The Drew Barrymore Air Fryer Toaster Oven: What Most People Get Wrong

You’ve seen it on your TikTok feed or while wandering through the aisles at Walmart. It’s pretty. Kinda stunning, actually. The soft matte finish, that weirdly satisfying gold handle, and a touchscreen that disappears when it’s not in use. But if you’re looking at the drew barrymore air fryer toaster oven and wondering if it’s just a celebrity-endorsed paperweight, you aren't alone.

Most kitchen appliances look like they belong in a sterile laboratory. Drew Barrymore’s "Beautiful" line, manufactured by Made by Gather, clearly wants to change that. But beauty doesn't cook a frozen pizza or crisp up wings.

I’ve spent a lot of time digging into the actual performance of this thing. Honestly, it’s a bit of a polarizing machine. Some people swear it’s the best thing to happen to their countertop, while others have some pretty loud complaints about how long it actually lasts. Let’s get into the weeds of what this appliance really is.

Is the Drew Barrymore Air Fryer Toaster Oven Actually Good?

There isn’t just one "air fryer toaster oven" in the line anymore. You’ve basically got two main paths: the standard 6-slice version and the newer Infrared model.

The 6-slice version is the one that most people start with. It’s got a 24-liter capacity. That’s enough space for a 12-inch pizza or six slices of toast, though fitting six slices of thick sourdough in there is a bit of a squeeze. It runs on 1500 watts. That’s decent power, but keep in mind that some heavy-duty competitors like Ninja or Breville often push 1800 watts.

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The Infrared Upgrade

Then there’s the Beautiful Infrared Air Fryer Toaster Oven. This one is a different beast. It uses quartz-infrared heating elements. The big selling point here? It preheats up to 80% faster than a traditional oven. It’s also bigger—holding 9 slices of toast or a 9x13 inch casserole dish. If you have a big family, the standard 6-slice model is going to feel small very fast.

The Touchscreen: Love It or Hate It?

The "signature touch-activated display" is what makes this thing look like it's from the future. No knobs. No clunky buttons. It only lights up when you touch it.

While it looks sleek, it’s also where some users run into trouble. Because there are no physical dials, you’re relying entirely on the sensor. If your hands are greasy from prepping chicken wings, the screen can get finicky. Also, it’s a fingerprint magnet. You’ll find yourself wiping it down every single time you use it just to keep it looking "Beautiful."

One weird quirk? The power button. On many models, it fades in and out constantly when it's plugged in. It’s meant to be a "breathing" light, but in a dark kitchen, it can feel like the oven is trying to communicate with you. You can’t turn it off without unplugging the unit.

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Cooking Performance and Real-World Use

Let’s talk about the air fry function. It uses high-speed convection to circulate hot air. In my experience, it does a solid job on frozen snacks—think fries, nuggets, and mozzarella sticks. It’s fast. Maybe too fast.

• Frozen Fries: Usually ready 2-3 minutes faster than the bag suggests.
• Pizza: The crust gets nice and crispy, but watch the cheese. The top heating elements are close to the rack, so it can go from "perfectly melted" to "charred" in about 30 seconds.
• Toast: This is a toaster oven, after all. It’s consistent, but it takes longer than a dedicated pop-up toaster.

Does it actually hit the right temperature?

There have been some reports on forums like Reddit where users tested the internal temp with a probe. A few people found that their units ran about 25 to 50 degrees cooler than the display claimed. If your food is taking forever to cook, you might have a unit with a calibration issue. However, for most people, the 1500-watt system (or 1800-watt for the Infrared) provides plenty of heat for standard weeknight meals.

The Cleanup Situation

The accessories—the wire rack, bake pan, and mesh air fry basket—are technically dishwasher safe. But here is some expert advice: hand wash the basket. The non-stick coating on the "Beautiful" line is PFOA/PFOS-free, which is great for health. But it’s not the most durable coating in the world. Harsh dishwasher detergents can cause that coating to flake off over time. If you want this thing to look good for more than six months, stick to warm soapy water and a soft sponge.

Also, the crumb tray is your best friend. It slides out from the bottom. Do not forget to empty it. Grease buildup in a toaster oven is a major fire hazard, and because this unit gets so hot so fast, those crumbs can start smoking before you even realize it.

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Common Gripes and Red Flags

No product is perfect. The drew barrymore air fryer toaster oven has a few specific "isms" you should know about.

1. The Burning Smell: When you first unbox it and turn it on, it might smell like burning plastic or chemicals. This is normal manufacturing oil burning off. Run it at 400°F for 20 minutes in a well-ventilated room before you put food in it.
2. Size: It’s a bit of a "space hog." It’s wider than you think. Measure your counter space, especially the clearance under your upper cabinets. It needs at least 4-5 inches of breathing room because the exterior gets very hot.
3. The "Peeling" Issue: Some users have reported the matte finish on the handle or the outer shell starting to peel after heavy use. This is usually caused by using abrasive cleaners. Use a damp microfiber cloth only.

Actionable Tips for New Owners

If you just bought one or you're about to pull the trigger, here is how to actually get the most out of it.

First, ignore the "Air Fry" preset for a second. Try the "Reheat" function for leftover pizza or fried chicken. It’s a game changer compared to a microwave. It restores the crunch without drying out the middle.

Second, get an external oven thermometer. They cost about $7. Put it inside, set the oven to 350°F, and see if it actually matches. If it’s off, you’ll know you need to adjust your recipes by a few degrees.

Third, don’t crowd the basket. If you pile three layers of fries in there, the middle layer will be soggy. Keep it to a single layer for that actual "fried" texture.

Specific Next Steps

• Check your clearance: Make sure you have at least 4 inches of space between the top of the oven and your cabinets.
• Initial Burn-off: Run the unit at 400°F for 20 minutes without food to clear out manufacturing odors.
• Register the warranty: Because these are sold primarily through Walmart and have some known longevity quirks, keep your receipt.

The drew barrymore air fryer toaster oven is a solid mid-range appliance that wins big on aesthetics. It’s perfect for someone who wants a versatile cooker that doesn't look like an industrial eyesore. Just treat the non-stick coating with a little extra care, and keep an eye on those fast cook times.