We tested: Chefree AF500 smart airfryer – The new star of the modern kitchen

A new era of precise baking has arrived in kitchens with the Chefree AF500, air fryers with built-in core thermometers that guarantee not only oil-free baking, but also absolutely perfect results.

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Introduction – or what is this article about?

Air fryers have evolved dramatically in recent years. The first generation of devices were simple hot air ovens that could fry without oil, but required a lot of experience and experimentation to get the right results. The second generation devices came with smart features, pre-programmed cooking modes and digital displays, but they still lacked the extras that would have made them truly professional.

The Chefree brand, although a relatively new player on the market, quickly recognized this gap. The Chinese company, founded in 2020, specializes specifically in the premium home appliance market and equips its products with the latest technologies. In the case of the AF500 model, this means a built-in core thermometer, which revolutionizes the frying of meat and fish. Of course, the revolution only applies to small airfryer models, as meat thermometers have been used by professionals until now.

The 6,5-liter Chefree AF500 air fryer is aimed at the upper segment of the mid-range category not only in terms of size but also in terms of functionality. With its 1700-watt power and a maximum cooking temperature of 230°C, it is already suitable for tasks that traditional air fryers were not capable of. The built-in core thermometer also allows you to cook different types of meat to the exact desired doneness level.

The AF500 has eight pre-programmed cooking modes, including classic air frying, baking, toasting, warming, drying and fermenting. The device's special feature is the transparent viewing window, which allows you to keep an eye on the food while it is cooking, so you don't have to interrupt the cooking process unnecessarily.

In addition to technological advancements, safety was also an important consideration: the device is made of BPA and PFOA-free materials and has numerous international safety certificates. The non-stick coated baking basket and accessories are dishwasher safe, which makes maintenance of the device significantly easier.

On the following pages, we will present the Chefree AF500 test in detail, covering its appearance, technical specifications, and of course, practical experiences.

Modern design and smart solutions – External features of the Chefree AF500

The Chefree AF500 is a clean, elegant looking device at first glance. The all-black housing won't win any design awards for its uniqueness, but it can easily fit into any style of kitchen. The housing is made with a combination of matte and glossy surfaces, which gives a pleasant contrast to the exterior. According to the description, the surface is also resistant to fingerprints (it doesn't resist), but dust quickly shows on it.

One of the most striking and useful features of the air fryer is the tilted control panel, which is not only a design element but also a well-thought-out ergonomic solution. The touch-sensitive control panel is therefore clearly visible from any height and easier to use than its counterparts with traditional, vertical design or buttons placed on the cover. The display is contrasting and easy to read, and the buttons are sufficiently sensitive - you don't have to press them several times for them to work properly.

The dimensions of the device are impressive (the capacity of the basket is also above average), but it does not take up too much space on the kitchen counter: it has external dimensions of 404 x 315 x 328,5 millimeters. Its weight is 5,735 kg, which ensures a stable position during use. The power supply is provided by a 1,25 meter long, VDE-certified power cable, which is long enough so that the device does not have to be placed directly next to a socket.

The basket is 4,5 liters, compared to the usual 5,5-6,5 liters, and its design is not unusual, but at the same time practical: the aluminum basket with a non-stick coating is easy to remove and clean, and can also be washed in the dishwasher. The handle of the basket is durable and has a secure locking system - it can be released by pressing a button. The viewing window, although partially covered by the handle, allows you to observe the food while baking, which is also accompanied by a built-in light, which can be activated with a separate switch. That's why it has a red dot!

A unique feature of the AF500 is the built-in core thermometer, which can be connected to the connector on the front of the device. The probe cable is long enough and can be inserted through a special opening on the frying basket, so that the basket is perfectly closed even during use. The thermometer itself is made of stainless steel and allows for precise temperature measurement.

The appliance also comes with a special grill rack, which allows you to place meats almost vertically in the basket, so you can cook several slices at once without them touching. This is not only a space-saving solution, but also promotes even cooking. In addition, the package includes a general-purpose grill rack, which can be used for making toast, for example.

The housing is made of heat-resistant plastic and has several international safety certificates (CE, ROHS, REACH, LFGB, ERP). The feet are non-slip and stable enough to keep the device in place even during intensive use.

