Choosing between a Tefal and Xiaomi air grill is not just a brand issue, it's a balance between traditional quality and modern technology. Both manufacturers offer uniquely-like devices, but their approaches to design, management, and even cooking philosophy are fundamentally different. If you're looking for a reliable kitchen assistant that will replace multiple appliances, it's important to figure out what the aerogrill will solve, from defrosting meat to baking desserts or even smoking.
Tefal
material strength
Xiaomi
Mijia
smart-solutions
In this article, we conducted an in-depth analysis of 5 key models from each manufacturer, studied real user reviews and test preparations to answer the main question: which aerogrill is better β Tefal or Xiaomi? Spoiler: the answer depends on your priorities, and we will help you determine them.
1. Key Brand Differences: Philosophy and Technology
Before comparing specific models, it is important to understand how Tefal and Xiaomi approach aerogrills fundamentally differ, which will help avoid disappointment from unreasonable expectations.
Tefal: tradition and reliability. The French brand is positioning its aerogrills as universal kitchen centers capable of replacing the oven, deep fryer and even microwave.
- π§ Mechanical control with tactile feedback (no delays like touch panels).
- π₯ Patented Actifry blowing system (in some models) that evenly distributes hot air.
- π‘οΈ 2-5 years warranty (depending on the model) and a developed network of service centers in Russia.
- π¦ Package: often includes grilles, spitters and even recipe books.
Xiaomi (and its sub-brand Mijia) is going the other way, by integrating into the smart home ecosystem.
- π± Control via Mi Home (you can start warming up on the way from work).
- π€ Voice control via Alice, Google Assistant or Siri (in Wi-Fi models).
- π¨ Minimalist design with touch buttons and LED-display.
- π‘ Automatic modes with self-learning (aerogril remembers your preferences).
The critical difference: Tefal air grills are more often chosen by those who are willing to spend time setting up modes, and Xiaomi - those who want to "put and forget" with minimal participation in the process.
2. Comparison of technical characteristics: power, volume and energy consumption
The technical parameters are the basis on which the device's capabilities depend, and we analyzed the flagship models of both brands and compiled a comparative table.
| Parameter | Tefal ActiFry Genius+ XL | Xiaomi Mijia Air Fryer Pro | Tefal Easy Fry Precision | Xiaomi Smart Air Fryer 5.5L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volume of bowl (L) | 1.7 (but the actual usable volume is 1.2 liters) | 5.5 | 4.2 | 5.5 |
| Power (W) | 1500 | 1800 | 1700 | 1800 |
| Temperature range (Β°C) | 40β200 | 40β200 | 80β200 | 40β200 |
| Management | Mechanical + digital-display | Touch + App | Mechanical | Touch-sensitive |
| Weight (kg) | 6.5 | 7.2 | 5.8 | 7.0 |
| Price (2026, β½) | 22 000β25 000 | 18 000β20 000 | 15 000β17 000 | 16 000β18 000 |
At first glance, Xiaomi wins in terms of volume and power, but there are nuances:
- π Power consumption: Xiaomi models with a capacity of 1800 W consume 10-15% more electricity at the same modes (according to tests of Roskontrol).
- π Utility: Tefal ActiFry has a conical bowl that allows you to cook large portions without stirring, whereas Xiaomi flat bottom requires manual intervention.
- β‘ Heating speed: Xiaomi Mijia Pro reaches a set temperature 2-3 minutes faster thanks to TurboHeat.
π‘
For a family of 3-4 people, the optimal volume of the bowl is 5.5 liters. Less will have to be cooked in several sets, more will increase electricity consumption.
If you need an aerogrill to regularly cook large portions (for example, for weekly workpieces), pay attention to the Xiaomi Smart Air Fryer. 5.5L. For a compact kitchen or cooking for 1-2 people, Tefal Easy Fry Precision is suitable - it takes up less space and is easier to care for.
3 Functionality: what aerogrills can do and how it works in practice
The list of modes in the manual is one thing, and the real benefits are quite another, and we tested the core features of both brands to identify strengths and weaknesses.
Tefal: Specialization in Healthy Nutrition
- π Oil-free frying: Actifry technology uses hot air + 1 tbsp. spoon of oil for a uniform crust (in tests, the potatoes turned crispy without turning over).
- π₯© Steak mode: automatically supports the temperature of 200Β°C for 10 minutes, then lowered to 160Β°C for fine-tuning.
- π° Baking: The kit comes with a cupcake form, but the dough rises unevenly due to the shape of the bowl.
Xiaomi: Smart Automation
- π€ 13 automatic programs: from "Chicken wings" to "Yoghurt" (but some modes duplicate each other).
- π² Remote control: you can start heating through the application, but if you lose communication, the aerogrill turns off.
- π Memory: remembers the last 5 modes used.
The pitfalls of Xiaomiβs smart features
In practice:
- β Tefal copes better with meat dishes and baked vegetables thanks to a uniform blowing.
- β Xiaomi is more convenient for heating, cooking semi-finished products and multitasking (you can run from the phone).
- β Both brands are not suitable for cooking liquid dishes (soups, porridge) - it is better to use a multicooker.
