In the market, there are many types of ovens available, but most consumers assume that OTG and air fryers are almost the same. However, this is not the reality.
In this article, we aim to determine which kitchen appliance, whether it be an OTG or an air fryer, is more useful than the other across various segments.
According to the data in this table, we can conclude that the air fryer is better.
| Features | Air Fryer | OTG (Oven Toaster Grill) |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Yes | Yes |
| Accessories | Yes | Yes (More) |
| Technology | Yes (Better) | Yes |
| Healthier | Yes (More) | Yes |
| Skip Required | Low Skill | High Skill |
| Power Required (Watt) | More (Fast) | Medium (Slow) |
| Louder (Noise) | Yes (More) | Yes (Less) |
| Requires Space | Less | More |
| Air Fry | Yes | No |
| Usability | More | Less |
| Temperature | Yes (Fast) | Yes (But Slow) |
| Grill | No | Yes |
Before we clearly tell you what an OTG is, let’s explain what an air fryer is.
What is an OTG?
OTG stands for oven toaster grill, and it is a type of oven that uses a heating coil element to heat the food. It is mainly used for baking.
What is an air fryer?
An air fryer is also a type of oven that uses a heating element with a fan that circulates hot air in a closed chamber (like a convection oven) to air fry food, which is a healthier option compared to deep frying.
Availability
Both air fryers and OTGs are easily available in online and offline markets, with prices ranging from 2.5k to 25k.
The OTG ovens are available at a lower price, but the air fryer is a newer technology, making it more expensive.
Accessories
Both air fryers and OTGs come with additional accessories, but due to the OTG’s larger size, it requires more accessories than the air fryer. The most common accessories used with both OTGs and air fryers are:
- Cake Barrel
- Pizza Tray
- Silicone Mat
- Stainless Steel Skewer Rack
- Skewers
- Silicone Oil Brush
- Stainless Steel Kitchen Tong
- Silicone Cooking Pot Mitts
- Silicone Muffin Cups
- Stainless Steel Toasting Rack
- Stainless Steel Extractor
- Rotisserie
Technology Used
Air fryers use rapid technology, which is a fast way to heat food and make the surface crispy, similar to deep frying. On the other hand, OTGs use a heating coil that takes a longer time to heat.
Which is Healthier?
There is no doubt that the air fryer is a healthier cooking option compared to an OTG oven. OTGs use more oil and butter, whereas air fryers use up to 90% less oil and butter.
Skill Required: OTG vs. Air Fryer
If you are using an OTG, you need some skills because there are very limited pre-sets and it requires more time to cook the food. In contrast, air fryers come with many pre-sets that make it easy for you. Some air fryers even come with smart technology that can connect to your smartphone, allowing you to select your desired recipe and automatically apply it to your air fryer.
We can clearly say that the air fryer is easy to use and requires less skill, making it the best choice for beginners.
Advantages and Disadvantages of OTG
Advantages:
- It is available in a larger size.
- Perfect for baking cakes.
- Best option for slow cooking recipes.
- Produces very low noise during operation.
Disadvantages:
- It consumes more oil or butter.
- Slow cooking process.
- Requires more space.
- Difficult to clean.
- There are no smart OTGs available in the market.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Air Fryer
Advantages:
- Requires less space.
- Faster cooking.
- Best alternative to deep frying.
- Uses 80% to 90% less oil.
- Easy to clean.
- Some air fryers are available with voice assistant or app control.
Disadvantages:
- Not suitable for baking large cakes.
- Fast heating may burn your food.
- Makes noise during operation.
Does the Air Fryer Use More Watts Than an OTG?
Yes, air fryers use more power than OTGs because they work on rapid technology that consumes more watt-hours compared to OTGs. More watt consumption means more power and more energy required. Therefore, air fryers consume more power than OTGs.
Is an Air Fryer Louder Than an OTG?
Yes, the air fryer is louder than the OTG because it produces more noise due to its rapid technology. In terms of noise, the air fryer is not ideal as it operates with air circulation, which requires a strong fan, resulting in more sound compared to an OTG.
Does an OTG Require More Space Than an Air Fryer?
Yes, an OTG requires more space because most OTGs are shaped in a rectangular size and are available in capacities of more than 40 liters. On the other hand, air fryers are compact in size. Although there are some air fryers available in the same size as OTGs, most air fryers have a square form factor. This means that air fryers require less space than OTGs and are easier to place in a kitchen with limited space.
Can I Air Fry in an OTG?
No, technically the OTG oven does not perform air frying because it is mainly designed for baking or steaming. Air frying requires a different type of technology that is available only in air fryers.
Usability
Both air fryers and OTG ovens are used to make common recipes like pizza and baking cakes. However, the difference is that OTGs can bake in larger quantities, while air fryers can only bake in smaller quantities. Most common recipes like pizza, burgers, and toasted bread can be cooked in both appliances.
But if you need an alternative to deep frying, an air fryer is the only appliance that can replace the deep frying process. Therefore, air fryers have more usability than OTGs, making them better in this category.
Can I Grill in an Air Fryer?
No, you cannot grill in an air fryer because the grilling process requires heat from above the fire source. Air fryers use hot air circulation for heating the food, but grilling requires direct heat from the fire source. Therefore, it is not possible to grill in an air fryer.
Is an Air Fryer Only Available in Small Sizes?
No, you can buy a large-size air fryer with a capacity of more than 30 liters. However, in general, air fryers come with a capacity of 6 to 12 liters. The small size of air fryers is due to the rapid technology that works in a closed and small chamber. It is difficult to implement this technology in a large cavity, which is why most air fryers are available in small sizes.
Does an Air Fryer Achieve Higher Temperatures Than an OTG?
There is no difference in achieving the highest temperature between air fryers and OTGs. Both appliances can achieve temperatures up to 250 degrees Celsius and above. However, air fryers can control the temperature effectively from as low as 60 degrees Celsius to 250 degrees Celsius, while OTGs have limited control over temperature.
Furthermore, OTGs require more time to reach the desired temperature for cooking or baking, while air fryers require less time. Therefore, in terms of temperature control, air fryers are better than OTGs.
Final Words
If you want healthy cooking, the air fryer is the better choice. However, if you frequently bake in large quantities, the OTG is preferable. The air fryer cooks food faster than the OTG oven, requires minimal oil and butter, and is good for your health while saving your time.
