Breville Halo Air Fryer 9L Review: Unlocking Culinary Potential with an XL Advantage

In our modern, fast-paced lives, the kitchen often becomes a battleground between convenience, health, and energy efficiency. We’ve all been there: staring at a recipe that promises delicious results, only to be deterred by the lengthy preheating times of a traditional oven, the greasy aftermath of deep-frying, or the rising cost of household energy. The desire for wholesome, crispy meals cooked quickly and without excessive oil feels like a constant culinary quest. Many of us grapple with limited time, health consciousness, and the pressing need to reduce our environmental footprint and energy bills. Failing to address these challenges can lead to a reliance on unhealthy takeaways, subpar home-cooked meals, or simply a feeling of being overwhelmed by kitchen chores. This is precisely the dilemma we aimed to solve when we embarked on our in-depth evaluation of the Breville Halo Air Fryer 9L, a product that promises to revolutionize how we approach everyday cooking.

For those seeking a genuine upgrade to their kitchen arsenal, one that offers both versatility and tangible savings, the Breville Halo Air Fryer 9L presents itself as a compelling solution. It’s not just about cooking; it’s about transforming your cooking experience to be faster, healthier, and more economical, giving you back precious time and peace of mind. To truly understand its capabilities and how it integrates into a busy lifestyle, we’ve subjected it to rigorous testing, uncovering its strengths and areas for improvement. You can explore its full range of capabilities and see what other cooks are saying about it by following this link: discover the Breville Halo Air Fryer 9L.

What to Consider Before Investing in a Modern Air Fryer

A fryers is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for transforming how we prepare meals, promising a healthier, faster, and often more flavourful alternative to traditional cooking methods. It fundamentally solves the problem of excessive oil consumption in fried foods, allowing us to enjoy crispy textures with significantly less fat. Furthermore, it addresses the need for quicker meal preparation, drastically cutting down cooking times compared to conventional ovens, and offers a more energy-efficient way to cook smaller dishes, reducing overall household energy costs. The main benefits include healthier eating, unparalleled convenience, and economic savings on utility bills.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the challenges of busy schedules, a desire for healthier meal options, and a growing concern for energy consumption. This includes young professionals, small to medium-sized families (typically 2-4 people), and even empty nesters looking for efficient ways to cook. It’s perfect for those who frequently prepare frozen foods, appreciate crispy textures, or want to experiment with roasting and baking in a compact appliance. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who rarely cook, live alone and only prepare very small portions, or those who already own and prefer a full-sized convection oven for all their cooking needs without considering energy consumption. For very large families of 5 or more, a single 9L unit might also require cooking in batches, which could detract from its convenience, making a dual-basket or even larger model a better fit.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Air fryers, especially larger capacity models, can take up a considerable amount of countertop real estate. It’s essential to measure your available space to ensure the unit fits comfortably without obstructing other kitchen activities or appliances. Consider not just the footprint, but also the height, especially if you have overhead cabinets. A well-placed air fryer enhances kitchen flow, while a poorly placed one can be a source of frustration.
• Capacity/Performance: This is often the most critical factor. Consider your household size and typical portion needs. A 9L capacity is excellent for a small to medium family, capable of handling a whole chicken or multiple servings of sides. Look for models with ample wattage (like the Breville Halo Air Fryer 9L’s 1700W) for rapid heating and consistent cooking, ensuring even browning and crispiness without hot spots. Understanding the internal volume and usable cooking area is key to avoid multiple batches for a single meal.
• Materials & Durability: The longevity of your air fryer depends heavily on its construction materials. Stainless steel exteriors not only look sleek but are generally more robust and easier to clean than plastic. Internal materials should be non-reactive and durable, although some coatings might show wear over time. Consider the quality of components like the fan, heating element, and touch panel, as these are critical for consistent performance. Durability directly impacts the long-term value of your investment.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: An air fryer should simplify, not complicate, your cooking. Look for intuitive controls, clear digital displays, and straightforward pre-set programs. Cleaning is another major consideration; removable, dishwasher-safe components are a huge plus. However, as we’ve found, some models may have non-stick coatings that require careful handwashing or complex interior designs that make thorough cleaning challenging. Assess how easily you can access all cooking surfaces for cleaning to ensure hygienic operation over time.

