Cuisinart air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance that allow you to make fried foods like french fries, chicken wings, and more using little to no oil. This makes them an appealing option for health-conscious home cooks. However, Cuisinart air fryers, like most models, have a good amount of height on them which leads many people to wonder if they can place their air fryer underneath kitchen cabinets. There are a few important factors to consider when determining if a Cuisinart air fryer will fit under your cabinets.
Cuisinart Air Fryer Dimensions
When deciding if a Cuisinart air fryer will fit under your cabinets, the first thing to look at is the dimensions of the specific model you have or are considering purchasing. Cuisinart offers air fryers in a range of sizes. Their dimensions are as follows:
| Cuisinart Air Fryer Model | Height | Width | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOA-60 | 13.87 inches | 11.53 inches | 15.35 inches |
| TOA-28 | 11.61 inches | 11.42 inches | 13.07 inches |
| TOA-65 | 15.35 inches | 16.30 inches | 14.17 inches |
As you can see, Cuisinart air fryer heights range from about 12 inches on the smaller models to over 15 inches on the largest models. The tallest air fryers may be too tall to fit under some cabinets, while the more compact models are more likely to work.
Cabinet Height
The height of your kitchen cabinets will determine if an air fryer can fit underneath. Standard cabinet height is often 18-24 inches. But cabinet height can vary based on your kitchen design.
If your cabinets sit higher than the typical 18-24 inch range, you have a better chance of sliding a Cuisinart air fryer underneath. For standard height cabinets, the smaller Cuisinart models around 12 inches high are the best bet. The largest air fryers over 15 inches are unlikely to fit under standard cabinets.
Carefully measure the height of your cabinets to get an exact number. Also measure any added trim or molding that may further lower the usable space. This will tell you the maximum air fryer height that can be accommodated.
Usable Cabinet Space
Even if the cabinet height is sufficient, you need to make sure there is usable space under the cabinet. Look at the area you want to place the air fryer and take note of anything that will get in the way.
Some considerations are:
- Plumbing or pipes
- Electrical wiring or outlets
- Cabinet doors and hinges
- Cabinet interior shelving
- Toekicks or cabinet bases
- Legs on the air fryer
All of these factors can intrude on the available space under a cabinet. Make sure to measure the clearance between the floor and bottom of the cabinet. Then compare it to the air fryer height plus the length of any extending feet or legs. There needs to be a few inches of space at minimum for the air fryer to slide in and out without hitting obstacles.
Ventilation Requirements
Proper ventilation is crucial for any air fryer. Most models require several inches of clear space on all sides and above the air fryer. This allows for adequate air circulation to prevent overheating.
Cuisinart air fryer manuals state there should be at least 5 inches of clearance around and above the appliance. Under cabinet installation can make it challenging to meet this recommendation.
If the back and sides of the air fryer will be enclosed by cabinet walls, the minimum recommended clearance is 2 inches. This allows some air to flow, although it is not ideal. Leaving more space around the fryer is better if possible.
Utilizing Slide Out Trays
One way to provide the needed space around an under cabinet air fryer is by using slide out trays. These are installed tracks that allow you to pull the appliance out like a drawer to access it.
When closed, the tray will hold the air fryer snugly underneath the cabinet. Pulling the tray fully extended gives you the clearance to safely operate the fryer.
Slide out trays are an excellent option to maximize storage while still meeting clearance guidelines. They allow you to keep the fryer handy but out of the way when not cooking. Just be sure to measure the height carefully so the unit fully clears the cabinet above when pulled out.
Alternative Storage Options
If your cabinet configuration simply won’t work for storing a Cuisinart air fryer, don’t despair. You have some other options to keep it readily accessible but out of your counterspace:
- Install shelves or racks above the counter to hold the air fryer.
- Store in a pantry, cupboard, or large drawer.
- Use open shelving like a baker’s rack.
- Place on a storage cart with wheels.
- Build a slide-out shelf or platform for the fryer.
Getting creative with storage solutions can help you keep the air fryer handy when cooking but out of the way otherwise.
Tips for Using a Cuisinart Air Fryer Under a Cabinet
Here are some top tips if you do decide to install your Cuisinart air fryer under a cabinet:
- Allow for adequate clearance on all sides by pulling out from the wall.
- Use slide out trays for the best use of space.
- Make sure cabinet doors and handles do not obstruct the fryer.
- Do not block top vents and leave space for air circulation.
- Use caution when opening hot air fryer under cabinets.
- Pull air fryer completely out from under cabinet to use.
- Make sure cords do not get pinched or trapped.
- Consider outlets and extension cords to reach outlets.
Taking precautions will allow you to utilize the unused space under cabinets while cooking safely.
Conclusion
Whether or not you can put your Cuisinart air fryer under a cabinet depends on several factors. The height of your specific air fryer model, cabinet height, and available clearance all come into play. Smaller, more compact air fryers are the best options for fitting in under standard kitchen cabinets. Slide out trays can further help maximize the usable space. With some advance planning and creative storage solutions, you can likely find a good home for your Cuisinart air fryer, even underneath your cabinets. This allows you to get this bulky appliance out of the way when not in use for a safer, tidier, more organized kitchen space.