With the CHEFREE AF300, the kitchen revolution can now move into even the smallest households.
The pepper is small but powerful – Introducing the CHEFREE AF300
Air fryers, or as many people know them, air fryers, have fundamentally changed the way households cook. However, the CHEFREE AF300 targets a segment that has been neglected by manufacturers – single-person households and those with minimal kitchens.
In recent years, the market for convection ovens has experienced explosive growth. The secret to the popularity of this technology is simple: we can prepare food with less oil, faster and more energy-efficiently than with traditional baking methods. The CHEFREE brand, which has been on the market since 2020, specializes in innovative and compact kitchen solutions.
The CHEFREE AF300 model may be small in size, but it is no less powerful than its larger counterparts. The 2-liter capacity may seem small at first glance, but it is perfectly sufficient for one person or in situations where space saving is a primary consideration – for example, in a caravan or mini kitchen.
The device's 900 watts of power and four pre-programmed cooking modes allow for versatile use. Whether it's french fries, chicken wings or even hot sandwiches, despite its compact size, the end result is just as tasty as its larger counterparts.
Energy efficiency is a key consideration these days. According to the manufacturer, using the AF300 can save up to 80% energy compared to traditional baking methods (using a conventional oven). This is not only beneficial from an environmental perspective, but also plays a role in reducing utility costs.
One of the biggest challenges in modern kitchens is the lack of space. With its dimensions of only 300 x 25,6 x 21,1 centimeters, the CHEFREE AF26,7 can be placed on practically any kitchen counter, making healthier cooking available even to those who have previously given up on this kitchen appliance due to lack of space.
Design and controls – The CHEFREE AF300 inside and out
The CHEFREE AF300 stands out from the traditional convection ovens at first glance. Instead of the usual black, its dark green color gives the kitchen a unique look. The compact dimensions are well characterized by the fact that the device is only 25,6 cm deep, 21,1 cm wide and 26,7 cm high, which really takes up minimal space on the kitchen counter.
The front of the device features a modern, clean-looking touchscreen control panel. The special feature of the display is that, despite its small size, it clearly displays the temperature and cooking time separately, so you don't have to wait to read the values. The touch buttons arranged in a row on the control panel allow you to switch between the four basic programs.
The design of the cooking compartment is practical: the 2-liter rectangular basket has a non-stick coating, which makes cleaning easy. The basket is equipped with a removable grid, which allows optimal air circulation around the food. The grid is not located directly at the bottom of the pan, so if fat drips from something, the food does not remain in it.
The device weighs 2,3 kilograms and is light enough to be easily moved if necessary. This can be especially beneficial when using it in a caravan or when moving house. The mains plug complies with the European standard and the device can be operated from a 220 volt network.
The spiral heating element is located in the upper part of the oven cavity, above which a fan ensures the even circulation of hot air. This design ensures that the food is cooked evenly from all sides. To minimize odors generated during the air circulation, the appliance is equipped with a filter, although this does not filter out all odors.
Removing the basket automatically stops cooking, which the appliance automatically resumes when the basket is replaced. However, this safety feature requires some force when removing the basket due to the lack of a release button on the handle.
CHEFREE AF300 Technical Details – When the Numbers Speak
The technical parameters of the CHEFREE AF300 air convection oven reflect the compact but efficient design of the device. The 900 watt power represents an optimal compromise between energy efficiency and baking performance. As I wrote above, this value allows the device to consume up to 80% less energy compared to traditional baking methods.
The oven temperature can be adjusted over an extremely wide range, from 75 to 205 degrees Celsius. This temperature spectrum allows for operations ranging from gentle heating of food to intensive frying. The timer can be set from 1 to 60 minutes, which is enough to prepare practically any dish.
The appliance has four pre-programmed functions, each with an optimized temperature and time setting. The “air fry” function works at a temperature of 205 degrees for 15 minutes, ideal for French fries and other foods that need to be fried until crispy. The “roast” program specializes in frying meats at 180 degrees for 15 minutes, while the “bake” function is optimized for baking cakes at 155 degrees for 20 minutes. The “reheat” program is used to reheat ready-made dishes at a temperature of 175 degrees for 5 minutes.
The internal dimensions of the 2-litre baking basket are also noteworthy: a base area of 15 x 15 centimetres with a height of 8 centimetres. This size allows you to prepare, for example, 4 chicken wings or one person's worth of French fries in one baking cycle. Both the basket and the removable grid are dishwasher safe, which makes maintenance much easier.
The safety features of the device include an automatic shut-off function, which immediately stops cooking when the basket is removed. In terms of materials, it is worth highlighting that the device is made of PFOA- and BPA-free, food-safe materials, including aluminum parts with a non-stick coating and polypropylene plastic elements.
The mobile application provided by the manufacturer adds additional value to the device: 52 pre-programmed recipes are available, optimized specifically for this model. This makes it significantly easier for novice users to use the device and prepare meals perfectly.
