How's it going, my fellow air fryer enthusiasts? Or should I say, my dear "convenient lifestyle" lovers? I'm just quickly hopping in to share some updates about the air fryer world.
Two of the best air fryers to have come out recently are the Gourmia and Power XL. Both are top-of-the-line, so I understand why countless people are on the fence about which one is worth their bucks.
Luckily for you, I've tried these units. As an air fryer user for several years, I figured I should clarify this long-standing debate with my valued readers.
In the battle between Gourmia vs Power XL Air Fryer, which one will remain standing to the end? Let's compare these units side-by-side and answer that question once and for all.
Overview of the Air Fryers
To determine which air fryer reigns supreme, I compared the units based on several factors ranging from overall impression to size and capacity. Here's how they performed.
Gourmia GAF716 Air Fryer
Specifications
Manufacturer | Gourmia | |
Capacity | 7 Quarts | |
Size | 13 x 15 x 15 inches | |
Weight | 15 lbs | |
Power | 1,700 watts | |
Temperature Range | 90°F to 400°F | |
Functions | French Fries, Wings, Fish Fryer, Bacon, Seafood, Vegetables, Bake, Roast, Broil, Dehydrate, Toaster, Reheat, and Keep Warm | |
Special Features | Temperature Control, Stain Resistant, Automatic Shut-Off, Programmable |
Overall Impression
Just the sleek design of the Gourmia GAF716 air fryer will make anyone fall in love with it. I love how its slightly rough black finish spares it from most air fryers' traditional smooth glossy coats.
That's because the Gourmia GAF716's exterior is made of stainless steel instead of plastic. I wouldn't be surprised if other air fryers follow suit, considering Gourmia is one of the leading brands in the air fryer market.
Another thing that sets it apart is its shape. While most air fryers are slightly oval, the GAF716 is a trapezoid with an angled top for the display screen.
Speaking of the display screen, most Gourmia air fryer models are digital, so it's not surprising that one of their leading products also comes with a digital display screen.
Performance
Despite being slightly smaller than the Power Air Fryer, the GAF716's air fryer basket is 20% bigger than average, allowing you to include more meat and foods per batch.
One of the many things I love about this model is that it includes a "dehydrate" feature, something I don't often see in air fryers. Not all air fryers will allow you to make dried snacks at home.
You will need an air fryer with a relatively low temperature setting (between 120℉ to 160℉) to do this. You can check this guide if your air fryer doesn't have a dehydration option.
The air fry basket and crisper tray are nonstick, preventing fresh meat and other foods from sticking to the surface.
Design and Functionality
Air fryers already make our lives easier, but the best air fryer will go the extra mile to make our kitchen work even more convenient.
In this regard, the Gourmia 716 Air Fryer went above and beyond. Its accessories are all dishwasher safe, so aside from convenient cooking, cleanup is also very easy!
The LCD screen includes 12 one-touch cooking functions or presets ranging from French fries and chicken wings to bake and dehydrate. It even includes small images that don't just make them fun but also easier to understand.
If none of the presets accommodates the food you're cooking, you can calibrate the settings using the "Temp/Time" and "+/-" buttons.
User-Friendly Features
While I'm not entirely a fan of digital air fryers, I have to commend the thought process that went into developing this air fryer's LCD screen.
It displays several cooking functions, so you don't have to manually set it up. They even installed it slightly angled so the screen faces you while using it.
This user-friendly feature makes using the device easier, especially since the LED texts are very easy to read.
Not good with following recipe instructions? Don't worry. The GAF716 air fryer's display screen indicates when to add food (after preheating) and when to flip or turn them over.
Then again, you can just look for easy recipes online instead. Take this Quick and Easy Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe, for instance.
The only downside I see with many digital air fryers and other digital kitchen appliances is that the touch buttons are more sensitive.
The constant exposure to heat and other cooking elements (like moisture and liquids) may easily cause them to malfunction.
However, one major flaw in analog air fryers is that the only way to stop them after setting the time and temperature is to either wait for it, pull the drawer out, or pull the plug itself.
The GAF716 solves this problem by including a "Stop/Cancel" feature. Just press stop, pull the basket, retrieve your food, and place the drawer back in the air fryer.
You don't have to worry about turning it off because the GAF716 has an auto-shutoff feature that shuts down the unit when it's not in use.