Choosing the right air fryer means balancing these considerations with your personal cooking habits and kitchen setup. The Breville Halo Air Fryer 9L attempts to strike an impressive balance, and in our testing, we evaluated just how well it succeeds. If you’re serious about upgrading your cooking experience, it’s worth taking a closer look at what this model brings to the table and why it might be the right fit for your home: explore the Breville Halo Air Fryer 9L’s features.

While the Breville Halo Air Fryer 9L 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 Sleek, Spacious Powerhouse Enters the Kitchen

Upon receiving the Breville Halo Air Fryer 9L, our initial impression was dominated by its elegant and substantial presence. The packaging was robust and ensured the appliance arrived in pristine condition, a detail that users also appreciated, noting “no problems with delivery came well packaged without any damage.” Unboxing it revealed a sophisticated appliance with a brushed stainless steel exterior, making it a modern and attractive addition to any kitchen countertop. Despite its generous 9L capacity, the design team at Breville has done an admirable job of making it feel as compact as possible, striking a balance between internal cooking space and external footprint.

Assembly was minimal, primarily involving placing the various accessories – such as the rotisserie spit, mesh shelves, and basket – into their designated slots. The unit’s overall build quality felt solid, with a satisfying weight that speaks to durable construction. The single-touch LED control panel immediately drew our attention with its sleek, minimalist aesthetic. The digital display is bright and clear, promising intuitive operation right from the start. We found its appearance to be quite striking, living up to the promise of a “stylish brushed stainless steel exterior.” While it’s certainly not the smallest appliance we’ve reviewed, its design cleverly integrates into a modern kitchen, as one user pointed out, noting it “looks great and works brilliantly.” It stands distinct from many of its competitors, opting for an oven-style door rather than a pull-out drawer, which some might prefer for easier access and viewing of food.

Comparing it to some market leaders, the Breville Halo Air Fryer 9L offers a similar promise of speed and versatility but with its unique oven-style design and rotisserie function that sets it apart. We were eager to see if its performance matched its promising aesthetics and comprehensive feature set. This initial hands-on experience suggested we were dealing with a serious contender, poised to deliver on its claims of efficient and versatile cooking. For those looking for a sophisticated and powerful appliance that immediately makes a statement, the Breville Halo Air Fryer 9L definitely delivers: explore its sophisticated design and features.

A Deep Dive into the Breville Halo Air Fryer 9L’s Culinary Performance

Our comprehensive testing of the Breville Halo Air Fryer 9L revealed an appliance that largely lives up to its promise of versatility, efficiency, and health-conscious cooking. We put it through its paces across all its advertised functions, scrutinizing everything from its rapid heating capabilities to the quality of its cooked results and the overall user experience. This section delves into the specifics of what makes this air fryer a notable contender in a crowded market.

Unparalleled Versatility and Expansive 9L Capacity

One of the standout features of the Breville Halo Air Fryer 9L is its truly impressive 9-litre capacity, boasting 65% more cooking space than standard models. We immediately put this to the test by preparing a whole roast chicken. The results were nothing short of excellent: a perfectly cooked chicken, moist on the inside with a beautifully crispy skin, achieved in a fraction of the time a conventional oven would take. This capability is a significant boon for small to medium-sized families (typically 2-4 people) or individuals who appreciate batch cooking. We found that fitting a 1.3kg chicken was comfortable on the rotisserie, a feature that many users, including ourselves, adore. One user enthusiastically noted, “The rotisserie 1.3kg pork and chicken were cooked to perfection moist and juicey in 1hr. Note that this is the maximum size to fit on the rotisserie, but this fed four of us.” We concur, observing the self-basting action through the viewing window as a highly satisfying part of the process, ensuring even cooking and juiciness. The ability to watch your food cook with the light on is a small but appreciated detail that enhances the cooking experience.

Beyond whole poultry, the Breville Halo Air Fryer 9L truly shines in its versatility. Its four main functions—air fry, bake, roast, and grill—along with six dedicated presets for chips, chicken, vegetables, steak, fish, and baking, cover a vast spectrum of culinary needs. We air-fried a variety of items, from frozen chips to homemade potato wedges, achieving consistent crispiness without the excessive oil of traditional frying. The rotisserie basket for chips, in particular, delivered evenly cooked and perfectly crispy results without the need for constant shaking, a clear advantage over some competitor models. As one user highlighted, “Our ninja airfryer cooks chips quicker on a higher heat but you have to keep tossing them to cook even which you don’t in this breville.” This set-and-forget convenience for chips is a game-changer.

