Swan 11L Duo Layer Air Fryer Review
Air fryers have completely changed how I cook dinner, but with so many models available now, working out which ones are actually worth the money isn’t particularly easy.
I’ve now been using the Swan 11L Duo Layer Air Fryer for around nine months, so this isn’t a review based on unpacking it, cooking one basket of chips and telling you everything is wonderful. I’ve used both drawers for everyday meals, reheated food in it, cooked things including chips, nuggets and salmon, cleaned it repeatedly and even had my original machine develop a fault and need replacing.
That means I’ve had plenty of time to discover both the things I really like about it and the bits that annoy me. The stacked design was one of the things that initially appealed to me because my kitchen already seems to contain half the electrical appliances known to mankind, but I’ve also noticed differences between the two drawers and found a few things I’d change.
So if you’re considering the Swan 11L Duo Layer Air Fryer, here’s what it’s actually been like to live with rather than simply what it says on the box.
Why trust my review?
I haven’t written this Swan air fryer review by looking at the product specifications online and deciding whether they sound good. I’ve actually used the Swan 11L Duo Layer Air Fryer at home and tested it as part of normal everyday cooking.
I’ve owned/used it for around 9 months, during which time I’ve cooked things including chips, reheated pizza, chicken nuggets, salmon, and lots more
I’ve used both cooking levels/baskets and cleaned it repeatedly rather than judging how easy it looks to clean when it’s brand new.
That’s given me a much better idea of what the air fryer is actually like to live with, including the things I like and the things that annoy me.
I received this air fryer as part of a review agreement. As always, the opinions in this review are based on my own experience of using it.
First impressions and design
When I first unboxed the Swan 11L Duo Layer Air Fryer, the first thing I noticed was the shape. Most dual air fryers are very wide and take up a huge chunk of the counter. This one is different. It is taller and narrower because the baskets are stacked whilst still being a large-capacity air fryer.
It measures 35.2cm high, 44.5cm wide, and 27.9cm deep. While it is still a big appliance, the footprint feels much more manageable than other 11-litre models I have seen.
The build quality feels decent. It is mostly black plastic, which is standard for air fryers these days. It looks modern and sleek. The baskets have viewing windows, which I love. Being able to see your food cooking without opening the drawer and letting heat escape is a really useful feature. If you are looking for an air fryer with viewing window then this is definitely one to consider.
One thing that stood out was the control panel. It is a touch screen that folds back. This is a nice touch for storage.
Capacity and baskets
The total capacity is 11 litres, split between two 5.5-litre baskets. This is a lot of space. Swan says each 5.5-litre drawer can accommodate a whole chicken, although I haven’t personally tested that.
Because you have two separate drawers, you can cook different things at the same time. I tried cooking a main dish in one and a side dish in the other. It is great for feeding a family or for meal prepping for the week.
The baskets come with grill plates that you can take out for cleaning. The non-stick coating seems to work well so far. Food slides right off, and they wash up easily with hot, soapy water.
One minor gripe is that the stacked design can make it a bit tricky to check the bottom basket if you have the top one open. You have to be careful not to knock anything. But overall, the space-saving design in the Swan 11L Duo Layer Air Fryer is a winner for me.
Cooking performance
This is the most essential part. Does the Swan 11L Duo Layer Air Fryer actually cook food well? The short answer is yes, but with a few caveats.
I started with the classic air fryer test: homemade chips. I used the preset function for fries. The results were good. The chips came out crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. I did give the basket a good shake halfway through, which the machine reminds you to do with a beep.
I have also tried things like frozen onion rings, reheating pizza and crisping jacket potatoes. Check my air fryer tips and mistakes guide for more things you can and can’t air fry.
However, I did notice a slight difference in cooking speed between the two drawers of the Swan 11L Duo Layer Air Fryer. The top drawer seemed to cook slightly faster than the bottom one. This might be due to how the heat circulates. It is not a deal-breaker, but something to keep in mind. You might need to add an extra minute or two for food in the bottom basket.
I also found that the temperature controls took some getting used to. You have to be precise with the touch screen. Sometimes it felt a bit unresponsive, and I had to press a few times to get it to register.
Swan claims their “Cyclone Technology” used in the Swan 11L Duo Layer Air Fryer saves up to 67% on energy compared to a conventional oven. While I cannot measure the exact percentage in my kitchen, it definitely cooked faster than my big electric oven.
Features and functions
The Swan 11L Duo Layer Air Fryer comes with 10 preset functions. These include settings for fries, chicken, steak, and fish. I found the presets to be a good starting point, but I often adjusted the time and temperature manually to suit my taste.
