Do I Need a Traditional Oven if I Have an Air Fryer?

As kitchens evolve, so do cooking appliances, offering innovative ways to prepare meals more efficiently and healthily. A question we often hear at Miele is, "Do I need a traditional oven if I have an air fryer?" With the launch of Miele's new H266-1 BP 125 Edition oven that integrates an air fryer, it's an excellent time to explore the benefits of both appliances and how they cater to different culinary needs. Miele’s lead culinary manager, Cezar Fernandez shares his thoughts...

Understanding the Cooking Methods

Traditional Ovens: A staple in homes for centuries, traditional ovens cook food by surrounding it with hot air. This process, known as convection, evenly cooks food at a preset temperature, making it ideal for a variety of dishes. Ovens are versatile, allowing for baking, roasting and more. They are especially good at cooking large or complex meals evenly.

Air Fryers: A modern kitchen innovation, air fryers cook by circulating hot air around the food at high speed, using a minimal amount of oil. This method, often referred to as rapid air technology, creates a crispy layer on the outside of the food, mimicking the texture of frying without the need for deep frying. Air fryers are celebrated for their quick cooking times and energy efficiency.

Energy Efficiency: Oven vs. Air Fryer
Air fryers generally use less energy compared to traditional ovens due to their smaller size and faster cooking times. They heat up quickly and do not require preheating, making them ideal for quick meals and snacks. However, traditional ovens are more efficient when cooking larger meals or when multiple dishes need to be cooked simultaneously, as they can handle more food at once without the need for batch cooking.

What Can’t You Make in an Air Fryer?
While air fryers are excellent for items like French fries, chicken wings, and small batches of cookies, there are certain dishes that simply perform better in a traditional oven:
• Large Roasts and Whole Poultry: For big cuts of meat or entire birds, a traditional oven provides the space and consistent heat necessary to achieve a perfect roast.
• Baked Goods: Delicate pastries, large cakes, and bread loaves need the even heat and space of an oven to rise properly and cook evenly.
• Casseroles and Lasagnas: These dishes require space and precise temperature control that a traditional oven offers, ensuring that they cook thoroughly without burning the edges or top.
• Slow-Cooked Dishes: Traditional ovens allow for very low temperature settings necessary for slow-cooked meals, which is not possible with most air fryers.

Miele’s Innovative Solution
Recognising the need for both types of cooking methods, Miele has innovatively combined the best of both worlds. Our latest oven model, the H266-1 BP 125 Edition not only functions as a full-capacity traditional oven but also includes an integrated air fryer. This dual-functionality appliance allows you to enjoy the quick, crispy results of air frying and the versatile, thorough cooking of an oven all in one. It's perfect for those who appreciate the benefits of both methods but have limited kitchen space or prefer a single, multifunctional appliance.

While air fryers offer a quick, energy-efficient way to prepare meals, traditional ovens have irreplaceable benefits, especially when it comes to cooking larger and more complex dishes. Miele’s new oven with an integrated air fryer provides a comprehensive solution, allowing you to enjoy the best of both cooking methods without compromise. Whether you're preparing a quick meal for two or a festive dinner for the family, Miele’s innovative appliance ensures you’re well-equipped to handle any culinary challenge.

Explore our range and discover how Miele is making cooking more versatile and enjoyable with every meal here.