Xiaomi aerogrils are not just kitchen assistants, but real multifunctional devices that can replace several appliances at once. However, even the most advanced equipment must be properly operated to unlock its potential. One of the key accessories that often raises questions among users is the aerogril grille, without which it is difficult to prepare a kebabs, grill or baking with a uniform crust.
In this article, we will discuss how to properly install the grille in the popular Xiaomi Mi Smart Air Fryer and Mijia Air Fryer models, what types of grilles are available and what to look for when choosing them, and how to avoid typical errors that can lead to a device breakage or a spoiled dish. If you just bought an aerogrill or want to upgrade accessories, this guide is for you.
Before you go to the instructions, make sure your aerogrill model is compatible with the chosen grille.Some accessories from third-party manufacturers may not fit in size or material, which will affect the quality of cooking. Official grilles from Xiaomi are usually marked with articles that can be checked on the manufacturer's website.
What grilles are suitable for Xiaomi aerogrills
Not all grilles are universal, their design and size depend on the model of the aerogrill. In the line of Xiaomi, two types of devices are most common:
- πΉ Mi Smart Air Fryer 3.5L/4L β They're compact models with a round basket drum, and they're designed for grilles with diameter. 20-22 centimeter.
- πΉ Mijia Air Fryer 5.5L/6L β It's more roomy, rectangular or oval-shaped, and you need a grille that's about the size of the car. 24Γ24 centimetre 26Γ20 centimeter.
- πΉ Universal grilles β some manufacturers produce accessories with adjustable legs that are suitable for different models.
The material matters too:
- π§² Stainless steel β durable, does not rust, but can heat up more, which requires caution when extracting.
- π₯ Cast iron grilles - perfectly retain heat, but heavier and require special care (oil coating after washing).
- π³ Aluminum or non-stick coated β lightweight and comfortable, but less durable with heavy use.
If you buy the grille separately, look at the height of the legs. Too low bars can cause the food to burn from the bottom, too high can cause uneven baking. Optimal height for most dishes β 2-3 bottom-basket.
Preparation of the aerogrill for the installation of the grille
Before you install the grille, the device must be properly prepared, which will help to avoid damage and ensure safety:
- Disconnect the air grill from the network. Even if it is switched off, the plug must be removed from the socket.
- Let the device cool if it's been used before, and the hot surfaces can deform the plastic or silicone elements of the grid.
- Remove the basket and rinse it with warm water with a mild detergent, and fat deposits can interfere with the grate's tight fit.
- Check the integrity of the non-stick coating of the basket. Scratches or chips can cause products to stick to the grille.
If you're installing the grid for the first time, we recommend that you do a test run without products, which will help you understand how the heat is distributed and whether the grid is interfering with air circulation.
- Put the grille in the basket.
- Turn on the aerogrill on 180.Β°C. 5 minutes.
- After cooling, check if there are any deformations or signs of overheating on the grille.
β οΈ Warning: Do not use metal brushes to clean the grille or basket. They can damage the non-stick coating and shorten the life of the accessory.
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If the grille sits too loose in the basket, put silicone pads under its legs (sold in hardware stores), which will prevent displacement during cooking.
Step-by-step instructions for installing the grille
The process of mounting the grid depends on its design, and we'll look at two of the most common options: removable bars with legs and embedded bars.
Option 1: Grille with legs (for Mi Smart Air Fryer)
This type of bar is placed on top of or under the products, depending on the recipe, for example, for the barbecue, the barbecue is placed on top, and for the casserole, the barbecue is placed on the bottom.
Rinse the grille and basket|Check the stability of the legs|Put the basket in the air grill|Place products (if necessary)|Carefully place the grille on top or bottom-->
Act on the algorithm:
- Put the food in the air grill basket. If you're cooking the barbecue, string the meat on the swords after you've installed the bar.
- Place the bars down with your legs, it should be flat, without any skewing, and if the bars are wobbling, check if the legs are bent.
- For models with rotating spitz (for example, Mijia Air Fryer) 6L) First, fasten the Spitz, and then install a grille around it.
- Close the air grill lid and make sure the grille does not touch the heating element. The minimum distance to the heater is 3 cm.
Option 2: Embedded grille-inlay (for Mijia Air Fryer)
These grilles are usually included and fixed on special grooves inside the basket, which are convenient for cooking fish, vegetables or baking.
Instructions:
- Remove the main basket from the air grill.
- Put the grille in the slots on the sides of the basket. It should snap with a slight click.
- Check that the grille does not block the vents in the basket.If the holes are blocked, the air circulation will deteriorate and the dish will be cooked longer.
- Place the products on the grille and install the basket back into the air grill.