π‘
To check the uniformity of the blower, put 4 slices of bread in the bowl at different levels. After 5 minutes at 180Β°All the pieces should be brewed the same way.
4.Useability: cleaning, noise and ergonomics
Even the most functional aerogrill will become dusty on the shelf if it is uncomfortable to wash or it is working loudly, and we evaluated these parameters based on feedback and personal experience.
Cleanup:
- π§Ό Tefal: bowl and lid removable, can be washed in the dishwasher (except models with non-stick coating Ceramic Inside - they are only manually!).
- π§½ Xiaomi: all parts (except the heating element) washable, but the touch panel requires careful handling - you can not pour water on the body.
Noise:
- π Tefal ActiFry: 55β60 dB (comparable to a vacuum cleaner at an average power).
- π Xiaomi Mijia Pro: 48-53 dB thanks to QuietAir noise reduction system.
Ergonomics:
- ποΈ Tefal: Mechanical buttons are convenient for older people, but take up more space on the panel.
- π± Xiaomi: touch control intuitive, but on fat fingers does not work well.
β οΈ Note: Xiaomi Wi-Fi models require a Mi Account binding when first enabled. Without this, some features (such as voice control) will not be available. If you do not want to register, choose models without "Smart" in the title.
If you are in a state of silence (e.g., cooking late at night), consider the Xiaomi Smart Air Fryer. If you are looking for ease of care, the Tefal Easy Fry with a fully removable bowl is the best choice.
5. Price and price-quality ratio: where the overpayment and where the benefit
The cost of aerogrills varies from 10,000 to 30,000 rubles, but not always the high price is justified. We analyzed what exactly you pay for in each model.
Budget segment (10 000β15 000) β½):
- π° Tefal Easy Fry Compact (12 000 β½): Minimalist design, 2.5 liters, mechanical control, ideal for a hostel or small kitchen.
- π° Xiaomi Smart Air Fryer 3.5L (13 000 β½): touch control, 6 automatic programs, but weak blowing around the edges of the bowl.
Mid-segment (15 000β20 000) β½):
- π΅ Tefal ActiFry Genius (18 000 β½): Actifry technology, 1.2 kg of potatoes at a time, but small volume.
- π΅ Xiaomi Mijia Air Fryer Pro (19 000 β½): 5.5 liters, Wi-Fi, but high power consumption.
Premium segment (20000)+ β½):
- π Tefal ActiFry Genius+ XL (24 000 β½): 1.7 liters, 9 automatic programs, recipe book included.
- π Xiaomi Smart Air Fryer 6.5L (26 000 β½): The largest volume, voice control, but problems with service in Russia.
βοΈ What to check before buying an expensive model?
If your budget is tight, Tefal Easy Fry will give you more reliability for the same money than Xiaomi with smart features you canβt use. In the premium segment, the price difference between brands is only justified if you really need voice control or remote launch.
6. User reviews: real-world ownership experience
We analyzed more than 500 reviews on Yandex.Market, Wildberries and Ozon to identify typical problems and advantages that are not mentioned in advertising.
Tefal: what is praised and what is scolded
- β Pluses:
- π"The crust on meat is like in a restaurant (review of ActiFry Genius)+).
- π"Mechanical buttons donβt break, unlike sensors).
- β Cons:
- π"The cup is scratched after 3 months" (problem with the coating of Ceramic Inside).
- π"Too noisy for a small kitchen. - ActiFry).
Xiaomi: What is praised and what is scolded
- β Pluses:
- π"Phone control is great when you forgot to turn it off. - Mijia Air Fryer Pro).
- π"The design fits into the kitchen in the style of high-tech (Smart Air Fryer) 5.5L).
- β Cons:
- π"The app is buggy, sometimes not connected (a common problem for all smart models).
- π"Touch buttons react poorly to wet fingers".
β οΈ Note: Xiaomi reviews often complain about the lack of spare parts in Russia. If the heating element breaks, it will have to be ordered from China (delivery time is up to 2 months.
If you care about the long-term, Tefal benefits in reliability and service. If you're willing to put up with the potential "glitch" for smart features, Xiaomi will offer more innovation for the same price.
7 Which aerogrill to choose: recommendations for use cases
There's no universal answer to the question, "what's better" -- it depends on what you're doing, and we've developed recommendations for different categories of users.
For families with children:
- π¨π©π§ Tefal ActiFry Genius+ XL β safe bowl without sharp corners, automatic modes for baby food.
For a small kitchen:
- π Tefal Easy Fry Compact β Compact, Easy to Wash.
For experimentation lovers:
- π§ͺ Xiaomi Mijia Air Fryer Pro β 13 programs, you can create your own recipes in the application.
For those who appreciate silence:
- π Xiaomi Smart Air Fryer 5.5L β QuietAir reduces noise to 48 dB.
For the gourmets:
- π³ Tefal ActiFry Genius+ XL β Best meat crust and even roasting.
π‘
If you often cook liquids (like stewed meat), no aerogril will replace a multicooker, in which case consider a combination model like Ninja Foodi (but thatβs another price point).