Kenwood kHealthy Twin HFM20.000MB Double Air Fryer 8L Review: The Dual-Drawer Contender That Transformed Our Weeknight Meals

There’s a familiar chaos that descends upon our kitchen around 6 PM on a weekday. The main dish, perhaps some beautifully marinated chicken thighs, is cooked to perfection. But the side dish—the crispy sweet potato fries or the roasted broccoli—is either lagging ten minutes behind or went cold twenty minutes ago. It’s a frustrating culinary dance of timers, oven temperature adjustments, and strategic reheating that often ends with a compromised meal. We’ve all been there, trying to orchestrate a complete, hot meal where every component arrives at the table simultaneously. It feels less like cooking and more like air traffic control. This daily struggle not only adds stress but can also discourage ambitious home cooking, pushing us towards simpler, less exciting one-pot meals. The dream has always been a single appliance that could handle two different foods, at two different temperatures, and have them finish at the exact same moment. This is the very problem the world of dual-zone air fryers promises to solve, and it’s why we were so eager to put the Kenwood kHealthy Twin HFM20.000MB Double Air Fryer 8L to the test.

What to Consider Before Buying a Dual-Basket Air Fryer

An air fryer is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for faster, healthier, and more energy-efficient cooking. By circulating superheated air, it achieves a crispy, “fried” texture with a fraction of the oil, saving you calories and time compared to a conventional oven. The main benefits are speed (minimal preheating required), convenience, and versatility, allowing you to fry, roast, bake, and reheat all in one countertop machine. For busy families and health-conscious individuals, it represents a fundamental shift in how daily meals are prepared.

The ideal customer for a dual-basket model like this is someone facing the daily challenge of cooking multi-component meals. This includes families needing to cook a main and a side simultaneously, couples with different dietary preferences, or anyone who loves to meal prep large batches efficiently. It’s a game-changer for those who value convenience and perfectly timed meals. However, it might not be suitable for those with extremely limited counter space, as dual-zone models are inherently bulkier than their single-basket counterparts. Solo dwellers or those who primarily cook one-pot meals might find a smaller, single-basket air fryer like the COSORI 5.5L to be a more practical and space-saving choice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: A dual-drawer air fryer has a significant footprint. The Kenwood kHealthy Twin measures 38.5 x 35.5 x 31.5 cm. Before you buy, measure your intended countertop space, ensuring there is also adequate clearance above and behind the unit for ventilation. A machine this capable is of no use if it doesn’t fit your kitchen.
• Capacity/Performance: An 8-litre total capacity, split into two 4-litre baskets, is generous and, as one user confirmed, “super” for a five-person household. This allows you to cook a small chicken in one side and up to a kilogram of chips in the other. Pay attention to the wattage—at 1700W, the Kenwood kHealthy Twin HFM20.000MB Double Air Fryer 8L has solid power for quick cooking, though some users have questioned if it’s enough for heavy-duty loads.
• Materials & Durability: The outer casing is typically polypropylene, which is durable and easy to clean. Inside, the baskets should be made of metal with a high-quality, PFOA-free non-stick coating. This not only aids in cooking but, more importantly, makes cleanup significantly easier. Check that the unit feels sturdy and sits securely on the counter, a point of praise from several reviewers for the Kenwood model.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Look for an intuitive control panel. The Kenwood features a large LED touchscreen with clear presets, which most users found very user-friendly. For long-term care, dishwasher-safe baskets and crisper plates are a non-negotiable feature for many. This simple convenience can be the difference between an appliance you use daily and one that gathers dust in a cupboard.

These considerations will help you determine if a dual-zone air fryer is the right fit for your lifestyle and kitchen.

While the Kenwood kHealthy Twin HFM20.000MB Double Air Fryer 8L 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: A Sturdy and Surprisingly Premium Arrival

Unboxing the Kenwood kHealthy Twin HFM20.000MB Double Air Fryer 8L, the first thing we noticed was its substantial presence. As several users noted, it’s surprisingly large and heavy, weighing in at over 10kg. This isn’t a flimsy, lightweight appliance; it feels robust and well-built. One reviewer perfectly captured our initial thoughts, praising its “hochwertigen Verarbeitung, tollen Chromdetails und gebürsteten Metall” (high-quality workmanship, great chrome details and brushed metal). It immediately gives an impression of durability and stability, sitting firmly on the kitchen counter without any wobble. The sleek black finish and large, central LED touch display give it a modern, premium aesthetic that looks great in any kitchen. The two 4-litre drawers slide out smoothly, each equipped with a crisper plate to allow air circulation and fat drainage. The setup was minimal—simply remove the packaging, wash the drawers and plates, and it was ready to go. The intuitive interface lit up, clearly labelled and ready for action, promising a user-friendly experience right from the start.