There are two standout features on this model:
- Sync Finish: This ensures that both baskets finish cooking at the exact same time. This is brilliant if you are cooking meat in one drawer and veggies in the other. No more cold side dishes while you wait for the other dish to finish.
- Dual Cook: This matches the settings for both baskets. If you are cooking a huge batch of chips across both drawers, you just set it once and hit this button.
The temperature range goes from 60°C to 200°C. This is standard for most air fryers. It is hot enough to crisp up bacon but low enough to gently reheat leftovers.
The Swan 11L Duo Layer Air Fryer timer goes up to 60 minutes. This is plenty for most meals. If you are slow-cooking something, you might need to reset it, but for day-to-day cooking, it is fine.
If you are yet to decide on the type of air fryer you need, then my guide on how to choose an air fryer may help.
What I would like to see improved
After using the air fryer regularly, there are a few things I think could be better:
- The touch screen can occasionally need a second press.
- The lower drawer sometimes takes slightly longer to cook.
- The instruction booklet could include more realistic cooking times.
- Because of the stacked design, checking the lower drawer isn’t quite as convenient as a traditional side-by-side model.
None of these are deal-breakers for me, but they are worth knowing before you buy.
A fault I experienced with mine
One thing I think is important to mention is that my original air fryer did develop a fault and had to be replaced. It started behaving as though one of the drawers was open when it wasn’t, which meant I couldn’t continue using it normally.
I was able to get the machine exchanged, but obviously I would rather it hadn’t happened in the first place.
I don’t know whether this is a common fault with this model or whether I was simply unlucky with mine, so I wouldn’t suggest that everyone buying one will experience the same problem. It is, however, part of my experience of owning the Swan 11L Duo Layer Air Fryer and something I’d want to know about if I were reading somebody else’s review before buying one.
Does the Swan 11L Duo Layer Air Fryer save money?
Like most air fryers, the Swan heats up much faster than a conventional oven and cooks in a smaller space.
Swan claims energy savings of up to 67% compared to a conventional oven. While I couldn’t verify the exact figure at home, I definitely noticed shorter cooking times and less need to switch on the main oven for everyday meals.
Safety and cleaning
Safety is always a priority in the kitchen. The Swan 11L Duo Layer Air Fryer has an auto-shutoff function, which gives me peace of mind. It turns off if you pull the basket out.
The outside of the unit does get warm while cooking, but not dangerously hot. Just make sure you leave enough space around it for air to circulate. My guide to your first air fryer will help with that.
Cleaning is straightforward. The baskets and grill plates are not listed as dishwasher safe in the manual I saw, so I stuck to hand washing. The non-stick coating makes this easy. A quick wipe with a sponge usually does the trick. I would recommend avoiding harsh scourers so you do not damage the coating. Check my guide to cleaning an air fryer for more tips.
It is important to ensure food is cooked safely. When cooking poultry like chicken or turkey, the Food Standards Agency advises that the food should be steaming hot and cooked all the way through, with no pink meat. The core temperature should reach 70°C for 2 minutes. I used a meat thermometer to be sure, and the Swan 11L Duo Layer Air Fryer hit these temperatures reliably.
The pros and cons
To help you decide, here is a quick summary of what I liked and did not like about the Swan 11L Duo Layer Air Fryer.
Pros:
- Space-saving design: The stacked baskets are great for smaller kitchens.
- Large capacity: 11 litres is enough to feed a large family.
- Viewing windows: You can check your food without losing heat.
- Sync function: Everything is ready at the same time.
- Good value: At under £100, it is cheaper than many other dual air fryers.
Cons:
- Touch screen: It can be a bit dim and sometimes unresponsive, but after a few presses, it works fine.
- Uneven cooking: The top drawer seems to cook slightly faster than the bottom.
- Bulky: Even though it saves width, it is quite tall and deep.
- Instruction manual: It is a bit basic and could be clearer on cooking times for each of the preprogrammed options.
- I had to have it replaced after it stopped working: It started saying the drawer was open when it wasn’t so I had to have it exchanged. I am not sure if this is a common issue or not.
Who should buy the Swan 11L Duo Layer Air Fryer?
After using it regularly, I’d say this air fryer is ideal for:
- Larger households that will make use of the two 5.5L drawers
- Anyone short on worktop width who has enough height/depth for a stacked model
- People replacing an older single-drawer air fryer
- Those wanting to cook complete meals at once
- Anyone looking for a large-capacity air fryer without spending Ninja prices
However, if you mostly cook for one person, the capacity may be more than you need.
