This review delves into the Salton Flip & Cook 3-in-1 Glass Air Fryer, offering a comprehensive look at its performance and durability after a year of use. The author initially notes the secure packaging and examines the included accessories, highlighting both positive and negative aspects of the design, such as the robust glass basket and the less-impressive non-stick rack. A chipped glass basket, a common issue according to online reviews, is also disclosed. Despite this flaw, the author proceeds with a thorough testing process.Over the course of the year-long trial, various cooking tests, including baking, frying, and grilling, were conducted comparing the Salton to a Casor air fryer. The review explores the ease of cleaning, the impact of the glass basket's thickness on cooling time and kitchen temperature, and the practicality of the grill function. The author concludes by assessing the overall performance, durability, and value proposition of the Salton air fryer, weighing its pros and cons while considering its unique features and the cost of replacement parts.
Pros And Cons
- Packed nicely and securely.
- Easy to clean metal rack.
- Option to use non-stick or non-non-stick rack.
- Durable thick borosilicate glass basket.
- Heats food well, comparable to other air fryers.
- Grill function works.
- Replacement basket is reasonably priced.
- Short power cord.
- Small pieces of food fall through the metal rack.
- Non-stick plate's finish is not visually appealing.
- Glass basket is heavy (almost 5 lbs).
- Basket arrived chipped (quality control issue).
- Top-heavy design makes it prone to moving.
- Glass basket heats up the kitchen more than other air fryers.
- Small capacity (not practical for large families).
- No lid limits grilling capabilities.
- Dehydrator function is impractical due to small size.
- Warranty doesn't cover glass breakage.
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Unboxing and Initial Impressions
Upon receiving the Salton Flip & Cook air fryer, I was immediately impressed by its secure packaging. The non-stick grill plate was the first item I noticed, though I wasn't initially interested in the grill function itself. The included metal rack, while having wide wire spacing, was surprisingly easy to clean. However, the included non-stick rack and its rubbery bumpers felt cheap and didn't inspire confidence.
The glass basket itself is heavy (almost 5 lbs empty), suggesting durability. But the initial inspection revealed a small chip on the basket—a common issue, according to online reviews. Despite this, I decided to proceed with the review rather than immediately returning the product.
Functionality and Performance Tests
I performed several cooking tests to gauge the air fryer's performance. The first was a savory baked goods recipe using mini springform pans, ensuring consistent ingredient amounts and cooking times for both the Salton and my Casor air fryer for comparison. Results showed both air fryers produced similarly browned and cooked items.
Next, I tested the air fryers with tater tots. Again, I used identical amounts and cooking settings. Both produced almost identical results, proving the Salton's capability to replicate the cooking methods of conventional air fryers.
Finally, I tried the grill function by making vegan grilled cheese sandwiches. While the results were satisfactory, the small size of the grill surface and lack of a lid limited its practicality for larger items.
Durability and Cleaning
Throughout the year, the Salton air fryer remained remarkably durable, despite its initial chip and my clumsiness. No further chipping or cracking occurred. Cleaning the air fryer is easy but requires waiting for the glass basket to cool completely before washing. Failure to clean thoroughly can lead to stuck-on grease.
The glass basket’s thickness means it takes time to cool down. However, the high heat radiating from the exposed glass basket can make the kitchen warmer than with a traditional, insulated air fryer. The lack of insulation may affect cooking times, but my test results indicated comparable performance compared to my Casor air fryer.
Overall Verdict
The Salton Flip & Cook 3-in-1 air fryer offers decent performance overall for its size. The glass basket’s durability surpasses initial expectations, and its ease of cleaning is a plus. The cooking performance is comparable to my Casor air fryer, despite the design’s top-heavy nature and lack of insulation leading to a warmer kitchen. The grill function, while present, lacks practicality due to the small cooking surface and lack of a lid.
Despite its high price point, the Salton offers a unique non-stick free alternative. The replacement cost for the glass basket ($40 plus shipping) is reasonable. While I don't personally utilize the dehydrator function, this is a matter of personal preference. Overall, it's a good air fryer, but not without its drawbacks.
