Air Fryers In Quality Inn: What You Need To Know

Bringing an air fryer to a hotel room is possible, and many hotels now have guest kitchens that are equipped with appliances such as air fryers. However, it is important to check the hotel's policies on cooking in rooms before bringing one. While most hotel rooms do not have full kitchens, they usually provide basic appliances such as a refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker. Guests can also bring their own cooking utensils and basic ingredients.

Guest kitchens in hotels

Many hotels now have guest kitchens that are equipped with appliances such as air fryers, stovetops, microwaves, and coffee makers. Guest kitchens are especially common in extended-stay hotels, where guests often require more comprehensive cooking facilities.

Hotel Brands with Guest Kitchens

• Best Western's Executive Residency brand offers rooms with kitchenettes that include a cooktop, refrigerator, sink, and microwave.
• Choice Hotels' Everhome Suites provides full kitchens with a range of appliances, including a full-size refrigerator, cooktop, microwave, dishwasher, and cookware.
• Hilton has multiple brands that offer kitchen facilities, including Embassy Suites, Hilton Grand Vacations, Home2Suites, and Homewood Suites.
• Hyatt House provides fully-equipped kitchens, including a microwave, refrigerator, and stovetop, along with separate living areas and up to two bedrooms.
• IHG's Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites brands offer fully-equipped kitchens, while Holiday Inn Club Vacations provides fully-equipped or mini-kitchens.
• Marriott has several brands that offer kitchens, including Element by Westin, Homes & Villas, Marriott Executive Apartments, Marriott Vacation Club, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites, and TownePlace Suites.
• Wyndham's Hawthorn Suites, Microtel, and Wyndham Vacation Clubs brands offer kitchen facilities, with some properties providing full kitchens and others offering kitchenettes.

Cooking in Hotel Rooms

If your hotel doesn't have a guest kitchen, it may still be possible to cook in your room, depending on the hotel's policies. Most hotel rooms provide a small refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker, and guests can bring additional supplies such as pots, pans, and utensils. However, cooking in hotel rooms is generally more suitable for simple meals, as more complex dishes may require a wider range of appliances and ingredients.

It's important to be considerate of other guests when cooking in a hotel room, avoiding strong odours or excessive smoke that may cause a nuisance. Additionally, always exercise caution when using appliances that produce high heat, such as toasters, as they may pose a fire hazard if left unattended.

In conclusion, while some hotels provide guest kitchens with a range of appliances, it's advisable to check the hotel's policies and facilities before assuming that cooking in your room is permitted.

Portable air fryers

Air fryers are a great way to cook food quickly and conveniently, and portable air fryers are perfect for small spaces or for taking with you on the go. Here are some things to consider if you're in the market for a portable air fryer:

Size and Capacity

Look for an air fryer that is compact and doesn't take up too much counter space. If you plan to store it away when not in use, choose one that is easy to store and has a lightweight design. The best size for one person is 2 quarts, while 4 to 6 quarts is ideal for two people or a small family.

Functions and Presets

More expensive air fryers tend to have more functions and presets. Consider what you will be using your air fryer for. If you're just looking to air fry foods, a basic model with fewer presets will do the job. If you want to dehydrate food or bake without convection, look for a model with those specific functions.

Ease of Use

Choose an air fryer with intuitive controls that are easy to understand and adjust. Dial-controlled air fryers are simple to use but don't offer precise control. Digital controls are more precise but may require pressing multiple buttons to program.

Dishwasher-Safe

Most air fryers are easy to clean by hand, but if you want the convenience of popping your air fryer into the dishwasher, look for a model with a dishwasher-safe basket and crisping tray.

Dreo Aircrisp Pro Air Fryer

This air fryer has a cylindrical design that efficiently uses space. It has eight presets, including dehydration, which is not a common feature. It performed well in cooking tests, producing perfect fries, wings, and broccoli. The buttons are clearly lit, but the presets are only labelled with symbols, which can be confusing.

Instant Pot Vortex Plus 4-Quart Air Fryer

This air fryer has a digital interface and knob that make programming and adjustments easy. It performed well in cooking tests, producing crispy and evenly cooked food. It features dehydration and baking modes. The drawer and crisping tray are dishwasher-safe.

Chefman Small Compact Air Fryer

At $50, this is a budget-friendly option that still performs well. It has a compact size, perfect for small spaces, and simple dial controls. It cooked crispy and evenly cooked wings, and fries quickly, although some were overdone. Broccoli was middle-of-the-pack in terms of flavour and speed. The drawer and crisping tray are dishwasher-safe.

Dash Tasti-Crisp Digital Air Fryer

This air fryer is ideal for cooking single-serving meals and occupies minimal space. It has a 2.2-quart capacity and is lightweight and easy to store. It produced crispy and evenly cooked wings and fries, although the broccoli stems were too hard and the florets were burned. The basket and crisping tray are dishwasher-safe.

Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven (SP101)

This air fryer combines eight functions, including air fry, air roast, bake, and dehydrate, into a single compact appliance. It has a low-profile design that allows it to fit in tight spaces and can even be stored vertically. It can accommodate a 13-inch pizza. It performed well in cooking tests, producing evenly cooked broccoli, wings, and fries, although the fries were more done on the periphery. The air fry basket and baking tray are dishwasher-safe.

Cooking in hotel rooms

Cooking in a hotel room is not for everyone, but it can be a great way to save money and eat healthily while travelling. Here are some tips and tricks to help you cook in your hotel room.

Pick a hotel room with the right amenities

If you're looking to cook in your hotel room, it's important to choose a room with the right amenities. While some extended-stay hotels offer full kitchens inside the guest rooms, most regular hotel rooms do not have kitchen supplies. Look for a room with a mini-fridge, and consider it a bonus if they also have a microwave.

Bring the right supplies

If you're staying in a regular hotel room, you'll need to bring some supplies with you. The most important item is a rice cooker, as there are a variety of "normal" and even "kid-friendly" recipes that you can make with just a rice cooker and electricity. Other useful items include an electric kettle, an Instant Pot, an electric skillet, measuring spoons or cups, paper plates and bowls, utensils, storage containers, dish soap, hand towels, and pot holders.

Plan your menu in advance

Finding good hotel room recipes for a rice cooker is not too difficult, but it's important to plan ahead. Consider bringing some food with you, or buying ingredients from a local grocery store. Some easy meal ideas include ramen, eggs, potatoes, rice, oatmeal, hot dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches, paninis, bacon, and burritos.

Be mindful of hotel policies and other guests

Before you start cooking, be sure to check the hotel's policies on cooking in rooms. Also, be mindful of other guests – avoid cooking foods with strong smells, and never leave cooking appliances unattended to avoid the risk of fire.

Eating out vs cooking

While it is unclear whether you can bring an air fryer to a Quality Inn, it is generally permissible to bring an air fryer to a hotel room. Many hotels have guest kitchens that are equipped with appliances, including air fryers, for guests to use. If your hotel does not have a guest kitchen, you can consider purchasing a portable air fryer that is perfect for small spaces. However, it is important to check with the hotel's policies on cooking in rooms before bringing any cooking appliances.

Now, let's discuss the advantages and disadvantages of eating out versus cooking when you're staying at a hotel or even in the comfort of your own home.

The decision to eat out or cook at home depends on various factors, including convenience, cost, health, and personal preferences. Here are some key points to consider:

Convenience:

Eating out offers unparalleled convenience. It saves time and effort spent on grocery shopping, meal planning, preparation, and cooking. This is especially beneficial for those with busy schedules, demanding jobs, or those who simply don't enjoy cooking. On the other hand, cooking at home requires more time and planning but provides greater control over your meals.

Cost:

Cooking at home is generally more cost-effective than eating out. Eating at a restaurant or ordering takeout can be significantly more expensive than preparing the same dish at home. According to a report from Wellio, eating at a restaurant costs nearly five times more per serving than cooking at home. This price difference can add up to substantial savings over time if you cook at home.

Health:

Cooking at home tends to be healthier than eating out. Studies have shown that people who eat at home consume fewer calories, carbohydrates, fats, and sugars. When cooking, you can choose healthier ingredients and control portion sizes more effectively. However, it's worth noting that the healthiness of a meal depends on the specific ingredients and cooking methods used, and some restaurants now offer healthier options as well.

Variety and Experience:

Eating out provides an opportunity to explore different cuisines and experience new flavours that you might not be able to recreate at home. It can also be a social activity, allowing you to connect with friends, family, or colleagues over a meal without the hassle of cooking.

Safety and Cleanliness:

When it comes to safety and cleanliness, cooking in a hotel room may pose some challenges. Some cooking appliances, such as toasters, can produce a lot of heat and potentially increase the risk of fire. Additionally, the smoke from cooking can fill the room and create an unpleasant environment for other guests. It is important to be mindful of these factors and follow the hotel's policies and guidelines to ensure a safe and pleasant experience for everyone.

In conclusion, both eating out and cooking have their advantages and disadvantages. Eating out offers convenience, variety, and a dining experience, while cooking at home is generally more cost-effective and allows for healthier options. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal preferences, budget, and time constraints.

Bringing a rice cooker to a hotel

When using a rice cooker in a hotel room, be considerate of other guests. Avoid cooking foods with strong odours that could linger and cause a nuisance. Additionally, for safety reasons, do not leave the rice cooker unattended while it is turned on.

It is worth noting that some hotels provide guest kitchens equipped with various appliances, including rice cookers, so you may not need to bring your own. Alternatively, if you prefer a more convenient option, there are portable rice cookers available that are perfect for small spaces. These can be a great solution if you want to prepare your own meals while travelling.

If you are unsure about how to use your rice cooker, most appliances come with instructions included. The basic steps typically involve adding water and rice, ensuring the water level is below the maximum line, and then pressing the power button. The cooker will heat up, cook the rice, and automatically turn off once it's done.

Frequently asked questions