If you’re on the fence about getting an air fryer, let me nudge you toward the West Bend Air Fryer—it’s a game-changer you’ll wish you’d grabbed sooner. I’ve been testing this 7-quart beauty, and trust me, it’s worth every penny for its versatility, ease, and downright delicious results.
Whether you’re a solo cook or feeding a crew, this sleek machine with 13 presets and a diamond-strong coating promises crispy perfection without the oil-soaked guilt.
Stick with me as I share my journey, break down the pros and cons, and compare it to the big names—because you deserve to know why this one’s a must-buy.
My Experience With The West Bend Air Fryer
I’ll admit, I was late to the air fryer party.
For years, I stuck to my oven, thinking it did the job just fine.
But when the West Bend Air Fryer landed on my counter, I couldn’t ignore the hype anymore.
Unboxing it felt like Christmas—shiny, compact enough not to hog space, and that LCD display?
So easy to read, even with my glasses fogged up from cooking steam.
The 7-quart capacity seemed perfect for me and my partner, and I was itching to test those 13 presets.
First up, I tossed in some chicken wings. I hit the “Chicken” preset, set it to 375°F, and watched through that handy easy-view window as they turned golden. About 20 minutes later, I had wings so crispy they rivaled my favorite takeout spot—juicy inside, no greasy mess.
Next, I tried fries in one basket and veggies in the other, using the sync feature to finish them together. The fries came out crunchy, the veggies tender with a slight char—honestly, I was hooked.
I’ve since used it almost daily. One night, it was fish fillets; another, I reheated leftovers that tasted fresher than the first time around. The dual-basket setup is a lifesaver when we can’t agree on dinner—I’ll do nuggets for me, okra for him, and we’re both happy.
Cleanup’s a breeze too; a quick soak with dish soap, a swipe with a sponge, and it’s spotless. Sure, the presets aren’t always spot-on—fish needed a tweak to avoid drying out—but once I jotted down my own times and temps, it was smooth sailing. This thing’s become my kitchen sidekick, and I’m not looking back.
Pros of The West Bend Air Fryer
- Versatile 13 Presets Make Cooking a Snap
You know those nights when you’re too tired to think?
The West Bend’s got your back with 13 one-touch presets—everything from Air Fry to Dehydrate to Keep Warm.
I’ve used the “Fries” setting for perfect tater tots and the “Roast” option for a mini pork loin that came out succulent.
It’s like having a cheat code for dinner.
Sure, you might need to adjust a bit for your taste, but it’s a solid starting point that beats guessing every time.
- Dual Baskets for Double the Fun
The dual-basket design is where this fryer shines. I can cook two different foods at once—say, chicken in one, broccoli in the other—and the sync feature ensures they’re ready together.
It’s a total win for picky eaters or when I’m juggling sides and mains. Each basket holds 4.5 quarts, so there’s plenty of room for a couple’s meal or a solo feast with leftovers. It’s not just convenient; it’s a time-saver.
- Easy-View Window Keeps You in Control
Ever burnt something because you couldn’t see it cooking? Not with this. The easy-view window lets me peek at my food without opening the drawer and losing heat. I watched my salmon go from pale to perfectly browned, and it’s oddly satisfying.
Plus, the interior light means no squinting—just a clear shot of your culinary masterpiece in progress.
- Diamond Shield Coating Rocks Cleanup
That PFOA/PFOS-free Diamond Shield coating? It’s not just a fancy name—it’s a nonstick dream. I’ve cooked greasy wings and cheesy fries, and nothing sticks.
A little hot water, a dab of soap, and a quick wipe—done. I haven’t even bothered with the dishwasher yet because it’s that easy. It feels durable too, like it’ll hold up to my daily frying frenzy without scratching.
- Compact Yet Powerful
At 1700 watts, this thing packs a punch without hogging my counter. It fits snugly next to my coffee maker, and the ergonomic handle stays cool, so I’m not juggling hot baskets like a circus act.
It heats up fast—faster than my oven ever dreamed—and cooks evenly once I got the hang of it. For a 7-quart capacity, it’s surprisingly sleek, blending into my kitchen like it belongs there.