Powerful and versatile – Technical features of the Chefree AF500

The heart of the Chefree AF500 air fryer is a 1700 watt heating element, which allows for fast and efficient heating. The device operates on a 220-240 volt network, at a frequency of 50-60 Hz, so it can be used in all European households. In terms of energy consumption, the device can be said to be efficient thanks to modern air mixing technology, especially when considering its performance.

The temperature control is extremely flexible: the device can be adjusted continuously from 30°C to 205°C, and in a special mode, a maximum temperature of up to 230°C is available. I especially appreciated the latter when preparing dishes where quick browning or a crispy exterior is important. The timer can be set from 1 minute to 60 minutes, and for longer programs, up to 12 hours can be set, which can be useful for slow baking or drying.

The 6,5-liter baking space is surprisingly spacious, but not oversized. This basket, this size of space, can even fit a larger bird, so you don't have to search for small, deboned chickens in the store. The basket is made of high-quality, Teflon-coated aluminum, which ensures even heat distribution and easy cleaning. The coating is PFOA-free, so it is also safe from a health perspective. The basket and accessories can also be cleaned in the dishwasher, which makes maintenance much easier.

The device has eight pre-programmed modes: classic air frying, toasting, baking, warming, drying, grilling, fermenting, and a maximum power mode of 230°C. Each program can be individually customized by setting the temperature and time. The built-in core temperature probe allows you to cook meat accurately, and five different degrees of doneness can be selected: rare, medium rare, medium, medium well and well done.

I'm pretty sure that a medium steak will be made in it soon, if I don't forget I'll write about how it turned out in the Facebook group. 

The noise level of the appliance is a pleasant surprise: it produces only 65 dB during operation, which is significantly lower than many competing products. This can be especially important in homes with open/American kitchens, where the use of the appliance does not disturb those in the apartment/living room.

Safety is ensured by numerous certificates: the device has CE, ROHS, REACH, LFGB and ERP certifications. Control is via a touch screen with LED display, which provides an intuitive user interface. The device has an automatic shut-off and warns when the food needs to be turned or shaken for perfect results.

The packaging includes the device itself, a detailed user manual, a baking guide, a warranty card, and a toasting rack as a bonus. The total weight of the product including packaging is 7,25 kg, and the package dimensions are 465x375x405 mm.

Trial by Fire in the Kitchen – Using the Chefree AF500 Air Fryer in Practice

The first thing I noticed when using the Chefree AF500 was how quiet it was. The manufacturer's promised 65 decibel noise level seemed even lower in reality – although it wasn't so quiet that I had to check to see if it was even working. This quiet operation is a particularly valuable feature, especially if you have an open-plan kitchen.

During the testing, I first tried the basic functions. I started with the classic air fryer program, with frozen French fries. They were perfectly cooked in 180 minutes at a temperature of 15 degrees, crispy. Although the manufacturer claims that up to 2 kilograms of French fries can fit in the basket, this is unfortunately not true. That is, yes, insofar as the kilo physically fits in the basket, but practical experience has shown that it is not worth putting more than 800-1000 grams in at once, otherwise they will not fry evenly, despite the shake reminder function.

Why is a core thermometer such a good thing?

Using a meat thermometer when cooking meat has many advantages, especially when you want to achieve a perfectly cooked but not overcooked dish. Measuring the internal temperature of your meat helps you determine exactly when it has reached the desired doneness, whether it's a juicy steak, tender chicken breast, perfectly done turkey or rosé duck breast. While cooking times and temperatures can provide general guidelines, a meat thermometer will give you a precise indication of when your food is done, helping you avoid drying out or undercooking.

The working principle of a core thermometer is simple: the thermometer's sensor, which is placed in the thickest part of the meat, measures the internal temperature and displays it. Different meats require different internal temperatures: for example, beef is usually 57-63 degrees Celsius for medium-rare, while chicken requires at least 75 degrees Celsius for food safety. Using a core thermometer therefore guarantees not only the quality of the food, but also safety.

One of the biggest advantages of relying on a core thermometer is that you don’t have to rely solely on time-based cooking methods, which can often be inaccurate. Every oven and piece of meat is different, so the cooking time required for the same recipe can vary. Using a core thermometer eliminates these variables, as you can remove the meat from the oven exactly when it has reached the desired temperature.

In addition, meals prepared with a core thermometer will always be more uniform and tastier. Instead of overcooked or undercooked meats, you can serve juicy, perfectly textured dishes that will win the admiration of all your guests. This practical tool is essential not only for beginners but also for experienced chefs who want to prepare dishes of outstanding quality.

