KitchenAid Digital Countertop Oven with Air Fry review reveals versatile pizza baking excellence

Description

Design and Build Quality

Testing the KitchenAid Digital Countertop Oven with Air Fry & Pizza Stone, KCO128BM immediately impressed me with its solid construction and sleek black matte finish. The oven feels sturdy without being too bulky, measuring 16″ deep, 17″ wide, and 11.3″ high. This size fits comfortably on my kitchen counter without hogging too much space, which is crucial for smaller kitchens. The dropdown door is smooth and easy to operate, giving me full visibility of my food while cooking. The knob control system offers a tactile and responsive feel, which I prefer over touchscreens that can sometimes be finicky. Overall, the design strikes a balance between modern aesthetics and practical usability.

Versatility and Cooking Settings

One of the standout features is the 10 essential cooking settings that cover everything from baking pizzas to air frying snacks. I particularly enjoyed the No-Flip Air Fry Basket paired with the 360° Air Fry System, which ensures crispy results without the hassle of turning food mid-cook. This is a game-changer for busy days when I want something fast and crunchy, such as fresh cut fries or delicate fish, without constant attention. The pizza cycle combined with the 12” pizza baking stone delivers an impressively crispy crust that rivals many dedicated pizza ovens I’ve used before. The Even-Heat Convection Technology — utilizing both top and bottom heating elements along with a convection fan — maintains consistent temperatures inside, which means no more burnt edges or undercooked centers.

Cooking Performance and User Experience

Cooking with this countertop oven felt intuitive thanks to the fast preheat feature, reaching cooking temperature in under 4 minutes. This is a definite plus for anyone impatient like me. The included accessories such as the removable metal drip and crumb tray, a 9×13-inch baking pan, and a removable metal rack add practical flexibility. I’ve tried baking casseroles, air frying chicken wings, and roasting vegetables, all with satisfying results. The timer function is reliable and audible enough to catch my attention even when multitasking. One minor gripe is that the knob controls require a bit of fine-tuning to get the exact temperature and time, but once dialed in, it’s smooth sailing.

Positive Features

• No-Flip Air Fry Basket delivers crispiness effortlessly, saving time and attention.
• The 12” pizza stone consistently produces pizzeria-quality homemade pizzas.
• Even-Heat Convection Technology ensures food cooks evenly from all sides.
• Fast preheat minimizes waiting time, speeding up meal prep.
• Versatile cooking options cover baking, broiling, air frying, and more, making it a multitasking powerhouse.

Limitations

• The knob control system, while tactile, lacks the precision of digital controls for exact temperature settings.
• Although the oven is spacious, it’s not large enough to accommodate very bulky dishes or multiple trays simultaneously.
• The dropdown door, though smooth, requires careful handling to avoid accidental spills when removing hot pans.
• Some users might find the included accessories limited if they want to experiment with more advanced cooking techniques.
• The weight of nearly 16 pounds makes it less portable compared to lighter countertop ovens.

Alternative Offerings

Comparing this digital countertop oven to similar products like the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer and Cuisinart TOA-60 reveals some interesting trade-offs. The Breville model excels with more advanced presets and a slightly larger interior but at a higher price point. The Cuisinart offers a comparable air frying function and slightly easier-to-clean parts but doesn’t include a pizza stone, which is a huge plus for the KitchenAid. This oven shines in its combination of air frying and pizza baking capabilities with a solid build quality that feels more durable than some competitors. However, it doesn’t match the ultra-precise temperature control found on some premium models, which might be a consideration for serious culinary enthusiasts.

Value Assessment

Considering the features packed into this appliance, it offers a strong price to quality ratio for those who want a multi-functional countertop oven without breaking the bank. The inclusion of a pizza stone and no-flip air fry basket adds value that many similar devices lack, giving it an edge for home cooks who enjoy variety and convenience. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, the combination of fast preheat, multiple cooking modes, and solid construction makes it worth the investment for everyday kitchen use. I’ve found it to be a reliable companion for quick meals and experimental recipes alike, which justifies the expense in my opinion.

Practical Features and Ease of Cleaning

The removable crumb tray and drip pan make cleanup straightforward, which matters a lot when you’re using the air fry function regularly. I appreciate that these parts slide out easily without wrestling with the oven’s interior. The oven racks and air fry basket also detach quickly for washing, and none of the pieces feel flimsy. The painted exterior holds up well against fingerprints and stains, maintaining a clean look with minimal effort. The timer and broiler options expand the oven’s utility beyond simple baking or frying, making it suitable for a wide range of cooking tasks.

Cooking with family has been more fun thanks to the oven’s versatility. My kids enjoy the crispy fries and homemade pizzas, and I like that I can throw together a healthy air-fried meal without much oil. The oven’s user-friendly interface means my partner can jump in and cook without a steep learning curve, which is a bonus in a busy household.

This KitchenAid model has proven itself as a solid countertop oven with a clever mix of features designed to make everyday cooking easier and more enjoyable. The air fry technology, combined with traditional baking and broiling options, creates a versatile tool that adapts well to different culinary adventures. Although it has minor limitations, the overall performance and thoughtful design make it a standout in its category.

Additional information