Salter Crisp & Go: Is This Glass Air Fryer Right for You?

The Salter Crisp & Go is a glass air fryer that uses halogen heating from above to cook food in a borosilicate glass bowl, offering a clear view of your meal as it cooks. Whether it’s right for you depends on your priorities: if you value visibility, easy cleaning, and a compact footprint, it’s a strong contender; if you need large capacity or the crispiness of a traditional basket air fryer, you may want to look elsewhere.

What Is the Salter Crisp & Go?

The Salter Crisp & Go is a countertop halogen oven, often marketed as a glass air fryer. Instead of a metal basket and a fan that circulates hot air from the bottom, it uses a halogen bulb and a fan in the lid, which sits on top of a large glass bowl. You can watch your food cook through the glass, which is a feature traditional air fryers don’t offer. It’s designed for roasting, baking, grilling, and air frying smaller portions.

How Does a Glass Air Fryer Work?

Halogen ovens like the Crisp & Go work by combining three heating mechanisms:

• Radiant heat from the halogen bulb directly heats the food’s surface.
• Convection – a fan in the lid circulates hot air around the bowl, cooking food evenly.
• Infrared radiation penetrates the food slightly, helping it cook from the inside.

The glass bowl traps heat, while the lid’s fan ensures the hot air reaches all sides. The result is food that’s crispy on the outside and moist inside, similar to a traditional air fryer but with a more open cooking environment.

Key Features and Specifications

The Salter Crisp & Go typically includes:

• Borosilicate glass bowl (heat-resistant and shatterproof)
• Adjustable temperature control (usually 60°C to 200°C)
• 30-minute timer with auto shut-off
• Non-stick grill rack and baking tray
• Cool-touch handles
• Lid with halogen bulb and fan

Capacity is usually around 7 liters, but because the bowl is wide and shallow, you can fit a large chicken or a pizza, though not a whole turkey. The wattage is typically 1500W, which is comparable to mid-range basket air fryers.

Pros and Cons: What to Consider

Pros

• Visibility: You can see your food browning without opening the lid, which helps prevent overcooking.
• Easy to clean: The glass bowl is dishwasher-safe (check the manual), and there are no nooks and crannies where grease hides.
• Versatile: It can roast, bake, grill, and dehydrate, not just air fry.
• Compact: It takes up less counter space than a full-size oven and is lighter than many air fryers.
• Large surface area: The wide bowl allows you to cook flat items like fish fillets or toast in a single layer.

Cons

• Slower cooking: Halogen ovens generally cook slower than fan-forced basket air fryers because the fan is less powerful.
• Less crispy results: The open bowl design and lower air circulation mean you won’t get the same intense crispiness as a basket fryer, especially for frozen fries.
• Heat loss: The glass bowl radiates heat, so the exterior gets hot, and the kitchen may warm up more.
• Limited capacity: For a family of four, you may need to cook in batches.
• Bulb replacement: The halogen bulb can burn out and is a proprietary part that may be hard to find.

How to Use the Salter Crisp & Go Effectively

To get the best results from a glass air fryer:

1. Preheat the oven for 3–5 minutes before adding food.
2. Place food in a single layer on the grill rack to allow air to circulate.
3. Use a light coating of oil on food to promote browning; a spray oil works well.
4. Shake or flip food halfway through cooking for even browning.
5. Check food through the glass rather than opening the lid, which loses heat.
6. Let the bowl cool before washing; sudden temperature changes can crack glass.

Common Problems and Solutions

Food isn’t crispy enough

Increase the temperature by 10–20°C, add a little more oil, or extend cooking time by a few minutes. Also, avoid overcrowding the bowl.

Glass bowl cracks

This is rare but can happen if the bowl is placed on a cold surface while hot or if it’s washed with cold water immediately after use. Always use a trivet and let it cool gradually.

Bulb burns out

Halogen bulbs have a limited lifespan. Check the manual for the correct replacement bulb type. Some users report difficulty finding replacements, so it’s worth checking availability before buying.

Timer doesn’t turn off

If the timer isn’t working, it may be a mechanical issue. Contact Salter customer support, as this is a safety concern.

Comparing to Traditional Basket Air Fryers

Basket air fryers (like those from Philips, Ninja, or Cosori) use a powerful fan and a small chamber to create a rapid vortex of hot air, which produces a very crispy texture. They’re also more energy-efficient and cook faster. However, they have a smaller capacity for bulky items, and you can’t see the food without pulling out the basket. The Salter Crisp & Go is better for those who want to watch their food and prefer a more oven-like experience, but it won’t match the crunch of a basket fryer.

Cost and Energy Use

The Salter Crisp & Go uses around 1500W, which is typical. Running it for 30 minutes uses about 0.75 kWh. At an average electricity price of $0.15 per kWh, that’s roughly $0.11 per use. Compared to a full-size oven (which uses 2000–3000W), it’s more efficient for small meals. The initial purchase price is usually lower than high-end air fryers, but replacement bulbs (if needed) can add to the long-term cost.

Safety Tips

• Never immerse the lid in water; wipe it with a damp cloth.
• Always place the appliance on a heat-resistant surface.
• Keep the glass bowl away from cold surfaces when hot.
• Do not touch the glass during or after cooking – it gets very hot.
• Ensure the lid is properly locked before starting.
• Don’t use metal utensils that could scratch the glass.

Alternatives to Consider

If you’re not sure the Crisp & Go is right for you, consider:

• Traditional basket air fryer: Best for crispy food and speed.
• Toaster oven with air fry function: More versatile for baking and roasting, but takes up more space.
• Countertop convection oven: Larger capacity, but slower to preheat.
• Instant Pot with air fryer lid: Combines pressure cooking and air frying, but the air frying is less efficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put the glass bowl in the dishwasher?

Yes, the borosilicate glass bowl is generally dishwasher-safe, but check the user manual for confirmation. The lid and accessories should be hand-washed.

Can I use aluminum foil or parchment paper in the Salter Crisp & Go?

Yes, you can line the grill rack with foil or parchment paper, but avoid covering the entire bowl as that blocks air circulation. Also, keep foil away from the heating element.

How do I clean the lid?

Unplug the appliance and let the lid cool completely. Wipe the lid with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Do not submerge the lid in water.

Can I cook frozen food directly in the glass air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen fries, chicken nuggets, and other items. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time compared to fresh food.

Is the glass bowl safe for the oven?

No, the glass bowl is not designed for use in a conventional oven. It’s only for use with the Salter Crisp & Go base.

What is the warranty on the Salter Crisp & Go?

Salter typically offers a 2-year warranty on small kitchen appliances. Check the included warranty card for specific terms and conditions.

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in t | Cook time | min | 25 | 0
in p | Power | W | 1500 | 0
out energy | Energy used | kWh | p * t / 60000 | 2
out cost | Cost at 0.15/kWh | - | p * t / 60000 * 0.15 | 2