Uten Air Fryer 5.8QT 1700W review

Have you ever wondered whether a single kitchen appliance can quietly change the way you eat, entertain, and think about fried food?

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Table of Contents

Product Overview — What the Air Fryer 5.8QT/5.5L, Uten 1700W Is

You hold in your hands a compact machine that promises less oil, less mess, and a faster route to crispy textures. The Air Fryer 5.8QT/5.5L, Uten 1700W AirFryer High-Power Electric Hot Temperature Control & Timer Knob, Non Stick Fry Basket, Dishwasher Safe, Apply to Party, Afternoon Tea, Black is a counter-ready appliance that speaks the language of modern kitchens: efficient, high-powered, and unafraid of replacing ritual with simplicity.

You can think of it as a small oven that wants to be your friend, one that circulates hot air at high speed to mimic frying without drowning food in oil. It has tactile controls: knobs for time and temperature, an audible timer bell, and a removable basket that’s designed to make cleanup less of an act of penance.

Why you might consider this model

You’ll like the size if you feed more than one person but don’t want a full-sized oven to warm up. You’ll like the power if speed matters—1700W means it heats quickly and maintains temperature well. You’ll appreciate the simple controls if you prefer knobs over menus, and you’ll value the dishwasher-safe basket if you dislike scrubbing.

Quick Specifications Table

You prefer clarity at a glance; here’s the machine in a neat grid so you can judge its skeleton before you judge its soul.

Feature	Specification	Notes
Capacity	5.8 Quart (5.5 L)	Fits a normal-sized chicken; serves 2–8 people depending on portions
Power	1700W	High power for faster cooking and consistent heat
Temperature Range	175°F – 400°F (approx. 79°C – 204°C)	Fine control for delicate to robust frying
Timer	0–30 minutes	Audible bell when time ends; manual knob control
Basket	Non-stick, removable	Dishwasher-safe for easier cleaning
Safety Features	Auto-off function, cool-touch handle	Prevents overcooking and reduces burn risk
Cooking Method	Hot air circulation (oilless)	Claims up to 80% less oil usage compared to traditional frying
Color & Use	Black; party/afternoon tea/household use	Designed for casual entertaining and daily meals

What “Oil-Free” Means for You

The air fryer’s selling point is its promise of oilless frying, using super-hot air to cook food to a crispy finish. That matters if you are counting calories, watching fat intake, or simply dislike the greasy aftermath of traditional frying.

You should know that “oil-free” in practice often becomes “very little oil.” A light spray or brush of oil can still improve texture and flavor for certain foods. The machine can reduce calorie intake by up to 80% compared to deep frying, which is significant if you’re trying to eat more healthfully. There’s also an argument, half scientific, half moral, that moderate frying at controlled temperatures reduces the chance of burning and creating harmful compounds.

Capacity and Practicality — The 5.8QT Advantage

You get 5.8 quarts of cooking space, a meaningful number. It’s not a whisper-sized air fryer for single portions; it’s large enough for a whole small chicken or a generous batch of fries.

This capacity places it between the tiny personal fryers and the bulky family-sized units. If your household ranges from two to eight people, you’ll find this unit versatile: a weeknight dinner for two, a small party platter for four, or multiple snacks for a group. The basket’s shape and depth mean you can stack items in a single layer for even crisping or use layering racks if you want more surface area.

Practical note on portioning

You’ll discover that the basket has a “right amount” of food per batch: overcrowd it and the hot air can’t reach every surface, leaving things limp instead of crispy. Plan for multiple batches if you’re feeding a crowd, and use the fryer’s heat to keep things warm between servings.

Controls and Usability — Knobs That Know Their Job

Simple mechanical knobs are the heart of this device. One knob sets time (0–30 minutes) and includes an audible bell when the cycle ends. The other knob adjusts temperature from 175℉ to 400℉.

You won’t find a fuss of LED menus or a recipe app to tell you what to do. That’s intentional. The knobs invite you to become familiar by feel; you learn by cooking, not by consulting a manual every time you want fries.

