First Impressions of WestBend Touchscreen Air Fryer w/ 13 Presets and Easy-View Window
Air fryers have exploded in popularity, promising crispy, delicious food with less oil. The WestBend Touchscreen Air Fryer w/ 13 Presets and Easy-View Window aims to deliver on that promise with a large capacity, a user-friendly touchscreen, and a clear window to monitor the cooking process. With its 7-quart capacity and 13 presets, this air fryer positions itself as a convenient and versatile option for families and individuals alike.
As a seasoned outdoor enthusiast, I’m always looking for ways to simplify meal prep, whether I’m at home or in a base camp. I needed a healthier way to enjoy crispy food without all the added oil of deep frying, and the convenience of pre-set programs appealed to me. My initial hope was that this WestBend Touchscreen Air Fryer w/ 13 Presets and Easy-View Window could become a kitchen staple for quickly preparing everything from campfire-style fries to dehydrated snacks for the trail.
Unboxing the WestBend Touchscreen Air Fryer w/ 13 Presets and Easy-View Window, I was immediately struck by its sleek, black design. The build quality seemed solid enough, though the plastic felt a little lighter than some higher-end models I’ve seen. The easy-view window was a definite plus, offering a clear view of the food inside.
Compared to a smaller air fryer I used previously, this one felt significantly larger and more substantial. Other models I considered lacked the easy-view window or the breadth of presets offered by the WestBend Touchscreen Air Fryer w/ 13 Presets and Easy-View Window. I chose this model specifically for its combination of capacity, convenience, and visibility.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The WestBend Touchscreen Air Fryer w/ 13 Presets and Easy-View Window certainly looked the part, and I was eager to see how it performed in the kitchen.
Real-World Testing: Putting WestBend Touchscreen Air Fryer w/ 13 Presets and Easy-View Window to the Test
First Use Experience
I put the WestBend Touchscreen Air Fryer w/ 13 Presets and Easy-View Window to work in my home kitchen, preparing a batch of homemade fries. I was aiming for that crispy, golden-brown texture you’d expect from a deep fryer, but with significantly less oil. Using the “Fries” preset seemed like the logical starting point.
The WestBend Touchscreen Air Fryer w/ 13 Presets and Easy-View Window was incredibly easy to operate, thanks to its intuitive touchscreen interface. I encountered no issues during the initial setup or operation. However, the fries, while cooked through, were not as crispy as I had hoped after the preset time.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the WestBend Touchscreen Air Fryer w/ 13 Presets and Easy-View Window has become a regular fixture in my kitchen. I’ve used it for everything from reheating leftovers to cooking chicken wings, roasting vegetables, and even dehydrating apple slices for trail snacks. Its versatility is definitely a strong point.
So far, the WestBend Touchscreen Air Fryer w/ 13 Presets and Easy-View Window has held up reasonably well, with no major signs of wear and tear. The Diamond Shield infused non-stick coated basket has proven to be quite durable and easy to clean, although I still recommend hand washing to prolong its lifespan. While my previous air fryer felt flimsy and lacked consistent cooking power, the WestBend Touchscreen Air Fryer w/ 13 Presets and Easy-View Window delivers more even results, though still requiring some adjustments to preset times for optimal crispiness.
Breaking Down the Features of WestBend Touchscreen Air Fryer w/ 13 Presets and Easy-View Window
Specifications
The WestBend Touchscreen Air Fryer w/ 13 Presets and Easy-View Window boasts the following specifications:
- Manufacturer: WestBend
- Color: Black
- Capacity: 7 Quart
- Power: 1700 watts
- Presets: Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Chicken, Dehydrate, Fish, Fries, Frozen, Keep Warm, Preheat, Roast, Reheat, and Vegetables.
- Basket Coating: PTFE-free Diamond Shield infused non-stick coating.
The 7-quart capacity is a significant advantage, allowing you to cook large batches of food for the whole family. The 1700 watts of power ensures quick and efficient cooking, while the variety of presets eliminates much of the guesswork involved in air frying. The PTFE-free Diamond Shield infused non-stick coating is an excellent safety and convenience feature, making cleanup a breeze.
