Salter EK2817 Air Fryer - Review

The Salter EK2817 Air Fryer is a compact and affordable air fryer ideal for small kitchens or those wanting a basic model without too many bells and whistles. This 800W appliance allows you to cook healthier versions of your favorite fried foods using little to no oil.

With its 2.3 liter capacity, the Salter EK2817 Air Fryer is best suited for individuals, couples, and small families who want to cook quick and easy meals. It's not meant for large batch cooking.

Some of the key features include:

• 800W of power for fast cooking
• 2.3 liter capacity
• Digital control panel
• 30 minute timer with auto shut off
• Adjustable temperature up to 200°C
• Removable frying basket and pan for easy cleaning

The Salter EK2817 offers the core functions you'd want in an air fryer like temperature and time controls, along with a compact footprint that won't take up much counterspace. It's a solid choice for those seeking an affordable entry-level model.

Design

The Salter EK2817 air fryer has a sleek and modern design that will look great on any kitchen countertop. It has a rounded square shape with a black plastic finish and stainless steel accents. The air fryer is fairly compact, measuring 35.3 x 32 x 30.6 cm, so it doesn't take up too much space. It weighs a lightweight 5.1 kg, making it easy to move around and store.

Despite its compact footprint, the EK2817 still offers a generous 3.2 liter cooking capacity, enough to prepare meals for up to four people. The frying basket and pan are made from non-stick coated aluminum for easy cooking and cleaning. The touch controls are seamlessly integrated into the top panel, giving the appliance a streamlined look.

Overall, Salter has designed an air fryer that combines functionality and ample capacity with an attractive, contemporary aesthetic. Its size makes it perfect for small kitchens, while the minimalist styling means it will coordinate with a range of decor styles.

Features

The Salter EK2817 air fryer comes equipped with several useful features that make it a versatile cooking appliance.

Cooking Modes: This air fryer has multiple cooking modes including air fry, grill, roast, bake, and reheat. This allows you to prepare a wide variety of foods from crispy fried favorites to roasted veggies and reheated leftovers. The air fry mode uses rapid air circulation to produce crispy results using little to no oil.

Digital Display and Controls: An easy-to-read digital display lets you precisely control cooking time and temperature. It has preset programs for commonly cooked foods like fries, nuggets, fish, and cake. The touch button controls make operation simple.

Removable Frying Basket: The EK2817 has a removable frying basket with a 3.2 liter capacity, which can fit up to 1.5kg of food. The non-stick basket is dishwasher safe for easy cleanup. The basket has a cool touch handle so you can safely check or shake foods during cooking.

Temperature and Time Settings: You can manually set the temperature from 80°C up to 200°C and the timer for up to 60 minutes. This level of control lets you achieve your desired doneness and texture.

Performance

The Salter EK2817 air fryer performs quite well at air frying a variety of foods. The circular heating element and powerful fan are able to quickly and evenly circulate hot air around food to produce crispy results similar to deep frying, but with significantly less oil.

When cooking frozen french fries, the Salter air fryer crisps up the outsides nicely while keeping the insides fluffy. Chicken tenders come out juicy on the inside with a satisfying crunch on the outside. Fresh veggies like broccoli and cauliflower roast up caramelized and delicious. The air fryer also reheats leftovers like pizza or fried chicken nicely.

One downside is that the basket is on the smaller side, so you may need to cook in batches for larger portions. But the results are consistent batch after batch.

The Salter air fryer operates at a reasonable noise level. There is a dull hum from the fan as well as some clicking sounds from the heating element turning on and off to maintain the set temperature. But it's not overly loud or disruptive. The noise level is comparable to a small convection oven.

Ease of Use

Setting up the Salter EK2817 air fryer is straightforward. It comes with an instruction manual that provides clear guidance on assembling the parts and getting started. The air fryer basket and cooking tray simply slide into place.

Programming cooking cycles is easy with the mechanical dial timer and temperature controls. The timer can be set up to 30 minutes, while the temperature ranges from 80°C to 200°C, covering most air frying needs. There are no presets, so you'll need to adjust time and temperature manually based on the recipe.

