Love this AF- specifically model Toa-65. I researched for a super long time before purchasing my 1st AF. I’m going to start with cons first because that’s probably what you’re after. Do note, however, that the pros outweigh the cons :) Cons: - Could be bigger or have more racks. However, I do understand that even if it had more racks they wouldn’t all be able to airfry very well at once because in order to achieve the “fry”, the food needs to be very close to heating elements AND the main convection fan- which can really only happen on 1 shelf at a time. This is obviously why many airfryers only have 1 shelf or 1 basket. - It would be nice if the basket & tray could be bigger, but if they did that, the unit would be huge and it’s already big. Overall, this isn’t an issue and it holds more than I expected it to, as you can see from my photos. The roasted chicken was a fresh 2 pack of whole chickens from Costco, to give you an idea of bird size. - Cleaning. Overall, it’s not a big deal. Air fryers are going to be dirty and I accepted that immediately. I don’t fret over keeping it sparkling. You should know that you’ll need to unplug it and clean it once in a while. Bacon grease especially, gets stuck to the fan & ceiling, & over time it smells when it’s being used as a result. So unplug it, tip it & clean it once in a while. This is a bit of a job. - The knob and dial were not intuitive & threw me for a loop for about a day. Once I realized that 95% of the time, I just spin the wheel, push it, spin, push it, push it (push = select/enter) & hit “Start”, I was good to go. I almost always set the time & temp this way- by only using the knob and entering it manually. The pre set buttons are nice and we do use the “Air Fry” button, but generally just the wheel. You very quickly learn that most cooking is done at either 350 or 375 & for only a few minutes. Pros: - Stainless Steel!!! ???????? I don’t want plastic or teflon in my food! This was super important to me because air fryers are HOT and no one needs more chemical carcinogenic junk in their food or air!! - fast. easy to use. After a day or 2 of getting used to it, it’s SO FAST to use. It’s made my cooking time in the kitchen LESS, easier, cooler, & simpler. Less work. Less clean up. No hot oven heating up the house!! - it’s plenty big and I’m super glad I didn’t buy a smaller one. I cook a lot and I almost always cook for leftovers. - Paleo/AIP/Whole30 Dream machine! - Cooks really well. You can bake, hard boil eggs, air fry, roast, dehydrate, proof bread, reheat, toast, bagels, brown, broil, pizza, warm & set a dual-cook. It’s an all-in-one! I’ve even made a poached egg in a ramekin!! (just for fun) - Doesn’t smoke. I am always reading about other AF’s (other brands, shapes, styles) smoking. I have not experienced that at all with this model. - Cooks hot & fast. This is a pro, but at first feels like a con because you have to WATCH CAREFULLY!! - This machine cooks hotter than expected. Turn it down 25° less than you want to, or less than a recipe calls for!! Most of the time I cook at 350-375. Rarely 400 and when that temp is used, it’s BRIEF- just to “finish” or “crunch”, or brown something. Most of the time 375 AF is sufficient. - I’ve heard customer service is excellent, which was also a selling point for me. I haven’t had to use it. - Join the Cuisinart TOA-65 Facebook group once you purchase it! Newbie Tip! * Start at 350 Air Fry. Set the timer for 3 minutes at a time. Turn on the light and check your food. Repeat until it’s desired doneness. Seems silly but this is how you will learn and you’ll catch on fast! If you want it more fried, turn the temp up to 375, 2 minutes. Watch. Repeat. Need more? Try 400, 2-3 minutes. * Buy a few cans of spray/spritz avocado oil. Costco now has a 2 pack, amazon has plenty, and all the health stores. I wouldn’t personally use coconut oil, I think it will be too heavy and smoky. Olive oil works, but isn’t great for you at high temps & doesn't brown as well as avocado. * Do NOT just toss some food in there and turn it to 375 or 400, 10 minutes your first time or IT WILL BURN and you will be disappointed. Invest the time to babysit it and get a good feel for the temps & settings. * Toast- We like our Canyon GF toast on “Toast- Shade 7- 1-2 slices”. You can also air fry toast! Put butter on it first- yum! * Fresh cut french fries- best if you soak them in salt water ahead of time, strain, rinse, and dry well. THEN toss in a bowl w/ spritz’s of avocado oil & seasonings. Wet fresh sliced potatoes don’t make good french fries, regardless of what appliance you use. - Make some sweet potato hashbrowns and thank me later! Overall, LOVE IT. It’s a bit more expensive but totally worth it!!
