Who Should Consider the Philips 5000 Series Megabasket with Steam?
This air fryer is engineered for larger households, meal preppers, or anyone who wants the flexibility to air fry, steam, or combine the two for juicier, crispier results. With a 9.5L capacity and an adjustable divider, it can cook family-sized meals, handle batch cooking, or serve two different foods with different settings simultaneously. If you’re interested in replacing separate appliances (like a steamer), or want to experience the unique steamfry mode for foods that stay moist yet crispy, this model is positioned at the high end for versatility and performance.
Key Features: What Sets It Apart
- Cooking Modes: Beyond standard air frying, it offers full-featured steam and hybrid steamfry functions—ideal for foods like dumplings, fish, and chicken wings.
- Large Capacity: At 9.5L, it’s among the largest on the market, suitable for feeding families in one go.
Basket Divider: Allows two foods at different times/temps, or a single jumbo cooking space. - Dishwasher-safe Components: All parts (basket, trays, divider) can go in the dishwasher, making cleanup reasonably easy.
- Touch Controls: The interface is clear and intuitive, avoiding the confusing icons seen on other brands.
- Special Features: Shake reminders, sync-finish for two cooking zones, and a built-in steam cleaning mode for maintenance between washes.
Limitations and Trade-offs to Consider
- Size and Placement: This appliance is both tall and wide, making it unsuitable for small kitchens or cramped countertops. It also requires room behind it for steam venting, which could be an issue under low wall cabinets.
- Premium Price: Positioned at the upper end (around £260 in the UK), it’s significantly costlier than many large air fryers. Alternatives with basic air frying function can be purchased for nearly half the price.
- No App or Smart Home Integration: This model does not connect with Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home, or any smart home system.
- Preset Limitations: While helpful, the preset programs may need adjustments depending on food type and personal preference. Expect a short learning curve to dial in your ideal settings.
- Cleaning Size: While dishwasher safe, the sheer size of the basket may be cumbersome to wash in smaller sinks.
- Regional Availability: The model referenced here is primarily available in the UK. US and Australian buyers have access only to a similar dual-drawer model, not the single large basket variant.
Is Smart Steam Functionality a Gimmick or a Game-Changer?
The steam and hybrid steamfry functions genuinely expand what you can prepare. For households that regularly steam vegetables, fish, or dumplings, or want to cut down on using oil while retaining moisture, this capability is far from a gimmick. However, if you’re unlikely to use those modes, you could save money by choosing a non-steam model.
Alternatives: How Does It Compare?
- Ninja Foodi FlexBasket: Offers one of the largest capacities and dual-zone flexibility. It lacks steam functions but is often slightly less expensive for similar capacity.
- Tower Elite 11 Litre Flexi Drawer: Significantly cheaper, offers even larger capacity, but no steam or premium extras.
- Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket: A lower-cost, dual-drawer option with classic air fry features only.
Takeaway: Should You Buy the Philips 5000 Megabasket with Steam?
Buy this air fryer if you need extra space, crave versatility, and will actively use both the air fry and steam modes. The investment only makes sense if you have the countertop real estate, plan to cook in bulk or entertain often, and want to cut down on multiple appliances. Skip it if you’re on a tight budget, have limited space, or only need standard air frying. Excellent for committed home cooks and larger families, superfluous for casual or occasional users.