How easy was the Cuisinart Tri Zone to get started the first time you used it?
Set-up was straightforward and the controls were all clear and intuitive. The unit itself slotted together easily, so we were up and running in no time.
How do you find using the controls and settings?
All the controls sit on a touchscreen, and the labels and buttons are really clear and easy to understand. Each zone has its own button, so you can activate them independently, set the temperature and time, then hit the play button to start cooking - it’s as simple as that.
The only small frustration is that the controls reset after every use. So if, like me, you tend to air fry most things at around 180°C, you’ll need to lower it from the default 200°C each time and reset the timer too.
What has the noise level been like during use?
It gives off an audible hum while it’s running, which lingers for a couple of minutes after cooking finishes. It’s not as quiet as my old air fryer, but I’ve gotten used to it.
Is there anything else about operating the Tri Zone that you’d like to mention?
The handles stay cool to the touch, which makes it safe and easy to check on food mid-cook. It’s also much easier to see what’s going on inside compared to my old air fryer, thanks to the viewing windows - a small but really handy detail.
On the downside, the auto-pause feature - which stops all cooking when you open any of the drawers - can slow you down a bit. In my opinion, it’s more of a hindrance than a help when you’re trying to multitask in the kitchen.
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