Cons of The West Bend Air Fryer
- Presets Need Some Tweaking
Don’t get me wrong, the presets are handy, but they’re not perfect.
The “Fish” setting left my cod a tad dry until I shaved off a few minutes.
Same with “Chicken”—it’s a guide, not gospel.
You’ll need to play around the first time you cook something new and keep notes.
It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s a bit of a hassle until you nail your go-to settings.
- Rectangular Baskets Take Adjusting
The baskets are more rectangular than square, which threw me off at first. I’m used to round air fryers where food spreads out evenly, but here, I had to rearrange fries or nuggets to avoid crowding the edges.
It’s not a huge issue—just means you can’t toss stuff in and forget it. Once I figured out the layout, it was fine, but it’s worth mentioning.
- Cooks Fast—Maybe Too Fast
This fryer’s speed is a blessing and a curse. It crisps up food quicker than my old oven, but if you’re not watching, it’ll overcook in a heartbeat. My first batch of veggies turned into charcoal because I got distracted.
You’ve got to stay on top of it, especially with new recipes. It’s powerful, sure, but it demands your attention.
- Not Ideal for Big Crowds
If you’re cooking for more than two or three, you might run this thing twice. The 7-quart total capacity splits into two 4.5-quart baskets, which is great for variety but not volume.
I tried doing fries for four, and it was tight—had to batch it out. For a family or party, you might want something bigger or a second unit.
Maintenance Tips For Your West Bend Air Fryer
- Clean After Every Use—Trust Me: You’ll thank yourself later if you clean this thing right after cooking. I let grease sit once, and it was a pain to scrub off. Just soak the baskets in hot, soapy water for a few minutes while you eat, then wipe them down. The Diamond Shield coating makes it easy, but don’t skip this step—built-up gunk can mess with performance.
- Skip Harsh Scrubbers: That nonstick coating is tough, but I wouldn’t risk it with steel wool or abrasive sponges. A soft sponge or cloth does the trick every time. I’ve kept mine looking brand new this way, and it’s one less thing to worry about. Treat it gently, and it’ll last you ages.
- Check the Vents Regularly: The air vents keep this fryer humming, so I make a point to glance at them weekly. Dust or grease can clog them up, and that’s a recipe for uneven cooking. A quick wipe with a damp cloth keeps them clear—I’ve never had an issue since I started doing this.
- Store It Smart: When I’m not using it, I tuck the cord under and slide it into a corner. It’s compact, but you don’t want it collecting dust or getting knocked around. If you’ve got a cabinet, even better—just make sure it’s cool before stashing it. Keeps it safe and ready for next time.
- Run a Test Cycle Now and Then: Every month or so, I run an empty cycle at 400°F for five minutes. It burns off any lingering smells or residue from heavy use—like that time I did garlic shrimp. Keeps it fresh and ensures it’s working like it should. Plus, it’s a good excuse to admire that window.
Comparison of West Bend Air Fryer With Other Brands
I’ve had my hands on a few air fryers, so let’s pit the West Bend against some worthy contenders—Beelicious, Emeril Dual Zone, and Bella. You’re probably wondering how my trusty 7-quart champ holds up, right?
Let’s break it down, head-to-head, and see who comes out on top for your kitchen.
- West Bend Air Fryer Vs. Beelicious Air Fryer
First up, the Beelicious Air Fryer—it’s a sleek 8-quart single-basket model that’s been making waves.
I love that the West Bend gives me dual baskets to cook two things at once, like fries and fish, while Beelicious keeps it simple with one big zone.
Beelicious brags about its 1750-watt power, edging out West Bend’s 1700 watts, and yeah, it heats up lightning-fast—I noticed my salmon crisped a touch quicker in it.
But here’s the rub: West Bend’s 13 presets give me a head start on recipes, while Beelicious leans on fewer options, leaving you to fiddle more with settings. Cleanup?
