Instant Versazone Dual Black Air Fryer 8.5L Review: The Kitchen Chameleon That’s Changing Midweek Meals

We’ve all been there. It’s 6 PM on a Tuesday, and the kitchen resembles a chaotic command centre. The chicken needs another 20 minutes in the oven, the potatoes are 10 minutes from being perfectly roasted, and the asparagus will be done in five. The result? A frantic dance of opening and closing the oven door, letting out precious heat, and trying to align three different cooking timelines into one cohesive meal. More often than not, something ends up lukewarm, something else is slightly overdone, and you’re left feeling more like a stressed-out air traffic controller than a home cook. This constant juggling act not only saps the joy out of cooking but also racks up energy bills by keeping a large, inefficient oven running for disparate items. We knew there had to be a better, smarter way to get a complete, hot meal on the table, all at the same time.

What to Consider Before Buying an Air Fryer

An Air Fryer is more than just an appliance for making healthier chips; it’s a key solution for reclaiming your time, reducing energy consumption, and revolutionising your cooking habits. By circulating superheated air at high speed, it delivers that coveted crispy, golden-brown texture of deep-fried food with up to 95% less oil. This means you can enjoy family favourites with a fraction of the fat, without sacrificing flavour or crunch. The main benefits extend far beyond just ‘frying’. These versatile machines can roast, grill, bake, reheat, and even dehydrate, effectively consolidating multiple kitchen gadgets into one sleek, countertop unit and often cooking food in up to half the time of a conventional oven.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the daily challenge of feeding a family, a couple looking to make quicker and healthier meals, or anyone wanting to reduce their kitchen’s energy footprint. If you’re constantly finding your main oven is too large and slow for smaller meals, or you’re tired of the logistical nightmare of coordinating different cooking times, an advanced air fryer is for you. Conversely, it might not be the best fit for those who exclusively cook very large-batch meals for huge gatherings (though some models are closing this gap) or individuals who prefer the specific results of traditional deep-frying and aren’t concerned about oil usage. For them, a classic deep fat fryer might be a more suitable, albeit less healthy, alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: An air fryer will live on your countertop, so measure your available space carefully. The Instant Versazone Dual Black Air Fryer 8.5L, for example, has dimensions of 38.4 x 40.3 x 31.7 cm. You need to ensure not only that it fits, but also that there’s adequate clearance around it for ventilation. A larger capacity machine will inevitably have a bigger footprint, so it’s a trade-off between cooking volume and counter real estate.
• Capacity/Performance: Capacity is paramount, especially for families. An 8.5-litre capacity like this model’s is generous and suitable for 4-6 people. Look for wattage (the Versazone is 1700W) as an indicator of heating power and speed. Crucially, consider the basket configuration: are you better served by two smaller, fixed baskets, or the unmatched flexibility of a single large zone that can be divided, like the one we’re reviewing today? This single feature can dramatically change how you use the appliance.
• Materials & Durability: The main body is typically a combination of hard-wearing plastic and stainless steel. Pay close attention to the cooking basket’s interior. A high-quality, PFOA-free non-stick coating is essential for both low-oil cooking and, critically, for easy cleaning. Check user feedback for longevity, as some cheaper coatings can degrade or peel over time.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A great air fryer should simplify your life, not complicate it. Look for an intuitive digital touch-screen, clear presets, and audible alerts. For maintenance, dishwasher-safe components (like the drawer and cooking tray) are a massive bonus, turning a potentially greasy cleanup into a simple task. This long-term convenience is often what separates a well-used appliance from one that gathers dust in a cupboard.

While the Instant Versazone Dual Black Air Fryer 8.5L 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:

First Impressions: Sleek, Substantial, and Surprisingly Smart

Unboxing the Instant Versazone Dual Black Air Fryer 8.5L was a satisfying experience. The unit was securely packed, and lifting it from the box, we were immediately struck by its solid, premium feel. Weighing in at 7.1kg, it feels substantial and well-built, with no flimsy plastic components. The sleek black finish and clean lines give it a modern, minimalist aesthetic that looks fantastic on the kitchen counter, managing to appear professional without being overly industrial. You can see its stylish design and check dimensions online.

The main attraction, of course, is the enormous 8.5L drawer. Sliding it out reveals the clever removable divider. It clicks into place with reassuring firmness, effectively creating two independent 4.2L zones. Removing it is just as simple, opening up a cavernous single space ready to accommodate a whole chicken or a family-sized portion of roasted vegetables. The control panel is a clean, bright touchscreen that comes to life with a tap. After the recommended initial test run (a 20-minute cycle at 200°C to burn off any manufacturing residue), we did notice a slight ‘new appliance’ smell, as a few users have mentioned. However, this dissipated completely after the first cycle and never affected the taste of our food.