Cleaning and maintenance of the Salter air fryer is simple. The removable non-stick basket and tray can be washed by hand or placed in the dishwasher. Wipe down the fryer body with a damp cloth to keep the exterior clean. There is an air filter that should be cleaned periodically by tapping off excess oil and wiping with a cloth. Overall, the ease of use and simplicity of the Salter EK2817 makes it a user-friendly air fryer for everyday cooking.

Value

The Salter EK2817 air fryer provides excellent value for money given its features and performance. At around £70-80, it sits at the lower end of the price scale for air fryers, making it very affordable compared to many competitors.

Despite the low price point, the Salter doesn't feel cheap or flimsy. It has a sturdy plastic construction that should hold up well under regular use. The components and controls also work smoothly.

For the price, you get a decently sized 3.2L capacity which can cook around 800g of fries or a whole chicken. The wattage of 1400W is lower than some pricier models but still sufficient for most purposes.

Another area where the Salter punches above its weight is the warranty. It comes with a 3-year warranty which is generous for an appliance in this price range. Many competitors only offer 1 or 2 years of warranty coverage. This provides added peace of mind that the product is built to last.

Overall, those looking for an affordable entry-level air fryer that doesn't compromise too much on features and quality will find excellent value in the Salter EK2817. It delivers solid performance and usability without breaking the bank.

Pros

• Fast and efficient cooking: The Air Fryer cooks food quickly, reducing cooking times by up to 50% compared to conventional ovens. It uses rapid air circulation technology and a powerful heating element to crisp and brown foods with little to no oil needed.

• Versatile cooking: The Air Fryer can be used to cook a wide variety of foods beyond just fries and wings. You can cook meats, seafood, veggies, baked goods, and more. It's great for reheating leftovers too.

• Simple to use: With just a few buttons and knobs, the Air Fryer is easy to operate. The digital touchscreen controls make it intuitive to set the temperature and timer. The non-stick basket and pan are also dishwasher safe for fast cleanup.

• Compact size: The Air Fryer has a small countertop footprint, taking up minimal space in your kitchen. The 3.2L capacity basket can cook up to 800g of food at once, making it good for 1-3 portions.

Cons

• The fryer basket has a maximum capacity of 800g, which may be too small for cooking large portions. You'll likely need to cook in batches for more than 2 people.

• There are some durability complaints about the non-stick coating peeling off over time. This seems to happen if the basket is overloaded or cleaned too aggressively.

• The touch buttons can be finicky and unresponsive at times. There are a few reviews mentioning buttons not working properly after several months.

• While it's compact in footprint, the fryer is fairly tall at 36cm. Those with limited cabinet space may find it doesn't fit easily under cabinets.

Verdict

Overall, the Salter EK2817 is a great choice for those looking for an affordable and compact air fryer that still offers decent capacity and performance. It's easy to use with simple controls and produces evenly cooked food with crispy exteriors and moist interiors. The removable frying basket and dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup a breeze.

The Salter air fryer isn't perfect, as the timer only goes up to 30 minutes which may require monitoring and restarting for longer cook times. The plastic housing also feels a bit lightweight and prone to scuffs. However, given the budget-friendly price point, these are minor tradeoffs.

For shoppers wanting a small, budget air fryer that can handle everyday frying, roasting and baking needs for 1-3 people, the Salter EK2817 is a recommended option. It delivers good results and includes useful features like preset programs without costing too much. Those needing larger capacity or more cooking versatility may want to consider spending a bit more, but overall this Salter air fryer is a great value pick.

Alternatives

When looking for an air fryer, there are a few other models worth considering besides the Salter EK2817:

Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer

The Ninja Foodi is a premium air fryer with a dual zone cooking system, allowing you to cook two different foods at two different temperatures. It's pricier than the Salter but offers more cooking flexibility. The Ninja has a larger 8-quart capacity and comes with a broiling function.

Cosori Air Fryer Max XL

For a more budget-friendly option, the Cosori Air Fryer Max XL delivers excellent performance. It has a 5.8 quart cooking basket, 11 one-touch cooking functions, and costs less than the Salter. The Cosori doesn't have a viewing window but makes up for it with versatility and value.