Ninja Air Fryer vs Toshiba Microwave: Which Wins?

In the ever-evolving landscape of kitchen appliances, the Ninja AF100UK Air Fryer and the Toshiba MM20P Microwave stand out as two versatile options that cater to modern cooking needs. While both devices aim to simplify meal preparation, they operate on different principles and offer unique features. The air fryer focuses on healthier, crispy cooking through hot air circulation, while the microwave emphasizes speed and convenience for reheating and cooking a variety of foods. This comparison explores their functionalities, design, and overall efficiency, helping consumers make informed choices based on their culinary preferences.

Healthy Cooking

Ninja AF100UK Air Fryer
Ninja AF100UK Air Fryer
Amazon.co.uk
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9.6

The Ninja Air Fryer AF100UK is a versatile 4-in-1 kitchen appliance that allows for air frying, roasting, reheating, and dehydrating with little to no oil, making it a healthier cooking option. Its 3.8L capacity is perfect for preparing meals for 2-4 portions, and it features a non-stick, dishwasher-safe basket for easy cleanup.

Small Spaces

Toshiba MM20P Microwave
Toshiba MM20P Microwave
£69.99
Amazon.co.uk
Updated: 13 hours ago
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8.9

The TOSHIBA 20 Liter Manual Control Solo Microwave offers compact convenience with 800W power and five adjustable levels, making it ideal for small kitchens and tight spaces. It features an automatic defrost function, a clock and timer, and is easy to clean, perfectly accommodating up to a 9-inch pizza.

Ninja AF100UK Air Fryer

Cooking Method
Uses hot air circulation for air frying and other functions (roasting, reheating, dehydrating)

Power Wattage
1550 watts

Capacity
3.8 litres, suitable for 2-4 portions

Special Features
4 cooking functions (Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate), non-stick, dishwasher safe parts

Dimensions and Weight
25 x 36 x 32 cm; 4.6 kg

Toshiba MM20P Microwave

Cooking Method
Uses microwave radiation to heat and cook food

Power Wattage
800 watts

Capacity
20 litres, suitable for larger items like a 9” pizza

Special Features
5 power levels, automatic defrost function, timer, easy clean, turntable

Dimensions and Weight
32.5 x 44 x 25.8 cm; 11.4 kg

Ninja AF100UK Air Fryer

Pluses
  • Versatile cooking options (Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate)
  • Efficient cooking time, significantly reducing meal preparation time
  • Compact size suitable for small households or individual use

Toshiba MM20P Microwave

Pluses
  • User-friendly manual controls for easy adjustments
  • Compact design, ideal for limited kitchen space
  • Efficient heating with 5 power levels and automatic defrost function

Ninja AF100UK Air Fryer

CONS
  • Takes time to get used to prevent burning food
  • Smaller capacity may not be suitable for larger families

Toshiba MM20P Microwave

CONS
  • Difficulty in maintaining plate rotation when popping microwave popcorn bags
  • Timer knob handle is difficult to grasp due to its narrow design

Comparison

Ninja AF100UK Air Fryer vs Toshiba MM20P Microwave
Ninja AF100UK Air Fryer
VS
Toshiba MM20P Microwave
Type
Air Fryer (4-in-1)
VS
Solo Microwave
Capacity
3.8L (Cooks 2-4 Portions)
VS
20 Liters (Fits 9” Pizza)
Power
1550W
VS
800W
Functions
Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate
VS
5 Power Levels, Automatic Defrost
Control Type
Digital
VS
Manual Control
Cleaning
Non-Stick, Dishwasher Safe Basket
VS
Easy Clean
Color
Grey & Black
VS
White
Size
Compact
VS
Compact
Cooking Time
Generally faster due to air frying technology
VS
Standard microwave cooking times
Health Aspect
Uses no oil, healthier cooking option
VS
No specific health advantage

Unique Selling Points (USPs)

Ninja Air Fryer AF100UK:

  • Versatile: Combines four cooking methods in one appliance.
  • Health-Conscious: Cooks food with little to no oil, significantly reducing fat content.
  • User-Friendly: Digital controls make it easy to select cooking settings.
  • Quick Cooking: Air frying technology cooks food faster than traditional methods.

