The Italian company Smeg has launched the AFC01, a new air fryer that features a retro design and a steam function to keep food from becoming dry. This device is available in a matte finish with color choices like white, emerald green, storm blue, and matte black. It includes an aluminum front panel and a 7-liter bowl with a ceramic coating that is free of PFAS, a type of chemical used in non-stick cookware. The AFC01 offers a range of temperatures from 40 °C to 200 °C and includes seven automatic cooking programs for various foods. It has a power rating of 1450 W and a transparent cooking window with internal lighting, allowing users to check their food without opening the lid. The lid opens using an aluminum button with a silicone handle to prevent burns. The AFC01 uses an LCD touchscreen for control, but the interface relies on icons rather than text to represent the cooking programs, which might be confusing for some users. It can operate in two modes: "Crispy," the standard air fryer setting, and "Juicy + Crispy," which uses a small water reservoir to release steam during cooking. However, the steam function is not available for all recipes and must be compatible with the chosen program or type of food. This feature helps retain moisture in foods like chicken and fish, preventing them from drying out. The AFC01 reaches 160 °C in 1 minute 17 seconds and 200 °C in 1 minute 18 seconds, which is faster than many traditional ovens. It also has good heat distribution, with a minimal temperature variation of 1.38% at 160 °C. At 200 °C, the average temperature in the center of the bowl is 194.5 °C, which is only 3.71 °C below the requested temperature. However, the thermal stability is less consistent at this higher temperature, with a temperature difference of about 35 °C. Despite this, the hot air circulation is well-managed, reducing the need to shake the bowl frequently. The AFC01 operates at a sound level of 41 dB, making it one of the quietest air fryers on the market. It is priced at 260 € and is compact, with a bowl that is easy to handle, though it is not suitable for use as a serving tray. It includes a removable elevation grid that allows hot air to circulate evenly and helps excess grease drain away from the food. The AFC01 is compared to other models like the Ninja Foodi Flex AF500EU, which has a larger bowl and can cook two dishes at different temperatures simultaneously, and the Philips Airfryer Combi XXL Série 7000 HD9880, which offers precise temperature control and a connected ecosystem but is noisier and heavier.