For some models, such as the Mijia Air Fryer Pro, the grille can be attached to magnets, in which case you just need to apply it to the bottom of the basket, and the magnets will fix the position themselves.
What to do if the grid is not fixed?
Typical Installation Errors and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that spoil the dish or shorten the life of the air grill, and here are the most common ones:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| The grille touches the heating element | Burning products, damage to the coating of the grille | Check the gap of at least 3 cm between the grille and the TENG |
| Non-size use of grilles | Uneven cooking, air blocking | Verify the article of the lattice with the model of aerogril |
| Installation of grilles on a dirty basket | Sticking of products, unpleasant smell | Wash the cart after each use |
| Overloading the lattice with products | Uneven roasting, broken legs. | Maintain maximum weight (usually) 1-1.5 kilogram) |
Another common problem is using a grille without heating up, and many recipes require that the aerogril be heated to the right temperature before you put the food in. 20-30%, The texture of the dish may be damp.
And also, don't forget to distribute the food. If you're cooking chicken wings, for example, don't put them too tightly, because there should be room between the pieces for hot air to circulate β 60-70% volume-wise.
β οΈ Warning: Do not use grilles with damaged non-stick coatings. When heated, such coatings can emit harmful substances. If chipped or scratched on the grille, replace it with a grating.
How to Care for a Jail so It Will Last Longer
The life of the grille depends not only on the material, but also on the correct maintenance. Here are some tips to help keep it in perfect condition:
- π§Ό Wash the grille after each use. dried fat and food residues are harder to clean and over time can become a source of unpleasant odor.
- π§½ Use soft sponges. Metal washcloths or abrasive powders will damage the non-stick coating.
- πΏ For cast iron grilles, apply a thin layer of vegetable oil after washing, which will prevent rust and improve non-stick properties.
- π₯ Don't wash the hot grille. A sudden temperature drop can warp the metal. Let it cool to room temperature.
If persistent contamination appears on the grille, try the following methods:
- π Citric acid: dissolve 2 tbsp in 1 liter of hot water and soak the grille for 30 minutes.
- π§ Soda. + vinegar: apply the gruel from the soda, then pour vinegar. After 10 minutes, rinse with warm water.
- π§» Steam treatment: place the grille in the oven at 100Β°C for 15 minutes with a bowl of water - the dirt will soften.
Keep the grille in a dry place, separate from other kitchen utensils, to avoid scratches. If the kit was a case or a stand, use them.
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Regular care of the bar not only prolongs its service life, but also improves the taste of dishes - on a clean surface, products do not stick and do not absorb foreign smells.
What dishes are better to cook with a grille in an air grill
The grille extends the aerogrill's capabilities by making dishes that are difficult or impossible to cook without it.
- π Barbecue and grilled meat: grille ensures even roasting on all sides. For juiciness, marinate the meat for 4-6 precook.
- π Fish and seafood: the grille prevents adhesion and retains the shape of fillets.Optimum temperature β 160-180Β°C.
- π₯ Grilled vegetables: eggplant, zucchini, pepper on the grille are made with a crispy crust. Sprinkle them with olive oil before cooking.
- π° Baking and desserts: Grille allows you to cook open pies, muffins or even mini pizza without the risk of burning from below.
- π₯ Bacon and sausages: on the grille, fat drains down, and the products are crispy, without excessive fat content.
For each type of meal, choose the optimal time and temperature.
- Chicken wings: 200Β°C, 20 minutes, flip, then 10 more minutes.
- Salmon: 180Β°C, 12 minutes (do not turn over).
- Vegetables: 190Β°C, 15 minutes, periodically shake the basket.
Experiment with spices and marinades β aerogril perfectly conveys taste, and the grille helps to achieve perfect texture.
Where to buy the original grille for Xiaomi
If your grille is lost or has fallen into disrepair, it is better to purchase the original part.
- π Xiaomi official store (mi.com or mi-store.ru) β a guarantee of quality, but the price may be higher than that of analogues.
- π AliExpress, Amazon, eBay β a wide selection, but check the sellerβs reviews and compatibility with your model.
- π¬ Home appliances stores (M.Video, Eldorado, Citilink) - sometimes available, but the range is limited.
- π§ Xiaomi service centers β can order the original item on the article.
When buying, pay attention to:
- π Article (e.g., articular, MJXAF01WM The Mi Smart Air Fryer 3.5L).
- π Sizes β Check with your basket parameters.
- π·οΈ Material β If you are allergic to nickel, choose uncoated stainless steel.
The cost of the original grilles ranges from 500 to 1500 rubles, depending on the model. Analogues from third-party brands (for example, DeLonghi or Tefal) can be cheaper, but not always suitable perfectly.
β οΈ Warning: Avoid plastic grilles if your aerogrill heats above 200Β°C. Plastics may melt or release toxins.