TOSHIBA 20L Microwave MM-MM20P(WH):

  • Compact Design: Perfect for smaller kitchens or limited counter space.
  • Multi-Functional: 5 power levels provide flexibility in cooking various dishes.
  • Automatic Defrost: Convenient feature for defrosting food quickly and efficiently.
  • Easy to Clean: Designed with easy-to-wipe surfaces for hassle-free maintenance.

Pros and Cons

Ninja Air Fryer AF100UK

  • Pros:
    • Healthier cooking option with minimal oil.
    • Multiple cooking functions in one appliance.
    • Rapid cooking times, saving energy and time.
  • Cons:
    • More expensive than traditional microwaves.
    • Requires some learning to master air frying techniques.

TOSHIBA 20L Microwave MM-MM20P(WH)

  • Pros:
    • Affordable and budget-friendly.
    • Simple operation with manual controls.
    • Excellent for reheating and quick cooking tasks.
  • Cons:
    • Limited function compared to multi-cookers or air fryers.
    • No advanced features like convection or air frying.

Use-Cases

  • Ninja Air Fryer AF100UK: Ideal for health-conscious individuals looking to prepare crispy foods without added fats, families of 2-4 who want quick and versatile meal options, and those who appreciate modern digital appliances.
  • TOSHIBA 20L Microwave MM-MM20P(WH): Suitable for users who need a simple, reliable microwave for reheating meals, individuals with limited kitchen space, and anyone looking for an economical cooking solution.

Conclusive Assessment

While both products serve distinct purposes in the kitchen, the Ninja Air Fryer AF100UK emerges as the superior option for those seeking versatility and healthier cooking methods. However, if simplicity and cost-effectiveness are your primary concerns, the TOSHIBA Microwave may be the better choice.

Final Summary

In summary, if you prioritize health, speed, and versatility in cooking, the Ninja Air Fryer is the recommended choice. It excels in providing multiple cooking methods and healthier meal options. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a straightforward, reliable microwave for basic cooking tasks, the TOSHIBA Microwave is an excellent, budget-friendly option. Choose based on your specific cooking needs and kitchen space!

Ninja AF100UK Air Fryer
Amazon.co.uk
Ninja AF100UK Air Fryer
Toshiba MM20P Microwave
Amazon.co.uk
Toshiba MM20P Microwave
I may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Comparing Cooking Efficiency and Versatility

Russell Hobbs 25L 4-in-1 Digital Combination Microwave with Air Fryer Function, 10 Auto-Cook Settings, 900W with 5 Power Levels, Easy to Use, Defrost Setting, Black, RHMAF2506B
Russell Hobbs 25L 4-in-1 Digital Combination Microwave with Air Fryer Function, 10 Auto-Cook Settings, 900W with 5 Power Levels, Easy to Use, Defrost...
£164.99
£154.00
Amazon.co.uk
TOSHIBA 26L Air Fry Combo 6-in-1 900W Microwave Oven With Steamer in Morandi Grey, Origin Inverter, Chef defrost, Convection, Combi., Steam, Grill, 10 power levels, 10 Auto Menus, MW3-AC26SFI(MG)
TOSHIBA 26L Air Fry Combo 6-in-1 900W Microwave Oven With Steamer in Morandi Grey, Origin Inverter, Chef defrost, Convection, Combi., Steam, Grill, 10 power...
£185.76
Amazon.co.uk
Power XL Microwave, Air Fryer & Oven - 8 in 1 Cooking Machine - Microwave, Air Fryer, Grill, Toaster, Convection Oven, Popcorn Maker, Rice Cooker and Defroster - 900W (Silver) - Seen on High Street TV
Power XL Microwave, Air Fryer & Oven - 8 in 1 Cooking Machine - Microwave, Air Fryer, Grill, Toaster, Convection Oven, Popcorn Maker, Rice Cooker and...
Amazon.co.uk
Amazon price updated: July 28, 2026 3:34 am
I may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Comparing Air Fryers and Microwaves: Guidelines and Key Factors

When it comes to kitchen appliances, air fryers and microwaves serve different purposes, but both can be invaluable additions to your cooking arsenal. This guide provides general guidelines and key factors to consider when comparing products in these two categories, such as the Ninja AF100UK Air Fryer and the Toshiba MM20P Microwave.

