I bought the Gourmia French Door Air Fryer because, honestly, the price felt too good to ignore.
Under $60 for a large-capacity air fryer oven with double French doors, 19 presets, and space for a 12-inch pizza? It sounded like one of those rare kitchen deals that actually delivers.
After using it consistently in my kitchen, not just for fries, but for wings, toast, frozen meals, and even small bakes, I now understand why this model is so popular… and why so many Gourmia French Door Air Fryer reviews and complaints focus on the exact same issues.
This is my honest, experience-based review after real daily use.
First Impressions: Stylish Design That Feels More Expensive Than It Is
The first thing that stands out about the Gourmia French Door Air Fryer is the look.
The double-door design makes it feel more like a mini oven than a typical basket-style air fryer. Opening both doors with one hand is genuinely convenient, especially when you’re multitasking in the kitchen.
For a budget air fryer under $60, it:
- Looks sleek on the counter
- Feels spacious inside
- Fits larger foods (like pizza or multiple trays)
At first glance, it does not feel like a “cheap” appliance.
Cooking Performance: Surprisingly Good… With Some Inconsistencies
Let’s talk about actual cooking, because that’s where this air fryer both impressed and frustrated me.
For:
- Toast
- Frozen snacks
- Fries
- Reheating leftovers
It worked very well. Food came out crispy and evenly browned most of the time.
However, once I started cooking grease-heavy foods like wings and bacon, I noticed something many users mention in Gourmia French Door Air Fryer reviews, smoke buildup. Not every time, but often enough to notice.
Especially at higher temperatures.
The French Door Design: Convenient but Not Perfectly Sealed
This is the signature feature, but also the part that made me pause.
There is a slight visible gap where the French doors meet. While it’s not huge, it does affect heat retention more than I expected.
What I personally noticed:
- Slight heat escaping during longer cooking sessions
- Exterior getting warmer than a standard air fryer
- Kitchen feeling hotter during extended use
It still cooks effectively, but the seal isn’t as tight as single-door air fryer ovens.
Smoke & Grease Issues: A Real Concern With Fatty Foods
This was the biggest surprise for me.
When cooking wings and bacon:
- Smoke filled the kitchen faster than expected
- Grease splatter was more noticeable
- Cleaning became more frequent
I also understand now why some users report grease leaking underneath the unit. The drip tray works, but it doesn’t always catch everything when cooking high-fat foods at high heat.
That doesn’t automatically make it unsafe, but it does mean you need to monitor it more carefully than premium models.
Temperature Accuracy: Runs Hot in Real Use
One thing I tested personally was temperature consistency, and I noticed the unit tends to run hotter than the set temperature.
For example:
- Setting 375°F sometimes felt closer to 400°F results
- Faster browning than expected
- Occasional over-crisping if I didn’t check early
This matches thermometer test complaints saying the oven can run 20–25 degrees hotter than displayed. Once I adjusted cooking times, the results improved significantly.
Handles, Heat & Kitchen Impact
Another detail I didn’t expect: the handles get hot.
Not dangerously hot, but warm enough that I became more cautious when opening the doors mid-cook. The surrounding cabinet area also absorbed more heat compared to compact basket air fryers.
If your kitchen has low cabinets above your appliances, this is something to consider seriously.
Error Codes & High-Temperature Use
I mostly cooked between 350°F and 390°F, and the unit performed fine.
But at the highest settings (around 400°F), I did notice occasional glitches and longer recovery time after opening the doors.
I didn’t personally get constant error codes, but based on real owner complaints, it seems the system can struggle when pushed to maximum heat frequently.
Cleaning Experience: Manageable but Not Effortless
Cleaning the Gourmia French Door Air Fryer is easier than a full oven but slightly more work than a basket air fryer.
Pros:
- Removable trays
- Accessible interior
- No complicated parts
Cons:
- Grease buildup after fatty foods
- Interior walls need wiping more often
- Door glass shows splatter easily
If you cook oily foods regularly, expect more maintenance.
Is the $60 Price Worth It?
This is where the Gourmia model shines.
For under $60, you’re getting:
- Large cooking capacity
- 19 preset functions
- Air fryer + toaster oven combo
- Stylish French door design
That level of functionality at this price is honestly rare, which explains why it’s everywhere, from big-box stores to online marketplaces.
But the lower price does come with trade-offs. After weeks of use, I would not call the Gourmia French Door Air Fryer a fire hazard when used correctly but I would call it a budget appliance that needs attentive use, especially with high-fat foods and high temperatures.
It crisps and toasts surprisingly well for the price.
But the French door design, while stylish and convenient, is also its biggest limitation when it comes to heat sealing and grease control.
Conclusion
If you’re searching for a large, affordable air fryer oven and understand its limitations, the Gourmia French Door Air Fryer is a strong budget buy. But if you frequently cook greasy foods, want precise temperature control, or prefer a tightly sealed cooking chamber, you may want to invest in a higher-end air fryer instead of relying solely on the attractive price tag and trendy French door design.
Check out the Frownies Patch I reviewed earlier.