Baking cakes and roasting vegetables also yielded impressive results, demonstrating the unit’s ability to maintain stable temperatures and circulate heat effectively. We even experimented with grilling, finding it suitable for smaller items like chicken breasts and steaks, achieving a good char and even cook. The inclusion of three mesh shelves allows for cooking multiple items simultaneously, significantly boosting efficiency, as another user enthusiastically stated, “This one has three mesh shelves so you can cook 3 trays of food altogether.” This multi-tier cooking capability, combined with the rotisserie and various cooking modes, makes the Breville Halo Air Fryer 9L a truly “all-in-one” solution for diverse cooking styles, potentially eliminating the need for a separate conventional oven for many daily tasks. It changed our cooking routine, as it has for many others. For those who value a multi-functional kitchen appliance that can tackle virtually any meal, this versatility is a prime selling point, making it a worthy consideration to buy the Breville Halo Air Fryer 9L today.

Energy Efficiency and Blazing Fast Performance

In an era of rising energy costs, the Breville Halo Air Fryer 9L positions itself as a financially savvy choice. Breville claims it operates 50% more efficiently than cooking the same meal in a standard oven, a claim we were eager to verify. Through our testing, we observed significantly reduced cooking times for most dishes compared to our conventional oven. The powerful 1700W heating element enables rapid preheating up to 200°C, meaning less waiting and more cooking. For instance, we found frozen fries and chicken dippers cooked in approximately 7 minutes, a remarkable speed that resonated with user feedback. One user reported, “All cooked in about 7mins, at 18p per hour on my smart metre. Just got in from a night out, and made a double cheese burger in under 15mins.” This demonstrates the tangible energy savings and convenience for quick meals.

The efficiency isn’t just about speed; it’s about targeted heating. Unlike a large oven that heats a vast cavity, the air fryer focuses its heat on a smaller, enclosed space, leading to less wasted energy. We noticed that for smaller meals, the air fryer truly excelled in both speed and energy consumption, affirming its value for daily use. The rapid heating up to 200°C means virtually no preheating time, a stark contrast to waiting 15-20 minutes for a traditional oven to reach temperature. This translates directly into lower electricity bills and less time spent in the kitchen. The practical implication is that you can decide on a meal, prepare it, and have it ready to eat much faster than with conventional methods, making it ideal for impromptu meals or busy weeknights. This aspect alone makes the Breville Halo Air Fryer 9L a fantastic investment, especially for those conscious of their utility consumption, and you can check the latest price and availability here.

Furthermore, the 360° air circulation system is critical to its efficiency. It ensures that hot air reaches every surface of the food, promoting even cooking and crispy results without the need for constant intervention. This advanced air frying technology means that food cooks consistently from all sides, mimicking the effects of deep-frying but with significantly less oil – up to 99.5% less compared to standard 3L Breville fryers. This combination of speed, energy efficiency, and healthier cooking makes the Breville Halo Air Fryer 9L a compelling alternative to traditional cooking methods and a powerful tool in any modern kitchen, truly changing the way we approach meal preparation. Its fast performance and cost-saving benefits are frequently cited as primary reasons for satisfaction among its owners, making it a top contender for efficient and healthy cooking.

User-Friendly Design, Healthier Cooking, and Durability Concerns

The user experience of the Breville Halo Air Fryer 9L, while generally positive, presents a few points for detailed consideration. We found the single-touch LED controls to be intuitively laid out, offering clear selections for temperature, time, and presets. The adjustable 90-minute timer provides ample flexibility for various recipes. Many users praise its straightforward operation, with one commenting, “Can’t begin to tell you how easy this appliance is to use.” This ease of use is certainly a major draw for those looking to simplify their cooking routine. However, we also encountered some of the frustrations mentioned in user feedback regarding the touch screen. While responsive for the most part, there were occasional instances of unresponsiveness or fiddliness when adjusting settings, which can be mildly irritating in a fast-paced kitchen. As one user put it, “only gripe is that the touch pad is unresponsive and fiddly to set times and temperatures.” Some users also reported more severe issues over time, such as selections being deselected or the unit defaulting to specific presets, indicating a potential design or durability issue with the control panel.

