Whether it is a 12-inch pizza or a 14-pound turkey, the best 26 quart air fryer changes the way you cook. It is a great option for a large family or multi-person household because of its generous space. The high capacity means that you can cook more in less time.
An air fryer of this size, however, is not for everyone. It consumes a lot of space on the countertop, so it is not for small kitchens. Many will also have a high wattage, so it is not for people who want energy efficiency. Not to mention, cleaning something this big can be quite tedious compared to its smaller alternatives.
However, if large capacity and incredible power are your priorities, then 26 quart air fryers can be the perfect option.
If you are looking for a top-notch 26 quart air fryer, I am here to extend a hand. Read this guide as I give you a rundown of four of the best models, including the things that make them exceptional.
In a hurry? Here is a quick summary of the products I will talk about in this guide.
The best 26 quart air fryer: COSORI CS100-AO 12-in-1 Air Fryer: A top-rated Amazon favorite, this 1,800-watt air fryer has a convenient mobile app control while also operating through voice commands.
Kalorik MAXX Digital Air Fryer: This 26 quart air fryer comes with 21 presets and every purchase includes nine do-it-all accessories.
Nuwave Bravo XL Air Fryer: Offering 112 presets and a digital temperature probe, this air fryer makes it easy to achieve consistent results.
Chefman 26 quart Air Fryer: People on a budget might want to consider this large-capacity air fryer with manual controls.
Comparing the best 3 quart air fryers
The Best 26 quart air fryer: COSORI CS100-AO 12-in-1 Air Fryer
What I Like:
- Comes with a convenient and functional mobile app
- Can be controlled through voice
- Reminds users when it is time to shake the pan
Limitations:
- Cannot use the app to turn the unit on
- The glass panel can get easily foggy
With more than 4,500 reviews on Amazon, the COSORI CS100-AO is the bestseller for commercial ovens. Nonetheless, while the latter is how it is categorized on Amazon, it also works as an air fryer, which is why it is included on this list.
Looking at its features, one that stands out is the included mobile app. Through the VeSync App, you can use your smartphone to control some of the basic features. It even has voice control for a more convenient operation. The air fryer works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Not to mention, the app will allow you to access 45 recipes.
It has 12 cooking functions. Aside from Air Fry, it also has dedicated Bake, Toast, Roast, Broil, Preheat, Dehydrate, Keep Warm, Ferment, Defrost, Slow Cook, and Pizza. It can be a great investment for someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen.
One of the unique features highlighted in the reviews about this air fryer is the Shake button. You will also find it in other Cosori air fryers. This will remind you to shake the pan when air frying is halfway through. It can ensure more consistent cooking.
It might not be a big thing for some users, but for convenience, there is a unit-switching feature, which will automatically convert the temperature reading from Fahrenheit to Celsius.
While I love how powerful and convenient the mobile app is, take note that you cannot use it for turning on the air fryer. It is for safety purposes. More so, some users noted that the glass panel could become foggy easily, which might make it difficult to monitor the cooking process.
26 quart air fryer with the most accessories: Kalorik MAXX Digital Air Fryer
What I Like:
- Sleek French door system
- Includes nine do-it-all accessories
- Comes with a three-minute cool-down
Limitations:
- Wobbly knob
- Labels easily smudge
For a versatile and user-friendly air fryer, the Kalorik MAXX is an option worth considering. It has more than 9,500 reviews on Amazon, many of which are sharing positive experiences about this product.
One of the key differences from the others on this list is the French door system. It has two doors that open to the left and right instead of a single door that opens from top to bottom. It does not only look sleek and elegant, but it also prevents dripping on the door to simplify clean-up.
With 21 smart presets, the air fryer automatically sets the right temperature. You can choose from options like French fries, onion rings, chicken wings, and steak. However, this will seem dismal when you compare it to the tons of cooking presets available at the Nuwave Bravo XL Air Fryer.
The other air fryers in this review also include various accessories. However, the Kalorikk MAXX seems to have a better selection of nine add-ons. For instance, it comes with a unique bacon tray, which is not available in other models on this list.
Like other Kalorik air fryers, it has user-friendly features. An example of the latter is the three-minute cool-down timer. It has side cooling fans that will work to minimize heat after air frying, which can contribute to a safer experience.
Going through the reviews of some of its users, one complaint I found is that the menu knob can be wobbly. To add, some people noted that the labels on the surface could smudge easily, so they might be wiped off. You might find yourself guessing what the buttons are for once the labels are off.
