Whirlpool's Air Fryer Range: A Comprehensive Overview

Whirlpool offers a range of appliances with air frying capabilities, including select Wall Ovens and Ranges. The Whirlpool® 30-inch Smart Gas Range with Air Cooking Technology and the Whirlpool® 30-inch Energy Star Electric Range with Air Cooking are two examples of ranges that include an Air Fry Mode. This mode allows you to cook a variety of dishes, such as chicken nuggets, wings, and fries, using little to no oil. In addition to air frying, these ranges offer multiple cooking modes, such as Air Baking, No Preheat Air Fry, Air Roast, Convect Bake, Convect Broil, Frozen Bake™, Bake, Broil, and Keep Warm cycles. Whirlpool also provides resources to help customers learn about and utilize the air frying feature, such as video guides and how-to articles.

Whirlpool's 30-inch Smart Gas Range with Air Fry Mode

The Air Fry Mode is a standout feature, allowing you to cook crispy and delicious meals with less oil than traditional deep frying. This mode optimises temperature and air circulation, ensuring your food reaches that perfect, golden crust. You can air fry anything from chicken nuggets and wings to fries and even roasted veggies. The best part? You don't need a separate air fryer appliance, saving you valuable counter space.

But Whirlpool's 30-inch Smart Gas Range offers so much more. It has a SpeedHeat Burner that boils water 20% faster than a standard 9.5K burner, so you can get dinner on the table in a flash. It also features Edge-to-Edge Cast-Iron Grates, giving you plenty of space to sauté, boil and simmer. The cooktop has a range of burner sizes and power levels, allowing you to cook multiple dishes simultaneously.

The oven also includes a convenient keep-warm setting, ensuring your dishes stay warm until the whole family is ready to dig in. And when it comes to cleaning, the EZ-2-Lift Hinged Cast-Iron Grates are a game-changer. These industry-first grates are dishwasher-safe and hinged, allowing you to quickly access spills on the cooktop without the hassle of removing heavy grates.

This smart range also offers Steam Clean and adjustable Self Clean cycles, making it easy to maintain, no matter how big the mess. Plus, with Smart Feature Updates, you can stay on top of the latest cooking features and unlock new ones via the Whirlpool app.

Air Fry vs. Convection Oven

Whirlpool does make ranges with air fryers. Now, here is a detailed comparison between air fryers and convection ovens.

Air fryers and convection ovens are similar in that they both use fans to circulate hot air around food to achieve crispy results. However, there are some key differences between the two.

Size and Capacity

Air fryers are much smaller than convection ovens, with compartments that are significantly more compact. This means that air fryers can only cook about one or two servings at a time, while convection ovens can fit much more food. With an air fryer, you may have to cook in batches, which can take longer overall than cooking the same meal in a convection oven.

Speed

Due to their smaller size, air fryers typically preheat faster than convection ovens. However, because countertop air fryer compartments are smaller, they may have quicker cooking times. Convection ovens, on the other hand, may have slightly longer cooking times.

Temperature

Air fryers and convection ovens use similar cooking temperatures, which are about 20 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit lower than conventional ovens.

Recipe Results

While both appliances can produce crispy, crunchy exteriors, air fryers are better for frying, and convection ovens are better for roasting and baking. Air fryers may not be suitable for recipes that require a lot of space, such as cakes, as the increased airflow can dry out the food.

Cleanup

Cleanup is generally easier with a convection oven, as you only need to clean the pan. With an air fryer, you have to clean the perforated basket as well as the bucket that it fits into.

Cost

Air fryers tend to be more expensive than comparable convection ovens. A top air fryer might cost around $250, while a $150 convection oven will cook more food and a wider variety of foods.

Counter Space

Convection ovens will likely need to live on your countertop full-time, whereas an air fryer can be stored in a cupboard when not in use.

Noise

Air fryers are also louder than convection ovens, with some models generating about 65 decibels, which is as loud as a vacuum cleaner.