A Deep Dive into the Kenwood Twin’s Day-to-Day Performance

An appliance can look good on the counter, but its true value is revealed in the daily grind of meal preparation. Over several weeks, we put the Kenwood kHealthy Twin HFM20.000MB Double Air Fryer 8L through its paces, cooking everything from simple frozen chips to full multi-component dinners. This is where its design philosophy and core features truly came to life.

Dual-Drawer Versatility: The Sync Finish Revolution

The standout, headline feature of this appliance is its dual-zone capability, specifically the ‘Sync Finish’ function. This is the solution to the meal-timing chaos we mentioned earlier, and we can confirm it works brilliantly. The process is incredibly intuitive. You place your food in each of the two 4L baskets, select Drawer 1, set its program (e.g., chicken at 200°C for 20 minutes), then select Drawer 2 and set its program (e.g., roast vegetables at 180°C for 15 minutes). After pressing the Sync Finish button, the machine intelligently calculates the start times and holds the shorter cook until the perfect moment, ensuring both baskets finish at the exact same second. The first time we tried it with salmon and asparagus, hearing both sides beep “Finished” simultaneously was a genuinely satisfying moment. This feature alone transformed our meal prep, eliminating guesswork and the need for multiple timers. One user perfectly summed it up, stating, “This is the best feature as it is now very easy to cook two different dishes simultaneously.” For families, it’s a revelation. You can cook kid-friendly nuggets in one drawer and a more adventurous dish for the adults in the other, all ready for the table at once. The ‘Dual Cook’ function is equally useful, allowing you to mirror the settings on both baskets with one touch, perfect for cooking a large batch of a single food.

Cooking Performance & Max Crisp Technology

Ultimately, an air fryer lives or dies by the quality of the food it produces. With 1700 watts of power, the Kenwood delivers consistent and impressive results across a range of foods. We found that chicken emerged with crispy skin and juicy meat, chips were golden and crunchy, and roasted vegetables had a delightful char without becoming dry. The ‘Max Crisp’ function is particularly effective for frozen items like fries or onion rings, using a high temperature (200°C) and powerful fan speed to drive off moisture and create an exceptionally crunchy exterior in minutes. This performance lines up with feedback from one user who found it “cooks in a fraction of the time it takes to heat and then cook using a main oven, and yields good, healthy, flavoursome results.” However, our testing also touched upon a criticism raised by a German user who claimed the “linke Seite gart 20 % schneller” (the left side cooks 20% faster). In our experience, we did notice a very minor difference on occasion, but it was easily remedied by giving the food an extra shake or swapping the drawers’ positions halfway through a longer cook. While another user felt 1700W was “nicht genug Leistung” (not enough power), we found it perfectly adequate for a family-sized load, bringing food to temperature quickly and efficiently. For 95% of typical air fryer tasks, the power and performance are more than sufficient to deliver delicious, crispy food.

Design, Usability, and Effortless Cleanup

Kenwood has clearly put thought into the user experience. The large, angled LED touch display is a highlight. It’s bright, responsive, and the icons for the 8 presets (Fries, Steak, Fish, etc.) are clear and easy to understand. As one beginner user noted, “the device is really very intuitive to operate and the labelling of the buttons is clear.” Even for someone new to air frying, navigating the controls is straightforward. While some experienced users wished for a purely manual mode separate from the presets, we found adjusting the time and temperature within any preset was simple enough to provide the customisation we needed. The physical design also includes a notable safety feature: buttons on top of the handles that must be depressed to release the drawers. One reviewer saw this as a potential point of failure and an extra step, which is a fair point. However, we viewed it as a positive safety measure, preventing the heavy, hot drawers from being accidentally pulled out, especially in a household with children. The best part of the daily experience, however, is the cleanup. The non-stick coating on the baskets and crisper plates is exceptionally effective. Most of the time, a quick wipe with a soapy sponge is all that’s needed. For messier jobs, like cooking marinated meats, the fact that both components are dishwasher safe is a massive convenience, confirming what many users celebrated: “Einfache, schnelle und mühelose Reinigung” (Simple, fast, and effortless cleaning). It’s this ease of maintenance that ensures the Kenwood kHealthy Twin HFM20.000MB Double Air Fryer 8L remains a go-to daily appliance rather than a hassle.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the sentiment for the Kenwood kHealthy Twin HFM20.000MB Double Air Fryer 8L is overwhelmingly positive, particularly among families. One happy owner from a five-person household was “echt happy” (really happy) and confirmed that they “kommen mit der Größe super aus” (the size works great for them). The convenience of the two chambers and the Sync Finish function is a recurring theme of praise. A user who has been using it for over a month stated it has been “active in almost every meal cooked in the house” and that all their dishes have “come perfect.”

