You've probably seen it on your Instagram feed or sitting pretty on a Walmart shelf. The "Beautiful" 9QT TriZone Air Fryer—mostly known as the Drew Barrymore double air fryer—is hard to miss. It has that matte finish, those signature gold accents, and a silhouette that makes other kitchen appliances look like clunky industrial leftovers. But here’s the thing. Most people buy it because it looks good in a "White Icing" or "Cornflower Blue" kitchen. They don't realize that under that chic hood, there's a weirdly flexible piece of tech that actually solves the biggest headache of dual-zone cooking.
Honestly, most double air fryers are a trap. You get two tiny baskets that can’t fit a decent-sized chicken, or you get one giant basket where your salmon gets soggy next to your asparagus. Drew’s version tries to play both sides.
The TriZone Trick: Why Two Isn't Always Better Than One
The core of the Drew Barrymore double air fryer isn't just that it has two zones. It’s the "TriZone" concept. Basically, you have a massive 9-quart capacity. When you want to cook a 10-pound turkey (yes, it fits) or a mountain of wings for a Sunday game, you use it as one giant vat of hot air.
But then, you slide in the divider.
Suddenly, you have two 4.5-quart zones. This is where the magic happens for anyone trying to get dinner on the table without a nervous breakdown. You’ve got nuggets for the kids on the left and roasted Brussels sprouts for the adults on the right.
The "Sync Finish" button is the real MVP here.
📖 Related: Why Transparent Plus Size Models Are Changing How We Actually Shop
We’ve all been there—the fries are done, but the steak still needs eight minutes. You end up with cold fries. With the sync feature, the air fryer calculates the timing for you. It holds off on starting the shorter-cook-time basket so that both sides beep at the exact same second. It’s satisfying. It’s efficient. It’s also slightly finicky if you’re not used to touchscreens.
Is It Just a Pretty Face?
Let’s be real. "Made by Gather" (the company behind the brand) knows how to market. They’ve leaned hard into the aesthetic. The touch-activated display is invisible until you wake it up. No ugly knobs. No bulky buttons.
However, there are some quirks you should know before you drop $139.
- The Plastic Factor: While it looks like high-end ceramic, the housing is mostly plastic. It’s lightweight, which is great for moving it, but some users have noted a "new plastic" smell during the first few uses. Pro tip: Run it empty at 400°F for 20 minutes outside or near a window before you actually cook anything.
- The Fingerprint Struggle: If you go with the lighter colors like "White Icing," you’re going to see every smudge. Keep a microfiber cloth nearby.
- The "Rattle": Some units have a bit of a hum or a slight rattle when the 1700-watt fan kicks into high gear. It’s not loud enough to drown out a podcast, but it's not silent either.
The cooking itself is solid. It hits a range of $90^{\circ}\text{F}$ to $450^{\circ}\text{F}$. That top end is higher than many competitors, which usually cap out at $400^{\circ}\text{F}$. That extra $50^{\circ}\text{F}$ is the difference between "okay" fries and the kind of crunch that makes you question why you ever ordered takeout.
How It Actually Compares to the Big Dogs
If you're looking at the Drew Barrymore double air fryer, you're probably also looking at the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone.
👉 See also: Weather Forecast Calumet MI: What Most People Get Wrong About Keweenaw Winters
The Ninja is a tank. It’s built like it could survive a small explosion. But the Ninja doesn't have a removable divider. You are stuck with two separate baskets forever. If you want to bake a large loaf of bread or roast a whole chicken, the Ninja is going to give you a hard time.
The "Beautiful" line wins on versatility. You get the 9-quart open space when you need it and the dual zones when you don’t. Plus, the PFOA/PFOS-free non-stick coating is actually surprisingly easy to clean. Most of the time, a quick wipe with a soapy sponge does the trick, though the baskets and divider are technically dishwasher safe.
A Quick Breakdown of What You’re Getting:
- Total Capacity: 9 Quarts (Dual 4.5qt zones).
- Functions: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate, Bake, and Broil.
- Heating: 1700-Watt system with a stainless steel element.
- Safety: 60-minute auto shut-off.
- Cleanup: Dishwasher-safe baskets and crisping trays.
The Hidden Complexity of Syncing
One thing that trips people up is the "Add Food" prompt. When you use the Sync Finish, the machine might preheat one side first. If you rip the basket out to check on something, the sync can sometimes reset or get confused. It’s best to trust the process.
Also, don't ignore the "Shake" reminder.
Because the baskets are deep, the air needs a little help circulating through the middle of a big pile of fries. When the machine beeps at you halfway through, give it a good toss. It makes a massive difference in the texture.
✨ Don't miss: January 14, 2026: Why This Wednesday Actually Matters More Than You Think
Actionable Next Steps for Your Kitchen
If you’ve decided the Drew Barrymore double air fryer is the one, don’t just start cooking. Start right.
First, check your counter space. This thing is wide—nearly 20 inches. Make sure you aren't blocking your only prep area.
Second, skip the aerosol cooking sprays. The chemicals in those cans can actually degrade the non-stick coating over time. Use a simple oil mister with avocado or olive oil instead.
Lastly, experiment with the "Dehydrate" function. Most people ignore it, but it’s incredible for making dried mango or apple chips overnight. Since the temperature goes down to $90^{\circ}\text{F}$, it’s gentle enough not to cook the fruit, just dry it out.
The Beautiful TriZone isn't perfect, but for the price point and the sheer flexibility of that removable divider, it’s a powerhouse for anyone who actually cooks for a family rather than just reheating a single slice of pizza. Keep the exterior wiped down, don't crowd the basket, and it'll likely become the most-used tool on your counter.