Tower T17190GRP Vortx XL Dual Stack Air Fryer Review: The Space-Saving Family Feeder Put to the Test

There’s a familiar chaos that descends upon our kitchen around 6 PM on a weekday. The oven is preheating for chicken, a pan is simmering with vegetables, and the microwave is on standby for a quick side. It’s a frantic juggling act of timers, temperatures, and trays that often leaves the kitchen looking like a culinary disaster zone and me feeling utterly exhausted. We’ve long sought a single appliance that could streamline this process—something powerful enough to handle a full family meal but clever enough not to monopolize our precious countertop real estate. The promise of a large-capacity air fryer was tempting, but the typical side-by-side dual basket models were simply too wide for our space. This is the exact predicament that led us to the Tower T17190GRP Vortx XL Dual Stack Air Fryer, a machine that promises a massive 11-litre capacity in a revolutionary vertical design.

What to Consider Before Buying a Dual-Basket Air Fryer

A dual-basket air fryer is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for transforming meal preparation from a chore into a coordinated, efficient process. Its main benefit lies in its ability to cook two different foods, at two different temperatures, for two different times, and have them both finish simultaneously. This eliminates the need to keep one part of the meal warm while the other finishes cooking, a common headache with traditional ovens. For busy families, this means getting a complete, healthy meal on the table faster. For those who love to entertain, it means less time tethered to the kitchen and more time with guests. The significant reduction in oil usage compared to deep frying is a huge health benefit, delivering crispy textures without the associated guilt or mess.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the daily challenge of cooking multi-component meals for a family of three or more. Meal preppers will also find the large, separated capacity invaluable for cooking proteins and vegetables in bulk. However, it might not be suitable for those who live alone or have extremely limited kitchen space, where a smaller, single-basket air fryer might be more practical. If you primarily cook one-pot meals or rarely need to prepare more than one food item at a time, the complexity and size of a dual-zone model could be overkill. In that case, a compact single-drawer model or a multi-functional cooker could be a better fit.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: This is the most critical factor. Standard dual-basket air fryers are wide and demand a significant amount of counter space. The Tower T17190GRP Vortx XL Dual Stack Air Fryer challenges this norm with its vertical, stacked design. Before buying any model, measure your available counter height and depth, paying special attention to clearance under cabinets. A space-saving design like this can be the deciding factor for those with galley kitchens or crowded countertops.
• Capacity/Performance: Capacity is measured in litres, and 11L is exceptionally generous, suitable for a family of 4-6. Performance is dictated by wattage; at 2460W, this Tower model is incredibly powerful, which translates to faster preheating and cooking times. Look for key features like ‘Smart Finish’ (syncs two different cooks to end together) and ‘Match Cook’ (mirrors settings across both baskets), which are essential for true dual-zone convenience.
• Materials & Durability: The longevity of your appliance depends on its construction. This model features a stainless steel exterior and interior, which is generally robust and easy to clean. However, pay attention to the components that receive the most wear and tear, like the baskets and crisper plates. User reports of rusting plates or peeling non-stick coatings on other models are a red flag. While the product specs state a stainless steel interior, it’s crucial to follow care instructions meticulously to prevent premature wear.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A complicated interface can turn a convenient appliance into a frustrating gadget. We find digital touch controls, like those on the Tower T17190GRP Vortx XL Dual Stack Air Fryer, to be intuitive once you’re familiar with them. Preset cooking modes are a bonus for beginners. For maintenance, check if the baskets and trays are dishwasher safe. This model’s components are not, which means committing to hand washing after every use—a significant consideration for long-term convenience.

While the Tower T17190GRP Vortx XL Dual Stack Air Fryer is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the Tower T17190GRP: First Impressions and Key Features

Pulling the Tower T17190GRP Vortx XL Dual Stack Air Fryer from its box, the first thing we noticed was its unique form factor. Instead of the wide, squat shape of competitors, it stands tall and relatively slim. The graphite finish with chrome trim gives it a modern, premium aesthetic that looks fantastic on the counter. At 7 kilograms, it has a reassuring heft; this isn’t a flimsy plastic appliance. It feels substantial and well-planted, which several users noted was a pleasant surprise, expecting something lighter for the price point.

