Choosing between Tefal and Xiaomi is not just a brand issue, but a perfect balance between technology, convenience and budget. Both offer models with unique features: French brand Tefal relies on proven solutions and durability, and Chinese giant Xiaomi surprises with “smart” features and minimalist design. But which option is right for you?
Today, we're going to take a look at key metrics, from power and volume to management and safety, so you can make a good decision, and we're going to look at real-world user feedback and independent test scores, which often go against marketing promises, because even the most advanced technology can be frustrating if you don't take into account the nuances of the operation.
Spoiler: Xiaomi aerogrills are winning in integration with the smart home ecosystem, but Tefal is leading the way in terms of uniformity of cooking and reliability of mechanical elements. But let's get down to the bottom line.
Technical characteristics: capacity and volume
The first thing you look at when choosing an aerogrill is the capacity and volume of the bowl, and these parameters determine how fast the food will be prepared and how many portions you can cook at a time.
Tefal traditionally offers models with power from 1200 to 1800 watts, which allows quick heating and maintaining a stable temperature. For example, the flagship series ActiFry is equipped with bowls of 1-1.5 kg, which is ideal for a family of 3-4 people. Xiaomi in its aerogrills (for example, Mi Smart Air Fryer) uses power of 1500-1600 watts, but the bowls are often smaller – 0.8-1.2 kg. This makes them more compact, but less roomy.
An important nuance: Tefal bowls usually have a non-stick coating that is easier to wash, and Xiaomi often uses stainless steel – it is longer-lasting, but requires more effort when cleaning.
- 🔥 Tefal: power up to 1800 W, bowl volume up to 1.5 kg, non-stick coating
- 🤖 Xiaomi: Power 1500-1600 Watt, bowl volume 0.8-1.2 kg, stainless steel
- ⚖️ Compromise: if you cook for a large family, Tefal is preferable; 1-2 Xiaomi is enough.
But power isn't the only criterion. It's important how evenly the heat is distributed inside the camera. Here, Tefal uses proprietary 3D Pulse technology that circulates hot air at different angles. Xiaomi has a similar feature called TurboFan, but it's said to be less stable when the bowl is loaded by more than 70 percent.
2.Management and “smart” functions
Xiaomi is clearly taking off with its integration with the Mi Home ecosystem, and their aerogrills are supported by:
- 📱 Smartphone control (recipes selection, temperature control, timer)
- 🔄 Voice control via Alice, Google Assistant or Siri
- 📊 Use statistics (how many times and what dishes were cooked)
At the same time, Tefal is betting on mechanical and sensor controls without being tied to a smartphone, which is a plus for those who don’t want to depend on apps or fear data leakage. For example, ActiFry Genius has 9 automatic programs with optimal settings for different products, from fries to fish.
But there are pitfalls:
⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi’s smart aerogrills may not be able to perform certain functions (like downloading new recipes) when they shut down the internet, and Tefal may be unable to calibrate sensors when they are exposed to frequent voltage surges.
If you want autonomy, choose Tefal. If you're willing to put up with Wi-Fi addiction for convenience, Xiaomi will offer more innovation.
Compatibility with your ecosystem (Mi Home, Apple HomeKit, etc.)
The presence of Russian firmware in the application
Ability to work without the Internet (albeit with limited functionality)
Guarantee service in your area-->
3. Quality of preparation: tests and real reviews
We analyzed the results of independent tests (including Roskachestvo and Which?) and reviews on Yandex.Market and Wildberries.
| Criteria | Tefal ActiFry Genius | Xiaomi Mi Smart Air Fryer Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Evenness of the roast | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (92% of positive reviews) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (78% of positive reviews) |
| Speed of preparation | 10-15% faster due to power | It warms up longer, but it keeps the temperature better. |
| Comfort of washing | Removable parts can be washed in the dishwasher | Manual washing is mandatory (stainless steel) |
| Noise | 45-50 dB (quiet) | 50-55 dB (noticeably humming at maximum power) |
Fun fact: in a French fries test, Tefal showed a 20% crisper crust when the settings were the same, while Xiaomi did better at baking (cakes, muffins) thanks to more accurate temperature control in low modes.
But there are some interesting things:
⚠️ Note: in Xiaomi models with Dehydrate (drying) function, users complain about the need to turn products manually - there is no automatic swivel of the shoulder blade, unlike some Tefal models.
4. Safety and reliability
Both brands focus on safety, but the approaches are different:
- 🔌 Tefal uses mechanical locking of the lid while working - it is impossible to open the aerogrill while it is hot.
- 📵 Xiaomi equips its models with overheating sensors and automatic shutdown when rolling over (relevant for compact models).
According to service centers, Tefal breaks less often in the first 2 years of operation, but repairs are more expensive. Xiaomi often fails touch panels (especially when moisture is ingested), but electronic components are cheaper to replace.
An important point for families with children: Tefal has control buttons recessed in the case, which protects against accidental pressing. Xiaomi has a more sensitive touchpad - light enough to touch to change the settings.
What to do if the air grill stops heating?
5. Price and cost of ownership
There's a big gap here:
- 💰 Tefal: from 8 000 to 25 000 rubles (depending on model and configuration).
- 💸 Xiaomi: from 4 500 to 12 000 rubles.
But it is important to consider the hidden costs:
Tefal bowls with non-stick coating serve 2-3 years with intensive use, then require replacement (the cost of a new bowl is 1,500-3000 rubles).
Xiaomi does not have removable bowls, but stainless steel will last 5+ years with proper care.
Another nuance: Xiaomi often updates firmware, adding new recipes, but after 3-4 years, support for the model may stop. Tefal in this regard is more conservative - their aerogrills work on the same software for years, but also break less often.
💡
Before buying, check to see if there is an official service center in your city. Xiaomi has a wider network, but Tefal parts often have to wait 2-3 weeks.
6. Who's the aerogrill for?
Let us summarize the results in the form of clear recommendations:
💡
Choose Tefal if you want reliability, even cooking and high volume.It is the best option for families with children or those who cook often and much.
- 👨🍳 For gourmets and large families: Tefal ActiFry Genius or Tefal Fry Delight is the best choice for the ratio of quality and functionality.
- 📱 For fans of smart technology: Xiaomi Mi Smart Air Fryer Pro with integration into the ecosystem and voice control.
- 🏠 Small kitchens: Xiaomi compact models (e.g. Mi Air Fryer) 3.5L) occupy less space.
- 💵 For a budget option: Xiaomi Smartmi Air Fryer - cheaper on the market 30-40%, but with limited functionality.
And don’t forget the warranty: Tefal is usually 2 years old, Xiaomi has 1 year, but with the option of renewal through the Mi Home app.