Performance & Functionality
The WestBend Touchscreen Air Fryer w/ 13 Presets and Easy-View Window performs admirably for most tasks, delivering consistently cooked food with minimal oil. The presets are helpful starting points, but some experimentation is needed to achieve optimal results for different foods and quantities. The easy-view window is a fantastic feature that allows you to monitor the cooking process without opening the basket and losing heat.
The main strength of the WestBend Touchscreen Air Fryer w/ 13 Presets and Easy-View Window is its versatility and ease of use. The main weakness is that the preset times and temperatures aren’t always perfect and might require some adjustment depending on the recipe. For the most part, it does meet expectations for a mid-range air fryer, offering a convenient and healthier way to cook a variety of foods.
Design & Ergonomics
The WestBend Touchscreen Air Fryer w/ 13 Presets and Easy-View Window features a sleek, modern design that fits well in most kitchens. The build quality is decent, though some of the plastic components feel a bit lightweight. The ergonomic, cool-to-the-touch handle makes it safe and easy to remove the basket, even when the air fryer is hot.
The touchscreen interface is intuitive and user-friendly, requiring minimal learning curve. The buttons are responsive and the display is easy to read.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the WestBend Touchscreen Air Fryer w/ 13 Presets and Easy-View Window should last for several years of regular use. The Diamond Shield infused non-stick coated basket is fairly durable, but it’s important to avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads that could damage the coating.
Maintenance is straightforward, thanks to the dishwasher-safe basket and tray. Regular cleaning will help to prevent buildup and ensure optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The WestBend Touchscreen Air Fryer w/ 13 Presets and Easy-View Window comes with the frying basket and tray. There are no included accessories for specific tasks like baking or grilling, but these can be purchased separately from WestBend or third-party manufacturers.
While the WestBend Touchscreen Air Fryer w/ 13 Presets and Easy-View Window doesn’t offer extensive customization options, its compatibility with standard-sized air fryer accessories means that you can easily expand its functionality with items like baking pans, pizza stones, and grilling racks.
Pros and Cons of WestBend Touchscreen Air Fryer w/ 13 Presets and Easy-View Window
Pros
- Large 7-quart capacity is ideal for families.
- 13 convenient presets simplify cooking.
- Easy-view window allows for monitoring progress without losing heat.
- PTFE-free Diamond Shield infused non-stick coated basket ensures easy cleanup.
- Touchscreen interface is intuitive and user-friendly.
Cons
- Preset times may require adjustment for optimal results.
- Plastic construction feels less durable than some higher-end models.
Who Should Buy WestBend Touchscreen Air Fryer w/ 13 Presets and Easy-View Window?
The WestBend Touchscreen Air Fryer w/ 13 Presets and Easy-View Window is perfect for busy families, health-conscious individuals, and anyone looking for a convenient and versatile way to cook crispy, delicious food with less oil. It’s also a great option for campers and outdoor enthusiasts who want to prepare quick and easy meals at base camp.
This product might not be ideal for those who demand the absolute highest level of durability or who prefer a completely analog cooking experience. Anyone looking for professional-grade performance might want to consider a higher-end model.
A must-have accessory for the WestBend Touchscreen Air Fryer w/ 13 Presets and Easy-View Window is a set of silicone-tipped tongs to avoid scratching the non-stick coating. Also, parchment paper liners can help to further simplify cleanup.
Conclusion on WestBend Touchscreen Air Fryer w/ 13 Presets and Easy-View Window
The WestBend Touchscreen Air Fryer w/ 13 Presets and Easy-View Window offers a compelling combination of convenience, capacity, and performance at a reasonable price. Its 7-quart capacity, 13 presets, and easy-view window make it a versatile and user-friendly addition to any kitchen.
At $79.99, the price is certainly justified for the features and benefits offered. It’s not the most durable or high-performance air fryer on the market, but it delivers excellent value for the money.
I would definitely recommend the WestBend Touchscreen Air Fryer w/ 13 Presets and Easy-View Window to anyone looking for a convenient and healthier way to enjoy crispy food. So ditch the deep fryer and give this air fryer a try – you might be surprised at how much you love it!