A Deep Dive into the Instant Versazone’s Performance

An air fryer’s worth is proven not on the spec sheet, but on the dinner plate. Over several weeks, we put the Instant Versazone Dual Black Air Fryer 8.5L through its paces, testing everything from simple frozen chips to a full roast dinner. We explored its 8-in-1 functionality, pushed its capacity limits, and became intimately familiar with its smart features. This is where the Versazone truly distinguishes itself from the crowded market, moving from a simple appliance to an indispensable kitchen partner.

The Versazone Advantage: One Giant Drawer or Two Independent Baskets

The single most compelling feature of this machine is its core design philosophy, encapsulated in the name ‘Versazone’. Other dual-zone air fryers offer two separate, smaller drawers. While functional, this permanently limits you to smaller portions and prevents you from cooking larger items, like a leg of lamb or a whole medium-sized chicken. The Instant Versazone Dual Black Air Fryer 8.5L shatters that limitation. With the divider removed, you have an uninterrupted 8.5-litre cooking space. We successfully roasted a 1.5kg chicken in this mode; it came out with incredibly crispy skin and succulent, juicy meat in under an hour. The hot air circulation was perfectly even, with no need to turn the bird halfway through. This is a feat impossible in any fixed twin-drawer model and a massive win for those who want to cook for a whole family. You can explore the possibilities of its massive capacity here.

Then, with a simple click, the divider goes in. Suddenly, you have two distinct 4.2L cooking zones. This is where the magic happens for weekday meals. We cooked salmon fillets in one zone and a generous portion of asparagus spears in the other. There was no flavour transfer, and each component was cooked to its specific requirements. As one user happily noted, this feature is perfect for catering to different tastes or dietary needs simultaneously, remarking how they could finally cook their son’s chicken burger (25 mins) and chips (15 mins) to finish at the exact same time. This adaptability is what sets the Versazone apart; it’s a large-capacity air fryer and a dual-cooker in one seamless package.

Sync Cook & Sync Finish: The End of Mealtime Juggling

If the Versazone drawer is the brilliant hardware, then the Sync Cook and Sync Finish functions are the genius software that brings it all to life. These two buttons on the control panel are the solution to the chaotic meal-timing problem we all face. Sync Cook is straightforward: it mirrors the settings of the first basket onto the second, perfect for when you’re making a double batch of wings or chips. You set the time and temp once, and both zones run in perfect unison.

But Sync Finish is the real star of the show. This function is, without exaggeration, a game-changer. We tested it with a classic pairing: pork chops (20 minutes at 190°C) and sweet potato fries (15 minutes at 200°C). We programmed Zone 1 with the pork chop settings and Zone 2 with the fry settings, then pressed Sync Finish. The display intelligently showed that Zone 1 would start immediately, while Zone 2 would be held. Five minutes into the pork chops’ cooking time, the air fryer automatically started Zone 2. The result was breathtaking in its simplicity: both baskets beeped to signal they were finished at the exact same moment. No more keeping things warm in the oven, no more microwaves, just two perfectly cooked, piping hot components ready to plate. This level of coordination, which makes complex meals incredibly simple to prepare, has made our conventional oven feel almost obsolete for evening meals.

Beyond Air Frying: An 8-in-1 Countertop Powerhouse

While ‘Air Fry’ is its headline act, the Instant Versazone Dual Black Air Fryer 8.5L is a true multi-cooker. We were determined to test its other promises. The ‘Roast’ function performed beautifully on a small joint of beef, creating a delicious crust while keeping the inside pink and tender. The ‘Bake’ setting was a pleasant surprise; we made a batch of cheese scones that rose beautifully and had a lovely golden top, all in just 12 minutes without the lengthy preheat of our main oven. The ‘Grill’ function is excellent for things like halloumi or sausages, providing great colour and char marks via the perforated cooking tray.

The ‘Reheat’ function deserves a special mention. It’s far superior to a microwave for reviving leftovers like pizza or pastries. A slice of day-old pizza, which would turn soggy in a microwave, emerged from the Versazone after 3 minutes with a crisp base and perfectly melted cheese, arguably better than when it was fresh. We even tested the ‘Dehydrate’ function on some thin apple slices, leaving them on a low heat (55°C) for several hours. The result was a batch of healthy, crispy apple chips. This versatility means the appliance earns its keep on the counter, reducing the need for other gadgets and saving a significant amount of energy compared to firing up a 3000W conventional oven.

Everyday Usability and a Word on Cleaning

Living with the Versazone day-to-day is a breeze. The touch controls are responsive and logical. We particularly appreciated the helpful on-screen prompts like “Preheating,” “Add Food,” and the midway reminder to “Turn Food.” As one user noted, these prompts are genuinely useful for getting an evenly cooked result, taking the guesswork out of the process. The machine is also noticeably quieter than some other air fryers we’ve tested.

