Sarah stared at her husband’s latest kitchen purchase with a mix of confusion and irritation. The sleek black device dominated half their counter, its digital display cycling through cooking modes like a carnival ride. “It replaces everything,” he’d said excitedly, gesturing at their collection of pots and pans. “Air fry, steam, roast, grill—nine different ways to cook in one machine.”
Three weeks later, their stove had become a glorified storage unit. The air fryer sat silent most evenings while this new “smart multicooker” hummed away, producing dinner after dinner with robotic precision. Sarah found herself wondering: was this cooking, or just sophisticated reheating?
She wasn’t alone in her confusion. Across kitchens worldwide, a quiet revolution is happening—one that’s making traditional cooking methods feel suddenly outdated.
The Kitchen Gadget That’s Making Air Fryers Look Basic
The humble air fryer changed how millions of us approach weeknight dinners. Toss in some frozen chips, set a timer, walk away. But the latest generation of countertop appliances makes even the most advanced air fryer look like a one-trick pony.
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These new “all-in-one” cooking devices promise to replace nearly every appliance in your kitchen. They air fry, yes, but they also bake, roast, grill, steam, slow cook, sauté, dehydrate, and reheat. Some models even offer sous-vide cooking and bread proofing functions.
“We’re seeing people completely rethink their kitchen setup,” says kitchen appliance analyst Mark Davidson. “Why own ten different gadgets when one machine can do it all?”
The numbers back up this trend. Sales of multi-function countertop cookers have jumped 340% in the past year, while traditional oven sales have plateaued. Home improvement stores report customers asking to downsize their kitchen appliances during renovations.
What These Kitchen Powerhouses Actually Do
To understand the appeal, look at what these machines offer compared to traditional cooking methods:
| Cooking Method | Traditional Equipment | Multi-Cooker Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Air Frying | Dedicated air fryer | Same results, plus 8 other functions |
| Roasting | Full-size oven | Uses 50% less energy, faster cooking |
| Steaming | Steamer basket, pot | Precise temperature control, no monitoring |
| Slow Cooking | Separate slow cooker | App connectivity, remote monitoring |
| Grilling | Outdoor grill or grill pan | Indoor convenience, consistent results |
The real game-changer isn’t just the multiple functions—it’s the smart technology. Built-in thermometers monitor internal temperatures. Apps send notifications when food is ready. Some models even adjust cooking times based on the weight of ingredients.
“I threw away my recipe books,” admits Jennifer Chen, a working mother from Leeds. “The app tells me exactly what to do. I scan a barcode, it sets everything automatically.”
Key features driving the popularity include:
- Touchscreen controls with preset programs for specific dishes
- Mobile apps with thousands of recipes and automatic settings
- Energy efficiency—using up to 60% less power than conventional ovens
- Faster cooking times for most foods
- Easy cleanup with non-stick, dishwasher-safe components
- Compact design that fits on standard countertops
The Great Kitchen Divide: Chefs vs. Convenience
Not everyone’s celebrating this culinary revolution. Professional chefs and cooking traditionalists are raising serious concerns about what this means for actual cooking skills.
“Cooking is about understanding heat, timing, seasoning—skills you develop through practice,” argues Chef Roberto Flores, who runs cooking classes in London. “When a machine does all the thinking, what are people actually learning?”
The debate has split into clear camps. Health experts generally praise these devices for making nutritious cooking more accessible. Dr. Amanda Richards, a nutritionist specializing in family health, points out the benefits: “People are cooking at home more, using less oil, eating more vegetables. That’s objectively good for public health.”
But culinary purists worry about the long-term implications. “We’re creating a generation that can’t tell when onions are properly sautéed or judge doneness by sight and smell,” warns cookbook author Michael Thompson. “These are fundamental skills that humans have used for thousands of years.”
The concern extends beyond just technique. Traditional cooking involves understanding ingredients, adjusting flavors, and developing intuition about food. Multi-cookers, critics argue, reduce cooking to following preset programs.
What This Means for Your Kitchen
For busy families, the appeal is undeniable. These machines promise consistent results with minimal effort. Parents report being able to prepare healthy meals for their children without the stress of traditional cooking methods.
The environmental impact also matters. Energy-efficient cooking that reduces food waste—thanks to precise temperature control and timing—appeals to eco-conscious consumers. Many models use 40-60% less energy than conventional ovens for similar results.
However, there are practical downsides to consider:
- Limited capacity—most models serve 4-6 people maximum
- Counter space requirements in already crowded kitchens
- Dependency on electricity and app connectivity
- Potential loss of cooking intuition and skills
- Higher upfront costs compared to basic air fryers
The real question isn’t whether these devices work—they clearly do. It’s whether the convenience they offer comes at too high a cost to culinary culture and personal cooking development.
“I can make dinner in 20 minutes without thinking about it,” says Manchester teacher Lisa Park. “But sometimes I miss the process of actually cooking. There’s something satisfying about building a meal from scratch that pushing buttons can’t replace.”
FAQs
Do multi-function cookers really replace traditional air fryers?
Yes, they perform all air fryer functions while offering additional cooking methods, making standalone air fryers less necessary.
Are these devices actually healthier than traditional cooking?
They typically require less oil and provide more consistent results, which can lead to healthier eating habits for many users.
How much counter space do these machines need?
Most models require about the same footprint as a large microwave, typically 15-20 inches wide and 12-15 inches deep.
Can beginners really cook well with these devices?
The preset programs and app guidance make it easier for novices to produce good results, though they may not develop traditional cooking skills.
Are these machines worth the higher cost compared to basic air fryers?
If you’ll use multiple functions and value the convenience features, they can replace several appliances and justify the expense.
Do professional chefs use these types of devices?
Most professional chefs prefer traditional methods for better control and skill development, though some use them for specific tasks or meal prep.
