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Customers most agreed on the following attributes:
from Wicklow on 12/27/2008
Great fryer+++++
from Cork Ireland. on 11/16/2008
guilt free chips at their best!!!!!!!!!!!
from Kerry Ireland on 11/6/2008
Worth experimenting with different spuds, some seem to shrink away to nothing, even if they are names as good chippers. Maris Pipers if you can get them are our best so far, we have many left to try.
I suppose expensive for purely a chip maker (there are other recipes which I haven't yet tried.)But the guilt-free fries are worth it.
You can use it in the kitchen without stinking the place up, our Deep Fat Fryer was always consigned to the garage.
Unfortunately it takes about 40 mins to cook 1KG of fries the peeling and drying obviously adds to that - the results are worth it though, if you can spare the time...
from gillingham kent on 11/6/2008
low oil and fat consumpsion tasty food
from Uk Derbyshire on 11/3/2008
I was a little put off by the price considering the price of normal deep fat fryers. But once I had taken delivery and selected the right variety of potato, there was no looking back!
As well as french fries, you can cook a number of other foods, we cooked roast potatoes and every body gave them thumbs up! There are cooking instructions for those who want to cook stir fry meals. If your considering a healthy eating programme this product could help.
from bletchley,bucks on 11/1/2008
don`nt need to watch while cooking, cook almost anything, no smell,virtually fat free,no criticism
at all
from Ireland on 10/16/2008
Excellent for practically oil free chips for kids. Nowhere near as smelly as conventional fryer but still gives off a slight smell. Brilliant product
from Yorkshire on 8/8/2008
Use mainly for chips and sautee potatoes
[5 of 5 customers found this review helpful]
from Lairg, Sutherland. North of Scotland. on 8/6/2008
The lid locking latches at the front are made of plastic, and both latches on my lid have broken off, (see photo) which means I can't use the fryer until I receive a replacement. I believe this is caused by the temperature gradually weakening the plastic until they become so brittle that they fracture and break off. I have used the product with the same attention and care that I do with all my cooking items, after all, I paid for it, so I look after it. The latches should be made of metal.
The product would be relatively compact for storing if it weren't for the heavy cord and plug, which would be better designed by making it a removable plug and socket like many electric kettles. The cord could then be detached and stored inside the perspex lid making the whole device easier to store.
There is no direct temperature control of this product other than to turn it off. Temperature control would make the product much more flexible in keeping cooked food warm whilst other food items being cooked to go with the food items in the fryer and on the menu are still cooking on the stove for example.
Much is claimed for the quality and taste of potato chips cooked in the product, and whilst they are acceptable, it cannot be claimed that they are either superior to, or equal to chips cooked in the convential way. Lower in fat content yes, but there is a compromise here regarding taste and texture of the finished potato chip. I have used the device extensively with many different varieties of potatoes. to date despite the excellent quality of the potatoes used, none can match chips cooked in the conventional way.
Claiming that it cooks chips comparable in quality to conventionally cooked chips I believe only harms the products reputation and the manufacturer as well. Suffice to say, all that needs to be claimed for it is, simply to say, that it cooks chips with a lower fat content.
Little is said about it, but also it does take considerably longer than the conventional method. Good tasting chips to go with other foods should be given the same priority as any other food item, sadly, too often, poorly cooked chips are served up with about as much care as beans on toast.
The alarm on the cooking timer is so woefully inadequate that if you're more than a yard or 2 away, you won't hear it. Do manufacture's think that a kitchen is a quiet place? With all the many other cooking devices and sounds emanating from the cooking and preparation of food taking place in the kitchen, you would think they would understand that an alarm should be sufficiently loud to alert the attention of the cook. The alarm buzzer on this product would be lucky to waken a light sleeper in a quiet bedroom, never mind alert the cook in a busy kitchen. Worse still, when the alarm goes off, it doesn't switch off the cooking process. You have to physically go and switch the fryer off. Now that is bad, and I use that word quite deliberately.
Apart from the above negative aspects, I very much appreciate this product as it has so many other advantages over other cooking methods and items such as stoves or other cookers.
It's amazing for doing pastry products of all types, be they sausages rolls, meat or fruit pies etc. Just remember to remove the agitator first though else you'll end up with a crumbled mess.
Rice dishes, fish and a myriad of meat dishes can be cooked relatively quickly in this versatile fryer. To limit its use to cooking chips is a complete waste of its potential. It's great for re-heating food too. Bacon and fried eggs, with mushrooms fried tomatoes, black pudding etc can all be successfully cooked quickly in the Actifry providing again the agitator is removed first.
Overall, I'd like to say that the uses this product has are limitless and all it takes is a little trial and error to discover what you can and cannot cook in it successfully.
Providing the manufacturer takes real note of it's present faults re: the lid latches, alarm and lack of temperature control etc, this product could easily pass the test of time. Thousands of worktop cookers of all types are purchased every year, but most find their final destination in the back of a cupboard or in the garbage can.
Certainly there is not need for this product to follow suit, but it's up to the manufacturer to play ball. For me, I wouldn't buy another one until the reservations I have about it are put right. I shouldn't have to be thinking about replacing the lid on a product less than a year old. You can still cook with a pot or pan minus the lid, but not this one.
