It’s a Kmart appliance that has to match a cult following and a bargain price, with one Facebook group dedicated to the gadget that boasts over 320,000 members.
But consumer body Choice handed down the thumbs to the Anko $69 air fryer from Kmart, saying it’s “large and heavy” and “not easy to use.”
This week’s Choice reviewed a range of the most popular Kmart items including its pie maker, coffee machine and heater.
Although some Anko products got rave reviews their air fryer wasn’t up to the hype.
Choice claimed it was not user-friendly, but Kmart ‘s version was much cheaper than those on the market and offered a healthier alternative to deep-frying.
“Not only did it receive a low score in our testing, but the Kmart Anko air fryer is also fairly large and heavy, and not very easy to use,” Choice kitchen expert Fiona Mair said.
“This is a fun little appliance,” Ms Mair said. “It’s easy to use and gives good results, cooking four pies fairly evenly to lightly golden in eight minutes. It takes five minutes to preheat, which is quicker than an oven, and, once the pies are cooked, you can simply pop them out with a spatula.”
Other ‘good-buy’ Kmart products including its $69 food processor, $59 digital blender, $55 fleecy electric blanket, $49 carry-on suitcase and $129 play pen all got thumbs up for performance as well as more expensive brands and a great value for money.