Swan 11L Duo Layer Air Fryer vs Ninja Dual Zone
Many shoppers considering the Swan are also looking at Ninja models as they are both popular choices for a vertical stack air fryer. Here is a simple Swan vs Ninja air fryer comparison if you are considering both, that may help you. Both feature frequently is lists of the best air fryer for families and it is easy to see why.
| Feature | Swan 11L Duo Layer | Ninja Dual Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 11L | Usually 7.6L to 9.5L |
| Design | Vertical stack | Side-by-side drawers |
| Worktop space | Smaller footprint | Wider footprint |
| Price | Budget-friendly | Premium |
| Viewing windows | Yes | Depends on model |
In my opinion, the biggest advantage of the Swan is the space-saving design. The biggest advantage of the Ninja is the more premium feel and generally more consistent cooking results.
My Swan Twin Stack Air Fryer review
After using the Swan 11L Duo Layer Air Fryer for a few weeks, I am impressed. It is not perfect, but for the price, it offers many features.
The stacked design is a clever solution for anyone short on counter space. The capacity is fantastic, and the cooking results are generally very good once you get the hang of the timings.
If you are looking for a high-end air fryer with a premium feel, you might want to spend a bit more on a brand like Ninja. But if you want a solid, family-sized air fryer that does the job well without costing a fortune, this Swan 11L Duo Layer Air Fryer is a great choice. It has earned a permanent spot on my kitchen counter.
Frequently asked questions for the Swan 11L Duo Layer Air Fryer
Is the Swan 11L Twin Stack Air Fryer good for families?
Yes. With two 5.5 litre drawers and an 11 litre total capacity, it is large enough for most families and can even cook a whole chicken in each drawer.
Does the Swan air fryer cook evenly?
In my testing, it cooked well overall, although I found the upper drawer sometimes cooked slightly faster than the lower one. This wasn’t a major issue but occasionally required adjusting cooking times.
Can you cook two different meals at the same time?
Yes. The Sync function allows different foods to finish cooking together, while Dual Cook lets both drawers use identical settings.
Is the Swan 11L Duo Layer Air Fryer easy to clean?
I found cleaning straightforward thanks to the non-stick baskets and removable grill plates. Most food residue wipes away easily with warm soapy water.
Is the Swan 11L Duo Layer Air Fryer worth buying?
For the price, I think it offers excellent value. It won’t necessarily compete with the most expensive premium air fryers, but the large capacity and clever stacked design make it a strong choice for families and anyone short on kitchen space.
Can you cook different foods in each drawer?
Yes, absolutely. You can set different times and temperatures for the top and bottom baskets. This allows you to cook a complete meal, like chicken and roasted vegetables, at the same time.
Is it dishwasher safe?
The manufacturer recommends hand washing the baskets and grill trays to preserve the non-stick coating. They are very easy to clean with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge.
How much energy does it save?
Swan claims it saves up to 67% on energy compared to a conventional oven. This is because it is smaller and heats up much faster. Your actual saving will depend on what you’re cooking, how long you’re using it and what you’re comparing it with, so I wouldn’t assume Swan’s maximum claimed saving will apply to every meal.
Does it come with a warranty?
Yes, the Swan 11L Duo Layer Air Fryer comes with a standard 1-year warranty. You can often extend this to 2 years if you register your product on the Swan website shortly after purchase. It is always worth checking the specific terms when you buy.
Is it noisy?
It makes a whirring sound from the fans, similar to a microwave or an extractor fan on a low setting. It is not silent, but I did not find it too loud or distracting while I was in the kitchen.
My overall thoughts on the Swan 11l Duo Layer Air Fryer
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that kitchen gadgets only earn a permanent place on my worktop if they genuinely make life easier. I’ve bought plenty of appliances that looked impressive at first but ended up gathering dust in a cupboard. The Swan Duo Layer Air Fryer has been different. It’s become part of my everyday cooking routine because it helps me get meals on the table quickly without constantly using the main oven. If you are looking for tips for a beginner to air fryers, check my beginner’s guide and this is a great machine to get you started.
Do you have the Swan 11L Duo Layer Air Fryer? Would you agree with my Swan 11L Duo Layer Air Fryer review? Perhaps this is one of many you have been researching before treating yourself to a new twin stack air fryer? Or is it your first? Whatever your experience, I hope this has helped you. If you want to buy the Swan 11L Duo Layer Air Fryer, pop over to the Swan website to see if it is for you. Now that I have tried this vertical stack air fryer, I don’t think I would ever go back to a side-by-side!
For air fryer recipes and tips check my full guide to air fryer recipes with everything from eggs to toasties and chicken to burgers!
