This is a review of the Bella Air Fryer, highlighting both PROs and CONs of the product.
Bella Air Fryer Review
We’ve tested 6 different Air Fryers in the Steamy Kitchen. This one from Bella, Phillips Air Fryer, Power Air Fryer XL, Circular Air Fryer, and 2 more the performed so terribly that I didn’t want to waste my time writing about them!) We are testing Model 14538.
The Specs
The Bella Air Fryer is an air convection fryer that uses a tablespoon of oil to “fry” and cook your foods.
- 12.28″H x 10.35″W x 13.03″D
- 1500 watt convection circulating system
- Warranty: manufacturer’s limited 2 yr warranty
- Includes a nonstick 2.5 liter frying basket (dishwasher safe)
- Includes nonstick pan that holds the basket (dishwasher safe)
- Temperature setting up to 400F.
- 60 minute timer
Compact size
The Bella Air Fryer is the smallest of all the air fryers that we’ve reviewed. The 2.5 liter frying basket holds 2.2 pounds of food. I’m not sure “pounds of food” is the best way to describe the capacity of the machine.
PRO: I’d say this is a great size for 2-3 people, or maybe a family with small kids.
CON: The machine is light, easy to carry, but difficult to transport as it’s an awkward size and shape. No handles. You sort of have to hug it or just grip with your palms on the side.
Minimal controls
One of my gripes about modern small appliances is that there are too many buttons, levers and options. Some newer small appliances have adopted a “minimalistic” look with icons and images instead of words, but that actually makes usability very difficult. One of the toaster ovens we tested recently featured icons so cryptic that I needed to have the instruction manual handy at all times. A bread machine we tested last year required me to press 5 different buttons, each with a minimum of 6 different settings in order to just make a loaf of bread.
Even my Philips Air Fryer from Williams Sonoma is confusing, “Does 1 beep and a flashing light mean it’s done preheating or does it mean my food is done?”
With the Bella Air Fryer, the controls are easy to understand and use. Turn the dial to the desired setting. Done.
This is the air fryer for people who don’t enjoy studying an instruction manual front to back. If I were going to buy an air fryer for my parents, this would be it. The instruction booklet has a handy chart for time/temperature for specific recipes, like fried chicken, fresh french fries, frozen french fries, etc.
PRO: Easy to use, easy to understand.
Does it fry?
Yes, it does. The Bella Air Fryer performed well, as long as you don’t over fill the basket. It makes fries for 2 adults, with only 1 tablespoon of oil. You can get about 4-5 pieces of chicken in the basket, but you have to position the chicken pieces so that they don’t overlap too much.
PRO: Performs well. It’s not the most powerful air fryer, but for the size (2.5 liter/2.6 quart basket) 1500 watts is perfect.
CON: Air fryers work by circulating hot air. That’s why you can’t overfill the basket or overlap food too much. Some air frying recipes require you to remove and shake basket or stir ingredients halfway through cooking. The basket is small, and I would have loved a removable rack to double the capacity of food for things like chicken, pork chops, fish fillet. I purchased a $30 rack for my Philips Air Fryer that gave me room for more food while still letting hot air circulate.
Price
This is where Bella shines. We’ve reviewed several Bella products, and all of them performed very well, even compared to competitor products twice the price tag.
PRO: The Bella Air Fryer is less than $63 (at time of publication). If you’re looking for an inexpensive, no-frills air fryer that’s perfect for 1-3 people, this is a great choice.
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