Do I need an airfryer?

[Mabelthebore]

I have two ovens in my kitchen. A small combi microwave/oven which I use to cook sausages, chips, freezer food etc. This heats up quickly and I love that I can grill and bake at the same time.
Then a larger regular sized oven with a steam function. I use this if I am cooking a lot and need the space or for something when I need to use the steam function.
I also have a ninja 8 in 1 slow cooker which I love and use a lot (soups, roasts, curries etc).
Everybody says I need an airfryer. Do I? What would I use it for? Is it a waste having an airfryer taking up so much space on my countertop making my combi oven redundant? Or am I totally missing out?

I have a Ninja Speedi. I can steam roast a small chicken and spuds in 45-60 mins, starting with some boiled water to cut down pre-heating, and make cheese on toast in 5 or 6 mins from cold. My oven takes a good 10 minutes to even think about being hot, the grill even longer.

I can't help thinking that your existing kit would be able to achieve similar.

I find it a waste of time. I just need a slow cooker, stove top and oven.

No. Sounds like you've got it covered with what you have.

I love my air fryer. I couldn't live without it. I use it for all sorts. I've used it to keep food warm, to make quick things like fish fingers, etc.

Some examples of the things I make are apple crumble, Lasagne, Shepard's Pie, frozen pizza, popcorn chicken etc

It's so quick, starts working instantly (have to wait for oven to warm up) and you can keep things on a low setting if you need to keep them warm.

Easy clean up afterwards too. I usually squirt some Fairy into the drawer, switch it on, on a medium setting for 5 mins and then carefully rinse.

@Mabelthebore yours is the only post I can find that mentions a steam function on the oven.

Is that any different to adding a tray of water at the bottom?

My airfryer cooks most things in 20 mins compared to the oven which was over an hour including warm up. I love mine

If your small combi oven heats up quickly and works well you don't need an airfryer. It's basically the same thing. If you've also got a basket or a tray with holes in to improve the airflow and help crisp things up then you've definitely got all bases covered.

I have the steam function. The Speedi is designed to cope with steam so has vents (maybe mainstream airfryers do too?). There is also a bake function. I think the heat is provided from the base, whereas the grill and airfry element is in the lid.

You could probably achieve similar if you had about 50ml of water and the food on a trivet?

I think I read somewhere that they are being discontinued in the US, but Ninja and John Lewis etc are still selling them for £146
https://ninjakitchen.co.uk/product/ninja-speedi-10-in-1-rapid-cooker-and-air-fryer-on400uk-zidON400UK

I had a further 10% off from Ninja for joining the mailing list, I seem to remember.

NB their baking trays etc are also fab.

I have all the appliances you mention, OP, except my Ninja is a Speedi. These days, I use the hob for mainly for sauces and the microwave to heat plates. The oven hasn't been on since the Speedi arrived - and I'm a fairly adventurous cook. There's also been a very pleasing reduction in our electricity bills.

My microwave has an airfryer function that I have never used.

I do use my separate airfryer though. But I live alone and it is tiny so ideal to heat a small quantity rather than put the oven on.

I think it depends on you and your family. If you have teens who snack it is probably worth getting one just for that.

My husband is the cook in our house, he asked for a ninja double air fryer for Christmas - an upgrade from the single we already had. It's used every day, we've barely used the oven since Christmas - just for Roast dinners on Sundays if the joint won't fit in the AF and a large round pie that wouldn't fit. It makes lovely crispy bacon. it's been a very well used addition for us.