SMEG AFC01 Air Fryer Review: Retro Style Meets Steam Cooking 2026

The SMEG AFC01 air fryer has just been unveiled by the Italian appliance maker, and it's a device that refuses to hide in a cupboard. With its unmistakable 1950s-inspired lines and matte finishes, this is an air fryer designed to sit proudly on your countertop as a decorative statement. But beneath the vintage exterior lies a genuinely modern cooking system that adds steam to the usual hot-air circulation. It's already listed as sold out on SMEG's own website, priced at €229.

That combination of heritage styling and new cooking technology makes the AFC01 one of the more interesting air fryer launches of the year. Here's what the machine actually offers, who it's aimed at, and what to consider before trying to get your hands on one.

SMEG AFC01 Design: Retro Looks, Matte Finishes

The AFC01 slots neatly into SMEG's well-known retro design language, the same aesthetic that made its refrigerators and toasters recognizable in kitchens worldwide. The body features smooth, rounded edges and a matte finish rather than the glossy surfaces sometimes associated with budget air fryers.

Buyers can choose from four classic colorways: Black, White, Emerald Green, and Storm Blue. Each is intended to blend with SMEG's existing small-appliance range, so the fryer can match a kettle, toaster, or fridge already in the kitchen. The emphasis on visible design is deliberate — this is an appliance meant to be seen, not stored away.

Juicy + Crispy Mode: How the Steam System Works

The headline technical feature is the "Juicy + Crispy" mode, which combines hot-air cooking with a controlled injection of moisture via steam. The idea is straightforward: steam helps keep the inside of meat, fish, and vegetables tender and juicy, while the hot air circulates to brown and crisp the exterior.

For anyone who has cooked chicken breast or fish in a standard air fryer, the appeal is obvious. Conventional hot-air cooking can dry out lean proteins if you're not careful. Adding moisture during the cycle aims to solve that common complaint without requiring a separate steamer or a water bath.

There's also a traditional Crispy mode for anyone who wants a dry, crunchy finish — think fries, breaded snacks, or roasted vegetables where moisture would work against you. Having both options means the fryer can adapt to different foods rather than forcing one cooking style.

7-Liter Capacity and Ceramic Coating

The basket holds seven liters, which is a family-sized figure. That capacity is intended to let you cook several portions in a single batch, reducing the need to fry in rounds — one of the most common frustrations with smaller air fryers.

The basket itself uses a ceramic non-stick coating, a material choice that has become popular because it avoids the PFAS concerns sometimes raised about traditional non-stick surfaces. Ceramic coatings are also generally easy to wipe clean, though they can be more delicate than some alternatives if metal utensils are used.

Key Features at a Glance

• Retro design with matte finishes in four colors: Black, White, Emerald Green, Storm Blue
• Juicy + Crispy mode combines hot air with controlled steam injection
• Crispy mode for traditional dry, crunchy results
• 7-liter basket sized for family portions in one batch
• Ceramic non-stick coating on the basket
• Price: €229, currently sold out on SMEG's website

SMEG AFC01 vs. Typical Air Fryers

To put the AFC01 in context, here's how it compares with a standard mid-range air fryer on the features that matter most.

Who Is the SMEG AFC01 For?

This fryer is clearly aimed at two overlapping groups. The first is design-conscious buyers who want appliances that contribute to a kitchen's look, not just its function. The second is families who need a larger basket and are willing to pay a premium for the steam feature and the SMEG name.

If you mainly cook small portions alone, the seven-liter capacity may be more than you need, and the €229 price is above what a basic air fryer costs. But for households cooking for three or four people, the combination of batch size and moisture control addresses real pain points. The background to this story is set out in BLACK+DECKER Crisp 'N Bake Countertop Air Fryer Review. A related thread runs through Ninja Speedi 10-in-1 Review: Replace Your Pots, Pans, and Air Fryer. Earlier coverage in Gourmia Air Fryer 6 Qt FryForce 360º Review shows how the argument developed.

Availability and What to Watch

The most immediate practical issue is availability. The AFC01 is already showing as sold out on SMEG's website, which suggests strong early demand or limited initial stock. Anyone interested should watch for restocks rather than assume it's permanently unavailable. A closer look at the same subject appears in Ninja Air Fryer 4-in-1 Pro 5 QT Review. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Breville BOV900BSS Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro Review. The same theme surfaces in Bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer Fits-anywhere™ Review, which takes a different angle.

It's also worth waiting for independent reviews of the steam system in real-world cooking. The concept is sound, but how well the moisture injection performs across different foods — and whether it adds meaningful convenience over a standard air fryer — is something only hands-on testing will reveal. Context on how this played out before sits in Chefman Air Fryer 6 QT Compact Review: What You Must Know. A companion piece, Ninja AF101 4-Quart Air Fryer Review, approaches the same subject from another angle.