KitchenAid KCO124BM Air Fryer Oven Review Amazing Capacity and Even-Heat Convection Technology

Description

Highlights of the KitchenAid Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven

Testing the KitchenAid Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven, KCO124BM, I quickly noticed its versatility shines through with the No-Flip Air Fry Basket and 360° Air Fry System. This feature lets me cook everything from crispy fresh-cut fries to delicate fish without constantly turning the food. It’s a real game changer for anyone tired of babysitting their air fryer baskets. The even-heat convection technology with top and bottom heating elements combined with a convection fan means the oven heats evenly and maintains the temperature reliably — no more burnt edges or undercooked middles.

The large capacity is another strong point. It fits a 9×13-inch baking pan, which means I can bake a sheet cake or cook a full one-pan dinner easily. I even roasted two full-size chickens (each about 3.4 lbs) at once, and the results were impressive. This is a countertop oven that truly mimics the functionality of a full-sized oven, but in a more space-conscious design.

Good Aspects of the Air Fryer Oven

• No flipping required thanks to the Air Fry Basket and 360° Air Fry System.
• Nine cooking settings including proofing, dehydration, toasting, and air frying.
• Fast preheat time, ready to bake in under four minutes.
• Large enough to cook a 12” pizza or multiple dishes at once.
• Comes with useful accessories like a removable crumb tray, baking pan, and metal rack.

I appreciated how the knob controls are intuitive, allowing me to switch between modes without fussing over complicated digital menus. The dropdown glass door lets me keep an eye on my food without opening the oven constantly, which helps maintain consistent heat.

Drawbacks I Noticed

• The oven is quite deep (16 inches), which means it takes up a fair amount of counter space. For smaller kitchens, this might be cumbersome.
• While the black matte finish looks sleek, fingerprints and smudges show up easily, requiring frequent wiping to keep it looking pristine.
• The weight (15.9 pounds) makes it less portable than I expected; moving it around isn’t as effortless as some smaller countertop models.
• Some users may find the knob-only control system less precise compared to fully digital interfaces, especially when fine-tuning cooking times or temperatures.

Cooking Versatility and User Experience

This countertop oven doesn’t just air fry; it covers a remarkable range of functions. I tried the proofing setting for bread dough, which worked surprisingly well, giving the dough a cozy environment to rise. Dehydrating fruits and vegetables was simple, and the toasting feature browned bread evenly without burning.

The broiler option is a nice bonus, providing a quick way to finish dishes with a crispy top. The removable crumb and drip trays make cleaning less of a chore, which is a huge plus after cooking greasy or sticky foods.

My family loved how the oven handled different textures — from crispy fries to tender fish, the results were consistent. It’s perfect for those who want healthier versions of fried favorites without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Competitors and How This Oven Stacks Up

Compared to other popular air fryer ovens like the Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven or the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer, this KitchenAid model holds its own in terms of capacity and cooking options. The Ninja often impresses with its compact design but lacks the large baking pan compatibility that this model offers. Breville’s oven is feature-rich but comes at a steeper price and a slightly more complex interface.

The KitchenAid excels with its even-heat convection design and the no-flip air fry basket, which competitors don’t always provide. However, in terms of portability and sleek digital controls, it falls a bit short compared to those rivals. For anyone prioritizing large cooking capacity and ease of use, this oven is a solid contender.

Price to Quality Ratio

Considering the range of functions, large capacity, and durability, this countertop oven offers solid value for money. It’s not the cheapest air fryer oven out there, but the quality of materials and cooking performance justify the investment. If you’re looking for an appliance that replaces multiple kitchen gadgets — air fryer, toaster, broiler, and convection oven — this one delivers on that promise.

It’s a smart buy for anyone who wants a multi-functional countertop oven that doesn’t compromise on size or cooking quality. If budget is tight, some simpler air fryers might seem attractive, but they won’t match the versatility or capacity.

Design and Build Quality Insights

The black matte exterior gives the oven a modern and understated look that fits into most kitchen decors. The glass dropdown door feels sturdy and allows easy access, though it’s a bit heavier than typical toaster oven doors. The included accessories — air fry basket, baking pan, metal rack, and crumb tray — are all well-made and designed to fit perfectly inside without wasting space.

Despite its weight, the overall build feels solid, which reassures me it will last. The knob controls may appear traditional, but their simplicity means fewer electronics to fail over time, which is a trade-off I don’t mind.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

• The size demands ample countertop space, so it’s not ideal for very small kitchens.
• Some users may find the control knobs less precise than touchscreens.
• Cleaning the air fry basket requires some care to avoid scratching the non-stick surface.
• The lack of smart connectivity means no remote control or app integration.

Summary of Strengths

• Versatile cooking with 9 essential modes including air fry, bake, broil, toast, proof, and dehydrate.
• Large enough to fit a 9×13-inch pan and cook multiple items simultaneously.
• No-flip air fry basket ensures even cooking without constant monitoring.
• Fast preheat and consistent temperature control thanks to even-heat convection technology.
• Durable build with practical accessories included.

Summary of Weaknesses

• Large footprint may not suit all kitchens.
• Control knobs can feel outdated compared to digital alternatives.
• Fingerprints and smudges show easily on the finish.
• Somewhat heavy and not very portable.

Overall, the KitchenAid Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven provides a robust, multi-functional cooking experience with a few trade-offs in size and design quirks. Though not perfect, it’s a reliable kitchen companion for those who want healthy air frying combined with versatile baking and roasting capabilities.

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