Pros of manual controls

Fast to set up: twist, go.
Durable: fewer electronic failures.
Clear feedback: an audible bell and indicator lights tell you when things finish.

Minor trade-offs

Less precision than digital displays for minute adjustments.
No preset programs, so you’ll create your own timings through experience.

Performance — Heat, Speed, and Texture

With 1700W of power, the fryer heats quickly and maintains temperatures reliably. That’s not just a number; it translates to shorter preheat times and faster cooking cycles. Crispy exteriors form as the hot air circulates around food, and the higher power helps you achieve browning that mimics frying more convincingly than lower-wattage models.

You will find that certain foods turn out particularly well: chicken wings, drumsticks, frozen fries, and battered items crisp up without an eightfold dunk in oil. Desserts and baked goods also do well — think small tarts, brownies in ramekins, and even small loaves of bread.

Food-specific notes

Chicken: Use a little oil spray for golden skin; 20–30 minutes at 360°F is a good starting point for thighs or drumsticks.
Fries: Toss with a tablespoon of oil for extra crunch; 15–20 minutes at 400°F with a shake halfway through.
Fish: Lower temperature to 350°F and reduce time to avoid drying.
Baked goods: Try 320°F and check frequently; air fryers can brown the tops quickly.

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Cleaning and Maintenance — How Much Work Does It Ask?

The fryer is designed to be easy to live with. The removable basket has a non-stick coating and is dishwasher-safe, which means you can hand it off to the dishwasher and return to your life. The interior should be wiped clean after cooling, and the heating element occasionally brushed of crumbs.

You’ll want to avoid metal utensils that scratch the non-stick surface. Use silicone or wooden tools. Deep stains can be soaked and scrubbed gently with non-abrasive pads.

A simple cleaning routine you can adopt

Unplug and cool down.
Remove the basket and wash it in the dishwasher or by hand with warm soapy water.
Wipe the interior with a damp cloth. Use a soft brush for the heating element if crumbs collect there.
Dry parts thoroughly before reassembly.

Safety Features and Warnings

You get an auto-off function to prevent overcooking and a cool-touch handle to reduce burn risk. The timer’s bell is a small mercy if you’re prone to forgetting things in the kitchen.

Nevertheless, you must respect heat. The exterior can get warm; place the fryer on a heat-resistant surface and give it breathing space for ventilation. Don’t immerse the main electrical unit in water, and avoid obstructing the air vents.

Common sense reminders

Keep children and pets away while the machine runs.
Don’t use aerosol cooking sprays inside the basket — they can damage non-stick surfaces.
Allow cooled appliance parts to cool completely before cleaning.

Taste and Texture — What to Expect

You will find that air-fried food achieves a plausible, often delightful approximation of deep-fried texture. The outside crisps and sometimes caramelizes in ways that surprise you. The inside keeps moisture better than a microwave could, but not always as well as deep frying.

Some foods, particularly those that rely on heavy batter absorption, may need a thin coat of oil to attain the ideal mouthfeel. The machine is generous with textures: it will give you crunchy, fluffy, chewy depending on timing and temperature, and you will, in time, learn each food’s particular rhythm.

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Recipes, Times, and Temperatures — Quick Guide

You’ll appreciate practical numbers when you’re hungry and impatient. These are starting points; adjust for your ingredients and altitude.

