KitchenAid Digital Countertop Oven KCO128BM Review Best for Air Frying and Baking

Description

Unboxing the KitchenAid Digital Countertop Oven with Air Fry & Pizza Stone

The KitchenAid Digital Countertop Oven with Air Fry and Pizza Stone (KCO128BM) immediately struck me as sleek and compact in its Black Matte finish, fitting nicely into a small kitchen setup without feeling intrusive. The dropdown door design is especially practical, making it easy to access food without awkward maneuvering. What stood out was the number of included accessories—a 12″ pizza baking stone, air fry basket, removable crumb tray, baking pan, and metal rack—providing everything needed to explore its full potential right out of the box.

The build quality felt premium, with sturdy knobs and a smooth painted finish. Its dimensions (16″D x 17″W x 11.3″H) make it space-efficient, and at about 15.9 pounds, moving it around for cleaning wasn’t much of a hassle. However, some may find the lack of a touchscreen slightly outdated compared to newer models, but I personally enjoy the tactile feedback of the knob controls.

Performance That Delivers on Promises

Using this countertop oven for daily meals turned out to be a delight. The 360° Air Fry System genuinely impressed me with its ability to make crispy French fries, tender chicken wings, and even delicate fish fillets without requiring a flip. The air fry basket’s no-flip feature saves so much effort, and everything cooked evenly—no soggy undersides or overly browned edges.

The Even-Heat Convection Technology was another standout feature. With its top and bottom heating elements and convection fan, the oven maintained a consistent internal temperature, whether I was baking cookies or roasting vegetables. I tested the fast preheat feature, and it was ready in under 4 minutes, which is fantastic for busy days when patience is thin.

What I didn’t expect was how well the pizza cycle worked. Paired with the 12” pizza stone, it created a crisp, restaurant-style crust that my family could not get enough of. It wasn’t just functional—it felt like a fun experience to create pizzeria-quality food at home.

Key Benefits

• Versatility: With 10 essential cooking settings, options range from air frying to broiling to baking pizza.
• Effortless Cleaning: The removable crumb tray and drip pan make cleaning up after meals a breeze.
• Compact Yet Spacious: The 21-liter size accommodates a variety of dishes without monopolizing counter space.
• Fast Preheating: Reduces waiting time with its under-4-minute preheat function.

Areas for Improvement

While the oven performed exceptionally well in most areas, there were certain shortcomings worth noting:

• Limited Visibility: The interior light is not as bright as I’d like, making it difficult to fully monitor cooking progress without opening the door.
• Learning Curve: It took a bit of trial and error to figure out the optimal settings for certain dishes since the 10 modes can feel overwhelming at first.
• External Heat: The exterior does get warm during use, which might be a concern in households with curious children.

Competing Products

Comparing this oven to other models like the Cuisinart TOA-65 Air Fryer Toaster Oven, the KitchenAid holds its own with its pizza-specific features and no-flip air fry basket. The Cuisinart, however, edges ahead with its digital display and slightly larger capacity. If you’re someone who values a sleek, minimalistic design and focused functionality, the KitchenAid might be the better choice.

On the other hand, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro offers a more premium experience with additional presets and a larger cooking space. Yet, it significantly outprices the KitchenAid, making the latter a more cost-effective option for budget-conscious buyers.

Value for Money

The price-to-quality ratio on this product is commendable. Considering the included accessories, durable build, and multi-functional cooking modes, it feels like a worthy investment for a wide range of users. Whether you’re a home chef looking to experiment or someone who just wants an efficient tool for everyday meals, this oven offers plenty of bang for your buck.

Its energy efficiency and ability to replace several separate appliances make it an even more attractive option for small kitchens or those looking to declutter. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end models, the performance it delivers for the price is undeniably satisfying.

Testing the KitchenAid Digital Countertop Oven with Air Fry and Pizza Stone was a rewarding experience. Its compact design, versatility, and impressive cooking results make it a fantastic addition to any kitchen. However, it’s not without its minor flaws, which, depending on your preferences, may not be deal-breakers. Overall, it’s a solid choice for anyone seeking an efficient, multi-functional countertop oven.

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