Tefal Acti-fry

[astarra]

Has anyone got one and are they any good?
My mum has one and is forever singing it's praises...

[DizzyGirl]

Sorry Astarra no I don't. I do remember someone on the shopping thread got one though.

[dede]

I did look into it at one stage but was turned off by the price. And I read a review somewhere that said cooking in them is not much different than cooking in the oven. So I decided to just do my stuff in the oven instead.
With chips I just cut up my own potatoes and toss them in a little olive oil and bake in the oven. These are really yummy and not as bad as deep fried chips

[stacelee]

I have the Actifry and the Phillips Airfryer.  I'm not as happy with the Actifry as the Airfryer but it isn't bad...just not great for food that can get mushed.  The Airfryer is great when all you want to do is a couple of Chiko rolls (my husband, not me) or a few chips, potato gems etc.  It also makes really good chipolata sauces.  It doesn't take very long to heat up and is quick to clean.  The actifryer is good for stir fry type food and also goes in the dishwasher...there are just more parts that have to go in.

[Jude59]

I have the actify and have used it about 5 times in three years.  I should use it more.  It does cook whole mushrooms very nicely.  It cooks chips too just not a lot of them.  I really haven't tried much else but this thread may spur me on to give it another go.

[JulieO]

I have one but only use it for chips. I like how you only use 3 tsp of oil. 

[knittercook]

I have one but only use it for chips. I like how you only use 3 tsp of oil. 

But are the chips as nice as deep fried ones?

[obbie]

should we buy one..

[Halex]

Not even going down here.

I have a deep fat fryer used once, too scared, but it is my goal to have another go.

 

[Katiej]

I'm scared of deep fryers too Halex.

I have the actifry and have probably only used it half a dozen times and only for chips. I've not tried anything else in it, which is a bit slack really.

Personally I don't think it was a good purchase. If it broke I wouldn't buy another one.  It does make nice chips though!

[JulieO]

I have one but only use it for chips. I like how you only use 3 tsp of oil. 

But are the chips as nice as deep fried ones?

I love chips and this is a good alternative.  I thought I would use it more than I do because of the less oil content, but I think my cooking has changed in that I don't think to have chips with what it is I'm cooking as much these days if that makes sense.

I was able to get mine for $199 as it had been used as a demo a couple of times in the shop.  I couldn't even tell it had been used so I was happy to pay that.  I doubt I'd pay the normal price of $350 though especially seeing it gets used so infrequently.

The chips are not quite as good as deep fried ones IMO, but still good enough for me to eat which I wouldn't if they weren't nice  IYKWIM. 

[Wonder]

i love my deep fryer and if you have one of the electric ones there is really nothing to be scared of as it's impossible to boil over or catch fire as long as you used it as per the directions. I don't think you can beat deep frying for some things. I love chips and happy to use it for the occasional treat.

[JulieO]

I agree there.  Schnitzels come to mind.  So quick to deep fry and they get an even cooking.  Also I find less greasy than when I've shallow fried them.

[astarra]

Thank you all - I couldn't see how they would be as good as a deep fryer for chips etc, we were given a deep fryer for a wedding pres which is still going strong, we don't have alot of fried food (except when DH is cooking, tho the last few times he has used TM  ) but I like deep fried chips better than oven baked. Think I will save my money and not go there! Thanx so much again! 

[knittercook]

Yes same here, love my deep fried chips