The real strength of the device is the built-in core thermometer, which I tested in this test while preparing a rose duck breast. I warmed the duck breast to room temperature, then seared the skin, being careful not to cut into the meat. Before frying, I salted the meat on the skin side, and salted and peppered the skinless side.

I preheated the air fryer to 180 degrees, then placed the duck breast skin side up in the basket. I inserted the core thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, as it should be. I set the core temperature on the device to 70 degrees, the cooking took about 12-14 minutes, and it gave perfect results, the meat remained crumbly, slightly pink with the right amount of juice. With the duck breast, it is worth waiting 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven, so that the juices distribute properly in the meat, then just cut it into thin slices. So, the point is that the rose duck breast turned out to be crispy on the outside, pink and juicy on the inside, just like it is written in the big book. My partner even commented that he did not expect this experience and that we could somehow get ourselves an oven like this.

It is important to note that for a traditional oven, a temperature of 190-200 degrees is usually recommended, but based on my previous experience, a lower temperature is usually sufficient for small airfryer. The reason for this is that due to the small size, the oven sometimes overheats.

Cooking the sausage was even easier. I didn't use the core thermometer here, instead I chose the traditional air fryer program at 180 degrees. It was done in 12 minutes, turned once, nicely browned on the outside, and didn't dry out on the inside.

One of the special features of the Chefree AF500 is the 230 degree maximum temperature program, which can really give the food an extra crispy exterior. I evaluated this when browning the skin of the duck breast during the test, but it can be useful for other meats as well. The viewing window and built-in lighting are a great combination, but mostly in terms of design. The manufacturer emphasizes that through this we can constantly keep an eye on the state of the food without interrupting the cooking process. However, the truth is that it is not possible to determine through the darkened plexiglass whether the meat is cooked. But don't worry, because we have a core thermometer, it is enough to use this, you don't really need to look at it, at most when browning the skin.

One of the practical features of the Chefree AF500 (as with all airfryer) is that the grease collection grid in the frying basket is 1-2 centimeters from the bottom, so excess fat drains and can be easily poured out. This is especially useful when frying fattier meats, such as duck breast, as the meat does not soak in the fat during frying. The non-stick coating really works, I have never experienced food burning or sticking to the surface of the basket.

Of the eight pre-programmed functions, I only used four or five during testing. The reheat function was particularly useful for refreshing leftovers, while the dry program, while functional, proved to be too time-consuming for me for everyday use. I haven't tried the fermenting function yet, as it's not one of my typical uses. But, as the Dakota proverb goes, the good stuff comes later.

Overall, a core thermometer is a great help in perfectly cooking meat, although it takes some practice to use it, as it doesn't matter which part of the meat you insert and how deep you insert it. Switching between the different degrees (rare, medium rare, medium, medium well, well done) is easy, and the thermometer really reliably indicates the internal temperature. However, it is not necessary for every dish - for traditional side dishes, vegetables or pre-prepared dishes, the classic timer method is obviously perfectly suitable and sufficient.

Final Verdict – Who Should Buy It?

A “test” of the Chefree AF500 has already been published on a competing Hungarian website. It was not very encouraging to read, because the tester did not understand the essence of the device. He was right that airfryer is usually used for quick frying, making French fries, and frozen ready meals. That is, we used it. The situation is that if someone does not like, does not want to, or does not KNOW how to prepare good food, the Chefree AF500 will be completely unnecessary for them.

Before you get offended, not “CAN” doesn’t necessarily mean a lack of talent, it could also be due to a lack of time.

Of course, we can ask who is the gourmet who sacrilegiously uses a tabletop airfryer for frying? Well, the thing is, if you “scroll through” the internet, you will find an amazing amount of tips, tricks and recipes that will help you prepare professional meals. Sacrilegiously, professional and tasty meals can be prepared even if you do not prefer frying in traditional oil or fat. So let’s sweep the conventions off the table (the kitchen counter) and dare to be brave, as a Hungarian more talented than Zuckerberg once said.

I should note that there are foods and meats that simply cannot be prepared normally in a hot air oven, so the airfryer is not omnipotent, it is not a panacea.

