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

Description

Strengths of the Blackstone 8013 E-Series Electric Pizza Oven and Air Fryer Combo

Using the Blackstone 8013 E-Series Electric Pizza Oven and Air Fryer Combo has been quite the experience, especially for someone like me who loves both pizza and crispy snacks. One of the best aspects I noticed right away was the 14-inch rotating pizza plate. Watching the pizza slowly turn as it cooked meant no more unevenly baked crusts or toppings. The automatic rotation genuinely makes a difference in cooking consistency—something I didn’t expect to appreciate so much until I tried it myself.

The touchscreen control panel is sleek and intuitive, allowing me to set precise temperatures and timers without fumbling with complicated buttons. This feature also helped me cook different kinds of food without second-guessing the settings. Switching from pizza to fries or even chicken nuggets was seamless, thanks to the versatile baking tray that doubles as an air fryer basket. The trivet underneath facilitates air circulation, which results in perfectly crispy textures—a true win for anyone who enjoys healthier fried foods without the mess of traditional frying.

Cleanup was surprisingly easy too. The removable crumb tray collects all the loose bits from cooking, making the entire process less of a chore. Just slide it out and toss the crumbs, and you’re good to go. This feature alone saved me a lot of frustration, especially after a messy cooking session with the kids.

• Rotating pizza plate ensures even cooking
• Touchscreen controls are user-friendly and precise
• Baking tray and trivet enable versatile air frying
• Removable crumb tray simplifies cleaning

Drawbacks to Keep in Mind

Despite its many perks, the combo oven isn’t without its limitations. First, the oven’s size—about 20.67 inches deep and 19.09 inches wide—makes it a bit bulky for small kitchens. I had to rearrange my countertop appliances just to give it a spot, which might be inconvenient for some. Additionally, the 27.1-pound weight makes it stable but not exactly portable unless you have a sturdy base.

The glass drop-down door looks elegant, but it can be a bit tricky to clean thoroughly. Fingerprints and smudges show up easily, and since it’s the main viewing window, I found myself wiping it down often to keep an eye on my cooking. Also, despite the 5-foot power cord allowing some flexibility, outdoor use depends heavily on accessible electrical outlets, limiting where you can place it outside.

Cooking times required a bit of experimentation. The temperature settings are adjustable via the touchscreen, but because this is a combo device, I noticed the air fryer function sometimes took longer than dedicated air fryers I’ve used before. This might be a minor inconvenience for those seeking ultra-fast snacks.

• Bulky size requires ample countertop space
• Heavy and not very portable
• Glass door requires frequent cleaning to maintain visibility
• Cooking times for air frying can be longer than specialized units

Design and Build Quality

The sleek black finish of this combo oven fits well in modern kitchens, giving off a professional vibe. Its portable design is an attractive feature, but portability is somewhat limited by its weight and size. The touch control panel on the front is responsive and surprisingly durable. I accidentally splattered sauce on it during one cooking session, and a quick wipe with a damp cloth restored it perfectly.

The drop-down door is sturdy, though it feels a little heavy compared to smaller countertop ovens. It opens wide enough to easily place or remove food items, which is definitely a plus. The baking tray and rotating pizza plate fit snugly inside, and both components feel solid and well-made.

For those who love multitasking, this device’s construction supports multiple cooking modes nicely. The combination of a pizza oven and air fryer in one unit is clever and space-saving, but it’s clear that the design prioritizes function over ultra-compactness.

Versatility and Cooking Performance

What impressed me the most was how this oven handles different types of food. The rotating pizza plate makes it easy to bake a perfect 14-inch pizza without having to manually turn it halfway through. Even thick-crust pizzas cooked evenly, leaving a crispy bottom and perfectly melted cheese on top.

Using the air fryer basket function, I managed to cook crispy fries and chicken nuggets with minimal oil. The air circulation provided by the trivet underneath really enhanced the crispiness, making the snacks taste like they’d come from a commercial fryer but without the grease. I also experimented with reheating leftovers like pizza slices and roasted vegetables, and the results were consistently satisfying.

The digital temperature control allows for fine-tuning, so whether I wanted a slow bake or a quick fry, the oven handled it without issues. The timer feature was handy to avoid overcooking, especially when multitasking around the kitchen. It’s versatile enough for someone who enjoys various dishes but doesn’t want multiple appliances crowding the countertop.

User Experience and Practicality

I’ve noticed family and friends react positively when I use this combo oven. My kids especially love the fact that they can watch their pizza rotate behind the glass door—it adds a bit of entertainment to mealtime. Cleaning up after cooking is less intimidating than I’d feared, thanks to the removable crumb tray and non-stick surfaces on the trays.

Despite its user-friendly features, the setup does require some patience. Understanding the optimal cooking times for different foods took a bit of trial and error. The touchscreen’s responsiveness is generally good, but navigating through the different modes might confuse those who prefer analog dials or simpler controls.

On the bright side, the electric power source means less hassle with fuels or venting, making it suitable for indoor use. The oven’s ability to function both indoors and outdoors adds a layer of convenience, especially during gatherings or parties.

Direct Competitors in the Countertop Pizza Oven Market

Compared to other countertop pizza ovens I’ve tested, this combo unit holds its own in several areas. Brands like Ooni and Breville offer high-end pizza ovens with faster heat-up times and wood or gas fuel options, which some pizza enthusiasts might prefer for authentic flavor profiles. However, this electric model’s dual functionality as an air fryer sets it apart and offers more versatility.

The Ooni Karu pizza ovens, for instance, provide incredible heat and crispiness but lack the air fryer feature, making this combo more practical for everyday kitchen use. Meanwhile, Breville’s Smart Oven Pizzaiolo excels in precise temperature control but comes with a significantly higher price tag and no air frying capabilities.

In terms of energy efficiency and safety, the electric nature of this oven is a plus. No propane tanks or open flames make it safer for indoor environments, especially for families. However, competitors with smaller footprints might be easier to tuck away in tight kitchens, an area where this Blackstone model could improve.

Price Performance and Value Proposition

Evaluating the price to quality ratio, this combo oven offers a solid balance between functionality and cost. You’re essentially getting two appliances in one, which can justify the investment if you frequently cook pizzas and enjoy air-fried snacks. The durability of components like the steel pizza plate and solid baking trays adds to its value, reducing the need for replacements.

While it’s not the cheapest option on the market, the features packed into a single unit—rotating pizza plate, touchscreen controls, removable crumb tray, and dual-use baking tray—make it worth considering for someone who wants a versatile cooking solution without cluttering the kitchen.

If budget is a concern, simpler pizza ovens or standalone air fryers might be more affordable but would require extra countertop space and potentially more maintenance. The combo’s convenience and ease of use weigh heavily in its favor for those who value multifunctional appliances.

In my experience, this electric pizza oven and air fryer combo provides a unique blend of versatility, ease of use, and decent performance. While it has a few quirks like size and cleaning challenges, the overall cooking results and user-friendly design make it a worthwhile addition for pizza lovers and air fryer fans alike. Whether it’s crafting the perfect homemade pizza or whipping up crispy snacks, this device handles it with relative ease, making it a notable player in the countertop oven market.

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