Cleanup is where many appliances fall short, but the Versazone excels. The main drawer and the perforated cooking tray have a robust non-stick coating and are fully dishwasher safe. After most meals, we simply placed them in the dishwasher, and they came out spotless. This is a massive plus for busy households. However, we must echo the sentiment of one meticulous user who pointed out that if you choose to hand-wash, the base plate of the main drawer has some nooks and crannies where grease can collect if not cleaned promptly. Our advice is to rinse or soak it soon after use to prevent any buildup, ensuring it remains easy to clean for years to come.

What Other Users Are Saying

The sentiment surrounding the Instant Versazone Dual Black Air Fryer 8.5L is overwhelmingly positive, with users consistently praising its core features. One happy customer called it a “game changer for my cooking” and noted that it has “rendered my oven even more redundant.” This echoes our own experience, highlighting its ability to replace a conventional oven for most daily tasks. The dual-zone capability with Sync Finish is a recurring theme of praise, with one parent sharing, “I loved this feature as often my son will have a chicken burger that takes 25mins and chips take 15mins so I was able to change temp n times n for them to be cooked at same time.”

However, no product is perfect, and the feedback provides a balanced view. A common minor critique involves the initial “plasticky metallic smell” on the first use, which our tests confirmed but found it disappears quickly. A more practical point was raised by a user who noted that after a few months, “the base plate is very difficult to keep clean. A lot of awkward spaces where grease can collect.” This highlights the importance of cleaning the drawer promptly after use. While most praise the durability, a few isolated reports mentioned issues with the handle or non-stick coating over time, suggesting that while it is dishwasher-safe, gentle handling is always a good practice to prolong its life.

How Does the Instant Versazone Compare to the Alternatives?

The Instant Versazone Dual Black Air Fryer 8.5L sits in a competitive market, but its unique design gives it a distinct edge. To understand its place, let’s compare it to three notable alternatives, two of which cater to a more traditional frying experience and one which is its closest direct competitor.

1. Aigostar 3 Litre Deep Fryer Easy Clean

The Aigostar represents the classic deep fat frying experience. Its primary advantage is authenticity; for perfectly crispy, golden chips or battered fish that tastes like it came from the chippy, nothing quite beats being submerged in hot oil. It’s also significantly cheaper than the Versazone. However, the trade-offs are substantial. It’s a one-trick pony, capable only of frying. The health implications of using large amounts of oil are significant, and the cleanup process, involving draining and storing oil, is far more cumbersome. The Aigostar is for the purist who prioritises traditional fried flavour above all else and is willing to accept the health and cleaning compromises.

2. Instant Pot Vortex Plus Dual 7.6L Air Fryer

This is the Versazone’s closest sibling and main rival from the Instant brand. The Vortex Plus offers a similar dual-zone, Sync Cook, and Sync Finish experience, but with two completely separate 3.8L drawers. Its key advantage is the ClearCook windows and internal lights, which let you monitor your food’s progress without opening the baskets and losing heat. However, its total capacity is slightly smaller at 7.6L, and crucially, you can never combine the zones to cook one large item. The choice between them comes down to a single question: Do you value the ability to see your food cook (Vortex), or do you value the flexibility to cook a whole chicken or large joint of meat (Versazone)? For ultimate versatility, we believe the Versazone has the edge.

3. Tefal Compact Deep Fryer FR701640

Like the Aigostar, the Tefal is a traditional deep fat fryer, but it comes with a clever twist: an automatic oil filtration system. After use, it drains, cleans, and stores the oil in a sealed container below, making it ready for the next use. This is a brilliant convenience feature that tackles the biggest headache of deep frying. However, it shares the same fundamental drawbacks: it’s a single-function appliance that relies on a large amount of oil for cooking. It’s smaller than the Aigostar, with a 2L oil capacity, making it better for individuals or couples. It’s an excellent choice for those dedicated to deep frying who hate the cleanup, but it lacks the health benefits, speed, and sheer versatility of the Instant Versazone Dual Black Air Fryer 8.5L.

The Final Verdict: Is the Instant Versazone Dual Black Air Fryer 8.5L Worth It?

After extensive testing, we can say with confidence that the Instant Versazone Dual Black Air Fryer 8.5L is a truly exceptional piece of kitchen technology. Its revolutionary design, which offers the choice between a massive 8.5L single drawer and two independent 4.2L zones, provides a level of flexibility that is simply unmatched by its competitors. This isn’t just an air fryer; it’s a complete cooking solution that roasts, bakes, grills, and reheats with staggering efficiency.

The Sync Finish feature alone is worth the price of admission, eliminating the stressful guesswork of meal timing and delivering perfectly coordinated, hot meals every time. While it has minor drawbacks, like the initial break-in smell and the need for prompt cleaning, its powerful performance, intuitive interface, and energy-saving benefits far outweigh them. If you are a family, a couple that loves to batch cook, or anyone looking to make their time in the kitchen faster, healthier, and more enjoyable, this appliance is a superb investment. It has earned its permanent spot on our countertop, and we wholeheartedly recommend it. Check the latest price and see for yourself why it’s a top-rated choice for modern kitchens.

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