Test result preview
Manufacturer’s product description
The HL-551T hot air fryer from Balter is aimed at health-conscious users who value low-fat cooking, ease of use, and versatility. With a capacity of 5.5 liters and 12 preset programs, the appliance is ideal for families or households that want to prepare hot meals on a regular basis. The powerful hot air circulation ensures even browning and crispy results without the need for additional oil. A viewing window with interior lighting allows you to monitor the cooking process at any time without heat escaping.
In the test, it impressed with its clear and easy-to-use one-touch controls. The temperature could be adjusted continuously from 60 to 200 °C and was reliably regulated in the test. The programmable timer worked precisely and the automatic shut-off functioned flawlessly. Cleaning the fryer was easy, as all removable parts are dishwasher-safe. The 100 recipes included gave an impression of the range of preparation options, from fries and chicken to vegetables and baked goods, and made it clear that the appliance can be used to prepare a variety of dishes.
Only the use of plastic film in the packaging could be improved to optimize the environmental balance.
Overall, the Balter HL-551T is a reliable, powerful, and user-friendly hot air fryer that can be used to prepare healthy meals quickly and energy-efficiently.
Advantages
- Intuitive one-touch operation
- Precise temperature control
- Viewing window with interior lighting
- Easy cleaning
- Cookbook with 100 recipes
Disadvantages
- Use of plastic film
- Slight plastic smell initially
First impression
Packaging and contents
Here, we take a closer look at the packaging. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. In addition, adequate protection of the product must of course be ensured. Is the contents of the packaging complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
Here, we take a closer look at the packaging. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. In addition, adequate protection of the product must of course be ensured. Is the packaging complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
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Comment
Score achieved*
Product protection
Cardboard is sturdy, product adequately protected
Points
Sustainability of packaging
No unnecessary packaging waste; the plastic film protects the product components, but an environmentally friendly alternative would be desirable
Points
Package contents & scope
Complete
Points
Instructions
Written in German and other languages in an understandable way, cookbook with 100 recipes
Points
TOTAL
95
Points
Weighting: 20%
*The maximum number of points is 100
The packaging of the hot air fryer made a good impression in the test. The shipping carton is made of sturdy cardboard and provides good protection for the appliance. The scope of delivery was complete and included, in addition to the hot air fryer itself, a printed cookbook with 100 recipes and a multilingual instruction manual. The latter is clearly structured, illustrated, and makes it much easier to get started. One minor criticism concerns the use of plastic film inside the packaging. A more environmentally friendly solution would be desirable here.
First time in hand
Product workmanship and appearance
Before we move on to the practical test, we take a close look at the workmanship of the products. How high-quality are the materials used? Are the feel and appearance satisfactory?
Before putting the product to the practical test, we take a close look at its workmanship. How high-quality are the materials used? Are the feel and appearance satisfactory?
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Comment
Score achieved*
Visual appearance
Attractive, modern design
Points
Workmanship
Very good workmanship
Points
Stability
Very stable
Points
Product sustainability
No information provided, but can be used multiple times as it is dishwasher safe
Points
OVERALL
95
Points
Weighting: 20%
*The maximum score is 100 points
At first glance, the hot air fryer makes a very good impression. Visually, the device has a modern and unobtrusive design, allowing it to blend in well with different kitchen environments. The construction appears sturdy and, with dimensions of 32 × 25 × 29 cm , the appliance can be set up in a space-saving manner without limiting its capacity for meals for up to four people. The workmanship appears clean and precise: the controls and display are well arranged, the frying basket fits perfectly and can be removed easily, and the viewing window is firmly integrated into the housing. There is no visible damage or protruding parts, and all connections appear stable and straight. Although there is no detailed information on sustainability or the materials used, the high-quality workmanship suggests a long service life, reducing the need for frequent replacement.
This is what our practical test revealed
Does the manufacturer deliver on its advertising promises?
Our practical test is the most relevant and therefore has the highest weighting. Here, the product has to undergo a wide range of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test item.
Our practical test is the most relevant and therefore carries the most weight. Here, the product must undergo a wide variety of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test item.
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Comment
Score achieved*
Temperature control
Extremely precise, allows exact adjustment to different foods
Points
Timer
Timer is very accurate, set cooking time was adhered to precisely
Points
Heating
Great heating power, evenly browned and crispy
Points
Ease of use
Very intuitive and simple, 100 recipes for inspiration
Points
Cleaning
Easy cleaning of the frying basket (dishwasher safe)
Points
OVERALL
100
Points
Weighting: 45%
*The maximum score is 100 points
In practical testing, the hot air fryer proved to perform its technical functions reliably. The temperature control worked precisely and ensured even cooking results. Especially when preparing fries and chicken, the appliance achieved crispy and evenly browned results without drying out the food. The timer function worked accurately and ended the cooking process on time, while the automatic shut-off provided additional safety. The heating power proved to be sufficient to quickly reach the set temperature. The hot air was distributed evenly, enabling efficient and consistent cooking . A slight plastic smell was noticeable during the first few uses. However, this disappeared completely after a short time and had no effect on the food. Operation was simple and intuitive thanks to the touch control panel. The digital display was clear and the twelve preset programs covered common dishes such as fries, fish, meat, vegetables, and baked goods. In the test, they delivered consistently good results. A positive feature is the viewing window with interior lighting, which allows you to monitor the cooking process without interrupting it or letting heat escape. Cleaning was also easy: the frying basket and drawer are easy to remove and are dishwasher-safe. The non-stick coating prevents burning and makes manual cleaning even easier.
Overall, the Balter HL-551T proved to be a reliable, user-friendly, and easy-to-clean appliance in practical testing, offering good cooking results and uncomplicated handling.
Test plan
A detailed insight into the evaluation criteria for the practical part of the test and the distribution of points can be found here. If you are also interested in the evaluation of our other test criteria, please read our document on the evaluation process.
Price/performance ratio
and consumer reviews
Finally, we examine how the product compares to the competition. Can it compete with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend it for purchase?
Finally, we examine how the product compares to the competition. Can it compete with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend it for purchase?
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Comment
Score achieved*
Price/performance ratio
Very good performance in the lower price segment
Points
OVERALL
90
Points
Weighting: 15%
*The maximum score is 100 points
Comparable hot air fryers are available online for prices ranging up to €149.90. More affordable models are available starting at around €39.99. The Balter HL-551T is in the lower price segment at €64.90. Given its solid workmanship, intuitive operation, and good cooking results, the overall price/performance ratio can be rated as very good. This rating takes into account both the high quality and performance as well as the price in the lower segment, resulting in a very good overall ratio.
Overall result
Weight
Score achieved*
1. Packaging & contents
20
Points
2. Product processing & appearance
20
Points
3. Practical test
45
Points
4. Price/performance ratio
15
Points
TOTAL
Points
*The maximum score is 100 points
