The BestTop Score is a single number out of 10 that summarises how well an air fryer fits its job. It is a transparent, research-based rating — not a claim that we ran a hands-on lab test. This page explains exactly how it’s built so you can judge how much weight to give it.
What the score is — and isn’t
- It is a structured evaluation of each model against the factors that matter for a specific use case, based on verified manufacturer specifications, product documentation, feature comparisons and patterns in genuine owner feedback.
- It is not a measured performance test. We don’t claim to have timed the fries or measured crisping in a lab unless a page explicitly says we tested the unit and shows the evidence.
Where we have genuinely tested a model hands-on, we label it clearly and the score reflects that first-hand experience.
How the score is weighted
Each model is scored across six factors, weighted as follows:
| Factor | Weight | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Use-case fit | 25% | How well the model suits the specific need the page is about |
| Capacity & design | 20% | Usable basket space, footprint and build for that use |
| Features | 15% | Functions, controls and presets that genuinely add value |
| Cleaning | 15% | Removable, dishwasher-safe or easy-to-clean parts |
| Value | 15% | Performance and durability for the price, not just the lowest cost |
| Owner feedback | 10% | Consistent themes in verified owner reviews |
The weights add up to 100%, and the final figure is expressed on a 0–10 scale.
Why the weighting changes emphasis, not the rules
The same six factors apply to every guide, but use-case fit is deliberately the largest slice. A model that’s ideal for one person may be a poor pick for a family — so the same air fryer can earn a different score in different guides. That’s intended: the score answers “how good is this for this job,” not “how good is this in the abstract.”
Keeping scores honest
- We never invent measurements, ratings or owner quotes.
- We verify specifications against manufacturer documentation before scoring.
- We revise a score when a model is discontinued, replaced, or its specs change.
For the wider method behind our recommendations, see how we review and our editorial policy.