When I first unboxed the TOPZEE Small Compact Air Fryer, I had one reaction: “Wow, this thing is so small and cute.” I knew it was described as compact in the listing, but seeing it in person, it felt almost tiny, about the size of a coffee maker. Initially, I thought I’d tuck it away in my lower cabinet when not in use, but after setting it up, I decided it deserved a permanent spot on my countertop. The pale grey color blends so nicely with my off-white walls that it almost disappears into the shadows under my upper cabinets. It doesn’t scream for attention like some clunky appliances do.
First Impressions and Setup
The packaging was solid, with fitted styrofoam keeping it snug and safe during delivery. I could tell right away this was designed with smaller kitchens in mind. One reviewer put it perfectly: “It’s very similar to a regular-size air fryer but takes up much less space in your kitchen cabinet or on the counter.” I agree. My previous air fryer was huge, toaster-oven style, and a nightmare to clean. This one already felt refreshingly manageable.
Before I even started cooking, I noticed a few interesting design details. The interior is non-stick coated, and there’s a small removable tray that sits inside the basket for air circulation. It fits snugly but pops out easily for cleaning. The dial is simple and the preprogrammed functions make operation almost foolproof. As another customer shared, “My teenagers and pre-teen can use this easily to make lunch.”
One important tip I picked up from another review: run it empty outside before your first use. Someone warned, “First use should be empty and OUTSIDE… the odor from first couple burn-off runs lingered for days!” Luckily, my unit didn’t have an overpowering smell on its first run, but I did notice a faint strange odor a few hours after cooking for the first time. I’m sensitive to smells, so I suspect most people wouldn’t be bothered.
Looking for more top-rated options? See our curated list of the Best Air Fryers for Every Budget and Kitchen Size.
Cooking Tests
For my first test, I went with something I make often, ground beef. I dumped in a full pound, and it filled the bottom of the basket to over an inch deep. Halfway through, I paused the fryer, slid out the drawer, and gave it a stir. Everything cooked evenly and quickly. The best part? No greasy splatter all over my stovetop. I was pleasantly surprised that, even with something as messy as ground beef, I found “no grease” inside the machine after wiping it down.
Next, I experimented with frozen snacks. French fries came out golden and perfectly crisp, better than I’ve ever managed in my big air fryer. One reviewer even said, “These were the best homemade french fries I’ve ever had… ideally crisp and browned just enough to satisfy the crunch factor.” I completely get that now. I also reheated leftovers, and honestly, I enjoyed them way more than when I use my microwave. No soggy, limp texture, everything came out revived and tasty.
Performance and Usability
One of the things that surprised me most was how quiet this air fryer is. I actually found myself staring at the dial, waiting for the timer to count down, because it was so silent I wasn’t sure it was running. Another big plus is that the exterior stays comfortable to the touch, except for the back vent, which gets very hot, something I learned the hard way.
The basket and tray cool down quickly after cooking, about thirty minutes later, I could handle them without an oven mitt. Cleaning was effortless. Hand-washing is quick, and since it’s small, it doesn’t feel like a chore. The manual hints that it’s dishwasher safe, but some users have pointed out that the instructions also seem to discourage that, so I’m sticking to washing it by hand.
Capacity: The Realistic Picture
While this fryer is great for singles or small households, it does have its limits. I can comfortably cook enough for one to two people in a single batch. One reviewer mentioned they “can barely fit 2 baked potatoes” and that they had to stack them rather than lay them flat. In my tests, large items do require a bit of creativity with positioning. For fries, snacks, and small portions of meat, though, the size is perfect.
That said, I was surprised at how much I could fit, enough to feed myself and another person without multiple rounds. As someone else noted, “I was pleasantly surprised that the capacity is decent for a small air fryer.”
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The Verdict
This little machine has genuinely impressed me. It’s compact, easy to clean, quiet, and cooks evenly. I’ve already used it for ground beef, fries, frozen snacks, and reheating leftovers, and each time the results were great. It doesn’t take up much counter space, which is a blessing in my small kitchen. And unlike my old bulky unit, it’s not a pain to clean or store.
If you need something to make large roasts or cook for a big family, this isn’t it. But for quick, healthy, and space-efficient cooking, it’s a gem. As one user summed it up, “Over all I think this is a very nice and handy unit for quick and healthy preparation of small meals. Highly recommend.” For me, this air fryer is here to stay, right on my countertop where it belongs.