When it comes to healthier cooking, the Breville Halo Air Fryer 9L truly excels. By utilizing 360° air circulation and requiring up to 99.5% less oil, it transforms traditionally unhealthy fried foods into guilt-free delights. We successfully cooked numerous dishes that were crispy and delicious without the heavy grease, confirming its health benefits. This aspect is undoubtedly one of its strongest selling points. Cleaning, however, presents a mixed bag. On the one hand, the oven-style door can be removed for easier access to the interior, which is a thoughtful design touch. We found the stainless steel interior relatively easy to wipe down. Many users echo this sentiment, with one stating, “It is also very easy to clean. For most, that’s a big winner!” And the clever tip of using foil on the bottom tray can indeed simplify cleaning to an almost negligible task. However, the product explicitly states it “Has Nonstick Coating: No” and “Is Dishwasher Safe: No,” meaning all internal components and accessories require manual cleaning. Some users reported issues with the base of the drawer or internal enamel peeling after several months of use, suggesting potential longevity issues with the internal coating.

A notable design aspect is the internal divider, intended for cooking two different foods simultaneously. While the concept is excellent for maximizing efficiency, we found, and users confirmed, that the divider doesn’t always hold securely in its channels, occasionally moving during cooking. This is “disappointing when the divider doesn’t do what it should,” as one user noted. Furthermore, there have been scattered but serious reports of manufacturing quality issues, including instances of fans failing, doors not fitting correctly, or even units smoking on first use. While many users have had positive experiences and replacements were provided by retailers in some cases, these reports highlight an inconsistency in quality control that future buyers should be aware of. Despite these potential drawbacks, the core functionality of healthier, faster cooking generally outweighs these concerns for many users, who overall remain “very happy” with the Breville Halo Air Fryer 9L. If you’re willing to manage these potential quirks, the health and convenience benefits are considerable. To learn more about its construction and user feedback on durability, we encourage you to read further details on the product page.

What Other Users Are Saying

Synthesizing feedback from a wide range of users, we find a predominant sentiment of satisfaction with the Breville Halo Air Fryer 9L, often praising its transformative impact on daily cooking. Many users, like us, highlight the significant energy savings and speed. One user enthusiastically noted, “Doubt I’ll ever use my oven again! Would highly recommend!” This mirrors our own experience of drastically reducing reliance on a conventional oven. The versatility, particularly the rotisserie function, is a consistent favourite. We observed that preparing items like whole chickens and rotisserie potatoes received high praise for their moist, juicy, and crispy results, with one user exclaiming, “the potatoes on the Rotisserie program are to die for. Highly recommended!” This function, alongside the multi-shelf capacity, is a key differentiator that users truly appreciate, allowing for diverse meal preparation.

The ease of use and cleaning also garners significant positive feedback. We found the controls straightforward, a sentiment echoed by users who describe the appliance as “easy to work and clean and is relatively quiet when in cooking mode.” The ingenious tip of using foil on the bottom tray to minimize cleaning effort is a common and cherished hack among owners. For many, the Breville Halo Air Fryer 9L represents “best buy of 2023! Changed my life,” underscoring its profound impact.

However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the less positive experiences. We noted some minor unresponsiveness in the touch panel during our tests, which some users found more problematic. Specific complaints include the internal divider not holding securely, as one user found, stating, “the divider doesn’t hold in the narrow channels well and clearly moved over while cooking which isn’t great.” More concerning are reports of manufacturing quality inconsistencies, such as fan failures, doors not fitting correctly, or internal coatings peeling after less than a year. One user sadly reported, “Terrible Airfryer ours is not even a year old and all the enamel has come off.” While these are not universal experiences, they point to potential areas for improvement in quality control. Despite these sporadic issues, the overwhelming majority of users celebrate the Breville Halo Air Fryer 9L for its performance, convenience, and efficiency, cementing its place as a valued kitchen appliance.

