The Philips 5000 Series Dual Basket Steam Air Fryer review: great for health-conscious cooks

Philips 5000 Series Dual Basket Steam Air Fryer: The Perfect Kitchen Upgrade

Philips 5000 Series Dual Basket Steam Air Fryer is a remarkable fusion of air frying and steam cooking technology, making it a groundbreaking process within kitchen appliances. And while it’ll do a few other things, we determined after rigorous testing and analysis this appliance provides great versatility and performance, but it does come with some downsides. Its unique steam feature, excellent dual-basket system, and consistently high-quality cooking results make it an excellent choice for home cooks who want to explore more advanced culinary techniques. Although it has a high price tag and takes up a lot of counter space, for those who will use its full set of features, the technology and cooking results are usually worth the investment.

Design and Build Quality

A modern-looking appliance, the Philips 5000 Series Dual Basket Steam Air Fryer has a brushed steel finish that should be able to integrate into most kitchen decors seamlessly. With a significant footprint of around 444mm (D) x 383mm (W) x 355mm (H) and a weight of about 8.75kg, this is definitely a monster appliance and will need a good bit of counter space. Given the size of this XXL air fryer, it is also important to check that you have enough space before purchasing, as it will dominate smaller kitchens.

The build quality is strong and solid such that the unit focuses on functionality rather than premium looks. The big, touch-sensitive digital screen on the front of the appliance allows cooks to choose between a number of cooking modes and set it accordingly. This positive design feature makes the operation straightforward once you have learnt the different functions.

The asymmetric dual-basket system is a defining feature of the design. With a total capacity of 9L, there is a 3L basket and a bigger one (6L) of the air fryer. This distinction is practical for most cooking situations, letting users prepare the main dish in the bigger basket while simultaneously cooking sides or smaller portions in the smaller basket.   As for the 6L basket, it can hold sizeable amounts — for instance, 2.5 pounds (1.1kg) of fries, 3.5 pounds (1.6kg) of vegetables and a whole chicken weighing 2.6 pounds (1.2 kg).

At the top of the unit, you have a water tank that can hold about 800 ml of water for steam. Although the manual recommends removing the tank to refill it, most users opt instead to fill it with a jug while it’s still in place.

Key Features and Technologies

Dual Basket System

The versatility of this air fryer is more than the dual basket design that is the basis of it. You can programme each basket independently with varying cooking modes, temperatures, and times. One of its best features is the “Time” function that adjusts cooking times as needed to ensure both baskets finish at the same time, so your whole meal can be served at once.

However, keep in mind that not all baskets have the same capabilities. The smaller 3L basket is limited to air frying, whereas the 6L basket offers additional features such as air frying, steaming, and a unique steam air fry combination.

Steam Functionality

The biggest difference is steam capabilities with the larger 6L basket. For this basket, users can select from three differing modes of cooking:

Only air fryer: Then, classic air fry to get crispy.

Steam only: Pure steaming for vegetables, fish or dumplings.

Steam air fry: A dual option that steams food at the outset and air fries it to a crisp finish, with moist food in the middle.

This steam function sets the Philips 5000 Series apart from other competitors, and most reviews say it works quite well. It’s great for steaming vegetables, fish and dumplings uniformly. The steam feature also retains nutrients better than traditional cooking, and Philips claims it holds on to as much as 87% more nutrients than boiling.

RapidAir Plus Technology

Philips uses its own patented RapidAir Plus technology, which has a star shape that circulates hot air around and through food. This technology ensures consistent results both inside and out, regardless of the type of food used. The system enables cooking with little to no oil while producing crispy exteriors and tender interiors.

Steam Clean Function

Also an innovative feature, the steam cleaning capability is meant to help loosen stubborn grime from larger baskets. Clicking this function activated the unit to blast 100°C steam into the basket for 15 minutes and then a final drying cycle of five minutes.

Though the steam cleaning gets rid of most food residue, according to reviews, it is less effective with meat-based residues and still needs some seconds of hand cleaning afterward. The appliance’s marketing materials may overstate this feature; after all, the device doesn’t do away with manual cleaning, just makes it a little easier.

Presets and Cooking Modes

It comes with several preset cooking programmes, including:

Frozen Potato-Based Snacks

Steak

Fresh Potatoes

Vegan options

Chicken/Poultry

Fish

Vegetables

Bread

Muffin/Cake

Reheat

Dumplings

These presets automatically adjust the recommended time and temperature for each food type, but users can override the settings if they choose. It has a power rating of 2,750 W and allows you to adjust the temperature between 40°C and 200°C, giving you plenty of flexibility.

User Experience and Controls

The digital touchscreen interface is touch-sensitive and pretty intuitive, showing cooking time, temperature and selected function. Once you get the hang of the controls, they’re simple to use, and the display offers clear feedback about which settings have been engaged.

However, a major negative in many reviews is the poor user manual. You are also provided with a manual, but it is more visual than written, so you don’t know what each function and button on the interface is used for. Several reviewers also say they had to search for a digital manual online, which does yield more detailed information but isn’t accessible when you’re cooking.