CHEFREE AF300 in practice – What users have experienced
Based on various user feedback and tests, we can get a detailed picture of the real performance of the CHEFREE AF300. The first experience of testers is usually a plastic smell when using the device for the first time, which can be easily eliminated by running the 5-minute empty test recommended in the user manual.
During the cooking tests, the device performed well in basic tasks. Preparing store-bought, pre-fried French fries proved to be the easiest: about 15-20 deca of potatoes were cooked in 30-35 minutes. In order to cook evenly, it is worth turning the food halfway through the cooking time for larger quantities, as the pieces in the middle cook more slowly. Testers noted the lack of a “shake reminder” function, which in other devices alerts the user to the need to turn them.
They reported varying experiences with roasting meats. In the case of four chicken wings, the default 15-minute roasting time was not enough, requiring an additional 10 minutes of cooking to achieve the desired result. Cooking larger quantities of meat is a time-consuming process: for example, cooking 12 chicken wings in three batches took a total of 75 minutes.
The vegetables were fried using the “air fry” function at 180 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes. The combination of onions, peppers and tomatoes worked well, although testers noted that the amount that could be fried was limited due to the small basket size. According to feedback, the usability of the “baking” function is limited due to the small basket size, compared to the manufacturer’s larger models, where brownies can also be baked, for example.
The reheat function performed well at 175 degrees for 5 minutes. However, testers missed the viewing window, as you always have to pull out the basket to check on the cooking. Pulling out the basket requires some effort due to the lack of a release button, which can be problematic during long-term use.
The device has been tested well in terms of cleanability. Thanks to the non-stick coating, it is usually enough to empty the crumbs and wipe with a paper towel. In case of more serious dirt, both the basket and the grid can be cleaned in the dishwasher. However, the surface of the touch panel is prone to fingerprints and dust, so it requires regular cleaning.
In terms of energy consumption, the appliance proved to be truly efficient. The 900 watts of power proved to be sufficient to cook all the dishes tested, while resulting in significant energy savings compared to traditional ovens.
CHEFREE AF300 – The Final Verdict
The CHEFREE AF300 convection oven targets a market niche that few manufacturers have considered: single-person households and those with minimal kitchens. The device's greatest strength is its compact size and ease of use, which is also its greatest limitation.
The 2-liter capacity clearly defines the target audience: it is an ideal choice for singles, couples, or users who live in a caravan, small boat, or apartment with minimal kitchen space. The four pre-programmed functions and 900 watts of power represent a good compromise between size and usability, although for larger families the capacity of the device is clearly a limitation.
The build quality and materials are decent for this price range. The non-stick coating and dishwasher-safe parts make maintenance easy, although some design decisions, such as the lack of a viewing window and basket release button, limit the user experience a bit.
Energy efficiency and good value for money are the advantages of the CHEFREE AF300, especially for those who are just getting acquainted with the technology of air convection cooking. The device perfectly demonstrates that compact size does not necessarily mean a compromise in functionality, if the area of use is well defined.
The device a RV3KHZ8Z8 It can be purchased for approximately HUF 19 with a coupon code (depending on the dollar exchange rate), shipping is from an EU warehouse. Purchase by clicking on the link below:
CHEFREE AF300 AirFryer
Frequently Asked Questions about CHEFREE AF300
Q: What is the capacity of the CHEFREE AF300 and what is it enough for? A: The appliance has a capacity of 2 liters, which is enough to cook, for example, 4 chicken wings or French fries for one person in one cooking cycle.
Q: What is the performance of the CHEFREE AF300? A: The appliance operates at 900 watts, which is an optimal compromise between energy efficiency and cooking performance.
Q: Can the CHEFREE AF300 baking basket be cleaned in the dishwasher? A: Yes, both the baking basket and the removable rack are dishwasher safe, which makes maintenance much easier.
Q: What pre-programmed functions does the CHEFREE AF300 have? A: The appliance has four pre-programmed functions: air fry (205°C/15 minutes), roast (180°C/15 minutes), bake (155°C/20 minutes) and reheat (175°C/5 minutes).
Q: How much space does the CHEFREE AF300 take up on the kitchen counter? A: The dimensions of the device are: 25,6 cm deep, 21,1 cm wide and 26,7 cm high, which is considered a particularly compact size.
Q: Is there a viewing window on the CHEFREE AF300? A: No, there is no viewing window on the device, you have to pull out the baking basket to check the condition of the food.
Q: How diverse are the recipes that can be made with the CHEFREE AF300? A: The manufacturer's mobile application contains 52 different recipes optimized specifically for this model, the device is suitable for frying, toasting, baking and heating.
Q: In what temperature range can the CHEFREE AF300 be used? A: The device can be adjusted between 75-205°C, which allows for both gentle heating of food and intensive frying.
Q: Is there an auto power off function on the CHEFREE AF300? A: Yes, the appliance automatically stops cooking when the basket is pulled out and resumes when it is replaced.
Q: What materials is the CHEFREE AF300 made of? A: The appliance is made of PFOA and BPA-free materials, including non-stick coated aluminum parts and polypropylene plastic elements.