Efficiency and Results
The GAF716 air fryer also has the signature Fryforce 360 technology you often see in Gourmia air fryers. This allows the hot air to circulate inside the basket, air-frying your food quicker and more efficiently.
The Fryforce 360 also comes with a built-in fat removal technology which helps reduce 80 to 90% fat content from your food. Since it's air fry, cooking your food takes less time (up to 50%) compared to a traditional toaster oven.
I love using it to make this guilt-free Air Fryer Bacon recipe.
Size and Capacity
This 7-quart air fryer can fit an entire chicken or maybe up to 5 burger patties with the help of the crisper tray. Although it's not a large air fryer, it's more than capable of feeding an entire meal to a family of 5.
Even though it's an inch wider than other 7-quart air fryers, it still doesn't take too much counter space.
That's because its trapezoidal shape avoids bulges in the center, a flaw in other air fryers that makes them challenging to store with other kitchen appliances.
What I Liked
- powerful engine
- sleek design
- stainless steel exterior
- easy storage
- digital display
- nonstick coating
- 20% bigger basket than average
- 12 presets
- dishwasher safe
- guided cooking prompts
- easy-to-read LED texts
- auto shutoff
- removes 80% to 90% fat content from food
- includes extra accessories
- affordable
What I Didn’t Like
- heavy
- slightly larger than most 7-quart air fryers
- no recipe book
Power XL Maxx Classic Air Fryer
Specifications
Manufacturer | Power XL | |
Capacity | 7 Quarts | |
Size | 14 x 13 x 14.5 inches | |
Weight | 3 lbs | |
Power | 1,700 watts | |
Temperature Range | 180°F to 400°F | |
Programmed Settings | French Fries, Fish, Roast, Bake, Shrimp, Chicken, Steak |
Overall Impression
If you read their specifications, there's not much difference between the Gourmia GAF716 and Power XL Maxx Classic air fryers except for the weight and temperature range.
However, when it comes to exterior design, the Power XL Maxx Classic leans more on the traditional look of air fryers with its glossy black finish and slightly oval shape.
One major downside is that its exterior is made out of plastic, but on the upside, it's significantly lighter, almost five times lighter than the GAF716.
The LCD screen displays seven one-touch presets along with several buttons for adjusting the time and temperature of the air fryer.
Performance
This Power XL Air Fryer is one of the first models to come out from this brand that includes their signature Rapid Air Technology. The circulating hot air allows the device to provide your food with the crispiest texture.
Its fry basket and crisper tray have a nonstick coating to prevent food, even frozen French fries, from sticking to the surface.
On the other hand, you may also use cooking sprays to generate the same effect. Just avoid using PAM in air fryers as it can be harmful to your health.
One of the things I love about this unit is its innovative ventilation pockets that run along the side of the air fryer basket. This allows the extremely hot air to escape from the edge and circulate back into the drawer.
This optimal air flow significantly reduces the time it takes to cook food and even gives you a crispy texture while maintaining the internal tenderness of your food.
You don't usually see this feature in an average air fryer, maybe even high-end ones, so major points to Power XL for that!
Design and Functionality
Like the GAF716, the Power XL Maxx Classic Air Fryer is also dishwasher safe. This makes cleanup relatively easy.
Of course, they didn't forget about convenience. You can easily fire it up using the seven cooking functions: air frying, broiling, baking, roasting, and reheating.
I tried it myself. I used the "roast" function to make this Air Fryer Whole Chicken (Rotisserie Style) recipe, and you have to see it for yourself just how juicy the meat is after.
However, the preset indicators are rather small and only include images with no text, so it might take some getting used to.
Nonetheless, you can always adjust the settings using the "+/-" buttons; one set on the left for time, and another on the right for temperature.
Just press the "M" button on the screen to set it to "Manual." Doing so will disregard the preset, and you can freely adjust the temperature in 10°F increments.
Pressing the "M" button again will move you to the presets, so just continue pressing this button until you get to the preset you want.
Another downside to the Power XL Air Fryer is that it displays the temperature and time in intervals instead of simultaneously (like the Gourmia air fryer).
Obviously, it's a minor flaw, but in the battle for the number 1 spot as the best air fryer, little details like this matter.
User-Friendly Features
The Power XL Air Fryer's digital display is slightly angled to face the user. I always appreciate small features like this that make the device easier to use, even for beginners.
