer?
Yes, you can put minimal oil in your air fryer. But it is best if you avoid it. Because leftover oil drops can make white smoke erupt due to high heat.
3. Energy-Efficient Air Fryer – Best For Families
This air fryer by Uten is rated A+++. The other key feature is its wide capacity of 5.5 litre, which is enough for dinner preparation.
The design is very simple and user-friendly. You can manage the temperature and time using rotatory dials.
With its 60 minutes auto switch-off timer and heat range of 50 -200 degrees Celsius within 5 minutes, it cooks in 50% less time.
The one thing that most buyers are complaining about is it makes an unusual noise, and the coil could be damaged easily.
Can Aluminium foil be used in air fryers?
Yes, it is totally safe to use aluminium foil in your air fryer. It is best to use it at the bottom of the basket. By doing so, it’ll fasten the cooking process and also collect any oil drippings.
3 Best Halogen Ovens In The UK
I am a big fan of portable cooking while staying on a budget. Eventually, a halogen oven is a win-win solution if you want to enjoy both an oven and an air fryer.
So, if you want to enjoy two functions at the price of one, here’re our top picks for you.
1. 12 Litre Halogen Oven By Lewis – Sturdy And Long Lasting
Lewis’s halogen cooker is a perfect fit for a family of 4. With its 12-litre baking capacity, you can make your dinners in one go.
It requires 1300 wattage power to operate. Even with its maximum capacity, it only weighs around 6 kilograms. That makes it perfect for small kitchens.
Low power consumption ensures low bills. In the meantime, you won’t need to use your freestanding electric cooker with ceramic hob.
The only issue is that it doesn’t come with an air fryer attachment. But, luckily, you can get the exact feature in its 17-litre substitute.
2. Self-Cleaning Halogen Oven – Perfect For Home Chefs!
From multi-function controls to self-cleaning mode, this oven has everything to fulfil all your cooking needs.
It has 17 litre capacity with a 60-minute timer. Thanks to its 1400 watts power usage, it can reach up to 250 degrees celsius within 5 minutes.
The glass bowl is made of tough material, making it perfect for rough use. The curry handle locator makes it easy to clean.
The cherry on top is that you also get the iron stand to convert your halogen cooker into a fryer attachment. So that you can cook healthy meals swiftly.
3. Sentik Halogen Oven – Ensures Crispness Every Time
This oven is the perfect example of value for money. Its wide glass bowl of 12 litres can roast a whole chicken within 30 minutes.
It comes with tin foil installed at the bottom, which saves you time while cleaning bottom of oven.
The build quality is nothing extraordinary. So, it is better to be careful while using it.
Based on user reviews, some may find the light very bright. But it helps to broil your food faster with perfect crispness.
Halogen Oven vs Air Fryer FAQs
Can you put food directly in an air fryer?
No, it is best to avoid this. Air fryers come with a removable basket. So, you should always take the metal basket out and put your food in it. Then, place the basket back in the fryer.
Can you put frozen meat in an air fryer?
Yes, you can put frozen meat directly into it. But, it is recommended not to put any oil while putting food directly in the freezer.
How long do you cook frozen food in the air fryer?
You can put the frozen food into it for a maximum of 10 minutes. Green leaves and vegetables can be done within 5 minutes. Meat can take up to 12 minutes.
What should you not put in an air fryer?
Cheese, milk, popcorn, raw lentils, sugar cubes, and butter chunks must be avoided.
Can you cook bacon in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook bacon in an air fryer. You need to put it at 180-degree celsius for 6 to 8 minutes.
But it is best if you avoid that. Because bacon fat will create a mess, and you have to clean your appliance before the next use deep.
How to cook eggs in an air fryer?
-Preheat your air fryer to 150 °C.
-Place butter paper in the basket.
-Crack an egg and set the temperature to 200 °C.
-Cook your eggs for a maximum of 2 minutes only.
-You can also enjoy poached eggs in air fryer.
How long do chips take in an air fryer?
Chips could take 20 minutes. It generally depends on the quantity and the size. Thin slices could get done within 8-10 minutes.
Can you cook a steak in an air fryer?
Yes, you can. Put the steak into it at 150 °C for 15 – 18 minutes. Flip the sides after 10 minutes. For a medium rare, cut the time to 9 minutes.
How full can you fill an air fryer?
It is best never fully to fill the basket. The rule of thumb is the keep an inch place free. So that the food can’t touch the heating element or coil.
Can you put an air fryer in a cabinet?
Yes, you can put them into your cabinets. But, it is not an ideal practice. The steam created due to heat can damage your wood cabinets.
They can damage the countertop. So, it is strongly recommended to invest in heatproof mats for them.
How to use a halogen oven?
-Take off the halogen lid.
-Put your food into the metal basket.
-Set the time and temperature.
-Hit the power button.
Can you bake in a halogen oven?
Yes, you can bake cakes in them. It cooks cakes faster compared to built in single electric ovens. While baking, it is best to fill the bowl only halfway.
What can you cook in a halogen oven?
You can cook almost everything into it except liquids. Halogen ovens work well with meat, wings, buns, eggs and baking cakes.
Are halogen ovens being phased out?
Yes, the government of the UK decided to put a permanent ban on the sales of halogen ovens. They emit 1.26 million tons of carbon emissions. This ban will help to improve and protect the environment.
Can you cook frozen food in a halogen oven?
Yes, you can cook frozen food in it. While cooking the frozen items, always place food on the metal basket rather than directly in the bowl.
Wrapping It Up!
Currently, air fryer vs halogen ovens is a big debate across the UK. The government initiative to ban the halogen ranges makes a surge in sales of air fryers.
No doubt, air fryers are expensive to buy. But, its multi-functions and durability justify the high price tag. The cherry on top is they are healthier.
We hope that our detailed guide helps you in every aspect. So, now in the meantime, keep on cooking your heart out!