Lid showing broken latches.
Tags: Picture of Product
from Londonderry Northern Ireland on 8/6/2008
Very handy gadget. Does great potato wedges. Only down side the alarm is not very loud so I don't bother to use it, also I got a very nasty nip when I was carrying the Actifry to my worktop and the lid sprung open and I had my fingers trapped between the lid and the base. Would recommend this anytime as opposed to a deep fat fryer.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from lancashire on 8/5/2008
Thought the product itself were good,but only had it two month and the hinges on the lid snapped so i paid all that money just to use it for short amount of time as it was to expensive to send it back for repair or get a new lid.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Spain on 8/5/2008
This is definately the best purchase for those of us who enjoy real chips but do not deep fry. Easy to use just as instructed only put the peeled chips on a baking tray first with the oil and a little salt and rub through with fingers . you will be amazed how little oil you need . Tip into Actifry and set for 45 mins for perfect brown crunchy chips . Only a few more cals than a baked potato.
[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from k.i.a on 8/5/2008
roast root veg in wth the spices cook loverly chips
from Palmela, Portugal on 7/20/2008
With some planning, your meals can be faster and healthier and this kind of cookers can be a great help in everyday meals
from West Wales on 7/1/2008
I use mine to safely and easily cook great chips, stir fries, curries etc. Great non stick pan with stirrer so I can just leave it to get on with the job and do something else!
from Tipperary, Ireland on 7/1/2008
To date I have only cooked chips both homemade and freezer (no oil required with these). I have three very young grandsons and would have no fear using the fryer when they are around. I would not use a traditional fryer when the boys are around. I find it so easy to clean after every use and it can be put away when the meal is finished as you dont have to wait for oil to cool. It is a very healthy of frying (which I dont do a lot of) especially as my husband has to take care of his cholestrol. We can now try out dishes we would not have been able to before. Over all we are very pleased with the fryer.
from London England on 7/1/2008
I am a fatso, always trying to lose weight and with the Actifry I can have chips with out a fraction of the fat used for deep frying, I am going to try out just using a Light Spray Oil, if it doesn't work I just won't do it again
from Lisbon, PT on 6/16/2008
I love this fryer!
Only thing I regret about it: not having one before!! It's completely efficient about its function: frying without (so much) grease. Healthier and tasty chips (i've also tried chicken and shrimps with great results) with no messy kitchen, no smells? Hard to believe, but no hesitations, buy one.
from Dublin on 5/8/2008
The best thing about this product is that it is safe to use. Unlike a deep fat fryer you can put the chips in and leave the room without worrying that it's going to go on fire. Unfortunately you need to allow about 45 minutes to cook the potatoes as it is slow but the results are good.
from Portugal on 4/23/2008
This product is very easy to use. And can be used to many kind of food.
The only thing not so good, is the limited capacity.
from South Yorkshire, England on 3/6/2008
Can't cook more than one type of food at a time if you want to keep them seperate.
No good for foods in breadcrumbs as all the coating comes off.
I use mine only for chips as they are healthier than when cooked in a chip pan and taste just as good - even my husband agrees and he is a chip-a-holic.
Still practising!
from Lancashire on 3/4/2008
It has to be the easiest product on the market to use. "Old fashioned" chips took a long time because you had to melt the fat down first, so there is not much difference in cooking times. Press On then Timer and away you go to cook - easy. No more cooking smells. From a safety point of view, it is very safe. No hot oil splashes, cannot boil over - incredibily safe. Thank you Tefal for producing a excellent product that actually works.
from Bedfordshire on 3/1/2008
The best healthy alternative to a deep fat fryer
from UK on 2/24/2008
Pleased with convenience and ease of cleaning
from notts on 2/19/2008
very healthy way to cook without the mess, very versitile. easy to clean.
[1 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
from Notts England on 2/19/2008
I didn't use this Fryer as when I found out it took 40 mins to cook chips I returned it as not practical in use,
from Scotland on 2/18/2008
Nice appearance for leaving in view in kitchen. The machine is really excellent. Works fine and cooks wonderful frys.
Good Tip: Great for Stir Fries without the mess and smell ... cooks nice and crisp in 5 mins.
With other cooking do not go by manual ..go by trial and error..better results
Tip 2: Quick'n tasty Chips ..do not peel potato just cut in 1/4 lengths and then cut small segment slices. Fry for about 20 mins ..superb
from Northern Ireland on 2/16/2008
Telefry is used constantly by the whole family. The chips are dry, healthy and taste much better than oven chips.
from Chard, Somerset on 2/15/2008
I am very pleased with this product, It is a far healthier option than frying and roasting with great results, my only complaint is for a family of 5 it is not really big enough, it is more a 3 adult meals machine. It is very easy to clean and you don'nt get the smell of fried foods. A bit pricey but on consideration worth the money. [...]
from Gr. London on 2/13/2008
Is useful for all types of potato chips, wedges, roasties etc. It comes with a recipe book but its OK to experiment with your own styles. Very easy to take apart and clean. Not so good if you need more than 1Kg of chips as each load takes about 35 mins.
from Guildford, UK on 2/13/2008
I use it when I have to cook quickly in the evening. I love the chips and roasted vegetables. They are tender and crispy. It is a pity that it cannot cook hamburgers (it rolls them into a ball) or fish or meat in breadcrumbs. If they design something spacious enouugh to do this then that would be a real best seller. As it is I find it a bit on the expensive side.
from Norfolk on 2/13/2008
Not just chips!! And those american frozen, long thin ones - excellent!! but of course generally we prepare our own.....