While not everyone admires a plastic exterior, the Power XL Maxx Classic Air Fryer puts it to good use by ensuring its handle doesn't get hot. Don't worry. It's made from sturdy and durable plastic, so the heat inside won't affect it.
Another user-friendly feature I like about this unit is its crisper tray. Aside from allowing the air to circulate inside the basket, it also helps catch drips, crumbs, and food residue to keep the chamber clean.
If you have children or elderly folks at home, don't worry about them using this device. It includes an automatic shutoff function, so they can just leave it after air frying, and it will turn off on its own.
Is it your first time using an air fryer? Don't worry! It comes with a manual. No idea what to cook on it? Power XL gives you a free recipe book, so you never run out of options!
If you don't like the recipes in the recipe book, just go to our recipes page. I'm sure there's one for you there!
Efficiency and Results
Even though its Rapid Air Technology helps cook food significantly faster, the results aren't as desirable as the Gourmia Air Fryer.
The Power XL Air Fryer only provides around 70% fewer calories, as compared to 80% to 90% less fat from Gourmia. Nonetheless, I think it's an acceptable trade-off for speed.
Additionally, the 1700-watt engine is a major upgrade from previous Power XL air fryers. This level of power is almost exclusively used for 10-Qt air fryers.
Equipping this on an air fryer with a smaller capacity ensures you cook your food more quickly, which is perfect for adding crisp to your fried foods.
It can easily prepare your favorite foods like steak, chicken wings, shrimp, fish, and even baked goods. But don't forget to determine whether to use an air fryer basket or a tray. This can make a world of difference.
Size and Capacity
The Power XL Maxx Classic air fryer can fit around 1.75 pounds of French fries or up to 23 chicken wings. Its overall capacity can easily and quickly prepare an entire meal for a family of 5.
It's slightly smaller than an average air fryer, so you can save significant counter space for other appliances.
However, since it assumes the conventional design and shape of an air fryer, the slight bulge in the center might make it harder to store.
What I Liked
- powerful engine
- LED display
- one-touch controls
- slightly smaller
- nonstick surface
- dishwasher safe
- auto shutoff
- lightweight
- recipe book
- includes extra accessories
- side vents for faster cooking
What I Didn’t Like
- plastic exterior
- seven presets only
- lowest temperature is 180°F
- more expensive than the average 7-quart air fryer
- doesn't display temperature and time simultaneously
Buying Guide
Before deciding the winner between Gourmia vs Power XL Air Fryer, you must understand how to choose an air fryer. This is also part of the criteria I used to determine the best air fryer.
Cooking Capacity
Capacity is perhaps the most important factor when choosing an air fryer. This determines how much food you can cook per batch. I'd like to assume that bigger is better, but that's not always true.
As you already know, an air fryer cooks food by circulating hot air inside the basket. So, a bigger basket means it takes longer for the hot air to go around and cook your food.
The best method to determine this is to find the right spot between efficiency and capacity. Some air fryers can hold 2 quarts, but others can fit up to 10.
How many people do you often need to feed? A 7-quart air fryer is perfect because it can feed five people but is also relatively quick in cooking food for one person.
Efficiency
The next factor to consider is efficiency. In most cases, the engine's power determines this. For instance, both the Power XL and Gourmia Air Fryer have a 1700-watt engine.
This makes them very efficient in air frying your food because the engine is highly capable of powering its heating element and running its fan. However, engine power is not the only contributor to an air fryer's efficiency.
As I've mentioned, one of the Power XL air fryer's biggest advantages is its side vents. This allows for better circulation and redirecting superheated air back to the cooking basket.
This feature gives your food a crispier texture and a more even cook.
Size
Next, you want to consider the size. Some people probably won't have this problem, but you must be very strict about your air fryer's size if you have limited storage space.
While the Power XL Maxx Classic Air Fryer is slightly smaller than the Gourmia GAF716, it still takes considerable counter space. You must also consider their shapes.
Even though the Power XL air fryer is smaller, its oval shape might make it harder to store. If you live alone and want to save as much space as possible, you may want to consider other options.
Take, for example, the Dash Compact Air Fryer. It's only 10 inches in diameter, 8 inches wide, and 11 inches tall, making it very easy to fit even in tight spaces.
It also comes in a sleek design and various colors, perfect for any home. However, the trade-off is that the Dash Compact Air Fryer can only hold 2 quarts.
