cookwise 9L Dual Air Fryer 2 Drawers Visual Window Review: The Family Kitchen Game-Changer We Tested

We’ve all been there. It’s 6 PM on a Tuesday, the kids are hungry, and you’re staring down the barrel of preparing a multi-component meal. The chicken needs roasting, the potatoes need crisping, and the vegetables need, well, not turning to mush. Traditionally, this meant a frantic dance between the oven, the hob, and the microwave, with timers going off like an unsynchronised orchestra. The result? One part of the meal is lukewarm while another is still cooking, and your energy levels are completely depleted. This daily kitchen chaos was precisely the problem we were looking to solve when we brought the cookwise 9L Dual Air Fryer 2 Drawers Visual Window into our test kitchen. We wanted to see if this single appliance could truly streamline the entire cooking process, delivering a complete, hot, and delicious meal for the whole family, all at the same time.

What to Consider Before Buying a Dual-Drawer Air Fryer

An air fryer, especially a dual-drawer model, is more than just a trendy gadget; it’s a key solution for busy households seeking healthier, faster, and more energy-efficient cooking methods. It tackles the challenge of preparing varied meals simultaneously, eliminating the need for constant oven-watching and multiple pans. By circulating superheated air, it achieves a crispy, fried-like texture using a fraction of the oil, drastically reducing fat and calorie intake. The main benefits are profound: slashed cooking times, lower electricity bills compared to a conventional oven, and the versatility to roast, bake, reheat, and grill, all in one countertop unit.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the daily puzzle of feeding a family with different tastes or preparing complex meals with multiple components. It’s perfect for parents, meal-preppers, and anyone looking to escape the limitations of a single oven. However, it might not be suitable for those with extremely limited counter space or individuals who primarily cook for one and don’t require the dual-basket functionality. For a solo dweller, a smaller, single-basket model might be a more practical and economical choice. Ultimately, if the idea of cooking salmon and chips simultaneously, with both finishing to perfection at the exact same moment, sounds like a dream, then a dual-drawer air fryer is absolutely for you.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: A dual-drawer air fryer is a substantial appliance. Before you click “buy,” measure your intended countertop space, paying close attention to the height under your wall cupboards. The cookwise 9L Dual Air Fryer 2 Drawers Visual Window has a footprint of 42cm deep by 37.5cm wide, which requires a dedicated spot. As one user noted, its clever slanted control panel helps it fit nicely under cabinets, but it’s a consideration you can’t ignore.
• Capacity/Performance: Capacity is king. A 9-litre total capacity, split into two 4.5L baskets, is ideal for a family of four or more. This allows you to cook a whole small chicken in one drawer and a generous portion of roast potatoes in the other. Also, check the wattage; at 2570 watts, this model has serious power, translating to faster pre-heating and cooking times.
• Materials & Durability: Look for food-grade materials and sturdy construction. The inner baskets should ideally be made from stainless steel, like the 304-grade steel used here, for longevity and to avoid chemical leaching. Pay attention to user feedback on the non-stick coating, as its durability can be a common point of failure in some models over the long term.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A complicated interface can turn a helpful gadget into a frustrating one. We look for intuitive controls, clear presets, and easy-to-read displays. For maintenance, dishwasher-safe baskets and crisper trays are a non-negotiable feature for us. It transforms the cleanup from a dreaded chore into a simple task.

While the cookwise 9L Dual Air Fryer 2 Drawers Visual Window 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 Design and Intuitive Controls

Unboxing the cookwise 9L Dual Air Fryer 2 Drawers Visual Window, the first thing that struck us was its modern, premium aesthetic. Despite its competitive price point, it doesn’t look cheap. The glossy black finish and sleek, slanted LED touch display give it a contemporary feel that would complement most kitchens. Several users commented that it “looks an expensive product,” and we wholeheartedly agree. It’s a large unit, to be sure, but its design is thoughtful.

Setting it up was a breeze. After removing the packaging, we simply washed the two baskets and crisper trays as recommended. The instruction manual, as some users noted, can be a little dense, but honestly, the control panel is so intuitive that we figured out the core functions—selecting a drawer, choosing a preset, and adjusting time/temp—within minutes without it. The star of the show, even before turning it on, is the large visual windows on the front of each drawer. This feature, combined with the internal lights, immediately felt like a significant upgrade over the opaque drawers of older models, promising an end to the “pull-out-and-peek” method of checking food. As one user mentioned, there was a faint plastic smell on the first run, but this dissipated completely after a quick, empty 10-minute cycle.