Nuwave Bravo XL Air Fryer
What I Like:
- Has a patented technology to ensure temperature accuracy
- Comes with a digital temperature probe
- Provides 12 presets
What I Did Not Like:
- Instructions are not clear sometimes
With a power rating of 1,800 watts, this is one of the most powerful air fryers in this review. It has the same wattage as the COSORI CS100-AO. Meanwhile, the appliance also comes with a wide temperature range of 50 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Technically, this is not a 26 quart air fryer. It has a capacity of 30 quarts, making it the largest of the four air fryers in this review.
The integrated digital temperature probe is one of its unique features. It automatically stops cooking food after reaching the desired temperature, eliminating the need for constant monitoring. It also comes with a carry-over cooking mode, which will prevent over-cooking or under-cooking.
Looking at its features, one of the most notable is Linear Thermal Technology, which has been exclusively developed by the manufacturer. The latter ensures accurate temperatures ranging from 50 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is adjustable in increments of 5 degrees. It makes constant and automatic adjustments to compensate for temperature fluctuations.
Of the four products in this review, this model has the most cooking presets. Users can choose from 12 presets to ensure the right configurations. Plus, you can save and recall up to 50 recipes. It also offers an option to adjust the cooking rack in four positions.
There were some reviewers who were unhappy with the manual that came with the air fryer. Some were saying the instructions were horrible, making its operation quite tricky for a newbie.
Best value: Chefman 26 quart Air Fryer
What I Like:
- Great for buyers on a budget
- Short learning curve
- More energy-efficient than the other three on this list
Limitations:
- No digital display
Wrapping up the list is the Chefman Air Fryer, which can be a great option for people on a budget. It is the cheapest of the four products in this review. Despite being economical, this multifunctional appliance delivers various cooking settings, including air fry, broil, warm, toast, and bake.
Even if it is the most affordable on this list, it comes with standard accessories, including a baking rack, air frying basket, broiling pan, and removable crumb tray.
At only 1,500 watts, it is not as powerful as the others mentioned above. Nonetheless, this can also be a good thing as it means that it is energy-efficient. Although, it may not be as efficient as the low-wattage air fryers.
The air fryer has four large knobs in the upper front. The first is for setting the timer up to 60 minutes. Meanwhile, the second is for adjusting the temperature.
You can choose from 200 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit in increments of 50 degrees. Next is the knob that will let you choose the specific cooking function. Lastly, the fourth one is a toast timer.
Is it your first time using an air fryer oven? As many users shared, this can be an excellent choice because of its intuitive operations. The knobs are straightforward, unlike others with complicated settings that can be tricky to input.
Nonetheless, because of its price and simplicity, it does not come with a digital display. Unlike the models mentioned above, there is no LED screen that can make monitoring easy.
Choosing the Best 26 Quart Air Fryer
Even with a long list of 26 quart air fryers, it does not mean they can all deliver the same performance. You do not have to choose the cheapest, either! Meanwhile, being expensive isn’t a guarantee that one product is better than the cheaper ones. As you narrow down your choices, below are the most important considerations.
Cooking Functions
In most cases, 26 quart air fryers are designed not just for air frying. They will have multiple cooking functions, such as bake, roast, broil, and dehydrate. It has more functions than a standard air fryer grill combo. It will also have preset functions, such as wings, nuggets, and fries. This way, you are guaranteed the right temperature, so you won’t have to guess what’s right for a specific recipe.
Accessories
Make the most of a 26 quart air fryer. Choose one that comes with the accessories you will need, such as multiple racks, which will let you maximize the cooking area. Some will even have a built-in temperature probe for easy monitoring of whatever you are cooking.
User-friendliness
A 26 quart air fryer must offer intuitive operations. The buttons should have a strategic layout, which will make them easily accessible. More so, most large air fryers can be difficult to clean, so find one that will be effortless to maintain.
Controls
The choice of the type of control is a matter of personal preference. The cheaper ones will have manual controls in the form of knobs and dials. Higher-end alternatives, on the other hand, will have digital control. Some may even have a touchscreen surface with a digital readout.
Wattage
The wattage of an air fryer indicates its power, which can also impact its energy consumption. Most 26 quart air fryers will range from 1,500 to 1,800 watts. A higher wattage could mean that the air fryer is more powerful, but it also means that it will consume more electricity.
Final Verdict
If space is not a problem in the kitchen, it might be worth it to have the best 26 quart air fryer. This is especially good for large families. If you often invite friends and cook for them, this is also a must-have appliance.
I reviewed the four options above, but one that stands out the most is the COSORI CS100-AO. It has thousands of Amazon reviews and high ratings. The positive feedback of its users is indicative of its reliable performance. The air fryer has 12 cooking functions, a functional mobile app, and it supports voice control.
