I'm a newbie at AirFrying but I have some thoughts specifically about the standard size Philips AirFryer models. I have the Philips 9641/96 (USA model with the improved V2 airflow technology) with the Dual Level Rack and Grill accessories. This model Philips is expensive, if you buy at list price, but I see them discounted regularly. Yes, they are more costly than other AirFryers, however there are reasons why.
In my limited AirFryer experience (4 weeks) I've cooked bacon (with the dual level rack), steakhouse style baked potatoes, French fries, curly fries, grilled cheese sandwiches, Parmesan asparagus, Hasselback potatoes, tiny chickens (Cornish Game Hens here in the USA), buttermilk chicken tenders, buffalo wings, frozen potstickers, chicken thighs and honey roasted carrots. All have come out quite good, even with the stock recipes from the Philips recipe book or from Internet recipes where I've compared several approaches and taken the average time/temps.
The Design
I've watched a bunch of YouTube videos about AirFrying and note that most of the non-Philips airfryers either have large holes in the main basket or none at all. The Philips baskets have a mesh bottom and a wide trough around the inner basket, which I believe allows greater airflow to evenly and quickly heat the food based on the fact that I don't need to toss recipe ingredients as frequently as with other AF designs to achieve even cooking results. The unique starfish air circulation design doesn't appear to just be hype. I also chose this 'advanced' model as it's supposed to have improved V2 airflow and a slightly smaller counter footprint. This Philips model is VERY quiet. The cooking basket and accessories are non-stick but are not Teflon, I believe.
Philips AF comes only with a std basket with mesh bottom panel. The good news is that the std Philips design allows maximum airflow during cooking the majority of things while optional (bad new$) accessories like the grill and deep cooking pan give you the flexibility to cook more foods in the same device with max efficiency. This was certainly a design choice and I've come to appreciate the path that Philips took, even though it cost me more to acquire the optional accessories.
Cleaning, which you should do after every cook, is exceptionally easy as the basket comes completely apart (basket frame, handle and mesh screen bottom) for scrubbing over the sink. You can put the parts in the dishwasher but I prefer to quickly hand wash them.
Things that annoy me
The capacity is modest, although the dual level rack does expand the capacity for some recipes. It's perfect for one or possible two people, but would not serve a family of 4 (I know Philips offers a larger model). I look at the modest capacity as a way to enforce portion control for myself. But the Std size models would work nicely for a family as a second oven for side dishes, quick meals for kids or dessert. Second, the temperature only increments 25F at a time. I would prefer to be able to set more specific temps, however I note that adjusting the cook time seems to compensate quite well for temps that are only close to times I see in online recipes.
Things I've learned
I LOVE the speed of counter top convection cooking and the use of less fats in my cooking. I use an oil MISTER, which produces a more delicate mist than other oil sprayers that seem to default to a gloppy stream after a few sprays. I'm hoping to enjoy some energy savings by not having to heat up a full oven to cook a single baked potato or sheet pan of roasted vegetables and chicken breast.
Summary
I think that this Philips AF offers well thought out design and exceptional quality, albeit at premium pricing. I'd recommend the Philips AF if the capacity meets your needs and if you're not too price sensitive. -- Remember, you only buy it once and it will last for years.
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