Safety Features
Air fryers are great for our health, but what about safety? Since the air frying mode generates a lot of heat, you must ensure it doesn't affect the device's exterior.
Safety features like a cool-touch handle guarantee this. Furthermore, an auto-shutoff feature is essential, especially if you have children using the kitchen appliance.
Air fryers should also have a user manual that thoroughly discusses the safety precautions you must take to use the device properly.
Temperature Range
The lowest temperature an air fryer can provide is less important than its maximum temperature.
Temperatures below 180°F are often for slow cook methods, something you don't generally need in an air fryer. However, most meats need to be cooked at 400°F.
Therefore, you must choose an air fryer that can provide at least 400°F. Otherwise, you may not achieve your desired crisp and cook for the meat.
Cleanup
Any air fryer user, time and time again, will mention how convenient their lives have become after learning about air frying.
It's only natural to want to extend this convenience to the cleanup. After all, one thing that makes pan or deep frying a chore is washing all the tools, utensils, and equipment you used.
Having said that, you should only go for air fryers that have nonstick surfaces. Don't worry; most of them do. But if you encounter one that doesn't mention this, avoid it at all costs.
One major advantage of cooking with oil is it prevents the meat from sticking to the surface. Since an air fryer doesn't use oil (or at least not much of it), the nonstick surface will save you from the cleanup.
On top of this, you may also want to go for air fryers that are dishwasher safe, so you can just toss the basket inside instead of washing it in the sink.
On the other hand, you can always use aluminum pans for easier cleanup.
Presets
Building upon the convenience of air fryers, try to look for one with multiple presets. This saves you a lot of time and effort from having to search online for instructions.
Different types of meat need to be cooked at different temperatures for different durations. This is very important as it will significantly affect the taste and texture of your food.
Presets make that easier since you just have to toss the chicken wings, French fries, bacon, steak, or fish into the basket, click the appropriate button, and let the air fryer do its magic.
Having more presets gives you more freedom to cook more diverse types of food.
Extras
Lastly, consider the extra accessories that come with your air fryer. Some brands don't just bring you the unit itself. These are the brands you need to take note of.
That's because they're not just selling air fryers but also the experience of using one. Most will come with crisper trays, but others, like the Power XL Air Fryer, also come with a recipe book.
This makes it easier, even for beginners, to use the product since they already have a long list of recipes to try.
Some air fryers will even include a pizza pan, tongs, multi-purpose racks, and skewers to further diversify the list of foods you can cook on the device.
Gourmia vs Power XL Air Fryer FAQs
Gourmia air fryers are generally regarded as some of the best in the market. Aside from sleek designs, their air fryers are user-friendly and multi-functional, allowing you to make some of the best foods with them.
Power XL excels in innovative designs that allow its products to compete against the top brands in the market. Some models may come with a relatively high price tag, but it's almost always worth it for this brand.
Gourmia and Power XL are some of the best brands for air fryers. Nonetheless, several other companies give us their expertise in different fields of air frying. Ninja, Dash, Breville, and Instant Pot are some of them. Check out Paul's Ninja Foodi 11-in-1 Smartlid Multi-Cooker review to see what I mean.
The heating element and the fan are the two major parts you need to know to learn how air fryers work. When you turn an air fryer on, a mechanism below the fan generates heat. The fan then sends the heated air to your food to cook it.
One significant disadvantage of air fryers is flavor. Aside from transferring heat to food, the oil we use in deep frying gives our food a rich flavor. Since we don't use oil in air frying, there's also a noticeable drop in flavor.
The time has come to decide which between Gourmia vs Power XL Air Fryer reigns supreme. After carefully considering their features, I conclude that the Gourmia GAF716 is the better option.
While the innovative side vents on the Power XL Maxx Classic are surely advantageous, the guided prompts of Gourmia GAF716 give it the upper hand.
On top of this, you get all the top-of-the-line features of the GAF716 for a significantly lower price, proving just how much it's worth the investment.
Nonetheless, remember that the best air fryer will always depend on what you need. Is it efficiency, user-friendliness, the number of presets, or the cleanup?
Whichever the case, feel free to consult the buying guide above to make an informed decision. And don't forget to visit Also The Crumbs, Please, for more comparison articles, reviews, and recipe substitutions.
I'll help you make the most delicious foods with the best tools and recipes. Just fry and fry until you succeed!
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