Last month, I watched my neighbor Sarah pack up her air fryer and place it on her front porch with a “FREE” sign taped to it. The same woman who’d sworn by crispy Brussels sprouts and perfect chicken wings was giving away her beloved kitchen companion. When I asked why, she pointed to a sleek, compact device sitting on her counter that looked nothing like the bulky fryers we’ve grown accustomed to.
“It does everything the air fryer does, plus eight other cooking methods,” she said, pulling out a tray of golden roasted vegetables that had been steaming just minutes before. “I can’t justify the counter space for a one-trick pony anymore.”
Within hours, someone had claimed that air fryer. The kitchen revolution was happening right in front of us.
The nine-in-one device that’s changing everything
This new kitchen gadget isn’t just another appliance trying to squeeze onto your already crowded countertop. It’s a complete rethinking of how we approach cooking at home. Where air fryers dominated with their promise of oil-free crisping, these multi-functional devices offer something far more valuable: genuine versatility.
The technology combines pressure cooking, steaming, sautéing, grilling, slow cooking, baking, dehydrating, reheating, and yes, air frying into a single unit. What makes this different from previous attempts at all-in-one cooking is the precision each function delivers.
“We’re seeing a fundamental shift in consumer expectations,” says kitchen appliance designer Michael Chen. “People want fewer devices that do more things well, rather than multiple gadgets that excel at just one task.”
The typical unit takes up about the same counter space as a standard air fryer but eliminates the need for multiple appliances. For apartment dwellers and anyone dealing with limited kitchen space, this represents a genuine game-changer.
Breaking down the nine cooking methods
Understanding what this new kitchen gadget can actually do helps explain why air fryers are suddenly looking outdated. Here’s how the nine functions stack up against traditional cooking methods:
| Cooking Method | Traditional Appliance | Multi-Device Advantage |
| Air Frying | Dedicated air fryer | Same results, less counter space |
| Pressure Cooking | Instant Pot/pressure cooker | Faster meal prep, tender meats |
| Steaming | Stovetop steamer | Perfect vegetables without monitoring |
| Slow Cooking | Crockpot | Set-and-forget convenience |
| Sautéing | Stovetop pan | Consistent temperature control |
| Grilling | Indoor grill/grill pan | Indoor grilling without smoke |
| Baking | Conventional oven | Faster preheating, energy efficient |
| Dehydrating | Food dehydrator | Healthy snacks without extra equipment |
| Reheating | Microwave | Maintains texture and moisture |
The key advantages become clear when you consider meal planning. Instead of using your oven to roast vegetables while your stovetop handles the protein and your air fryer crisps up sides, one device manages the entire meal with precise timing and temperature control.
- Automated cooking programs that adjust time and temperature
- Steam-release mechanisms that prevent overcooking
- Non-stick surfaces that clean up easily
- Digital displays showing cooking progress
- Energy efficiency that cuts electricity usage by up to 70%
“The beauty is in the seamless transitions,” explains culinary instructor Lisa Rodriguez. “You can sauté aromatics, add liquid for pressure cooking, then switch to air frying mode for finishing touches. It’s like having a sous chef that never gets tired.”
What this means for home kitchens
The shift toward multi-functional cooking devices reflects how people actually use their kitchens today. Most home cooks don’t want to become appliance collectors, especially when counter space comes at a premium.
Early adopters report significant changes in their cooking habits. The convenience of switching between cooking methods without transferring food between devices encourages more experimentation. Home cooks are attempting recipes they previously considered too complicated or time-consuming.
Restaurant-quality techniques like pressure cooking followed by air crisping become accessible to anyone who can follow a simple recipe. The learning curve is surprisingly gentle, with most users mastering multiple functions within their first week.
“I’ve gone from someone who relied heavily on takeout to cooking elaborate meals at home,” says Jennifer Walsh, an early user. “The device makes complex cooking feel approachable.”
The economic impact is equally compelling. While the initial investment ranges from $200 to $400, users typically recoup costs within months through reduced takeout orders and more efficient energy usage. The ability to cook complete meals in one device also reduces food waste, as ingredients can be used more efficiently.
For families, the time-saving benefits are substantial. Busy parents can start dinner with a quick sauté, switch to pressure cooking mode for faster cooking times, then finish with air frying for texture. Total active cooking time often drops by 50% or more compared to traditional methods.
The environmental angle shouldn’t be overlooked either. Using one efficient appliance instead of multiple energy-hungry devices reduces overall power consumption. The faster cooking times and better heat retention mean less energy waste.
Kitchen designers are already adapting to this trend. New home constructions increasingly feature dedicated spaces for multi-functional appliances rather than built-in single-purpose tools. The days of countertops cluttered with bread makers, rice cookers, and specialty fryers may be numbered.
“We’re designing kitchens around versatile appliances that grow with changing lifestyles,” notes interior designer Paul Martinez. “These new kitchen gadgets represent the future of practical home cooking.”
As more manufacturers enter this space, prices are becoming more competitive while features continue expanding. Some newer models include smartphone connectivity, allowing remote monitoring and recipe sharing. The integration with meal planning apps means your device can suggest recipes based on ingredients you have on hand.
The writing seems to be on the wall for single-function appliances. While air fryers will likely maintain a dedicated following, the broader trend clearly favors versatility over specialization. For most home cooks, the question isn’t whether this new kitchen gadget makes sense, but rather which model best fits their cooking style and kitchen space.
FAQs
How much counter space does a nine-in-one cooking device typically require?
Most models take up roughly the same footprint as a standard air fryer, approximately 12-15 inches square and 12-14 inches tall.
Can these devices really replace an air fryer completely?
Yes, the air frying function performs identically to dedicated air fryers, using the same circulating hot air technology with comparable results.
What’s the learning curve like for someone used to traditional cooking methods?
Most users master 2-3 functions within the first week, with full proficiency across all nine methods typically achieved within a month of regular use.
Are these multi-function devices more expensive to operate than single-purpose appliances?
Actually, they’re typically more energy-efficient, using 30-70% less electricity than conventional ovens and reducing overall power consumption compared to running multiple separate devices.
How easy is cleanup compared to traditional cooking methods?
Significantly easier, with most models featuring dishwasher-safe components and non-stick surfaces that require minimal scrubbing.
Do meals cooked in these devices taste as good as traditional methods?
Many users report improved flavor and texture due to precise temperature control and the ability to combine cooking methods seamlessly in one device.
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