BELLA 2L Manual Air Fryer Oven Multicooker Review: The Ultimate Compact Kitchen Companion?

In our quest for the perfect kitchen, we’re often lured by gadgets promising culinary revolution. They arrive in large boxes, filled with a dizzying array of attachments and manuals thicker than a novel. A few weeks later, they’re relegated to the back of a cupboard, victims of their own complexity. I’ve been there. My kitchen has a graveyard of once-loved appliances. The core problem is simple: we crave convenience, speed, and delicious results, but we’re often sold complexity. This is especially true for solo dwellers, students, or couples living in smaller spaces where countertop real estate is as precious as gold. The challenge is finding a device that delivers on the promise of quick, healthy, and crispy food without demanding a degree in engineering to operate. This is precisely the void the BELLA 2L Manual Air Fryer Oven Multicooker aims to fill, promising straightforward functionality in a compact form. We decided to put it through its paces to see if it truly is the simple solution for modern, space-conscious cooking.

What to Consider Before Buying a Compact Air Fryer

An air fryer is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for healthier, faster, and more energy-efficient cooking. By circulating superheated air, it achieves a desirable crispy texture, akin to deep-frying, but with a fraction of the oil. This makes it an indispensable tool for anyone looking to reduce their fat intake without sacrificing flavour. The main benefits are profound: reduced cooking times compared to a conventional oven, lower energy consumption for smaller meals, and an incredible versatility that allows you to roast, grill, bake, and reheat, all in one compact unit. It transforms soggy leftovers into delightful, crisp meals and makes cooking from frozen a genuinely viable and tasty option for busy weeknights. The BELLA 2L Manual Air Fryer Oven Multicooker is designed to bring these benefits into even the smallest of kitchens.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the daily challenge of cooking for one or two people. This includes students in dorms, professionals in city apartments, retirees downsizing their homes, or anyone who wants a secondary appliance for quick snacks and side dishes. It’s for the person who values simplicity over a dozen pre-programmed settings they’ll never use. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who regularly cook for a family of four or more, as the 2-litre capacity would require cooking in multiple batches. If you’re a gourmet chef who demands precise, degree-by-degree temperature control for delicate recipes, the manual knob interface might feel limiting. For larger households or those needing more advanced features, exploring bigger, digital, or even dual-basket models would be a more practical alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Measure your countertop space carefully. A compact air fryer’s main appeal is its small footprint. The BELLA 2L Manual Air Fryer Oven Multicooker measures just 21.2D x 28W x 27H centimetres, making it an excellent choice for kitchens where every inch counts. Ensure you have enough clearance around the unit, especially at the back where the air vent is located.
• Capacity & Performance: Capacity is measured in litres or quarts. A 2-litre (2-quart) capacity, like this BELLA model offers, is perfectly suited for single servings or meals for two. For performance, wattage is a key indicator; the 1200-watt heating system here is efficient for its size, enabling it to heat up rapidly and cook food quickly, a feature we found consistently impressive during our tests.
• Materials & Durability: Look for a sturdy exterior (often plastic or polypropylene for heat insulation and light weight) and a durable interior basket. The basket should have a high-quality nonstick coating for easy food release and cleaning. While the BELLA’s parts are functional, some user feedback has raised concerns about the long-term durability of the nonstick coating, a point we’ll explore in-depth later.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: The control interface is paramount. Digital models offer presets and precision, while manual models, like this one, offer intuitive, tactile control with simple dials for time and temperature. For maintenance, a removable basket and crisper tray that are dishwasher safe are non-negotiable for convenient cleanup, a feature thankfully included here. You can check the latest price and discover its user-friendly design on its product page.

While the BELLA 2L Manual Air Fryer Oven Multicooker is an excellent choice for solo cooks, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at models designed for larger families, including those with dual-basket functionality, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Simplicity in a Sleek Matte Black Package

The BELLA 2L Manual Air Fryer Oven Multicooker arrived in a compact, efficiently packed box. Unboxing was a straightforward affair, with the unit securely cushioned and free of excessive plastic packaging. Our first impression upon lifting it out was its surprising lightness. At just over 2.2 kg (4.96 pounds), it’s incredibly easy to move and reposition on the counter, a stark contrast to some of the heavier, bulkier air fryers on the market. The matte black finish is sleek, modern, and resistant to fingerprints, allowing it to blend seamlessly into most kitchen decors without drawing too much attention. There’s no assembly required; it’s ready to go right out of the box after a quick wash of the basket and tray.

The design philosophy is one of absolute minimalism. There are just two dials on the unit: a temperature control knob on the front and a 60-minute timer on top. The action of these dials is satisfyingly tactile and mechanical. Pulling out the basket reveals a simple, nonstick interior with a removable crisper tray designed to elevate food for optimal air circulation. It’s a refreshingly simple machine in an age of overly complicated appliances. It doesn’t try to be a smart device or a spaceship cockpit; it’s an air fryer, pure and simple, and it makes no apologies for it.

