When temperatures hit triple digits, the last thing you want to do is turn on your oven or stand over a hot grill. CNET editors have found a simple solution: a countertop appliance, such as an air fryer or compact convection oven, that cooks meals quickly without turning your kitchen into a sauna. During a heat wave, these devices are not just convenient—they can make the difference between eating a cold sandwich and enjoying a hot, satisfying meal.
A countertop appliance like an air fryer works by circulating hot air at high speed, cooking food faster than a conventional oven and often using less energy. CNET's testing shows that these machines can reduce cooking times by 20% to 30% while keeping the surrounding air much cooler. For example, the Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 can roast a chicken in under an hour without raising the kitchen temperature by more than a few degrees.
The context for this advice is a warming planet. According to NOAA, the number of heat waves per year in U.S. cities has increased from an average of two in the 1960s to six in the 2020s. Each successive heat wave is lasting longer, with the average now stretching 4.9 days. Turning on a gas range or electric oven can push indoor temperatures up by 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, which may strain air conditioning systems and drive up electricity bills.
Key details from the CNET source include the recommendation to replace grills and ranges during extreme heat. The article specifically points to countertop models like the Instant Pot Vortex Plus Air Fryer, which can handle everything from fries to steak. In typical test kitchens, these appliances use 50% to 80% less energy than a full-sized oven. The trade-off is smaller capacity—most can cook for two to four people—but during a heat wave, that's often enough.
From an analysis perspective, the shift to countertop cooking is part of a larger trend toward energy-efficient, heat-reducing home technologies. As climate change drives more extreme weather, consumers are looking for ways to maintain comfort without sacrificing convenience. Air fryers and similar devices offer a low-carbon alternative that also lowers utility bills. Smart home systems can even schedule cooking during cooler evening hours to further reduce heat buildup.
The outlook for this category is strong. Sales of countertop convection ovens grew 22% year-over-year in the first half of 2024, and manufacturers are adding features like dehydrating, proofing, and rotisserie to make them all-season tools. As heat waves become more common, expect more kitchen counters to host these compact workhorses. The message from CNET is clear: when the mercury rises, put away the grill and range, and let your countertop appliance do the heavy lifting.
Technology
↑ Positive
Forget the Grill. This Countertop Appliance Is Even Better During a Heat Wave
When it's too hot to grill or turn on the range, I turn to this speedy, compact cooker to whip up meals without overheating the kitchen.
David Watsky
CNET
3 min read
5/10
Key Takeaways
- Air fryers can use 50% to 80% less energy than a standard electric oven, significantly reducing kitchen heat and electricity bills during a heat wave.
- CNET's top recommended countertop appliance for heat wave cooking is the Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1, which can cook a whole chicken in 40 minutes without raising ambient kitchen temperature more than 3°F.
- U.S. heat waves have tripled in frequency since the 1960s, with the average duration now 4.9 days, making cool-cooking solutions increasingly vital.
- A typical gas range can increase kitchen temperature by 10°F to 15°F, potentially causing air conditioners to run 20% longer and adding $30-$50 to monthly energy bills.
- Sales of countertop ovens and air fryers surged 45% during the July 2024 heat wave in the Northeast U.S., indicating strong consumer demand for heat-safe cooking alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best countertop appliance for heat wave cooking is an air fryer or a compact convection oven. CNET recommends the Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 for its speed and low heat output, which keeps the kitchen cool while cooking.
Yes, an air fryer can replace a conventional oven for most dishes during summer. It cooks faster and uses less energy, producing significantly less heat. However, it has a smaller capacity, so it's best for meals for one to four people.
An air fryer produces much less heat than a traditional oven or stove. In tests, it raises kitchen temperature by only 2-3°F, compared to 10-15°F from a gas range, making it ideal for heat waves.
Use a countertop appliance like an air fryer, toaster oven, or Instant Pot. These devices cook food quickly and contain heat better than ovens or ranges. Also, cook during cooler times of day, like early morning or late evening.
Countertop appliances such as air fryers use 50-80% less energy than conventional electric ovens. Over a month of regular use during a heat wave, that can translate to $10-20 in electricity savings.
While grilling keeps heat outside, it exposes you to extreme temperatures and UV rays. A countertop appliance offers indoor cooking without heat build-up, making it a safer and more comfortable alternative during heat advisories.
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