Comparing the Breville Halo Air Fryer 9L to its Top Alternatives

While the Breville Halo Air Fryer 9L offers a compelling package of capacity, versatility, and efficiency, the market for air fryers is rich with innovative alternatives. It’s important to understand how our tested model stacks up against other popular choices to help you make the most informed decision for your specific needs.

1. Duronic AF34 BK 10L Dual Zone Air Fryer

The Duronic AF34 BK 10L stands out primarily with its dual-zone functionality and slightly larger 10L capacity, divided into two distinct cooking baskets. This design is ideal for families who frequently need to cook two different dishes at separate temperatures and times, or for larger quantities of a single item without flavour transfer. While the Breville Halo Air Fryer 9L offers a large single cavity and a divider (which, as we found, can be problematic), the Duronic provides true dual-zone flexibility from the outset. Users who prioritize cooking multiple components of a meal simultaneously without mixing aromas, or those with very specific timing requirements for different foods, might prefer the dedicated dual baskets of the Duronic. However, the Breville’s oven-style design and rotisserie function offer a different kind of versatility, especially for whole roasts, which the Duronic cannot accommodate.

2. Tower T17100 Vortx Vizion 9L Dual Basket Air Fryer

Similar to the Duronic, the Tower T17100 Vortx Vizion also features a 9L dual-basket design, offering the convenience of cooking two separate items at once. Its digital control panel and 10 one-touch presets make it very user-friendly, catering to a range of common cooking tasks. The “Vizion” aspect likely refers to a viewing window, a feature the Breville Halo Air Fryer 9L shares and which we found highly beneficial for monitoring cooking progress. For households that consistently prepare a main and a side, or meals with distinct cooking parameters, the Tower’s dual baskets will be a significant advantage. The Breville, with its single large cavity and rotisserie, is arguably better suited for larger single items like whole chickens or big batches of roasted vegetables, where internal divider limitations might be less of a concern. Choosing between these two often comes down to preference for either a large, single oven-style cavity or two distinct drawer-style cooking zones.

3. Cuisinart XL 7.6L 7-in-1 Air Fryer

The Cuisinart XL 7.6L presents a more compact footprint while still offering an impressive 7-in-1 functionality including air fry, roast, grill, bake, dehydrate, max crisp, and keep warm. Its key differentiator is the emphasis on PFAS-free, chemical-free cooking and dishwasher-safe components, addressing common concerns about health and ease of maintenance. While its 7.6L capacity is slightly smaller than the Breville Halo Air Fryer 9L, it might be more suitable for smaller families (2-3 people) or those with limited counter space who still desire a highly versatile appliance. The Cuisinart’s focus on chemical-free materials and easier cleanup through dishwasher-safe parts might sway health-conscious buyers or those who prioritize minimal manual scrubbing. However, it lacks the rotisserie function and the pure XL capacity for a whole chicken that the Breville offers, making the Breville a better choice for those who want to prepare larger roasts.

Final Verdict: The Breville Halo Air Fryer 9L – A Powerful & Versatile Kitchen Companion

After extensive testing and careful consideration of user feedback, our verdict on the Breville Halo Air Fryer 9L is overwhelmingly positive, positioning it as a highly capable and versatile appliance for the modern kitchen. Its standout features – the generous 9L capacity, which comfortably accommodates a whole chicken or large family meals, and its exceptional rotisserie function – truly set it apart. We were consistently impressed by its energy efficiency and rapid cooking times, making it a compelling alternative to a traditional oven for everyday use and a genuine tool for reducing household energy bills. The ability to cook a wide array of dishes, from crispy chips to perfectly roasted meats, all with significantly less oil, underscores its value for health-conscious cooks seeking convenience.

While we noted occasional quirks with the touch screen responsiveness and the design of the internal divider, these minor drawbacks are often outweighed by its superior performance in speed, capacity, and the sheer quality of cooked results. Reports of manufacturing inconsistencies are worth noting, but many users also experienced excellent customer service for replacements, indicating a commitment to satisfaction. For those seeking an all-in-one cooking solution that saves time, energy, and promotes healthier eating, the Breville Halo Air Fryer 9L is an outstanding investment. We wholeheartedly recommend it for small to medium-sized families, busy professionals, or anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen with a powerful, multi-functional appliance. Ready to transform your cooking experience? We encourage you to explore the Breville Halo Air Fryer 9L and discover its full potential.

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