The air fryer offers several quality-enhancing features, such as a “Shake Reminder” that informs you when to flip or toss for optimal results. This does a nice job of creating consistent cooking, a bonus for foods that are better born in mid-cook to turn — you get it.

Cooking Performance and Results

Philips 5000 Series Dual Basket Steam Air Fryer Cooking performance gets high marks across the board for most types of food:

Air Frying Performance

As a traditional air fryer, the appliance is commendable:

While potato products have a crispy exterior, some reviews suggest that the preset method may overdo it.

In addition, fresh-cut potato cubes provide perfectly scored, crispy exteriors and fluffy interiors while they cook.

Wings and drumsticks crisp up nicely, but you may want to change the cooking times to suit your tastes.

Mediterranean vegetables such as aubergine, courgette, peppers and onions grill very well when they are left to develop an appropriate amount of char.

Steaming Performance

The steaming function performs admirably across a wide range of foods:

Carrots steam to a tender but crisp texture.

Vegetables like broccoli cooked up fine but can turn out a bit soggy if let run the full preset time.

Frozen dumplings and gyoza steam to perfection, keeping their delicate texture and flavour.

Steam Air Frying Performance

The steam and air fry combo mode is especially impressive:

When you use it with chicken, it produces juicy interiors with crispy exteriors.

Surprisingly great for bread, making loaves with pillowy interiors and brown crusts — something most air fryers can’t seem to manage.

Tends to keep moisture in foods but still gets that crispness you look for – the best of both cooking methods.

The general consensus among those who reviewed it seems to be that the presets are a good starting point, but users might have to play around with cooking times according to their taste or the particular amount of food they’re cooking. The customisation of its settings guarantees you get your desired doneness level, regardless of food type.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The baskets’ non-stick coating makes them relatively easy to hand-clean, and all removable parts are dishwasher safe (though some reviewers recommend against using the dishwasher to preserve that coating).

The larger basket’s steam clean option is a welcome addition, aiding in the removal of difficult-to-scrub residue. However, it’s not a panacea for cleaning, as stubborn stains still require manual effort. It also has a descaling feature to keep the steam system working optimally in the long run.

Maintenance is simple overall, though not quite as simple as the marketing materials imply for the steam-cleaning feature.

App Integration

The Philips 5000 Series connects to the HomeID app, which gives you recipes designed specifically for this air fryer model. The app walks you through hundreds of dishes with settings tailored for this appliance.

However, the app has mixed reviews, with some users finding it helpful for recipe inspiration and others calling it clunky and hard to navigate. The app integration is a nice touch, but it is not necessary for the appliance’s basic function.

Energy Efficiency

This helps conserve energy, which is a huge benefit of this appliance. Philips states it uses up to 70% less energy than a conventional oven while cooking yet is up to two to three times faster. This not only makes it a more accessible option but also a more affordable one for everyday cooking needs, as lower energy usage over time can account for the higher purchase price.

Value for Money

The Philips 5000 Series Dual Basket Steam Air Fryer occupies the higher end of the market, with a retail price usually around £249.99 (but often discounted to around £169.99). For many users, especially those who are going to use the steaming features regularly, paying extra for the unique steam functionality, dual-basket system and generally excellent cooking performance is worth it.

But if cupboard space is tight or you don’t plan on using the steam functions often, you might get better value from a more basic model. This appliance is a serious investment, and prospective buyers should think about how often they will use the full range of features.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Dual steam and air fry technology adds a healthy cooking option.

Dual baskets with synchro function ready full meals at once

Good all-around performance with a variety of foods.

Steam mode, which helps maintain food’s nutrients in a healthy manner.

Steam cleaning helps with maintenance.

High capacity for family-friendly use.

Capacitive touchscreen pointing device.

More energy-saving than traditional ovens.

Cons:

“Requires a lot of space.”

Initial use not easy due to lack of user manual

Steam cleaning does not replace the need for manual cleaning

Premium price point

Steam does not work with the smaller basket

App gets mixed reviews for usability

The standard cooking time for a given task often requires tweaking

Conclusion

In a crowded air fryer market, the Philips 5000 Series Dual Basket Steam Air Fryer is a true innovation. Its combination of air frying and steaming features provides versatility that most competitors can’t match, while the dual basket system offers practical flexibility for cooking full meals.

While there are some downsides — chief among them the terrible user manual and large amount of real estate it takes up on your counter — the appliance consistently produces excellent cooking results, regardless of what type of food or cooking you’re doing. I was especially impressed with the steam air fry combo mode, which produces foods that stay moist inside and crisp on the outside.

For home cooks who want maximum versatility and are looking to use healthier cooking styles, this model is one of the more attractive options despite its premium cost. People with limited kitchen space or more basic cooking requirements may want to look elsewhere, but for families and serious cooks at home, the Philips 5000 Series Dual Basket Steam Air Fryer is a good investment that can add variety to the kitchen.”

From vegetables steamed to preserve nutrients to potatoes air-fried to crispy perfection and the innovative combination mode for perfect bread texture, this appliance delivers outstanding versatility for the modern kitchen. With its compact design and affordable price, the Philips 5000 Series Dual Basket Steam Air Fryer offers exceptional performance that will transform your daily cooking routine, potentially becoming your go-to appliance.