Ninja MAX XL vs Philips Essential XL

The two default answers to “which air fryer?” — the aggressive newcomer that redefined the category versus the brand that invented it.

Criterion	Ninja Air Fryer MAX XL	Philips Essential XL	Notes
Crisping performance	✓ Wins	—	The MAX mode runs hotter — chips come out closer to deep-fried.
Capacity & shape	—	✓ Wins	Philips’ basket geometry fits a whole chook more gracefully.
Build & longevity	—	✓ Wins	Philips’ build quality and parts support edge ahead.
Ease of cleaning	Tie	Tie	Both have dishwasher-safe baskets; neither is a chore.
Typical street price	✓ Wins	—	The Ninja is routinely promoted harder in Australia.
Criteria won	2	2	Counting isn’t deciding — read the verdict.

The verdict. Get the Ninja for maximum crisp per dollar — it’s the value pick and the performance pick at once. Choose the Philips if you cook larger roasts and keep appliances for a decade.

Ninja Air Fryer MAX XL

Check today’s price →

Philips Essential XL

Check today’s price →

Timing: no rush. Typical pricing this month — buy if you need it, no premium to avoid. See the full window →

We may earn a commission if you buy through our links — it never changes a verdict. How we make money →

The Almanac Brief

One email a month: what’s worth buying now, what to hold for, and what a fair price looks like. No spam, no sponsored picks — unsubscribe any time.

We collect your email address solely to send The Almanac Brief. We don’t sell or share it, and you can unsubscribe or ask us to delete it at any time. Privacy.