Blackstone E-Series Electric Pizza Oven and Air Fryer Combo Review and Cooking Versatility

Description

User-Friendly Touchscreen and Sleek Design

Handling the Blackstone 8013 E-Series Electric Pizza Oven and Air Fryer Combo felt surprisingly intuitive thanks to its front panel touchscreen. This digital control lets me set the temperature and timer without fumbling around with dials or buttons, which often feels clunky on other appliances. The sleek black exterior and glass drop-down door not only add a modern touch but also allow me to peek inside without interrupting the cooking process. The compact dimensions—roughly 20.67″ deep, 19.09″ wide, and 13.7″ high—mean it fits nicely on my kitchen counter without hogging space, which is fantastic for small kitchens or apartments.

Automatic Rotating Pizza Plate for Even Cooking

One feature that really caught my attention is the 14-inch rotating steel pizza plate. The automatic rotation ensures the pizza cooks evenly without me having to stop and turn it manually—a godsend for anyone who hates unevenly cooked crusts or burnt edges. I tested this with multiple pizza styles, from thin crust to deep dish, and the heat distribution was consistent every time. Plus, the rotation combined with electric heating means I don’t have to worry about hotspots or cold spots ruining my pizza. The rotating feature, honestly, makes this stand out from many countertop ovens I’ve used before.

Versatile Air Fryer Functionality

This unit isn’t just a pizza oven; it doubles as an air fryer, which expands its usability dramatically. The included baking tray acts as an air fryer basket, and with the trivet underneath, air circulates efficiently to crisp up fries, chicken nuggets, and even veggies. My kids loved the crispy fries, and I appreciated how it handled reheating leftovers with a fresh, non-soggy finish. It’s a clever design that saves counter space—you don’t need separate devices for pizza and frying. The electric power source means it’s safe for indoor use, unlike traditional outdoor-only pizza ovens.

Easy to Clean with Removable Crumb Tray

Cleaning up after a pizza party can be a drag, but this oven makes it a breeze thanks to the removable crumb tray located under the pizza plate. After cooking, I just slide it out, toss the crumbs, and pop it back in. This design prevents buildup and keeps the oven interior cleaner for longer periods. The glass door also wipes down easily, and the baking tray is dishwasher safe, which is a huge plus for busy folks who don’t want to spend extra time scrubbing. The ease of maintenance is a subtle but important feature that enhances the overall user experience.

Portability for Indoor and Outdoor Use

An unexpected bonus is how portable this combo feels despite weighing about 27.1 pounds. The 5-foot power cord provides flexibility, allowing me to use the oven indoors or plug it into an outdoor socket for backyard pizza parties. I took it outside once, and it handled the shift from kitchen counter to patio effortlessly. This portability broadens its appeal, especially for anyone who likes to entertain or prefers cooking in different environments. It’s not just a fixed appliance; it’s adaptable to various settings, which adds value for casual cooks and enthusiasts alike.

Downsides Worth Noting

Despite its many strengths, the oven isn’t without quirks. The heating can be a bit uneven near the edges, especially with very thick crust pizzas, which means sometimes the outer rim cooks faster than the center. The touchscreen, while user-friendly, occasionally lags or doesn’t respond immediately, which can be frustrating if you’re in a hurry. Another minor gripe is the noise from the rotating plate motor, which is noticeable but not overly loud. For some, the size may feel a bit bulky if counter space is at a premium, especially compared to smaller, single-function air fryers or pizza ovens.

Value for Money and Cost-Effectiveness

Considering the dual functionality as both a pizza oven and air fryer, this combo makes a compelling case for value proposition. Instead of investing in separate appliances, you get a versatile unit that can handle multiple cooking tasks with decent performance. While there are cheaper single-function pizza ovens or air fryers on the market, the convenience of having both together, plus features like automatic rotation and touchscreen controls, justifies the investment for me. If you’re someone who enjoys homemade pizzas but also wants to air fry without cluttering your kitchen, this product offers a decent price to quality ratio.

Competitive Options and Market Rivals

Comparing this pizza oven and air fryer combo to some competing products like the Cuisinart CPO-600 Alfrescamore Pizza Oven or the Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven, a few things stand out. The Blackstone’s rotating pizza plate is unique and offers better evenness than the static trays in many competitors. However, the Ninja Foodi excels in multi-functionality with additional features like dehydrating and roasting, which this unit lacks. The Cuisinart model has a slightly smaller footprint and faster preheat times but misses out on the air fryer combo feature. Overall, the Blackstone strikes a good balance between pizza quality and air frying ability but might lag behind brands offering more cooking modes or faster heating cycles.

Highlights of the Blackstone Electric Pizza Oven and Air Fryer Combo

• Automatic 14-inch rotating pizza plate ensures even cooking
• Dual-use as pizza oven and air fryer with included baking tray and trivet
• Touchscreen controls provide easy temperature and timer setting
• Removable crumb tray simplifies cleanup
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor use with a 5-foot power cord

Areas of Concern to Keep in Mind

• Slight uneven heating near pizza edges with thick crusts
• Touchscreen occasionally lags or is unresponsive
• Noticeable motor noise from the rotating plate
• Larger footprint may not suit very small kitchens

Testing this combo in my everyday cooking routine revealed a device that’s fun to use and multifunctional but not without its imperfections. The rotating pizza plate changed how I think about countertop pizza ovens, and the air fryer function adds practical versatility. If you’re hunting for a kitchen gadget that can do more than one job well and don’t mind a few quirks, this may be worth considering.