Purpose and Functionality

Air Fryers

  • Cooking Method: Utilizes hot air circulation to cook food, providing a crispy texture similar to frying.
  • Best For: Cooking frozen foods, baking, roasting, and reheating.
  • Health Benefits: Uses significantly less oil than traditional frying methods, making meals healthier.

Microwaves

  • Cooking Method: Heats food using microwave radiation, cooking from the inside out.
  • Best For: Reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen food, and quick cooking tasks.
  • Health Benefits: Retains nutrients in food better than some other cooking methods due to shorter cooking times.

Size and Capacity

  • Air Fryers: Generally compact but can vary in size; suitable for small to medium portions. Ideal for individuals or small families.
  • Microwaves: Ranges from countertop models to over-the-range options; often has larger capacities, accommodating family-sized meals.

Cooking Time and Efficiency

  • Air Fryers: Typically takes longer than a microwave; preheating may be necessary. Cooking times may vary depending on the food type.
  • Microwaves: Generally faster for reheating and cooking, ideal for quick meals and snacks.

Versatility and Cooking Features

Air Fryer Features

  • Multiple Cooking Functions: Many models include features like baking, roasting, and grilling.
  • Temperature Control: Adjustable temperature settings for different cooking methods.
  • Accessories: Often comes with pans, trays, or skewers for diverse cooking options.

Microwave Features

  • Auto-Cook Programs: Pre-set options for common foods, like popcorn or baked potatoes.
  • Defrost Function: Specialized settings for defrosting meats and frozen items efficiently.
  • Turntable: Ensures even cooking of food by rotating it during the heating process.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

  • Air Fryers:
    • Requires some familiarity with settings and cooking times.
    • Generally easy to clean, with many parts dishwasher safe.
  • Microwaves:
    • Simple to operate with straightforward controls.
    • Cleaning the interior can be more cumbersome if spills occur.

Price Range

  • Air Fryers: Prices vary widely, typically ranging from $50 to $300 depending on size and features.
  • Microwaves: Generally more affordable, with options available from $30 to $200 for standard models.

Summary of Key Points

Air Fryers

  • Healthier cooking with less oil.
  • Ideal for a variety of cooking methods.
  • Compact size but smaller cooking capacity.
  • Longer cooking times compared to microwaves.

Microwaves

  • Fast and efficient for reheating.
  • Larger cooking capacity, suitable for families.
  • Limited cooking versatility compared to air fryers.
  • Easy to use and clean.

15 Comments
  1. I’d love to see a comparison with the Cosori Air Fryer! I’ve heard great things about it too.

  2. I think the comparison missed mentioning the Instant Pot! It’s another fantastic kitchen gadget that can air fry, pressure cook, and more.

  3. Thanks for writing this! I found it super helpful. I’m leaning towards the Ninja Air Fryer now, especially after reading all the benefits!

  4. I recently made chicken wings in my Ninja, and they were the best I’ve ever had! So much better than what I could do in the microwave.

  5. My favorite has to be the Ninja Air Fryer! It cooks food so much faster and gives it that nice crunch without being greasy. Plus, it’s super easy to clean!

  6. For anyone debating between the two, I’d say if you want healthier cooking and a lot of versatility, go for the air fryer. But if you’re just reheating meals, the Toshiba Microwave is solid.

  7. Can you elaborate more on the cooking times between the two? I’m curious how they really stack up for different meals.

  8. I’ve been using the Ninja AF100UK Air Fryer for a few months now, and it’s a game changer! I love how crispy everything gets without the extra oil. Definitely recommend it!

  9. I totally agree with the points made here. I recently made sweet potato fries in the Ninja, and they came out perfectly crispy! Way better than my old microwave.

  10. I use my Toshiba MM20P Microwave every day. It’s perfect for quick reheating and defrosting, but I wouldn’t rely on it for crispy food.

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