If you’ve been searching for an air fryer that can truly handle full family meals while offering more than just air frying, the Philips Steam Airfryer 5000 Series Dual Basket might be your perfect match. Known for their high-quality kitchen appliances, Philips has taken their air fryer technology a step further by combining air frying and steaming in one large, dual-basket unit — allowing you to cook two dishes at once, even at different temperatures.
Key Features at a Glance
- Dual-Basket Design (9.6 Qt Total) – A 6.3 Qt large basket for mains (fits a whole 2.6 lb chicken) and a 3.2 Qt smaller basket for sides or snacks.
- 3 Cooking Modes – Air Fry, Steam, or a combination of both for crispy yet tender results.
- 19 Cooking Functions & 12 Presets – Steam, steam + air fry, reheat, bake, grill, roast, stir fry, and more.
- Nutrient-Preserving Steam Technology – Keeps up to 87% more nutrients compared to boiling.
- Sync Finish – Automatically finishes cooking both baskets at the same time.
- RapidAir Plus Technology – Circulates hot air evenly for consistent crispiness without burnt spots.
- Steam Clean Function – Helps loosen grease for easier cleanup.
- Energy Efficient – Cooks up to 40% faster and uses up to 80% less energy than a traditional oven.
Real-Life Performance
One of the most talked-about features among users is the dual-basket system. Families love being able to prepare main dishes and sides simultaneously without flavor mixing — for example, crispy chicken wings in one basket and steamed vegetables in the other. The Sync Finish feature means you don’t have to juggle timers; both dishes will be ready together.
The steam function is another game-changer. Whether used alone or combined with air frying, it keeps proteins juicy and vegetables tender, avoiding the dryness that pure air frying can cause. Several users noted that meats came out perfectly moist with a crisp exterior, and dumplings or fish retained their delicate texture.
The touchscreen interface is intuitive, and the Steam Clean option is appreciated for reducing scrubbing time — though most users still recommend a quick sponge wash afterward.
Pros
- Versatile cooking — air fry, steam, or combine both for ideal texture and taste.
- Large capacity — great for big families, meal prepping, or hosting guests.
- Cook two different foods at different temps — perfect for varied meal needs.
- Steam helps retain nutrients and moisture — especially good for fish, vegetables, and dumplings.
- Sync Finish function — no more cold sides while waiting for the main dish.
- Energy-efficient and faster than an oven.
- Dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleanup.
Cons
- Bulky design — takes up significant counter space; not ideal for small kitchens.
- The instruction manual could be more detailed — some icons are unclear without using the companion app.
- Steam Clean helps, but doesn’t replace manual washing for thorough cleaning.
Who Is It For?
This air fryer is ideal for:
- Large families or households often cook multiple dishes at once.
- Health-conscious cooks who want crispy results with less oil and better nutrient retention.
- Home entertainers who need a versatile appliance that can prepare a complete meal in one go.
- Anyone upgrading from a basic single-basket air fryer to something more powerful and multi-functional.
Final Verdict
The Philips Steam Airfryer 5000 Series Dual Basket is not just another air fryer — it’s a multi-function cooking station. Its ability to cook two different dishes at the same time, combined with the unique steam + air fry feature, sets it apart from most competitors. Yes, it’s large, and yes, it’s an investment in both money and counter space, but for those who can accommodate it, this appliance could easily replace several kitchen gadgets.
If your cooking needs range from crispy fries to tender steamed fish — and you want them both ready at the same time — this Philips model is well worth considering.