Putting the BELLA 2L to the Test: A Performance Breakdown

An appliance can look good on the counter, but its true value is revealed in its performance. We spent several weeks using the BELLA 2L Manual Air Fryer Oven Multicooker as our primary tool for quick meals, snacks, and reheating, putting its 1200W heating system, manual controls, and compact design through a battery of real-world kitchen challenges. From frozen chips to fresh chicken wings, we wanted to know if this budget-friendly machine could deliver the crispy, delicious results that air fryer evangelists promise. Here’s our in-depth analysis of how it fared.

The Heart of the Machine: 1200W Heating and Cooking Performance

The 1200-watt heating element is the engine of this machine, and for its size, it’s surprisingly potent. The most immediate benefit we noticed was the speed. The BELLA 2L Manual Air Fryer Oven Multicooker heats up to its maximum 400°F (200°C) in just a couple of minutes. This rapid preheating is a significant advantage over a conventional oven, saving both time and energy. Our first test was the classic benchmark: frozen oven chips. We filled the basket with a single portion, set the temperature to 200°C, and the timer for 15 minutes. Halfway through, we gave the basket a shake. The result? The chips were impressively crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside, far superior to what an oven or microwave could achieve in the same timeframe. However, we did note the experience of one user who found their chips came out “dry and hard.” This highlighted the importance of not overcrowding the small basket and perhaps adding a tiny spritz of oil, which we found helped achieve a better texture. For those seeking that perfect golden-brown finish, exploring its rapid air technology is a must.

We moved on to fresh food, testing it with chicken drumettes tossed in a dry rub. Cooking at 190°C for about 22 minutes, with a flip midway through, yielded fantastic results. The skin was rendered perfectly crispy and golden, while the meat remained juicy and tender. It also excelled at reheating leftover pizza, transforming a once-soggy slice back to its crispy-crusted glory in just four minutes. This appliance truly shines for cooking single portions of proteins or side dishes. The powerful, concentrated hot air circulation in the small chamber is remarkably effective, confirming the experience of users who found it “cooks food really well” and is “simple and quick.”

Mastering the Manual Controls: Is Simplicity a Virtue or a Flaw?

The control system on the BELLA 2L Manual Air Fryer Oven Multicooker consists of two analogue dials: one for temperature (ranging up to 400°F/200°C) and a 60-minute timer on top which also acts as the power switch. In our experience, this simplicity is its greatest strength, especially for users who are intimidated by digital displays and endless preset buttons. As one user aptly put it, it’s perfect “for someone who doesn’t want lots of gadgetry in their life.” You turn the temperature dial to your desired heat, turn the timer dial to your desired time, and it starts working immediately. There’s a satisfying mechanical “ding” when the time is up.

However, this simplicity comes with trade-offs. The temperature markings are guides rather than precise degree settings, which can be a challenge for recipes that require exact temperatures. This was echoed by a user who noted, “Can’t regulate temperature.” For most everyday air frying tasks like chips, chicken, or vegetables, we found the markings to be perfectly adequate, but it does involve a small learning curve. We also confirmed a peculiar quirk mentioned by another reviewer: to preheat, you must set both the temperature and the timer. This means you have to turn the timer dial to, say, 5 minutes to get it heating, and then reset it once you add your food. It’s a minor inconvenience but something to be aware of. For those who value straightforward operation over digital precision, this manual control system is a feature that really sets it apart.

Design, Capacity, and Build Quality: A Closer Look

The 2-litre capacity is the defining feature of this air fryer. Let’s be clear: this is a personal-sized appliance. It’s ideal for a generous portion of chips for one, two small chicken breasts, or a handful of spring rolls. We found it perfect for whipping up a quick lunch or dinner without heating the entire kitchen with our main oven. As multiple users confirmed, it is “perfect for a single person” or “maybe for two people.” One user was even pleasantly surprised, stating it was “much bigger than I expected,” showing that capacity perception can be subjective, but it’s certainly more than adequate for its target demographic of one-to-two-person households.

The overall build is lightweight plastic, which keeps the cost and weight down. The matte black finish looks premium and resists smudges well. The main point of concern, however, comes from the nonstick coating on the crisper tray. After several weeks of consistent use and careful hand-washing, our unit’s coating remained intact. However, we cannot ignore the user report stating, “the coating is coming off the grill shelf… I’ve only had her over a month.” This suggests a potential inconsistency in manufacturing or that the coating may be susceptible to damage from certain utensils or abrasive cleaning. We strongly recommend using only silicone or wooden utensils and avoiding harsh scrubbing pads to prolong the life of the nonstick surface.

Cleanup and Maintenance: The Nonstick, Dishwasher-Safe Promise

One of the most tedious parts of cooking is the cleanup, and this is an area where the BELLA 2L Manual Air Fryer Oven Multicooker generally excels. The pull-out basket and the removable crisper tray are both coated in a nonstick material. After cooking everything from marinated chicken to cheese-topped snacks, we found that food residue slid off with minimal effort under hot, soapy water. This ease of cleaning was a consistent point of praise in user feedback, with comments like “easy to clean the tray and crisper sheet” appearing frequently.