Food	Temperature	Time	Tips
Frozen fries	400°F	15–20 min	Shake halfway; use light oil for crispness
Fresh fries (hand-cut)	380–400°F	20–25 min	Pre-soak potatoes, dry well, single layer
Whole small chicken (3–4 lb)	360–380°F	45–60 min	Flip halfway; check internal temp 165°F
Chicken wings	360–400°F	20–30 min	Pat dry; toss with seasoning; flip once
Fish fillets	350°F	8–12 min	Use parchment or a rack for delicate fish
Shrimp	350–380°F	6–10 min	Marinate briefly; cook until opaque
Vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower)	375°F	8–12 min	Toss in oil and seasoning; shake once
Small cakes/muffins	320–340°F	12–18 min	Check with toothpick; use small tins
Frozen snacks (mozzarella sticks)	360–380°F	8–12 min	Avoid overcrowding; crispy finish fast

Noise, Smell, and Kitchen Presence

You should expect a whirring sound from the fan and heating element: a mechanical hum that becomes part of your cooking soundtrack. It’s not a whisper, but it’s not loud enough to demand your attention unless you like to listen to every kitchen appliance like a concert.

The smell? It will smell like what you’re cooking. Because the fryer uses less oil, lingering greasy odors are reduced. Pop some citrus peels in water afterward and run a short cycle to freshen the interior if you cook strong-smelling foods.

Comparison With Other Cooking Methods

You’ll compare the air fryer to ovens, deep fryers, and convection ovens.

Versus deep fryer: less oil, lower fat, easier cleanup; texture sometimes slightly less indulgent but often indistinguishable for practical purposes.
Versus oven: faster preheat and cooking; more compact footprint; better for small batches.
Versus convection oven: similar principle, but the compact size and higher airflow intensity of the air fryer often create crisper results faster.

If you’re choosing between an air fryer and a large convection oven, consider space, batch size, and how often you’ll use it. The Uten 5.8QT is a compromise between portability and capacity.

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Pros and Cons — The Honest Balance

You’ll want clarity before you commit. Here’s what this model does well and where it asks for concessions.

Pros:

Significant oil reduction — up to 80% fewer calories compared to deep frying.
Large 5.8QT capacity for varied household sizes.
1700W high power for rapid, consistent heating.
Simple knob controls that are easy to use and durable.
Non-stick, dishwasher-safe basket for simpler cleanup.
Auto-off and cool-touch handle for safety.
Versatile: works for frying, baking, roasting, and reheating.

Cons:

No digital presets, so you must learn times and temperatures.
30-minute timer might be short for some larger roasts; you’ll need to reset manually for longer cooking.
Manual controls mean less precision than models with exact digital readouts.
Non-stick coatings wear over time; avoid metal tools and harsh abrasives.

Who This Air Fryer Is For

You are the right person for this unit if:

You cook for 2–8 people and want a compact but substantive appliance.
You prefer simplicity: knobs over screens, tactile settings over apps.
You value lower-oil cooking without sacrificing crispness.
You want a fast preheat and quick turnaround for weeknight meals and small gatherings.

You might look elsewhere if:

You need preset programs and digital precision for complex recipes.
You regularly cook very large roasts that need over 30 minutes without resets.
You prefer stainless steel or non-coated interiors for longevity.

Practical Tips to Get the Most from It

You’ll find the machine more cooperative if you follow some small rituals.

Preheat for 3–5 minutes at the desired temperature for better searing.
Don’t overcrowd the basket; crisping needs air and space.
Shake or flip halfway through cooking for even browning.
Lightly coat foods with oil when needed to improve color and mouthfeel.
Use a meat thermometer for larger items to ensure safe internal temperatures.
Clean the basket promptly to prevent scent carryover between dishes.

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Troubleshooting — If Something Feels Off

You’ll encounter small problems, and they’re usually solvable.

If food is soggy: reduce batch size, increase temperature slightly, or shake more often.
If the outside burns before inside cooks: lower temperature and increase time, or preheat less aggressively.
If non-stick coating peels: stop using metal utensils and contact the manufacturer for replacement parts or warranty service.
If unit won’t start: check power connection and circuit; sometimes kitchens suffer from shared circuits.

Long-Term Reliability and Warranty Considerations

You’ll want an appliance that outlives trendy diets. Mechanical knobs are often more robust than touch panels. The likely wear points are the non-stick coating and the fan motor. With normal domestic use and reasonable care, these fryers can last several years.