A Deep Dive into the Cookwise Dual Air Fryer’s Performance

An air fryer can look great on the counter, but its true worth is proven in the heat of the kitchen. We put the cookwise 9L Dual Air Fryer 2 Drawers Visual Window through a series of real-world family meal tests to evaluate everything from its dual-cooking capabilities to its overall performance and ease of cleaning. Here’s our detailed breakdown.

The Dual-Drawer ‘Smart Finish’ Revolution

This is, without a doubt, the headline feature. The ability to cook two different foods, at two different temperatures, for two different durations, and have them finish at the exact same time is transformative. We tested this with a classic pairing: a 1.2kg whole chicken in one drawer and hand-cut chips in the other. We set the chicken to roast at 180°C for 50 minutes and the chips to air fry at 200°C for 25 minutes. After programming both drawers, we hit the ‘Smart Finish’ button.

The air fryer intelligently started the chicken first, holding the chips in reserve. Exactly 25 minutes later, the second drawer fired up automatically. The result was genuinely impressive. A perfectly cooked, juicy chicken with crispy skin and a basket full of golden, fluffy-on-the-inside chips were ready simultaneously. This eliminates the mealtime juggling act. As one happy user put it, this feature is “perfect for our family having 2 young fussy sons.” The ‘Match Cook’ function is equally useful, instantly mirroring the settings of one basket onto the other, which is ideal for cooking large batches of a single food, like chips for eight people, as another user confirmed. The combined 9L capacity is substantial; it comfortably handles meals for 4-5 people, making it a true workhorse for family kitchens.

Design, Usability, and Those Brilliant Visual Windows

Beyond the core cooking functions, the user experience is superb. The slanted LED touch display is bright, responsive, and easy to see without crouching down. The nine presets (Fish, Fries, Bacon, etc.) are a great starting point, and we found them to be surprisingly accurate. One user noted the presets are “pretty accurate to everything I’ve been using it for so far,” saving them from faffing about with manual settings. We particularly appreciated the intelligent ‘Shake Reminder,’ a little beep and a flashing “SHAKE” on the display midway through the cook time for items like fries or wings, ensuring an even, all-over crispness.

However, the feature that we, and many other users, fell in love with is the combination of the visual windows and the internal lights. With the press of a button, you can illuminate the drawers and see exactly how your food is progressing. One user described it as “mesmerising watching the food cooking,” and we couldn’t agree more. It’s not just a novelty; it’s a practical tool that prevents you from losing heat by constantly opening the drawers to check on things. This simple addition elevates the entire cooking experience and, as one reviewer stated, is “a big plus from me, lost count how many times have burnt food, well not anymore with this clever design.” You can see this feature in action on the product page.

Cooking Power, Speed, and Efficiency

Powered by 2570 watts and its ‘3D Heat Circulation’ technology, the cookwise 9L Dual Air Fryer 2 Drawers Visual Window is impressively fast. It gets up to temperature in a couple of minutes, a stark contrast to the 15-20 minute preheat time of a conventional oven. This speed translates into significant energy savings, a claim backed up by one user who called the energy saving “phenomenal!” We cooked a whole medium chicken to perfection in under an hour, sausage rolls from frozen in 12 minutes, and crispy salmon fillets in just 8 minutes. The results were consistently excellent: moist on the inside, crispy on the outside, and all with just a light spritz of oil.

A few users pointed out that the maximum temperature is 200°C, which is slightly lower than some premium models that can reach 240°C. While this is a valid point, we found that 200°C was more than sufficient for 99% of air frying tasks, including achieving a deep, golden crisp on potatoes and vegetables. For most home cooks, this limitation is unlikely to be a significant issue, but it’s something to be aware of if you have specific high-heat recipes in mind. The quiet operation was another pleasant surprise, noticeably less noisy than some other air fryers we’ve tested.

Cleaning and Long-Term Durability Concerns

Ease of cleaning is a major selling point. The baskets and crisper plates are non-stick and fully dishwasher-safe. For everyday messes, a quick wipe with a soapy sponge is all that’s needed. The food-grade 304 stainless steel interior of the drawers also wipes down easily. This effortless cleanup makes you more inclined to use the appliance daily.