Furthermore, the product description promises that these components are dishwasher safe. We ran them through several dishwasher cycles, and they came out perfectly clean each time. This is a huge convenience for busy individuals. While the main body of the air fryer is not immersible, the smooth plastic exterior can be wiped clean with a damp cloth in seconds. The simplicity of the design extends to its maintenance, making it a low-effort appliance to own. The promise of an easy cleanup makes the prospect of using it daily much more appealing, and for those who despise washing up, the dishwasher-safe components are a game-changing feature.

What Other Users Are Saying

After our own extensive testing, we delved into the wider pool of user feedback to see how our experience aligned with others. The sentiment is largely positive, with a strong appreciation for the product’s core identity: a simple, effective, and affordable air fryer for individuals and couples. Many, like the student who called it “one of the best purchases I have had,” praise its reliability and excellent cooking results for the price point. The theme of it being “perfect for a single person” and “ideal” for those short on space is a constant refrain, validating our assessment of its target audience.

However, the feedback isn’t without its critiques, which provide a balanced view. The most significant recurring concern involves the durability of the nonstick coating on the crisper tray. One user reported peeling after just over a month of regular, careful cleaning, which is a valid point of concern for long-term ownership. Another area of division is the control system. While most appreciate its simplicity, a few users found the lack of precise temperature regulation to be a deal-breaker, leading to a desire to return the product. These critiques are important as they highlight the specific trade-offs a buyer makes for the appliance’s compact size and affordability.

How the BELLA 2L Compares to the Alternatives

The BELLA 2L Manual Air Fryer Oven Multicooker occupies a specific niche, but it’s important to understand the other options available, which may serve different needs better. We’ve compared it to three distinct alternatives to help you decide.

1. Quest 3L 2000W Deep Fat Fryer

The most direct comparison is also the most traditional. The Quest Deep Fat Fryer is not an air fryer; it’s a classic oil-based fryer. If your primary goal is to achieve that authentic, deep-fried taste for foods like chips, fish, and doughnuts, and you are less concerned about the health aspects, this is the superior choice. With a larger 3L oil capacity and a powerful 2000W element, it cooks quickly and delivers that unmistakable deep-fried texture that air fryers can only imitate. However, it comes with the downsides of using, storing, and disposing of large amounts of oil, as well as higher fat content in the food. The BELLA is for the health-conscious and convenient daily user, while the Quest is for the traditionalist seeking uncompromising deep-fried results.

2. Emperial Digital Halogen Oven 12-17L with Hinged Lid

The Emperial Halogen Oven is a completely different beast, targeting families and those who want to replace their main oven for most tasks. Its massive 12-17L capacity dwarfs the BELLA’s 2L, making it capable of roasting a whole chicken. It uses a combination of halogen light and a fan for cooking and comes with digital presets, an accessories pack, and a hinged lid for easy access. This is a multi-functional countertop oven for large-batch cooking. Someone would choose the Emperial over the BELLA if they are cooking for three or more people and need the versatility and capacity to handle large meals. The BELLA’s advantage is its speed for small portions, its tiny footprint, and its sheer simplicity.

3. NETTA 4.2L Air Fryer Oil-Free Cooking

The NETTA 4.2L Air Fryer is perhaps the most direct “upgrade” from the BELLA. It operates on the same air-frying principle but more than doubles the capacity, making it suitable for small families or couples who like to cook slightly larger portions. It features adjustable temperature and a timer, similar to the BELLA, but offers that crucial extra space to avoid overcrowding food, which can lead to better, more even cooking results. A user would choose the NETTA if they love the idea of the BELLA but find the 2L capacity just too restrictive. The trade-off is a larger countertop footprint and potentially a slightly higher price point. The BELLA remains the champion for absolute compactness and single-person use.

Our Final Verdict: Is the BELLA 2L Manual Air Fryer Oven Multicooker Right for You?

After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the BELLA 2L Manual Air Fryer Oven Multicooker is overwhelmingly positive, provided you are the right customer for it. This is not the air fryer for a family of five, nor is it for the culinary artist who needs precise digital controls. This is an appliance that knows exactly what it is: a simple, fast, and effective cooking tool for one or two people. It excels in its niche, delivering crispy, delicious food with minimal fuss and occupying a laughably small amount of counter space. Its rapid heating, intuitive controls, and easy-to-clean design make it a joy to use for daily meals and snacks.

While we acknowledge the potential concerns about the nonstick coating’s longevity and the slight learning curve of the manual dials, these are reasonable trade-offs for its accessible price point and sheer convenience. If you live alone, with a partner, or are a student looking to elevate your meals beyond the microwave, this air fryer is an outstanding value proposition. It’s an economical, space-saving, and highly capable machine that delivers on its core promise. For anyone tired of kitchen complexity and looking for a straightforward path to better-tasting meals, we wholeheartedly recommend it. You can find the best price and order your BELLA 2L Manual Air Fryer today.

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