I thought my old air fryer was great – until I tried the new Philips 5000 Air Fryer & Steamer

If you’re one of those people who think the best air fryers have had their moment, or that they can only do so much, you might want to think again. As someone who reviews these gadgets regularly, I can say with confidence that air fryers have come a long way in the last few years – and the latest model I’ve been testing is proof of that.

Last year, I reviewed the Philips 3000 Series Air Fryer and was seriously impressed. It quickly became one of my go-tos, so you can imagine my excitement when I found out Philips was launching an upgraded version – and not just with minor tweaks. We’re talking three cooking functions, including something I’ve been wanting to see from a big brand for a while...steaming.

Now, to be fair, steam functions aren’t totally new in the air fryer world. However, seeing Philips take it on is a big deal, and not just because it's a trusted brand. I’ve spent the last three months putting the Philips 5000 Series Air Fryer & Steamer through its paces, and my verdict is now in.

Philips 5000 Air Fryer & Steamer review: price and availability

The Philips 5000 Series Air Fryer & Steamer has an RRP of £249.99 and is available from several selected retailers, including John Lewis, Currys and Amazon.

It hasn’t been discounted very often so far, but we could start seeing price drops as it approaches its one-year anniversary – especially around Prime Day and Black Friday later this year.

Philips 5000 Air Fryer & Steamer review: design and features

For starters, this isn’t your average air fryer. Its standout feature is the built-in steaming function, which lets you cook vegetables, fish and other delicate foods without crisping them up. Some people will prefer crispy, but it’s nice to have the option. You can even combine air frying and steaming in one go, helping to lock in moisture, avoid dry spots, and deliver perfectly even results.

Another clever addition is the reheat function, which also uses steam. If you’ve ever tried to warm up rice or lasagna in an air fryer and ended up with something sad and dry, you’ll really appreciate this feature.

That said, my favourite new feature has to be the Steam Clean function. I’ll go into more detail in a second, but if you’ve ever wondered whether a self-cleaning air fryer would hit the market – prepare to be wowed.

Some familiar features are still here, such as Philips’ RapidAir Plus Technology. It whips hot air around the food at high speed for even cooking inside and out – something the 3000 Series also did really well.

Design-wise, the 5000 looks pretty similar to the 3000, but with a more premium edge. The steaming box sits on top, and the finish is now stainless steel instead of matte grey. I find this hides fingerprints better and just looks that bit more high-end on the counter.

The dual-drawer setup also remains, with a 6-litre basket on the right and a 3-litre one on the left. It’s perfect for cooking a family-sized main in one drawer whilst using the smaller one for sides or solo portions. I wasn’t sure about this when I first used the 3000 Series, but it grew on me fast, and I’m glad it’s sticking around.

You can also pair the 5000 Series with the Philips HomeID app for step-by-step guidance and access to hundreds of recipes with pre-set cooking times and temperatures. It’s a brilliant feature, especially if you’re new to air frying or just want dinner to be as fuss-free as possible.

Philips 5000 Air Fryer & Steamer review: performance

I’ve absolutely loved having the Philips 5000 Series Air Fryer & Steamer on my kitchen counter. I genuinely didn’t think Philips could top the 3000 Series, but I was very happily proven wrong. There’s honestly nothing I can fault in terms of performance, and that’s saying something.

Since I was already pretty familiar with the 3000 Series, I jumped straight into testing the new steaming function. It worked beautifully with vegetables, especially tenderstem broccoli and asparagus, giving them that soft texture without any unwanted crispiness. I’d recommend using the Philips HomeID app to provide tailored timings, and since the steam cooks faster than traditional methods, it helps avoid overdoing it. I followed the app’s guidance each time and the results were spot on.

The classic air fry function is still just as good as ever, and I was glad to see that Philips didn’t mess with what already worked. I also really enjoyed using the combined air fry and steam setting, and ended up preferring it for reheating leftovers over the dedicated reheat mode. From what I could tell, it delivered similar moisture-retaining results, but felt quicker and offered more even heat throughout the food.

Now, let’s talk about the Steam Clean function, because this is where the upgrade really shines. As much as I loved the 3000 Series, after a few months I did notice grease starting to build up, particularly on the inside roof of the unit. With the 5000 Series, the Steam Clean feature makes a huge difference, helping to break down fat and residue around the heating element and in the basket. It’s not completely hands-off, but it does the heavy lifting – and for anyone who dreads cleaning their air fryer, it’s a game-changer.

I was also happy to see that some of the best features from the 3000 Series made a return. The two different-sized baskets are still here, and the Sync Cook function remains particularly useful. A new addition I appreciated was the shaker timer, which reminds you to give your food a toss mid-cook. That’s something the 3000 didn’t have, and it's super handy for even results.

All in all, it’s crystal clear that the Philips 5000 Series Air Fryer & Steamer is a strong step up from its predecessor. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading or making your first air fryer purchase, I’d say this one’s absolutely worth it.

Philips 5000 Air Fryer & Steamer review: verdict

The Philips 5000 Series Air Fryer & Steamer is a smart and meaningful upgrade from its predecessor, offering a variety of impressive new features. The addition of a steaming function opens up more versatile cooking options, whilst the ability to combine steam and air fry delivers consistent results. The new Steam Clean feature is also a game-changer for hassle-free maintenance, and thoughtful extras like the shaker timer and continued dual-drawer design only add to its appeal. If you’re looking for a high-capacity, multifunctional air fryer that goes well beyond the basics, this one’s absolutely worth the investment.

Philips 5000 Air Fryer & Steamer review: alternatives to consider

A clear alternative to consider is the Philips 3000 Series, the 5000’s predecessor. It offers many of the same features – such as the different-sized baskets and Rapid Air Technology – at almost half the price. However, it lacks the dedicated steaming function, which could be a dealbreaker if that’s the main reason you're drawn to the 5000 Series.

Another good alternative is the Tefal EasyFry Grill & Steam Healthy Fryer. Although it's been on the market for a few years, it’s still a strong option if you're specifically looking for a model with a steam function at a similar price point. It's also a versatile 3-in-1 appliance, adding a grill setting alongside air frying and steaming.