If you’ve been on the internet lately, you might have seen all the excitement about air fryers. These nifty devices have been everywhere, from major media outlets to quirky TikTok videos about everything from cooking tips to themed creations.
The appeal of air fryers lies in their ability to cook food faster than a regular oven while using less oil, making meals a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor. They became a kitchen favorite as they were also seen as a cheaper alternative to using a full-scale oven.
However, there’s now a new contender in the world of countertop kitchen gadgets, and it’s making waves.
Enter the Halogen Oven
A halogen oven is stepping into the spotlight, touted as a worthy rival to the air fryer. The device uses a halogen light bulb to generate heat, cooking food placed in a glass bowl beneath it. Picture it like this: someone accidentally burning themselves on a hot bulb and realizing, ‘Hey, I could use this heat to cook food!’ and voilà, the halogen oven was born.
Typically, the device includes a protective outer basket to keep you from getting burned, with a glass bowl on the inside. The magic happens when the halogen bulb on top turns on, raising the inside temperature and intermittently flashing to maintain the desired heat level.
Some models can reach temperatures ranging from 60C to 240C (140F to 464F), making it quite versatile for various cooking needs.
Many people are now considering halogen ovens as a cheaper alternative to air fryers. Although air fryers are popular, the cost of the more advanced models can add up, potentially negating their initial appeal as a budget-friendly item.
Several folks have voiced their preference for halogen ovens. One person mentioned, “I treated myself to a halogen oven to help with Christmas; I only have one shelf in my oven. It is one million times better than the rubbish air fryer I got in the summer.”
Another individual shared, “A halogen oven is better, healthier, and cheaper than an air fryer.”
Of course, there’s always the option of sticking with the traditional oven that comes pre-installed in most homes.
