Blackstone E-Series Electric Pizza Oven and Air Fryer Combo Review

Description

User-Friendly Design and Build Quality

The Blackstone 8013 E-Series Electric Pizza Oven and Air Fryer Combo immediately stands out with its sleek, compact design. It’s not bulky, which makes it easy to fit on most countertops, even in smaller kitchens. I was particularly impressed by the touchscreen control panel on the front, which feels intuitive and modern. It’s not just for looks either—using the touchscreen to adjust the temperature and timer settings was a breeze. The drop-down glass door adds an element of convenience, allowing me to check on my food without much hassle. Additionally, the removable crumb tray simplified cleanup, which is a lifesaver after cooking anything greasy or crumby.

The overall build feels sturdy, and though the product weighs around 27.1 pounds, it’s still portable enough to move if necessary. The 5-foot power cord gives flexibility for indoor or outdoor use, which I tested by setting it up both on my kitchen counter and my backyard patio. While the black finish gives it a sleek appearance, it’s also practical since it hides smudges better than lighter-colored appliances.

Performance and Versatility

This appliance isn’t just a pizza oven; it’s a multitasking powerhouse. The 14-inch rotating steel pizza plate was a game-changer for me. I didn’t have to rotate the pizza manually—something I’ve had to do with other ovens. The automatic rotation ensured even cooking, and my pizza came out with a perfectly crispy crust and gooey cheese every time. I even tried making a deep-dish pizza, and it handled it without a hitch.

Switching to the air fryer mode, I experimented with fries, chicken wings, and even roasted veggies. The baking tray doubles as an air fryer basket, and the included trivet allows for airflow underneath, ensuring evenly fried food. Everything came out crispy without needing much oil, which is a huge plus for me. I love that this device can handle pizza one day and fried chicken the next—it’s like having two appliances in one.

Highlights

• Rotating pizza plate ensures even cooking without manual intervention.
• Touchscreen controls are intuitive and modern.
• Versatile functionality allows for both pizza baking and air frying.
• Portable design with a 5-foot cord for indoor and outdoor use.
• Removable crumb tray makes cleaning quick and easy.

Areas for Improvement

While the Blackstone E-Series is an impressive machine, there are a few flaws worth mentioning.

• The 27.1-pound weight might be a bit heavy for some users, especially if you frequently move it between indoor and outdoor spaces.
• The glass door gets quite warm during use, so you’ll need to be cautious when opening or closing it.
• The air fryer capacity feels slightly limited for larger portions, making it less ideal for big families.

These are minor issues in the grand scheme of things, but they’re worth keeping in mind.

Competing Products

When comparing this to other countertop pizza ovens, such as the Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo or the Ooni Koda 12, the Blackstone offers unique advantages. The rotating pizza plate is something competitors lack, and it’s honestly a feature I didn’t realize I needed until I used it. On the flip side, while the Ooni and Breville models are geared more specifically toward pizza enthusiasts, the Blackstone stands out for its versatility thanks to the air fryer functionality.

That said, the Ooni Koda cooks pizza faster due to its higher temperature capabilities, and the Breville has a slightly more premium feel. However, neither of these alternatives can double as an air fryer, making the Blackstone a more versatile choice for everyday cooking needs.

True Value

In terms of value for money, this combo appliance delivers in spades. It eliminates the need to own both a pizza oven and an air fryer separately, saving not just money but also counter space. While the price might seem steep initially, considering the dual functionality and the even cooking performance, I feel it’s worth the investment. You’re not just paying for a pizza oven; you’re also getting a reliable air fryer and a modern, user-friendly appliance that fits into almost any kitchen setup.

Additional information