For a long time, Philips reigned supreme in the air fryer kingdom. Then, competitors like Ninja arrived with a major innovation: the double basket (Dual Zone). Philips took its time to react, but the Dutch brand is back today with a proposal that could well redefine the high-end standard: the Philips Airfryer 5000 Series.
Why is this model making so much noise? Because it doesn't just offer 9 liters of capacity or two cooking zones. It incorporates hybrid technology allowing steam cooking. Crispy fries on one side, steamed green beans on the other? That's the promise.
We spent 15 days with this imposing machine on our worktop to see if the addition of steam justifies its premium price. Spoiler: your cooking habits may change.
Design and Ergonomics: A Colossus in the Kitchen
Out of the box, the 5000 Series commands respect... and requires space. With its 9 liters of total capacity, it's a beast. The design is faithful to Philips: lacquered black (be careful of fingerprints), curved lines and premium finish. We are far from the creaky plastics of certain entry-level brands.
The touch interface is located on the top. It is complete, perhaps even a little too much at first glance with its numerous icons, but you quickly get used to it thanks to the central wheel which remains, in our opinion, more precise than the "all touch".
Dimensions to be expected
Be careful, the machine is deep. Allow a space of at least 40cm depth on your work surface and avoid sticking it against a wall, because the evacuation of hot air (and steam!) at the back is powerful.
The real ergonomic innovation lies in the flexibility of the baskets. You can use the entire area for a whole roast chicken, or split the space to cook two different foods.
Technical Characteristics
Philips has not skimped on power to ensure that RapidAir technology works just as well in a 9L tank as it does in small models.
Hybrid Air/Steam Technology
The Best of Both Worlds
This is the strong point of this model. Unlike a classic Airfryer which tends to dry out white meats or fish, the 5000 Series injects steam. Result: a chicken that is crispy on the outside but remains juicy on the inside.
Cooking Performance: The Truth Test
We put the Philips 5000 Series through our usual testing protocol, with particular attention to the promise of steam.
1. Fries (Classic Airfryer Mode)
This is the basic test. With fresh homemade fries and half a spoonful of oil, the result is excellent. Philips' RapidAir technology remains, in our opinion, superior to the competition in terms of airflow. The fries are evenly browned without the need to shake the basket every 5 minutes.
- Note ScanPricer : 9/10
2. Salmon and Vegetables (Steam + Air Mode)
This is where the 5000 Series crushes the competition. We cooked a salmon steak with broccoli. Usually, in the Airfryer, the broccoli comes out “burnt” or dry. Here, thanks to the water tank, the vegetables are steamed, retaining their green color and nutrients. The fish is pearly, tender, not dry at all.
- ScanPricer rating: 10/10 (New in this segment)
3. Management of the two zones (Sync Finish)
As with Ninja, Philips offers a function to synchronize the end of cooking. You put a 45-minute roast on the left and 20-minute fries on the right: the machine will wait before launching the fries so that everything is ready at 8:00 p.m. sharp. It works perfectly, although it requires a little handling at the beginning so as not to put the wrong basket.
Noise and Ventilation
In "Steam" mode, the machine is a little noisier than in classic Airfryer mode due to water management. In addition, expect a plume of steam coming out: do not install the device under a wooden cupboard sensitive to humidity.
Cleaning and Maintenance
This is often the downside of household appliances. Philips has made all removable elements (baskets, racks) compatible with the dishwasher.
However, we recommend hand washing for the non-stick coating. It is of good quality, but the dishwasher always ends up wearing out the Teflon coatings in the long term. The water tank is easy to empty and rinse, a good point for hygiene (no stagnant water).
Advantages and Disadvantages
After two weeks of intensive use, here's what to remember.
Advantages
- Extreme versatility: Fry and steam in the same appliance
- Philips cooking quality: RapidAir remains the benchmark for crispiness
- Capacity of 9L: Sufficient for a family of 4 to 6 people
- Premium design and intuitive interface (once mastered)
- Sync Finish function to synchronize the two dishes
Disadvantages
- Clutter: It's a monster on the worktop
- High price: Steam technology is expensive
- Slightly short power cable (80cm)
- Very messy lacquered black (fingerprint magnet)
Final Verdict
The Philips Airfryer 5000 Series is not just another fryer. It's a successful attempt to replace both your oven and your steamer. If you're just looking to make fries and nuggets, go for a cheaper Essential model.
On the other hand, if you're looking for an "all-in-one" appliance capable of healthy cooking (steam) on Monday and a "treat" feast (fries/chicken) on Saturday, this is currently the most complete model on the market. It outperforms the Ninja Foodi in the finesse of cooking vegetables and fish thanks to the addition of moisture.
Our Final Opinion: The New Reference
It’s an investment, certainly, but justified by the versatility. Steam cooking changes the situation and corrects the main fault of Airfryers (the drying out of food). For families keen to eat healthily without sacrificing crunch, this is a 2026 “Must Have”.