Check the manufacturer’s warranty when you buy. Keep receipts and register the product if required. If you use the fryer heavily (daily snacks for a family), expect that parts like the basket may show wear sooner. Replace them as needed and follow cleaning recommendations to extend lifespan.

Environmental and Health Notes

You’re making a choice that touches flavor, health, and the planet. Less oil means fewer calories and reduced saturated fat intake. It may also mean less packaging and waste from used cooking oils and fewer disposables like paper towels and deep-fryer liners.

Energy-wise, the fryer’s high wattage runs for short periods, often making it more efficient than heating a large oven for small tasks. That said, it is still an electrical appliance; use it wisely and unplug it when not in use.

Styling and Kitchen Presence

This model is black and straightforward in appearance. It doesn’t scream for attention; it waits on the counter like a compact, modest sentinel of convenience. It will fit in with modern or traditional kitchens without being intrusive. The shape is functional, and the finish resists the drama of fingerprints.

Use Cases — How You Might Employ It

You’ll find the appliance useful in many scenarios:

Quick weeknight dinners when you don’t want a full oven on.
Party appetizers: multiple small batches of wings, mini spring rolls, or fries.
Afternoon tea treats: small pastries, scones, or reheated buns.
Reheating leftovers to restore crispness—pizza and fries benefit greatly.
Healthy snacks for kids and adults: crispy vegetables, homemade chips, and air-roasted nuts.

Cost-to-Value Assessment

You’ll weigh purchase price against convenience and long-term savings on oil and time. If the fryer encourages you to cook at home more often and to make healthier choices, its value goes beyond utility. It’s an investment in routine more than in gadgetry.

Final Verdict — Should You Buy It?

You’ll find this Uten 5.8QT/5.5L air fryer a sensible, approachable appliance that marries power with simplicity. It suits a busy kitchen where speed, capacity, and reduced oil use matter. You won’t get digital wizardry, but you will get robust heating, straightforward operation, and easy cleaning. For the price-conscious cook who wants good results without a steep learning curve, it’s a solid choice.

If you cherish tactile controls and dependable performance, and if you prepare a range of dishes from savory to sweet, this fryer will likely become one of the machines you use most often. It asks only that you give it a little space on the counter and a few trials to learn the quirks of each food. In return, it gives quick, satisfying results and fewer greasy pans to argue over at the sink.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

You’ll likely have questions. Here are clear answers so you can decide without second-guessing.

Q: Can you cook a whole chicken? A: Yes. The 5.8QT capacity is suitable for a normal-sized chicken. Roast at 360–380°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Q: Is it truly oil-free? A: It uses hot air instead of deep oil, significantly reducing oil usage. A light brush or spray of oil may be used for better browning.

Q: How long is a single session (maximum time)? A: The timer ranges up to 30 minutes. For longer cooking, you’ll reset the timer manually.

Q: Is the basket dishwasher-safe? A: Yes, the removable non-stick basket is dishwasher-safe.

Q: What safety features does it have? A: Auto-off function and a cool-touch handle reduce the risk of burns and overcooking.

Q: Does it come with preset programs? A: No. It uses manual knobs for time and temperature, so you’ll set your own preferences.

Small Rituals to Make It Part of Your Routine

You’ll find that the fryer rewards habit. Try this simple ritual:

Preheat for two minutes while you prep seasoning.
Load a single layer of food.
Set temperature and timer based on a quick chart.
Shake or flip halfway.
Remove, rest briefly, and season immediately for best flavor adhesion.

Over time, you’ll develop shorthand: the perfect wing program, your quick fry setting for vegetables, the two-minute toast revival for leftover pastries. These become small comforts.

Closing Thought

You will use this machine not as a showpiece but as an instrument in daily practice. It does not promise poetry, though sometimes its hot air and careful timing will produce culinary lines that read like one. You will learn the language of its knobs, the way it answers to your needs, and then, with a small bowl of fries or a crisped piece of fish, you will understand that this is both tool and companion in the unruly business of feeding yourself and others.

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