Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a healthy alternative to deep frying. The Platinum air fryer is one of the top models on the market, but is it as good as it claims? Here we will look at the key features of the Platinum air fryer and see how it stacks up.
What is the Platinum Air Fryer?
The Platinum air fryer is a digitally controlled basket style air fryer marketed by PowerXL. It uses rapid air technology to crisp and cook food using little to no oil. The Platinum air fryer comes in 3.4 qt, 5.3 qt, and 10 qt capacity models. Key features include:
- Digital touchscreen with preset programs
- Rapid air technology circulates hot air to cook and crisp food
- Cooks with up to 85% less fat than deep frying
- Basket style design with non-stick coating
- Adjustable temperature up to 400°F
- 60 minute timer with auto shut off
- Dishwasher safe parts
Platinum Air Fryer Benefits
There are several benefits that make the Platinum air fryer stand out:
Healthier Cooking
The Platinum air fryer allows you to enjoy fried foods with a fraction of the oil, calories, and fat compared to deep frying. The rapid air circulation gives you that crispy fried texture without all the grease.
User-Friendly Design
With its digital touchscreen and preset programs, the Platinum air fryer is designed to be easy to use. The touchscreen lets you precisely control time and temperature. Preset functions for things like fries, pizza, chicken, steak, fish, and more take the guesswork out of cooking.
Large Capacity
The Platinum air fryer is available in 3.4 qt, 5.3 qt and 10 qt sizes. The large 10 qt basket can accommodate enough food for larger families, letting you cook full meals with entrees, sides, and more.
Dishwasher Safe
The removable fryer basket and other accessories are dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze after cooking.
Safety Features
The Platinum air fryer includes several safety features like overheat protection, auto shut off when the timer expires, and cool touch housing to prevent burns.
How Well Does it Cook?
The most important factor for an air fryer is how well it can cook food. Here is an overview of how the Platinum air fryer handles common foods:
French Fries
Crispy fries are one of the staples for an air fryer. The Platinum air fryer produces fries that are crunchy on the outside while fluffy inside. The preheat function helps ensure the fries come out evenly cooked.
Chicken Wings and Nuggets
The Platinum air fryer excels at making chicken wings, tenders, and nuggets come out crispy. The skin gets perfectly browned and crunchy just like deep fried without being greasy.
Fish
Fish fillets and shrimp can be quickly cooked in the Platinum air fryer. The fish comes out tender and flaky inside with a nice crisp exterior from the circulating air.
Steak
While you won’t get the same char or grill marks, the Platinum air fryer can make steak with a nice sear and caramelized exterior. Steaks cook up juicy and evenly in the air fryer.
Pizza
The Platinum air fryer really shines when it comes to reheating leftover pizza. The bottom crisps up nicely while the cheese gets melted. Fresh homemade pizzas also cook well in the air fryer.
Vegetables
All kinds of veggies from potatoes to broccoli and asparagus turn out great in the Platinum air fryer. Vegetables cook up with a lightly crisp exterior while remaining tender inside.
Baked Goods
Things like frozen mozzarella sticks, potato skins, and egg rolls come out perfect in the Platinum air fryer. It can also handle quick breads, muffins, and even small batches of cookies.
How Does It Compare?
The Platinum air fryer can compete with top models from other brands like Ninja, Cosori, Instant, Philips, and more. Here is an overview of how it compares on key criteria:
| Criteria | Platinum Air Fryer |
|---|---|
| Cooking Performance | Crisps and cooks evenly thanks to rapid air circulation. Delivers results on par with top models. |
| Convenience | Digital interface and preset functions add convenience. Matching performance of other user-friendly models. |
| Capacity | Good range from 3.4 qt up to 10 qt capacity. As large or larger than many competitors. |
| Design | Sleek modern look with full touchscreen control. Attractive styling. |
| Price | Very competitively priced for the performance and features offered. |
As the comparison shows, the Platinum air fryer delivers excellent performance and features at a very reasonable price point. It matches up well against more expensive models from premium brands.
Pros and Cons
Here is a quick look at some of the pros and cons of the Platinum air fryer based on customer reviews and hands-on testing:
Pros:
- Produces crisp and delicious results
- User friendly digital interface
- Large 10 quart capacity available
- Dishwasher safe parts
- 60 minute timer with auto shut off
- Affordably priced
Cons:
- Limited warranty period
- No mesh basket like some models
- Bulky size
- Preset temps inaccurate on some units
While the Platinum air fryer has received some negative reviews for things like inaccurate presets and limited warranty, overall it performs very well for the price. Most customers have been highly satisfied with the results.
Is Platinum a Good Air Fryer Brand?
Platinum is the air fryer brand name used by PowerXL, which is known for making quality kitchen appliances like pressure cookers, juicers, and more. While Platinum may not have the brand recognition of Ninja or Philips, the air fryers consistently perform well at a more budget friendly price point. For shoppers looking for good performance without paying for a premium brand name, the Platinum air fryer line is a great option.
Conclusion
When reviewing the key criteria like cooking performance, features, design, and price; the Platinum air fryer stacks up very well against competitors. It reliably delivers crisp and delicious air fried meals. The digital interface provides the convenience of preset programs and precise control. While there are some drawbacks like short warranty and lack of mesh basket, overall the Platinum air fryer provides excellent value. For shoppers looking for an affordable air fryer that cooks just as good as the pricier models, the Platinum air fryer is definitely worth considering.