Editors' Must-Have: Air Fryer Storage Hacks
How UK editors cleverly hide this space-hogging kitchen essential
1The air fryer revolution
The Ideal Home team has been testing air fryers since 2022. These time-saving appliances, more convenient than ovens and delivering crispier results, have become a staple in British kitchens. Editors note a 67% increase in usage post-pandemic. Perfect for small kitchens, air fryers also stand out for their energy efficiency, using up to 30% less energy than conventional ovens according to recent studies.
2Multifunctional marvel
Editor Heather Young swears by the Instant Pot Duo Crisp (£229.99). This 12-in-1 appliance combines air frying, pressure cooking, steaming and slow cooking functions. Heather emphasizes how this versatility saves counter space, replacing multiple gadgets. The stainless steel pot is dishwasher-safe, making cleanup effortless. Its 6-quart capacity handles family-sized meals with ease.
3Wheels for convenience
Heather's ingenious hack involves adding castor wheels (under £10) to her appliance base. These allow smooth movement across quartz countertops, especially useful when storing in pantries. The non-marking rubber wheels support up to 15kg, making relocation effortless. This simple modification has become a game-changer for editors who frequently rearrange their kitchen spaces.
4Disappearing act
Editor Rebecca Knight prefers the matte black Ninja Dual Zone, noting how its boxy design blends into her Victorian conversion's aesthetic. Despite launching in 2020, this model remains a top seller due to its 2200W power and smart finish system. Rebecca adopted Heather's wheel hack to slide it behind her coffee station when unused, maintaining her kitchen's streamlined look.
5Style meets function
Content Editor Holly Cockburn chose the pastel Wonder Oven (£195) for its aesthetic appeal. This screen-free appliance with three dial controls measures just 12x12 inches. Its ceramic non-stick coating ensures easy cleaning, while the compact size fits perfectly in Holly's minimalist kitchen. Two years post-launch, it remains the prettiest option according to editors.
6Space-saving solutions
Molly Cleary recommends the white Ninja DoubleStack (£269.99) for small kitchens. This vertical design offers dual-zone power in a 15-inch footprint. Molly praises its intuitive digital controls and 4-quart capacity per drawer. For budget-conscious buyers, she suggests Salter's £99 stacked model, which impressed reviewers with comparable performance at half the price.
7Personalized preferences
The team's varied choices demonstrate how air fryer selection depends on individual needs. Kitchen size (35% of UK kitchens are under 100 sq ft), cooking frequency and design preferences all influence decisions. Frequent entertainers prefer dual-zone models, while health-conscious users value oil-free cooking features. Experts recommend assessing household habits before purchasing.
8Lifestyle transformation
Air fryers have revolutionized modern kitchens beyond just cooking. The Ideal Home team's experiences show these appliances reflect organizational preferences and lifestyle choices. Particularly transformative for working parents (saving 15+ hours weekly) and small-space dwellers, they've fundamentally changed British cooking habits, with 58% of owners using them daily according to recent surveys.