KitchenAid Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven KCO124BM Review Black Matte Performance and Features

Description

A Versatile Addition to Any Kitchen

I recently had the chance to try out the KitchenAid Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven, KCO124BM, and as someone who spends a significant amount of time experimenting in the kitchen, I was genuinely curious about how this would perform. My expectations were pretty high given the reputation of the brand, and overall, this countertop oven didn’t disappoint—but it’s not without its quirks.

Design and Build Quality

The black matte finish on this countertop oven is sleek and modern. It blends seamlessly with my other kitchen appliances, and I appreciated the compact yet spacious design. Measuring 16″ in depth, 17″ in width, and 11.3″ in height, it fits comfortably on my counter without taking up too much space. Despite its compact footprint, the large capacity is impressive—it can handle a 9×13-inch baking pan (which is included!). I even managed to roast two full-sized chickens at once, which was a game-changer for family dinners.

The dropdown glass door offers a clear view of whatever’s cooking, and the knobs feel sturdy without being overly complicated. However, I did notice that the knobs can be a bit slippery if your hands are greasy—a minor but worth-mentioning detail. The removable crumb tray is a thoughtful addition and makes cleaning surprisingly hassle-free.

Key Benefits

• 360° Air Fry System eliminates the need for flipping food mid-cooking, which is perfect for lazy chefs like me.
• Even-Heat Convection Technology ensures consistent heating, so no dreaded cold spots in your pizza.
• The fast preheat feature saves time, reaching the desired temperature in under 4 minutes.
• Comes with handy accessories: air fry basket, baking pan, drip tray, and removable rack.

Performance and Features

The number of cooking functions packed into this machine is impressive. With nine settings—including air fry, broil, toast, bake, proof, and even dehydrate—this oven can handle pretty much anything you throw at it. I tested the air fry function with fries, chicken wings, and even salmon fillets, and I was blown away by the crispy results. The No-Flip Air Fry Basket actually delivers on its promise; I didn’t have to flip anything midway, and everything came out evenly cooked.

The Even-Heat Convection Technology really shines when baking. I made brownies in the included 9×13-inch pan, and they came out with perfectly gooey centers and crispy edges—exactly how I like them. Toasting is another area where this oven excels; the ability to adjust the toast level is a small but underrated feature. That said, the dehydration function felt more like an afterthought. While it works, it’s not as efficient as standalone dehydrators, especially if you’re doing larger batches.

Adverse Aspects

• The outer body gets quite warm during extended cooking times, so you’ll want to keep it away from other appliances or items that could be damaged by heat.
• While the air fry basket is fantastic, it’s a bit of a pain to clean, especially after cooking greasy foods.
• The knob controls lack precision compared to digital touchscreens, which might frustrate some users.

Competing Products

In a market flooded with countertop ovens, this one holds its own pretty well, but it’s worth comparing it to its direct competitors. The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer, for instance, offers similar features but comes with a higher price tag. While the Breville might have a more polished user interface with its digital touchscreen, the KitchenAid model still delivers comparable cooking performance at a slightly lower cost.

Another alternative is the Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven. This model has a slimmer design and flips up for storage, which could be a better choice for those with limited counter space. However, the KitchenAid oven’s larger capacity and thoughtful accessories make it the better option for bigger families or those who entertain often.

Cost-Effectiveness

When it comes to value for money, this countertop oven strikes a good balance. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but the combination of versatility, build quality, and performance justifies the price. If you’re someone who loves experimenting with different cooking techniques but doesn’t have the space (or budget) for multiple appliances, this is a solid investment.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely—just keep its minor drawbacks in mind and ensure you’re not expecting miracles from the dehydration function. If your primary focus is on versatility, ease of use, and consistent performance, this countertop oven will quickly become one of your most-used kitchen gadgets.

Additional information