Dual cooking zones

The Panasonic NF-BC1000 air fryer has a 9.6-liter capacity with a removable divider, allowing users to choose between a single large cooking area or two separate zones. This feature makes it possible to cook different foods simultaneously, such as chicken and fries, without mixing flavors.

Power and temperature range

The air fryer has a power output of 2350 W and can reach temperatures from 35 °C to 230 °C. This wide range allows for versatility in cooking, from low-temperature warming to high-heat frying.

Design and usability

The device measures 37.5 x 27.8 x 47.2 cm and weighs 9.6 kg, making it suitable for permanent installation unless a large nearby cabinet is available. It has two well-sized handles for easy handling, though the top is not designed to hold hot trays, requiring a large plate underneath.

Monitoring and control

The front window allows users to view both cooking zones simultaneously, and the lighting can be activated from the control panel to avoid frequently opening the drawer. The control panel includes eight cooking modes with English labels and pictograms, along with two dials for adjusting time and temperature.

Cooking options and limitations

Users can select the left zone, the right zone, or the entire drawer, and a "Sync" button allows both cooking sessions to end at the same time. However, the reminder function for stirring activates at two-thirds of the cooking time, which may be too late for some recipes, and there is no automatic keep-warm function.

Humidity feature and water reservoir

The air fryer includes a water reservoir for adding humidity during certain cooking processes, located on top of the device and fully removable for filling or emptying. A button activates the humidity function for specific cooking modes, with the diffuser placed on the side, limiting this function to the left compartment when the divider is in place or the entire drawer when it is removed.

Cleaning and durability

Cleaning is straightforward, with removable parts that can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher, though the main drawer should be washed by hand and is not waterproof. During testing, the device failed to recognize the drawer after washing, requiring a repair to a plastic component.

Temperature performance

Temperature tests showed slight variations between the left and right compartments, with the left compartment performing slightly better at lower temperatures and the right compartment showing more uniform heating at higher temperatures. This inconsistency could affect cooking results, especially when trying to cook two different foods simultaneously.

Noise and alternative models

The device produces noise levels of 51 dB at 1 meter during cooking, which is audible but not excessively loud. While the Panasonic NF-BC1000 offers dual cooking zones and a large capacity, its design has some limitations, including temperature inconsistencies and a fragile drawer detection mechanism. Alternative models, such as the Philips NA352/00 and Philips Vertical Duo, offer different features, including separate drawers and quieter operation, while the Ninja Combi SFP700 provides additional cooking modes but with less convenient handling.