Is the Drew Barrymore Air Fryer Good? A Comprehensive Performance and Design Review

The Drew Barrymore "Beautiful" Air Fryer is a highly capable mid-range appliance that balances aesthetic appeal with reliable convection performance. It is particularly effective for users who prioritize kitchen design without sacrificing essential functions like crisping, reheating, and dehydrating. While it competes well with premium brands in terms of results, its primary value lies in its unique visual style and user-friendly interface.

The Intersection of Aesthetics and Utility: An Overview

When Drew Barrymore launched the Beautiful kitchenware line in collaboration with Made by Gather, the primary goal was to create "counter-worthy" appliances. Traditionally, air fryers were bulky, plastic-heavy machines that many users preferred to hide in cabinets. The Beautiful 6-Quart Touchscreen Air Fryer changed that trajectory by introducing matte finishes, signature gold accents, and a "disappearing" digital display.

In 2026, after several years of market presence, this air fryer remains a top contender in the mid-size category. It is more than just a decorative piece; it utilizes high-performance circular heat technology to circulate air rapidly, ensuring that food is cooked evenly and achieves a crisp texture with minimal oil. This review evaluates whether the internal components match the external beauty, focusing on the flagship 6-quart model and the larger 9-quart TriZone variants.

Technical Specifications and Build Quality

To determine if the Drew Barrymore air fryer is "good," one must first look at the hardware. The build quality is surprisingly robust for a product sold primarily through mass-market retailers like Walmart.

Key Specifications of the 6-Quart Model:

• Wattage: 1700 Watts, providing rapid heat-up times.
• Temperature Range: 90°F to 400°F (32°C to 204°C).
• Capacity: 6 Quarts, which can accommodate roughly 5 lbs of French fries or a small whole chicken.
• Control Type: Capacitive touch-activated display.
• Coating: PFOA/PFOS-free non-stick coating.

The 1700-watt heating element is a critical factor. Many budget air fryers operate at 1200 or 1400 watts, which results in slower recovery times when the basket is opened. The Beautiful air fryer’s higher wattage allows it to maintain consistent internal temperatures, which is the secret to achieving "fried" textures without deep frying.

Cooking Performance: Does Style Meet Substance?

The core question of whether this air fryer is "good" depends entirely on its ability to produce consistent culinary results. The Beautiful air fryer utilizes a high-performance fan system located directly above the heating element.

Evenness and Texture

In standard testing, the air fryer excels at dry-heat applications. For items like frozen appetizers, chicken wings, and Brussels sprouts, the airflow is sufficient to create a Maillard reaction—the chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that gives browned food its distinctive flavor. Because the basket design features a removable crisping tray with elevated rubber feet, air can circulate beneath the food, reducing the need for constant shaking.

Reheating Capabilities

One of the most underrated "good" features of the Drew Barrymore line is the reheat function. Unlike microwaves, which often leave breaded items soggy, the convection heat of the Beautiful air fryer restores the crispness of leftover pizza or fries. The 1700-watt element ensures this happens in about three to four minutes, making it a faster alternative to a conventional oven.

Dehydrating and Slow Cooking

While primarily marketed as an air fryer, the lower temperature range (starting at 90°F) allows for basic dehydration. Users can make dried fruit or jerky, although the 6-quart capacity limits the volume of a single batch compared to dedicated multi-tier dehydrators.

Design and Ergonomics: The "Beautiful" Advantage

The "Beautiful" brand's strongest selling point is its design language. In an era where "cluttercore" and "minimalism" both have their advocates, this appliance manages to fit into multiple kitchen styles.

• The Signature Touch Display: The interface remains invisible until the power button is pressed. This reduces visual noise on the kitchen counter. The LED lights are bright and responsive, though they can occasionally show fingerprints, requiring a quick wipe-down.
• Color Palette: Available in colors like Cornflower Blue, Sage Green, Black Sesame, and Oyster Grey, the matte finish is resistant to the "cheap plastic" look associated with many competitors.
• The Gold Handle: The die-cast gold-toned handle is not just for show; it is ergonomically shaped and remains cool to the touch even when the unit is operating at its maximum 400°F setting.

Cleaning and Long-Term Maintenance

A significant factor in whether an appliance is "good" is how much work it requires after the meal is finished. The Beautiful air fryer is designed with a focus on easy cleanup, though there are specific maintenance requirements to ensure longevity.

The Non-Stick Surface

The basket and crisping tray feature a proprietary non-stick coating that is free from harmful chemicals like PFOA and PFOS. In the first year of use, food typically slides off with minimal effort. However, to maintain this "good" status, users must avoid abrasive scrubbers. Using metal tongs or steel wool will degrade the coating quickly.