The main unit houses two 5.5L cooking drawers stacked vertically. They slide in and out with a smooth, firm action. Inside each drawer is a removable cooking rack, designed to allow for multi-layer cooking. The digital control panel is sleek and dark when powered off, lighting up with bright, clear icons when turned on. It presents a lot of options at once, which, as one user mentioned, can seem “quite complicated” at first glance. However, after a few minutes of exploration, the logic becomes clear: you select a drawer (1 or 2), choose a function, set your time and temp, and repeat for the other drawer if needed. The dedicated buttons for Smart Finish and Match Cook are prominently displayed, highlighting the machine’s core strengths. You can explore its full feature set and controls online to get a better feel for the interface.

Putting the Tower T17190GRP Through Its Paces

An air fryer’s true worth is only revealed in the kitchen, under the pressure of preparing real meals. We spent several weeks using the Tower T17190GRP Vortx XL Dual Stack Air Fryer as our primary cooking appliance, testing everything from simple frozen chips to a full roast dinner. We pushed its capacity, experimented with its smart functions, and evaluated its day-to-day liveability.

The Vertical Advantage: A Masterclass in Space-Saving Design

The single most compelling feature of this air fryer is its design. By stacking the two 5.5L drawers, Tower has solved the biggest problem plaguing high-capacity air fryers: the enormous countertop footprint. In our kitchen, where a side-by-side model would have been impossible, the Tower slid perfectly into a space previously occupied by a coffee machine. It’s a genuinely transformative design that opens up the possibility of dual-basket cooking to a much wider audience. But the obvious question is: does the bottom drawer suffer from being, well, at the bottom? Does it receive the same ferocious heat as the top drawer?

To test this, we conducted a simple but revealing experiment. We filled both drawers with an identical amount of frozen French fries, set them to ‘Match Cook’ at 200°C for 20 minutes, and let them run. We gave both baskets a shake at the halfway point. The result? Two perfectly cooked, identically golden-brown and crispy batches of fries. The powerful 2460W motor and Tower’s Vortx air circulation technology do an exceptional job of distributing heat evenly throughout both chambers. There was no discernible difference in cooking performance between the top and bottom drawers, proving the vertical design is not a gimmick but a brilliantly executed piece of engineering. This machine delivers on its promise of full capacity without compromise, a feature that really sets it apart from the competition.

Cooking Power and Precision: Smart Finish and Real-World Results

Beyond its clever shape, the functionality of the Tower T17190GRP Vortx XL Dual Stack Air Fryer is what makes it a kitchen workhorse. Our ultimate test was a Sunday roast. We placed a 1.4kg chicken in the bottom drawer and a tray of chopped potatoes, drizzled in a teaspoon of oil and herbs, in the top. The chicken required 55 minutes at 180°C, while the potatoes needed 30 minutes at 190°C. This is where the ‘Smart Finish’ function shines.

We programmed both drawers with their respective settings and pressed the Smart Finish button. The air fryer intelligently started the longer cook (the chicken) first, holding the potato cook in reserve. At the precise moment, it automatically fired up the top drawer. The result was magical. With a single beep, both drawers finished cooking at the exact same time. The chicken was succulent with crispy skin, and the roast potatoes were fluffy on the inside and perfectly browned on the outside. This feature confirms what many users have discovered: it’s a game-changer for preparing complex meals, capable of handling a whole roast for a family of four with ease. Some users have reported uneven cooking, especially on one side of the basket. We found that this can happen if the baskets are overcrowded. Ensuring food is in a single layer and giving it a vigorous shake halfway through the cook cycle is crucial for achieving perfectly even results, as with any air fryer.

Usability and Cleanup: The Daily Experience

Living with an appliance day-to-day involves more than just cooking performance; it’s also about the interface and the inevitable cleanup. The digital panel, while initially busy, quickly becomes second nature. We appreciated the six presets for common foods like fries, steak, and wings, which provide excellent starting points for temperature and time. The manual DIY mode, however, is where we spent most of our time, enjoying the full control it offers.

The most significant drawback we encountered is the cleaning process. The drawers and cooking racks are not dishwasher safe. While they are coated, requiring only a soak in hot, soapy water and a gentle wipe, it’s still a manual task that adds time after every meal. We also took note of user feedback regarding durability. Some have experienced rusting on the crisper plates or peeling paint. To mitigate this, we made sure to dry the components thoroughly immediately after washing, never leaving them to air dry. A user also shared a critical safety warning that we feel is essential to repeat: the rear of the drawers is perforated for air circulation. If you tip the drawer forward to pour out food, collected hot fat can spill out from these holes at the back. We tested this cautiously and can confirm the risk. It is vital to remove food with tongs or a spatula, or to pour carefully while keeping the drawer level, to avoid potentially serious burns. This is a crucial design consideration users must be aware of for safe operation.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our positive experience is echoed by many other owners. One user, after 56 years of conventional cooking, called the appliance a revelation, praising its ability to “cook the best chips straight from the freezer” and bake small batches of scones without heating the main oven. Another was delighted with the capacity, noting that “the draws are a great size (can fit 3 garlic bread baguettes) in each.” The value proposition is also a recurring theme, with several people stating it “does the same job” as premium competitors at half the price.