However, we must address a concern raised by at least one user regarding the long-term durability of the non-stick coating. A reviewer who had owned the appliance for six months reported that the coating on the crisper plates was “coming off at an alarming rate.” This is a critical piece of feedback. While our short-term tests showed no issues, potential buyers should be mindful of this and use non-abrasive sponges and silicone-tipped utensils to prolong the life of the coating. On a more positive note, another user who experienced a crack in a drawer front praised the seller’s customer service, receiving a replacement drawer within a couple of days. This suggests that while occasional manufacturing faults can happen, the company appears responsive in resolving them.

What Other Users Are Saying

Synthesizing feedback from dozens of buyers, the overall sentiment for the cookwise 9L Dual Air Fryer 2 Drawers Visual Window is overwhelmingly positive, with most users hailing it as a fantastic value-for-money alternative to bigger brand names. Many echo our praise for the ease of use, visual windows, and the game-changing Smart Finish feature. One user summed it up perfectly: “Don’t waste your money on Ninja. This thing is easily as good if not better.” People love its ability to replace their main oven for daily meals, saving time and energy.

The constructive criticism tends to centre on a few key areas. The most significant, as we’ve discussed, is the potential long-term durability of the non-stick coating on the crisper plates. A few others noted the initial plastic smell on first use (which dissipates quickly) and found the instruction manual to be overly complicated, suggesting that watching online videos was more helpful. These minor quibbles, however, are far outweighed by the praise for its core performance and functionality, making it a highly recommended appliance in the community.

How Does the Cookwise Compare to the Alternatives?

While the cookwise model excels as a family-sized dual-drawer air fryer, it exists in a crowded marketplace. It’s important to understand how it stacks up against different types of fryers to ensure it’s the right fit for your specific needs.

1. Aigostar 3 Litre Deep Fryer

The Aigostar is a traditional deep fat fryer, not an air fryer. This is the most crucial distinction. If your primary goal is to replicate authentic, chip-shop-style chips or deep-fried chicken with that unmistakable flavour that only comes from being submerged in oil, then the Aigostar is your machine. It’s a specialist tool for deep frying. The cookwise, on the other hand, is a versatile multi-cooker that uses hot air to achieve a crispy texture with up to 70% less oil. Choose the Aigostar for indulgent, traditional frying; choose the cookwise for healthier, everyday versatility and the ability to bake, roast, and grill.

2. Uten 5.5L Air Fryer Oven

The Uten 5.5L model represents a great single-basket air fryer. It’s an excellent choice for individuals, couples, or small families who don’t necessarily need to cook two different foods at once. Its 5.5L capacity is generous for a single basket, but it lacks the dual-zone technology of the cookwise. If your kitchen workflow involves cooking one main component at a time (e.g., just chips, or just chicken wings), the Uten is a more compact and slightly more budget-friendly option. However, if the appeal lies in coordinating a full meal to finish simultaneously, the dual-drawer functionality of the cookwise is a massive step up.

3. Daewoo 2L Compact Air Fryer

The Daewoo 2L is on the opposite end of the spectrum from the 9L cookwise. This is a compact, personal-sized air fryer designed for single servings and very small kitchens. It’s perfect for a student, someone living alone, or for use in a caravan where counter space is at an absolute premium. It will handle a portion of chips or a couple of chicken breasts beautifully. The cookwise, with its 9L capacity, is built for family-scale cooking. The choice here is purely about household size and cooking volume. The Daewoo is for one, while the cookwise is for a crowd.

Final Verdict: A Must-Buy for Busy Families

After extensive testing and poring over user feedback, our verdict is clear: the cookwise 9L Dual Air Fryer 2 Drawers Visual Window is a phenomenal piece of kitchen equipment that delivers incredible value. It successfully challenges the dominance of more expensive brands by offering all the key features a modern family needs: massive capacity, brilliant dual-zone cooking with Smart Finish, and the genuinely useful visual windows. It drastically cuts down on both cooking time and energy consumption, making stressful weeknight dinners a thing of the past.

While we acknowledge the user concerns about the long-term durability of the non-stick coating and the 200°C temperature cap, these are minor trade-offs for an appliance that gets so much right at such a competitive price. For families of three or more who want to eat healthier, save time, and simplify their cooking routine, this air fryer is an absolute game-changer. It has earned a permanent spot on our countertop. If you’re ready to revolutionise your family meals and reclaim your evenings, we can’t recommend it highly enough. You can check the latest price and order yours here.

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