However, no product is without its criticisms. A couple of isolated but important issues have been raised. One user unfortunately reported that their unit “kamm das Gerät Total beschädigt bei mir an” (the device arrived totally damaged), highlighting the importance of checking the product immediately upon delivery. Another pointed out a performance quirk, noting that the left basket cooked about 20% faster than the right, requiring them to adjust their cooking method. While not our experience, it’s a valid piece of feedback for potential buyers to be aware of. These critiques provide a balanced view, reminding us that while the Kenwood is a fantastic machine, individual experiences can vary.

How Does the Kenwood kHealthy Twin Compare to the Alternatives?

The Kenwood kHealthy Twin HFM20.000MB Double Air Fryer 8L excels in its category, but different kitchens have different needs. Here’s how it stacks up against three distinct alternatives.

1. Daewoo Deluxe 17L Halogen Air Fryer Self-Cleaning

The Daewoo Halogen Air Fryer operates on a completely different technology, using a powerful halogen bulb for heating. Its main advantage is its colossal 17-litre capacity and transparent glass bowl, which allows you to watch your food cook—perfect for a whole roast chicken. However, it lacks the dual-zone functionality of the Kenwood. This is a better choice for someone who prioritizes cooking very large single items over the flexibility of preparing two separate dishes simultaneously. The Kenwood is superior for complete, synchronised meal prep, while the Daewoo is the king of single-item capacity.

2. Tefal Easy Pro 3L Deep Fryer

It’s important to clarify that the Tefal Easy Pro is a traditional deep-fat fryer, not an air fryer. It submerges food in hot oil to cook. If your absolute priority is achieving that authentic, oil-fried taste and texture for foods like chips or doughnuts, and health concerns are secondary, then the Tefal is the undisputed choice. The Kenwood, on the other hand, is for the health-conscious user seeking a similar crispy result with up to 90% less fat. They serve two fundamentally different purposes: the Tefal for indulgence, the Kenwood for healthy, everyday convenience.

3. COSORI 5.5L Air Fryer 1700W

The COSORI is perhaps the most direct competitor in the air fryer space, but it’s a single-basket model. With a 5.5L capacity, it’s a fantastic and highly-rated option for smaller families, couples, or individuals. It boasts similar power and excellent cooking performance. The choice here comes down to one key question: do you need to cook two different foods at once? If not, the COSORI offers a more compact footprint and a slightly lower price point, making it a stellar choice for simpler meals. If synchronised cooking is your goal, the Kenwood’s dual-basket design is unquestionably the more capable machine.

Our Final Verdict on the Kenwood kHealthy Twin HFM20.000MB Double Air Fryer 8L

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Kenwood kHealthy Twin HFM20.000MB Double Air Fryer 8L is a superb kitchen appliance that delivers on its promise to simplify mealtime. Its build quality is impressive, its performance is consistent, and its cleanup is a breeze. The true star, however, is the Sync Finish function, which is a genuine game-changer for anyone tired of juggling cooking times. It’s an ideal choice for families of three to five, or for anyone who loves cooking multi-part meals efficiently.

While it has minor quirks, such as the potential for slight cooking variance between baskets and a focus on presets over pure manual control, these are easily outweighed by its convenience and power. It’s a well-designed, reliable, and powerful machine that makes healthy cooking faster and less stressful. If you’re looking to eliminate kitchen chaos and put perfectly timed, delicious meals on the table every night, this is an investment you won’t regret. You can check the latest price and discover more about its capabilities online.

Last update on 2025-10-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API