However, the feedback isn’t universally glowing, which provides a balanced perspective. The most serious concern comes from the user who warned about hot oil spilling from the perforated rear of the drawers, a safety issue we were able to replicate and believe is paramount to be aware of. Other criticisms we found were consistent with potential quality control issues. One user reported that their “crisper plates have begun rusting” in less than a month, while another received a unit that started “rattling loudly” and had to be replaced. These instances highlight the importance of registering for the 3-year guarantee to protect your investment, and why you should check the latest price and warranty details before purchasing.

How Does the Tower T17190GRP Compare to the Competition?

The Tower T17190GRP Vortx XL Dual Stack Air Fryer occupies a unique niche, but it’s important to see how it stacks up against other types of air fryers. Depending on your needs, one of these alternatives might be a better fit.

1. LLIVEKIT 12L Air Fryer Oven Rotisserie

The LLIVEKIT represents a different approach to large-capacity air frying. As an “air fryer oven,” it features a front-facing glass door and multiple internal racks, much like a miniature convection oven. Its standout feature is the rotisserie function, which is perfect for cooking whole chickens with an unbeatable self-basting action. While its 12L capacity is similar to the Tower’s, the oven-style format is better for multi-layer cooking of flat items like pizza or dehydrated fruits. Choose the LLIVEKIT if you value the rotisserie function and the ability to watch your food cook through a glass door. Opt for the Tower if you prefer the complete separation of two cooking zones for eliminating flavour transfer between different foods.

2. Belaco 2L Digital Air Fryer

The Belaco 2L model sits at the opposite end of the spectrum. With its tiny 2L capacity, this air fryer is designed for individuals, students, or those with exceptionally small kitchens. It’s perfect for making a single portion of chips, reheating leftovers, or cooking a couple of chicken wings. It is compact, energy-efficient for small tasks, and incredibly simple to use. This is not a competitor to the Tower in terms of functionality but rather an alternative for someone whose needs are minimal. If you’re cooking for one and space is your absolute top priority, the Belaco is a sensible choice. If you ever cook for more than one person, the Tower’s capacity is vastly more practical.

3. Chefman 5.7L Air Fryer Touch Controls

The Chefman 5.7L represents a more traditional, high-quality single-basket air fryer. It’s a direct and simple solution for someone who wants to cook one thing at a time, but do it very well. Its capacity is generous for a single basket, easily handling enough fries or wings for a small family. The appeal of the Chefman lies in its simplicity; you don’t have to manage two separate zones. This is the ideal choice for a user who finds the concept of dual-zone cooking overly complicated or unnecessary for their lifestyle. However, if you dream of having your main course and side dish finish cooking at the same time, the dual-zone capability of the Tower T17190GRP Vortx XL Dual Stack Air Fryer is a significant step up in convenience.

Our Final Verdict: Is the Tower T17190GRP the Right Air Fryer for You?

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Tower T17190GRP Vortx XL Dual Stack Air Fryer is a truly innovative and highly effective kitchen appliance. For families or anyone with limited counter space who has been dreaming of a large-capacity, dual-zone air fryer, its vertical design is nothing short of revolutionary. It delivers on its promise of saving space without sacrificing an ounce of cooking power or capacity. The Smart Finish and Match Cook functions are flawlessly executed and genuinely simplify the process of making complete meals.

However, it’s not without its caveats. The lack of dishwasher-safe parts is a notable inconvenience, and prospective buyers must be diligent about manual cleaning and drying to avoid the durability issues some users have reported. Most importantly, the design requires careful handling of the drawers to prevent hot oil from spilling. If you can commit to mindful cleaning and safe handling, the rewards are immense. For its brilliant design, massive capacity, and intelligent cooking functions, the Tower T17190GRP Vortx XL Dual Stack Air Fryer earns our strong recommendation as a top contender in its class. Click here to see the current price and make this countertop champion yours.

Last update on 2025-10-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API