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Philips Essential Compact Airfryer: Small footprint, big wins

John Carter Doe

October 17. 2025

8.6

Very Good

Our Take, and What to Look For

So, who is this actually for?

If you’re cooking for just one or two people, this Philips Essential Compact is a fantastic everyday choice. It's for anyone who wants crispy food without a big fuss and doesn't have a ton of counter space to spare. Seriously, it heats up fast and cooks really evenly for its small size. And the best part? It's just so simple to use. There's no bloated app to download or a steep learning curve. If you're a weeknight cook who just wants something that works consistently, this is it.

Our Take, and What to Look For

What are the trade-offs?

The big thing to know is its size. You can easily air-fry a couple of salmon fillets or a chicken breast with some veggies. A good portion of fries for two? No problem. But if you're trying to cook for a family of four, you'll find yourself doing everything in batches. The controls are also intentionally simple—just temperature, time, and a few presets. So if you're looking for smart features like app control, you'll want to look at other models. Cleanup is a breeze, though. The nonstick basket and drawer rinse out super easily.

So here’s my take. Philips got the important stuff right—your food comes out crisp and evenly cooked, and the whole thing actually fits in a normal-sized kitchen. If you're usually just feeding yourself or one other person and you value a machine that just *works* without a bunch of confusing extras, I think you'll be really happy with this. But if you have a bigger family or often cook for guests, you’ll definitely want to find something with a larger basket. It'll just make your life easier.