Over the years, I have tested everything from industrial-sized air fryers to tiny single-serving gadgets, and I can honestly say the Comfee compact air fryer is one of the most pleasantly surprising appliances I have reviewed. At first glance, it is petite, almost too petite if you are used to larger models, but after putting it through weeks of use in different scenarios, I realized its size is actually one of its greatest strengths.
First Impressions and Build Quality
The version I tested was the white matte finish with bronze-colored knobs, which looks clean and stylish without being overly flashy. While I am not the biggest fan of rose-gold tones, the finish here is not overpowering. It is subtle enough that it blends into a kitchen without clashing with other appliances. I appreciate the small footprint, especially since I live in a space where counter real estate is prime property.
The controls are refreshingly simple:
- Temperature dial ranging from 180°F to 400°F
- Mechanical timer dial with an auto-shutoff feature
- A printed quick-cook chart right on top of the unit, listing suggested times and temperatures for common foods
This makes it extremely beginner-friendly. I could see this being perfect for a college dorm, a small apartment, a camper, or even as a secondary fryer alongside a larger unit.
Cooking Performance – Do Not Underestimate the Wattage
At 1200 watts, this fryer is not as powerful as the big-name 1700-1800 watt models, so I expected longer cook times. However, it surprised me by heating up quickly and producing a crisp finish on almost everything I cooked in it.
For example:
- Frozen burger patty at 400°F → Done in about 20 minutes, well-cooked without drying out.
- Refrigerated calzone → 10 minutes to a perfectly crisp outside with gooey melted cheese inside.
- Toasted bagel → Even browning without burning.
- Leftover fish and fries from a restaurant → Reheated to fresh-out-of-the-kitchen quality in under 20 minutes.
Like any air fryer, it does its best work when you do not overcrowd the basket. I have learned that a single layer of tater tots or nuggets will give you perfect crispness, while fries can be stacked a bit more loosely without sacrificing too much texture. Overfilling, however, will block airflow and result in uneven cooking, which is a common rookie mistake with any fryer.
Looking for more top-rated options? See our curated list of the Best Air Fryers for Every Budget and Kitchen Size.
Ease of Cleaning – A Big Win
The removable basket has silicone pads on the metal plate inside, which prevent scratches when sliding it in and out. That is a small touch, but it makes the action feel smoother and gives the fryer a higher-end feel. The nonstick coating works well, even baked-on grease from the burger came off with just warm water, dish soap, and a soft-bristled brush. No aggressive scrubbing required.
The heating coil is exposed at the top, so it is easy to give it a quick wipe after cooling. After several uses, I noticed minimal residue build-up, which speaks to how efficiently it circulates heat without excessive splatter.
Design and Safety Details
The auto shutoff when the basket is removed is a smart safety feature, especially for kids or distracted cooks. The rear vent does blow out hot air, so you need to place it somewhere with enough clearance behind it. This is not unique to this fryer, it is just good practice for any hot air appliance.
The retro-style knobs have a nice tactile feel, and there is something satisfying about the mechanical ticking timer compared to silent digital touch panels. It reminds me of older, reliable kitchen tools like waffle irons and toasters that lasted decades.
The Best Use Cases for This Air Fryer
This is not the fryer you will use to cook a full meal for a family of four. It absolutely shines in these situations:
- Cooking for 1-2 people without wasting counter space
- Quick snacks like mozzarella sticks, chicken nuggets, or mini pizzas
- Dorm rooms and RVs, where portability and compact size matter
- Camping trips with power hookups, one reviewer even used it tent camping and made everything from chicken nuggets to toasted ravioli
- Side-dish station when your main air fryer is already in use
My Expert Take – Where It Stands Out and Where It Falls Short
What I love:
- Small footprint but strong performance
- Cooks evenly without loud fan noise
- Easy to clean, with nonstick surfaces and silicone-protected tray
- Simple, intuitive controls for beginners
- Affordable without feeling “cheap”
What could be better:
- Limited basket capacity, you have to cook in batches for larger meals
- Slightly slower cook times compared to higher-wattage models
- Rose-gold knobs may not suit everyone’s taste
For me, the pros far outweigh the cons. If you understand its limitations and use it for what it is built for, small portions, quick reheats, snacks, it is outstanding. I have reviewed far more expensive compact models that did not perform half as well.
Need help choosing the right air fryer? Check out our Air Fryer Buying Guide to understand what features really matter for your cooking style.
Final Verdict
The Comfee compact air fryer is a 4.25 out of 5 stars appliance in my book. It is functional, stylish, and extremely user-friendly. For anyone cooking for one or two people, or needing a secondary fryer for side dishes and snacks, it is an excellent choice. I would not hesitate to recommend it for students, RV travelers, or anyone who wants the benefits of air frying without giving up half their countertop.
