KitchenAid Digital Countertop Oven with Air Fry review featuring KCO128BM pizza baking stone

Description

A Stylish and Functional Addition to Any Kitchen

The KitchenAid Digital Countertop Oven with Air Fry & Pizza Stone, KCO128BM immediately caught my eye thanks to its sleek black matte finish and compact yet practical design. As someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen but doesn’t have endless counter space, I found its 16″ x 17″ x 11.3″ dimensions to be spot-on. It fits snugly on my counter without dominating the space, and the dropdown door style makes it easy to access the interior without awkward maneuvering. The compact size doesn’t compromise on capacity either—it can handle a 12-inch pizza or a 9×13-inch baking pan, which is more than enough for most of my needs.

Key Benefits of the Countertop Oven

I was pleasantly surprised by how versatile and feature-rich this oven is. Here are a few highlights that stood out during my use:

• 360° Air Fry System: The included No-Flip Air Fry Basket makes air frying a breeze. I tested it with everything from crispy French fries to delicate fish fillets, and the results were consistently even and delicious. No flipping required, which means less hassle and mess.
• Even-Heat Convection Technology: This feature ensures that the oven maintains a steady and reliable temperature throughout the cooking process. Whether I was baking cookies or roasting veggies, each item came out perfectly cooked.
• Fast Preheat: The oven was ready to go in under 4 minutes, which is a game-changer when you’re in a hurry to whip up dinner.
• 10 Cooking Settings: From air frying to baking and broiling, this oven pretty much does it all. The dedicated pizza cycle paired with the 12-inch pizza baking stone made homemade pizza night a huge hit in my household.

The knob control system is intuitive and easy to use, and the removable crumb tray simplifies cleanup—a feature I deeply appreciate after years of dealing with hard-to-clean ovens.

Merits

The oven’s multi-functionality and compact design are its biggest assets, but there are plenty of other positives to mention:

• High-quality materials that feel durable and long-lasting.
• The black matte finish blends beautifully with modern kitchen aesthetics.
• Included accessories like the baking pan, pizza stone, and air fry basket save you from buying additional tools.
• Energy efficiency, as it heats up quickly and cooks food faster compared to conventional ovens.

Areas of Concern

While I’m quite satisfied with the product, it’s not without its quirks. A few things stood out as potential drawbacks:

• Limited size: While great for most tasks, it might struggle with larger family-sized meals.
• The knob control system, though simple, lacks the precision of digital touchscreens.
• Exterior heat: The oven’s surface gets noticeably warm during operation, so I had to be cautious about placement and handling.

Competing Products

I’ve owned a few countertop ovens in the past, including models from Breville and Ninja. Compared to these, the KitchenAid Digital Countertop Oven holds its own quite well. The Breville Smart Oven Pro, for example, offers slightly more interior space and a larger variety of settings. However, it comes at a higher price point and doesn’t include a dedicated pizza stone or as effective an air fry system.

The Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven, on the other hand, is a strong competitor in terms of air frying capabilities and fast cooking times. That said, I found the KitchenAid model to be more user-friendly, particularly for baking and roasting. Its Even-Heat Convection Technology ensured better overall consistency compared to the Ninja.

Ultimately, the KitchenAid oven strikes an excellent balance between functionality, design, and price, making it a solid choice for those who want versatility without breaking the bank.

Cost Efficiency

Given its extensive features and high-quality build, I believe this product offers excellent value for money. It’s not the cheapest countertop oven out there, but the inclusion of premium accessories like the pizza stone and air fry basket adds significant value. Moreover, its performance rivals that of more expensive brands, making it a smart investment for home cooks who want a versatile appliance.

The energy-saving design also makes it a cost-effective alternative to running a full-sized oven, especially for smaller meals or quick snacks. For anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen setup, this oven delivers a strong price-to-quality ratio.

Additional information