Dishwasher Safety

While the manufacturer states the basket and tray are dishwasher safe, experienced users and technical reviewers often recommend hand-washing. The high heat and harsh detergents in modern dishwashers can eventually cause the matte exterior finish to dull or the non-stick interior to flake. For those who prioritize longevity, a quick soak in warm, soapy water is the better path.

Comparing the Drew Barrymore Air Fryer to Market Leaders

To provide context, it is helpful to see how the Beautiful 6-Quart model stacks up against other popular units available in 2026.

The Beautiful air fryer is often lauded for being quieter than the Ninja models, which can have a loud "jet engine" fan sound. If you have an open-concept living space, the lower decibel output of the Drew Barrymore model is a significant "pro."

Potential Drawbacks and Limitations

No product is perfect, and the Beautiful air fryer has a few areas where users might find it lacking depending on their needs.

1. Size-to-Footprint Ratio: While the 6-quart capacity is generous, the unit itself is somewhat tall. Users with low-hanging upper cabinets should measure their clearance before purchasing.
2. Sensitivity of the Touch Panel: In rare cases, if the user’s hands are wet or greasy, the capacitive touch screen may require a second or third tap to register.
3. The "New Plastic" Smell: Like almost all air fryers, the Beautiful unit can emit a "burnt plastic" odor during the first two or three uses. This is the manufacturing oils burning off the heating element. It is recommended to run the unit empty at 400°F for 20 minutes in a well-ventilated room before cooking food.

Who Is the Drew Barrymore Air Fryer For?

The Drew Barrymore air fryer is "good" for a specific demographic. It is an ideal choice for:

• The Style-Conscious Cook: Those who want an appliance that complements their home decor.
• Small to Medium Families: The 6-quart size is the "sweet spot" for 2–4 people.
• Budget-Minded Luxury Seekers: It offers a premium look at a price point often $30–$50 lower than comparable designer brands.

It may not be the best choice for:

• High-Volume Meal Preppers: Who might require the 9-quart TriZone model or a double-basket Ninja.
• Professional Chefs: Who might prefer the granular temperature control and specialized accessories found in Breville or Anova convection ovens.

Practical Tips for Getting the Best Results

To ensure your experience with the Drew Barrymore air fryer remains "good" over the years, follow these expert guidelines:

• Don't Overcrowd: Air fryers rely on air movement. If you stack chicken breasts on top of each other, they will steam rather than fry. Cook in batches for the best results.
• Use the Right Oil: Avoid aerosol sprays like Pam, which contain soy lecithin that can leave a gummy residue on the non-stick coating. Instead, use a refillable oil mister with avocado or olive oil.
• Preheat for Crunch: Even though many recipes say it's unnecessary, preheating the unit for 3 minutes ensures the food hits a hot surface immediately, which is vital for frozen foods.

Common Questions About the Beautiful Air Fryer

Is the Drew Barrymore air fryer BPA-free?

Yes, the Beautiful kitchenware line, including the air fryers, is constructed with food-safety in mind. The internal coatings are PFOA/PFOS-free, and the plastic components that come into contact with food or high heat are BPA-free.

Can you put aluminum foil in the Drew Barrymore air fryer?

You can use aluminum foil or parchment paper, but with one major caveat: never place it in the bottom without food on top. The powerful fan can lift the foil into the heating element, which creates a fire hazard. Always ensure the food is heavy enough to weigh the foil down.

Does the exterior get hot during use?

The sides of the unit become warm but generally do not reach dangerous temperatures. However, the back vent where hot air is exhausted becomes extremely hot. Always keep the air fryer at least 5–6 inches away from walls or electrical cords during operation.

Why is my air fryer blowing smoke?

If the unit begins to smoke, it is usually because fat or grease from the food has splattered onto the heating element. This often happens when cooking high-fat items like bacon. To prevent this, you can place a small amount of water or a slice of bread in the bottom of the drawer (under the crisping tray) to soak up the grease.

Is there a warranty for the Beautiful air fryer?

Most Beautiful appliances come with a limited one-year warranty. It is highly recommended to keep your receipt or register the product through the Made by Gather website to ensure coverage for any electrical or mechanical defects.

Final Recommendation: A Stylized Success

In 2026, the consensus remains that the Drew Barrymore air fryer is indeed a "good" appliance. It successfully bridges the gap between high-end kitchen design and practical everyday utility. While it may not have the industrial-grade features of a professional-tier oven, its performance in crisping, ease of cleaning, and stunning visual presence makes it one of the best values on the market for the average home cook. If you want a kitchen tool that works well and looks even better, this air fryer is a justified investment.