I’m planning a kitchen renovation — and my air fryer is taking center stage

Opinion
By published

The force reshaping my new kitchen layout

Cosori iconic air fryer
(Image credit: Cosori)

I’m planning a kitchen renovation this year, and it’s been a long wait. I’ve lived in my house for over 25 years, and my current kitchen was installed soon after I moved in. There’s not much that my kitchen hasn’t been put through in that time, and it’s showing clear signs of wear. However, it’s not just the aesthetics that need addressing.

Having researched what I want from my kitchen renovation, I've been thinking about how appliance use has changed over time, and how this will inform my new kitchen checklist.

I have accumulated a stack of kitchen appliances — and it's not just the case that I've built up a bigger collection over time — we are all enjoying a greater choice of kitchen gadgets than ever before, which, hopefully, make our lives easier.

Prioritizing my appliances

Set of modern appliances on wooden table in contemporary kitchen

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

My countertop is almost bending under the weight of the small kitchen appliances taking up space, and I struggle with where to store small kitchen appliances. From my blender, to my bread machine and air fryer, not to mention my prized KitchenAid stand mixer and coffee machine. And I know I am not alone in how my kitchen is being taken over by these gadgets.

To tame my cluttered countertop, I’m considering adding an appliance garage to store items I don’t use every day, such as my blender and bread maker. However, my air fryer is another matter, as it gets more use than my double oven, and it has prompted me to think hard about my new kitchen redesign.

At one time, my oven was used most nights, but now it is rarely switched on, except when I bake. Even when I cook a traditional roast dinner, I turn to my air fryer for a succulent joint and crispy potatoes.

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Why I rely on my air fryer

Philips Premium Airfryer XXL review

(Image credit: Philips)

At first, I was skeptical, thinking air fryers were just a gimmick. But, after testing one for myself I have to admit my skepticism was ill-founded.

I now use my air fryer every day, and rely on it to cook a whole heap of meals. What’s more, I even use it to prove dough and bake rolls, when a recipe won’t work as well in my bread machine.

This has left me with a dilemma about my new kitchen design, as I can’t remember the last time I needed to use both ovens, and I barely even use the main one. While I won’t be ditching my oven entirely and relying on my air fryer alone, I’m not going to invest in another double oven, as it simply won’t get used.

This decision affects the design of my kitchen. Although I will still keep my cooktop within the golden kitchen triangle, where the sink, refrigerator, and stove are positioned in close proximity for optimal efficiency, I’m going to be placing my oven elsewhere. In fact, my air fryer will be placed within the golden triangle, keeping it close at hand.

Two years ago, I would never have thought that my air fryer would become a central point of focus within my kitchen design. I thought of it as another kitchen gadget that saved me a bit of time, used less energy and delivered healthier food. Little did I think that it would become the central focus of my next kitchen reno.

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Camilla Sharman
Camilla Sharman
Staff Writer, Homes

Camilla is the Homes Staff Writer and covers everything to do with homes and gardens. She has a wealth of editorial experience, mounting over 30 years, and covers news and features, tests products for reviews and compiles buying guides. 


Her work has appeared in business and consumer titles, including Ideal Home, Real Homes, House Beautiful, Homebuilding & Renovation, and Kitchen & Bathroom Business. She’s even appeared on the cover of Your Home, writing about her own house renovation.


Although she’s obsessed with decorating her home, she also enjoys baking and trying out the latest kitchen appliances. But when she’s not inside, you’ll find her pottering about in her yard, tending to her vegetable patch or taking in her prized hydrangeas.

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