How to use your convection oven as an air fryer

Whirlpool does offer ranges with air-frying capabilities, such as the Whirlpool® 30-inch Smart Gas Range with Air Cooking Technology. However, if you already have a convection oven, you may not need a separate air fryer. Here's a guide on how to use your convection oven as an air fryer:

Step 1: Prep Your Food for Air Frying

Firstly, prepare your food to ensure a crispy and golden exterior. Cut vegetables and potatoes into smaller bite-sized pieces, such as spears, medallions, or cubes. Lightly coat them in oil to encourage browning. For meat or fish, pat the surface dry, and lightly coat with oil or cooking spray. If using a breading, drier exterior toppings like panko, shredded cheese, or breadcrumbs work better than wet batter.

Step 2: Use the Right Air Frying Cookware

Countertop air fryers use a perforated basket or pan to efficiently crisp up your food. To achieve similar results, use a perforated tray or basket to allow hot air to circulate thoroughly around the food. If you don't have a perforated tray, use a dark or non-stick tray with low sides or an oven-safe cooling rack. Place a cookie sheet with aluminium foil or parchment paper on the lower rack to catch any drippings.

Step 3: Give Your Food Space

Avoid overcrowding your food to ensure even cooking and crisping. The hot air circulated by the convection fan needs to reach the entire surface of your food to create a golden crust. Overcrowding will result in improper crisping and may leave your food soggy.

Step 4: Be Mindful of Air Frying Times and Temperatures

Convection ovens generally cook at a slower pace than countertop air fryers, so you'll need to adjust the cooking times. Air fryers also tend to use higher temperatures. Typically, you can expect to air fry in a convection oven at temperatures between 350-400°F, but this will vary depending on the recipe. If using a recipe with conventional oven instructions, refer to your oven manufacturer's instructions for cook times and temperatures.

Step 5: Flip Halfway Through

As with a countertop air fryer, you may need to flip or shake your food to improve air distribution during cooking. However, only flip if necessary to avoid heat loss in the oven. Spray or rub with a little extra oil or cooking spray to promote crisping.

Air Fryer Basket

Whirlpool does offer ranges with air frying capabilities. For example, the Whirlpool® 30-inch Smart Gas Range with Air Cooking Technology includes an Air Fry Mode.

If you are air frying in a convection oven, it is beneficial to invest in an air fryer basket or tray. An air fryer basket allows hot air to circulate thoroughly around the food, creating a crispy, golden crust.

When choosing an air fryer basket, it is important to consider the size and type of your air fryer or oven to ensure a proper fit. Additionally, look for baskets that are easy to clean and have features like detachable handles or non-stick coatings.

Using an air fryer basket can help you achieve the perfect crispiness and golden exterior that you desire for your air-fried foods.

Air Fryer vs. Countertop Air Fryer

Whirlpool does make ranges with air fryers. The Whirlpool® 30-inch Smart Gas Range with Air Cooking Technology includes an Air Fry Mode, which lets you air fry chicken nuggets, wings, and fries. Select Whirlpool® Ranges also offer Air Cooking Technology, which includes an array of settings like Air Baking, No Preheat Air Fry, and Air Roast.

Now, here is a comparison between air fryers and countertop air fryers:

Air fryers are stand-alone appliances designed to crisp up food quickly. They have a heating source at the top of the unit paired with a large fan that circulates hot air. There are two main styles: basket-style and oven-style. Basket-style air fryers have a removable perforated tray or a dual basket that keeps the grease separate. They are great for small foods like fries, tots, or veggies. Oven-style air fryers use racks instead of baskets, making them ideal for cooking different types of food simultaneously.

Countertop air fryers, also known as air fryer toaster ovens, are a combination of an air fryer and a toaster oven. They cook food using concentrated heat, making them ideal for foods that need to be laid flat, like toast or leftovers. They are space-saving devices, perfect for small kitchens or apartments. They tend to have more powerful fans than standard convection models, resulting in crispier food. Additionally, they can fit more than most pod-shaped air fryers, accommodating everything from whole chickens to 9-inch cakes.

When deciding between an air fryer and a countertop air fryer, consider your specific needs and kitchen space. Air fryers are versatile and powerful but may require more counter space. On the other hand, countertop air fryers offer a compact, dual-function solution, saving space and money. They are ideal for small portions or single-person meals, while air fryers are better suited for larger households.

Frequently asked questions