Both have nonstick coatings, but West Bend’s Diamond Shield feels sturdier—I’ve scraped Beelicious a bit too hard and regretted it. Price-wise, West Bend’s a steal, while Beelicious costs more for that extra quart. If you’re cooking for one or two with variety, I’d stick with West Bend; Beelicious is better for big batches.
- West Bend Air Fryer Vs. Emeril Dual Zone Air Fryer
Next, let’s talk Emeril Dual Zone Air Fryer—another dual-basket contender, this one with a 10-quart total capacity.
Emeril’s got swagger, thanks to the celeb chef’s name, and it shows: each basket is 5 quarts, dwarfing West Bend’s 4.5-quart pair.
I cooked wings for four in Emeril, and it handled the crowd better—no batching needed.
Both have sync features to finish foods together, but Emeril’s touchscreen feels fancier, with slicker controls than West Bend’s straightforward LCD. Power’s close—Emeril’s at 1700 watts too—but its baskets cook more evenly out of the box; I didn’t tweak as much as I did with West Bend’s presets.
Downside?
Emeril’s bulkier, hogging counter space, and it’s pricier. West Bend’s easy-view window trumps Emeril’s solid drawers—I like watching my food, not guessing. For small kitchens or budgets, West Bend wins; Emeril’s your pick for feeding a squad.
- West Bend Air Fryer Vs. Bella Air Fryers
Finally, Bella Air Fryers—I’ve tested their 6-quart single-basket model, a budget-friendly staple. West Bend’s dual setup gives me flexibility Bella can’t touch; I’m not running two cycles for nuggets and veggies with Bella. Bella’s 1500 watts lag behind West Bend’s 1700, so it takes longer to crisp—my fries were soggy unless I cranked the time.
West Bend’s 13 presets are a godsend compared to Bella’s basic dial controls—less guesswork, more results. Bella’s nonstick is decent, but West Bend’s Diamond Shield coating cleans up faster and feels tougher; Bella’s scratched after a few rough scrubs.
Size-wise, Bella’s smaller footprint is clutch if your counter’s cramped, and it’s dirt cheap. But West Bend’s power, capacity, and features make it the heavyweight champ here. You’re trading simplicity for versatility—Bella’s fine for basics, but West Bend’s my go-to for real cooking.
So, where does this leave us?
The West Bend Air Fryer isn’t the flashiest or the biggest, but it’s a practical powerhouse. Beelicious brings speed and space, Emeril ups the ante for groups, and Bella keeps it cheap and cheerful.
Me?
I’m sticking with West Bend for its balance of cost, dual-basket magic, and everyday ease. Your call depends on what you’re cooking—and how many mouths you’re feeding!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Some folks ditch air fryers because they don’t use them enough to justify the counter space—I get it, they’re not tiny. Others find them overhyped; if you’re expecting deep-fryer taste without oil, you might be let down. For me, the West Bend’s versatility keeps it in play, but if you’re not into experimenting, it could gather dust.
West Bend typically offers a one-year limited warranty on their air fryers, covering defects in materials or workmanship. I’d double-check the manual or their site when you buy, though—peace of mind’s worth it. Mine’s been flawless so far, but it’s nice knowing there’s a safety net.
They’re not perfect. Air fryers like the West Bend can overcook if you’re not careful—speed’s a double-edged sword. Capacity’s limited for big meals, and some say the texture’s not quite fried-food heaven. I’ve found it’s more about adjusting expectations—they’re awesome, but not magic.
Tough call! Ninja’s top-tier for power and size, Instant’s a crowd-pleaser for consistency, and Cosori’s great for solo cooks. I’m Team West Bend for its bang-for-buck value and dual-basket trick. It depends on your needs—big family? Go Ninja. Budget-friendly and flexible? West Bend’s your guy.
Wrapping Up
Look, if you’re still waffling on an air fryer, the West Bend is your sign to jump in. I’ve been won over by its crispy results, easy cleanup, and dual-basket magic—all at a price that doesn’t sting. It’s not flawless, but it’s a kitchen MVP that’ll make you wonder how you ever lived without it.
Grab one, play with those presets, and thank me later when you’re chowing down on guilt-free wings. You won’t regret it.