Try potato wedges with spices and herbs - we cook a lot of wedges, and this gets the best results by far!! Stir frys are so easy (as is everything) and so so good! AND you can have "fried food" as much as you like, with so little oil used - far less than the average mashed potato with butter and milk added. AND I do not work for the manufacturer!!!
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Hertfordshire on 2/9/2008
Only used for chips so far, but cookery book that comes with it gives more recipes to try. It's capacity would limit use for chips for a family I would think, but it does OK for 2 or 3 people. It takes about 35-40 minutes to cook the chips. The plus is that you only use the oil for that one portion of chips whereas with a deep fat fryer you have to replace a litre or more of oil after a few fryings. Must save money on oil. There is very little odour like you would get with the deep fat fryer. I thought the price was expensive until I tried it and can see the benefits.
from Bexhill, East Sussex on 1/28/2008
Bought to replace our old deep fat chip fryer. It produces very nice chips but takes twice as long to cook as a normal deep fat chip fryer.
If you like your chips then I don't see this as viable for a family of four due to the limited 'bowl capacity'.
In case this review sounds all bad I must say I really like the chips it produces. We have not used it for anything other than prodicing chips so far.
I would recommend this to anyone but would feel obliged to give a list of the perceived shortcomings.
More accurately, I'd say this warrants a 3½ star rating.
from Lancashire, UK on 1/28/2008
I had to lose weight for an operation, and I loved my roasties,The Actifry gives good results and it is hard to believe it does not use much oil.My chip pan has gone, and I do not miss it.
from ENGLAND on 1/26/2008
Easy use,easy cleaning, low maintainance,good quick meals ,low fat content.
from lincolnshire on 1/26/2008
Its easy to use. Only used for chips at the moment but great. The kids love them. No smell of oil like the chip fryers and great that you only use tiny amount of oil.
from leeds uk. on 1/22/2008
i bought this for a third party and they are highly delighted with it
thanks again
from london on 1/16/2008
So far so good. however the last time i bought non stick product from tefal the surface showed minute blistering when left to dry after washing. may be this was caused by minute limescale deposite. time will tell if the same will happen. in the mean time i don't intend to wash it just yet.
from England on 1/16/2008
I just like the ease of use. It does what it says.
What I like is it keeps the food on the move while it is cooking. Brilliant
from northumberland on 1/15/2008
tasty chips & wedges without deep fat frying
from south wales uk on 1/14/2008
A chance to have a healthy chip, that really tastes as good as a deep fried one. Also ideal for stir fry, sausages, chops and for roast potatoes without the oven.
Try adding herbs and spices at the same time as the ONE TEASPOON of oil for different flavours.
from NORFOLK, U.K on 1/13/2008
THE HEALTHY WAY TO COOK WITHOUT FOOD DRYING OUT,
EASY TO VIEW COOKING.
NO LINGERING SMELLS.
from Worcestershie England on 1/13/2008
Chips are great but the machine is much more vesatile and chicken, beef and prawns taste delecious
from Bognor Regis, West Sussex, UK on 1/12/2008
This is a great product for a couple. No need to cook roast potatoes in a normal oven and no fumes in the kitchen. This product is also very easy to clean.
from STOKE-ON-TRENT, ENGLAND on 1/10/2008
TV ADVERTS SHOW PERFECT CHIPS YET TO ACHIEVE THIS
from England on 1/10/2008
I have found the actifry fryer excellent for two up to four people very ecconomical cooks beautifully and quickly leaves no smells in the house especially when you cook chips and they taste lovely .It also cooks chicken excellent and sasauges are fantastic as they cook evenly all through.I have yet to try casseroles and other dishes but I am sure they will be excellent as well if the other things are anything to go by.
from UK on 1/10/2008
Its quite large, but sits on top of the cooker when not in use. So far I tried roast potatoes, bacon, sausage and it was great. Good food, no mess, easy to wash. I'm looking forward to trying out more healthy recipes
from Northern Ireland on 1/4/2008
bought item end of December thought it a bit pricey but really glad I bought it
chips are really hot and well cooked also very tasty tried sasagues in it nice and tender no tough burnt skin really removes a lot of excess fat tried frozen wedges also came out quite well
will be a regular item used in my home
Finally, a product that actually does what it says it will. Although cooking times are a little longer then with a normal deep fryer, the result from the actifry is just as good, with way less fat. chips can be good for you. Very easy to control with just two buttons and you can make more then chips in it, i ahve made things like battered prawns and onion rings too.
its a little expensive but if it makes food thats supposed to be bad for you, actually quite heathly, its worth it!