The Chefree AF500 is a special oven. An oven in which the manufacturer tried to put all the knowledge into it to push the capabilities of normal airfryer towards the professional level. I will only mention two things, the maximum baking temperature of 230 degrees, which is considered extreme for airfryer, and the meat thermometer.

In the above-mentioned “test”, another complaint about the Chefree AF500 was that it does not show the remaining cooking time, but the rise in the core temperature of the meat. It does not count down, so we do not know when the food will be ready. I have to admit that it would have been perfect if, when cooking without using a thermometer, it could even count the time until the end of cooking.

So this might be the typical airfryer user's complaint about the oven, whose goal is to throw a quick-frozen, pre-cooked meal into the oven and have it ready in the shortest possible time. In fact, while the food is cooking, they can clean the house, study, or do whatever they want, because they see how much time they have left for other tasks until the food is ready.

However, the Chefree AF500, as you may have realized from the article above, is not a traditional airfryer, it wants to be much more than that. It wants to be a professional oven, which combines the capabilities of traditional expensive, professional ovens with the small size and practicality of airfryer. Thus, at the end of the test, I can safely say that its efforts are crowned with success, because I have never seen such a good, so capable airfryer before.

The great thing about the Chefree AF500 is that even complete beginners can cook roasts just like professional chefs. The thing is, as I wrote above, that almost every type of meat requires a different cooking time depending on how old the animal was, how thick the meat is, and a bunch of other reasons. So, the cooking time given in a recipe will probably be just right, but it probably won't.

With a meat thermometer (core thermometer), it doesn't matter what kind of meat we use. We search the internet for the core temperature and cooking temperature for the given type of meat, set these on the Chefree AF500 display, and cook meat that will make even our pickiest guests lick all ten of their fingers.

In addition to the professional solutions, the Chefree AF500 is also suitable as a normal airfryer, as it can also prepare frozen foods. However, the meat thermometer, the high cooking temperature, and the ability to choose between different degrees of doneness when frying meat predestinate it for more than just being used as an average airfryer.

So the point is, in short, if you don't need the extras, don't buy it. If you don't want to make a good duck breast, a good steak, tenderloin, sirloin or other extra food at least occasionally, then don't buy it, it will be unnecessary for you. However, if, like me, you sometimes want to surprise yourself (or your family) with something delicious in addition to using your normal airfryer, then the Chefree AF500 will be your oven, and it will be worth every extra forint you spend on it.

If you liked the oven, then the 2QN57RTE7XBS You can order it from a Polish warehouse with a coupon code. The delivery is fast, there will be no customs clearance and you don't have to pay extra VAT, with the coupon the oven will cost ~42 forints instead of ~500 forints. Purchase by clicking on the link below:

Chefree AF500 professional airfryer

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Frequently asked questions about the Chefree AF500 air fryer

Q: What is the capacity of the Chefree AF500 and how many people is it enough for?
A: The air fryer has a capacity of 6,5 liters, which is enough for a meal for 2-3 people in optimal conditions.

Q: To what temperature can the Chefree AF500 be heated?
A: The device can be adjusted continuously from 30°C to 205°C, and in special mode up to 230°C is available.

Q: Can the Chefree AF500 baking basket be cleaned in the dishwasher?
A: Yes, the non-stick coated baking basket and accessories are dishwasher safe.

Q: What is the maximum power of the Chefree AF500?
A: The device operates at 1700 watts of power.

Q: What pre-programmed functions does the Chefree AF500 have?
A: It has eight pre-programmed functions: air frying, toasting, baking, warming, drying, grilling, fermenting and a maximum power mode of 230°C.

Q: How does the Chefree AF500 core thermometer work?
A: The built-in core thermometer continuously measures the internal temperature by inserting it into the thickest part of the meat, and you can choose from five different doneness levels (rare, medium rare, medium, medium well, well done).

Q: How loud is the Chefree AF500 when operating?
A: The maximum noise level of the device is 65 dB, which is considered extremely low in its category.

Q: Is there a viewing window on the Chefree AF500?
A: Yes, the device has a viewing window and built-in lighting, which can be activated with a separate switch.

Q: How much space does the Chefree AF500 take up on the kitchen counter?
A: The dimensions of the appliance are: 404x315x328,5 mm, which is considered an average-sized kitchen appliance.

Q: What safety certifications does the Chefree AF500 have?
A: The device has CE, ROHS, REACH, LFGB and ERP certificates and is made of BPA and PFOA-free materials.