Air fryers: the downsides, first

Wirecutter says Cosori disclosed a PTFE nonstick coating on the unit it tested and does not sell replacement baskets or trays. Current Amazon and Cosori listings advertise a PFAS-free ceramic coating, so check which version you are buying.

Tom's Guide lists the need to preheat and the lack of a shake reminder as its only cons.

Shop TODAY's testers found the tray slow to cool and small items slipping through it. Serious Eats called it fine but said its Instant pick was cheaper and crisped better.

Wirecutter rated it one of the loudest models it tested, with a constant deep whoosh; Tom's Guide measured 72 dB. Amazon's review summary calls noise feedback mixed, and Walmart 2-star reviewers compare it to a car engine.

Wirecutter found that at a 400°F setting the inside reached 430°F before it settled down. Delicate foods like brussels sprouts can char unless you lower the time and temperature.

Tom's Guide lists the limited capacity and the lack of a preheat or turn-food reminder as its downsides. Some Walmart owners say they have to shake it constantly.

Wirecutter calls it very expensive and says a cheaper Cuisinart gets similar results more slowly. Value for money is mixed on Amazon, with some owners saying it isn't worth the high price.

Durability is a negative aspect in Amazon's review summary (413 mentions), citing glass doors shattering and heating elements breaking.

Wirecutter, Serious Eats and Tom's Guide all found it toasts less evenly than the best options. Tom's Guide notes the exterior gets hot, and Wirecutter calls the super-convection fan loud.

Odor is the most-mentioned negative in Amazon's review summary, with owners saying food can smell and taste like plastic. Several 1-star Walmart reviews say the smell lingered even after repeated burn-in runs.

Amazon's summary says multiple customers report it breaking after a year of use. Walmart reviewers describe dead units just past the 1-year warranty, broken basket handles, and no replacement parts.

Shop TODAY notes you must preheat and that some food drops through the tray. Serious Eats found the angled handle awkward to hold.

Many low-star Walmart reviews say the pan is so shallow that chicken legs, thick steaks, big potatoes or even a bell pepper won't fit. Wirecutter also found the huge basket hard to hold with one hand.

Wirecutter found it slow to reach max temperature, with middling results that didn't beat much cheaper models. Value for money is a mixed aspect on Amazon.

Some Walmart owners report uneven or undercooked food, app connection trouble, and self-clean needing Wi-Fi. A few also mention a warped basket base or a loosening handle.

Tom's Guide lists uneven cooking in the larger container as a con. Several low-star Walmart reviews say chicken and potatoes stayed underdone and food needs constant turning because heat comes only from the top.

Tom's Guide says you can get an equally good air fryer for half the price if you don't mind nonstick baskets. Value for money is a mixed aspect in Amazon's review summary.

Serious Eats found the glass bowls fiddly to fit onto the base. Walmart reviewers say the bowls don't seat easily and the unit can slide on the counter when you pull a bowl out.

Wirecutter found neither basket ran hot enough to crisp well. Serious Eats got raw fries from a full pound and says the baskets are only about 6.65 inches wide. Food Network notes each basket holds just 4 qt.

Tom's Guide lists that it is large and heavy and can't fit a whole chicken. Walmart reviewers say the baskets fit only one chicken breast or piece of meat at a time.

A few Walmart 1-star reviews describe one compartment losing airflow within weeks or months and the crisper grates chipping. Serious Eats also had a basket slide out when slightly tilted.

Amazon's review summary says multiple customers report the nonstick coating peeling off. Walmart 2-star reviews describe the tray or basket peeling within weeks.

Wirecutter found the Tasti-Crisp poor at holding a set temperature and among the most uneven it tested. Serious Eats says it cooked fries somewhat unevenly.

Durability is the one negative aspect on Amazon. Walmart reviewers describe units that stopped heating or quit mid-cook after months of use.