KitchenAid Air Fry Countertop Oven KCO124BM Review Reveals Powerful Features and Performance

Description

Strengths of the KitchenAid Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven

Testing the KitchenAid Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven, KCO124BM, Black Matte 17″ Wide Black Matte, I quickly noticed several advantages that set this appliance apart. The No-Flip Air Fry Basket combined with the 360° Air Fry System delivers consistent results without the hassle of manually turning food. This means crispy french fries and evenly cooked fish come out as intended, every time. The oven’s large capacity blew me away — fitting a 9×13-inch baking pan with ease, which means I could bake a sheet cake or roast up to two full-size chickens (3.4 lbs each) without crowding.

The even-heat convection technology impressed me, with its top and bottom heating elements paired with a powerful convection fan that maintains steady temperatures. I appreciate the oven’s fast preheat feature, reaching readiness in under 4 minutes — perfect for those moments when I want to whip up a quick snack without waiting around.

• No-Flip Air Fry Basket ensures perfect air frying without intervention
• Large capacity accommodates a variety of dishes, from sheet cakes to whole chickens
• Even-Heat Convection Technology provides consistent cooking temperatures
• Fast preheat speeds up the cooking process significantly

Drawbacks to Consider

Of course, no product is flawless. The downsides I encountered mostly relate to the control interface and portability. The knob control system feels a bit outdated for a digital oven in this price range, and sometimes I found it less intuitive than touchscreens on other models. The dropdown door, while sturdy, requires some counter space clearance when open, which can be tricky in smaller kitchens.

Additionally, although the oven is labeled as portable, its weight at nearly 16 pounds makes moving it around a bit cumbersome, especially if you frequently rearrange your countertop appliances. Cleaning is mostly straightforward with the removable crumb tray and drip pan, but the air fry basket’s design occasionally traps small food particles, requiring extra attention.

• Knob controls could be more user-friendly compared to digital touch panels
• Bulkiness and weight limit ease of portability
• Air fry basket can trap food bits, demanding thorough cleaning

Versatility and Cooking Options

One of the most appealing features is the nine essential cooking settings that cover everything from proofing and dehydration to toasting and air frying. This versatility means I can bake bread, dry herbs, toast bagels, or air fry chicken wings all with one appliance. The included accessories — air fry basket, 9×13-inch baking pan with grill rack, removable metal drip and crumb tray, and metal rack — cover nearly every cooking scenario.

I particularly enjoyed using the broiler option; it gave me a nice crisp finish on casseroles and melts that other countertop ovens sometimes miss. The variety of settings means that even if you’re new to air frying or convection baking, the oven guides you well with preset programs.

Design and Build Quality

The black matte finish adds a sleek, modern touch to my kitchen, and the painted surface feels durable. The glass dropdown door offers clear visibility to monitor cooking without opening the oven, which helps retain heat. Although the overall dimensions (16″D x 17″W x 11.3″H) make it larger than some compact ovens, it still fits comfortably on most countertops.

I also appreciate the removable crumb tray, which makes cleanup easier and protects the oven’s interior. The sturdy metal racks and accessories feel well-made, giving confidence that this oven will last beyond just casual use.

Price Worthiness of the KitchenAid Oven

Talking about value proposition, this oven sits at a competitive price point compared to other countertop air fryers with similar capacity and features. Given its large cooking space, multiple cooking modes, and durable build, I find it to be a smart spending choice for anyone wanting a versatile appliance that replaces multiple kitchen gadgets.

Some might argue the price is on the higher end, but the convenience of fitting a full 9×13 baking pan or multiple chickens, plus the no-flip air frying technology, makes it worth every penny. For those on a budget, it might be tempting to go for smaller or less-featured models, but this oven’s quality and performance justify the investment.

Other Options in the Market

Comparing this oven to popular competitors like the Breville Smart Oven Air or the Cosori Air Fryer Toaster Oven reveals a few interesting points. The KitchenAid model excels with its larger capacity and unique No-Flip Air Fry Basket, which many rivals don’t offer. Breville’s oven might have a more sophisticated control panel with digital touchscreens, but it lacks the same ease of not flipping food during air frying.

Cosori’s product is often praised for its fast cooking times, but it doesn’t fit a full 9×13 pan, limiting meal options. In contrast, the tested oven balances size and functionality, making it better suited for users who want to cook full meals or bake larger dishes without using a traditional oven.

Where this oven falls slightly short compared to others is the weight and bulk—some competitors are lighter and more compact, which could matter in smaller kitchens. Still, the broiler option and wide range of presets give it an edge in cooking flexibility.

User Experience and Practical Insights

My family’s reaction to this appliance was positive. My kids loved how quick and crispy the air-fried snacks came out without needing me to flip anything halfway through. My partner appreciated the proofing function for baking bread, something that was tricky with older appliances we owned.

Using the oven daily revealed that the fast preheat and even-heat convection saved time and improved cooking consistency, which made weekday dinners less stressful. The only annoyance was adjusting to the knob controls, which felt a bit clunky at times, especially when setting precise temperatures or cooking times. Still, the tactile feedback was satisfying compared to touchscreens.

Cleaning was manageable, though I had to be mindful of the air fry basket’s nooks catching crumbs. The removable trays and racks made this easier, and overall, maintenance didn’t feel like a chore.

Positive Features Summarized

• No-flip air frying technology for hassle-free cooking
• Large oven capacity fits multiple dishes, including 2 full chickens
• Versatile cooking presets including proofing, dehydration, broiling, and toasting
• Even-Heat Convection Technology ensures consistent and thorough cooking
• Fast preheat time under 4 minutes saves waiting time

Limitations to Keep in Mind

• Knob controls might feel outdated and less precise than digital panels
• Heavier and less portable compared to some compact countertop ovens
• Air fry basket requires extra cleaning attention to avoid trapped crumbs
• Dropdown door needs extra clearance when open, which could be tricky on small counters

Overall, the KitchenAid Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven delivers on its promise of healthy, fresh cooking with plenty of capacity and smart features, though some design tweaks could enhance the user experience further.

Additional information