Description
Sleek and Versatile Design
The Blackstone 8013 E-Series Electric Pizza Oven and Air Fryer Combo leads with a modern black finish and compact dimensions. Measuring 20.67″ deep, 19.09″ wide, and 13.7″ tall, it sits on a standard countertop without dominating the space. The drop-down glass door adds a premium touch and gives a clear view of the cooking process. The other design note is the touchscreen control panel, which keeps temperature and timer settings on one surface instead of a bank of dials. On looks alone it reads as more than a plain kitchen appliance, closer to a statement piece for a modern kitchen.
Beyond looks, the electric-powered functionality means it runs indoors without ventilation concerns. And with a 5-foot cord, it is portable enough to bring outside for backyard pizza parties. It’s not just attractive; it’s practical.
Key Benefits
- Rotating 14” pizza plate ensures even cooking, eliminating the need to manually turn the pizza.
- Compact and sleek design fits easily in smaller kitchens or apartments.
- Touchscreen controls are user-friendly and precise, adding a modern flair.
Cooking Performance
As a pizza oven and air fryer combo, the spec sheet covers a wide variety of dishes. The rotating pizza plate is the standout. Not only does it fit pizzas up to 14 inches, but the automatic rotation ensures even cooking, which is the usual failure point on countertop ovens. Owner reviews describe crispy crusts and evenly melted cheese across everything from a classic margherita to a loaded pepperoni.
Switching over to the air fryer function is straightforward. The included baking tray doubles as an air fryer basket, which handles fries and chicken nuggets in the same cavity. Buyers most often cite golden, evenly cooked results, helped by the trivet that allows air to circulate effectively, the same convection principle that drives dedicated units like the Ninja SP101.
It’s worth mentioning that the temperature control is precise, and the timer guards against overcooking. Whether you’re making pizza, fries, or even baked pasta, this appliance is built for consistent results.
Areas for Improvement
- The 27.1-pound weight makes it a bit heavy to move around frequently.
- Limited capacity for multiple items when using the air fryer function.
- Touchscreen panel can feel overly sensitive, registering unintended touches occasionally.
Ease of Cleanup
Cleanup is simpler than the dual-function design suggests. The removable crumb tray takes care of crumbs and debris in one step: slide it out, dump the waste, and it goes back in. The glass door and interior surface wipe clean effortlessly, which is a real plus for anyone who dreads scrubbing appliances.
That said, the rotating pizza plate isn’t dishwasher-safe, so it needs a hand wash. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it is worth noting if you’re used to tossing everything into the dishwasher.
Product Competitors
Comparing this product to others in the market, a couple of names come to mind. The Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo is a strong contender, offering higher temperatures and a more traditional approach to pizza making, and the same family includes the Breville BOV900 smart oven. What those models lack is the rotating plate paired with an air fryer basket in a single cavity, which is where the Blackstone stands out.
Another option is the Cuisinart Chef’s Convection Toaster Oven, which also doubles as a pizza oven, as does a plainer unit like the Black and Decker TO1475SSD. Those run cheaper, but they don’t have the same rotating pizza plate feature or the touchscreen controls.
Where the Blackstone excels is in its dual-functionality and even cooking capabilities. The rotating mechanism is the feature most buyers do not expect to care about until they use it. On the flip side, competing products might offer larger cooking capacities, including oven-style fryers such as the KitchenAid digital air fry oven, which could be the deciding factor if you’re cooking for a bigger family.
Value for Money
Looking at what this product delivers, it offers strong quality for the price. The combination of a rotating pizza oven and air fryer in one unit can save you from buying two separate appliances, and it is one of the few units of its kind in our countertop pizza oven coverage. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, the features and build quality justify the outlay.
For anyone who frequently hosts pizza nights or enjoys experimenting with air-fried recipes, this appliance provides a lot for the money. It’s not just about cooking. It’s about convenience and versatility wrapped into one sleek package.
Upsides
- Dual functionality as both a pizza oven and an air fryer.
- Even cooking results thanks to the rotating pizza plate.
- Indoor and outdoor usability adds flexibility.
- Touchscreen control panel is sleek and modern.
Shortcomings
- Heavier than expected, making portability a bit challenging.
- Air fryer capacity is limited for larger batches.
- Touchscreen sensitivity can lead to occasional missteps.
This appliance is a solid addition to most kitchens. It has clear limits, but the positives outweigh them for its intended use. The rotating plate addresses the most common complaint about countertop pizza, and the air fryer function brings versatility that few rivals match at this size. Whether you’re a pizza enthusiast or just looking for a multi-functional cooking gadget, this product is worth considering.