If your kitchen is short on counter space but you don’t want to compromise on cooking performance, the Salter VertiCook View might just be the gadget you need.
Unlike traditional dual-basket air fryers, this model stacks two drawers on top of each other, saving space while still offering a 9-litre capacity.
It’s clearly positioned as a budget-friendly alternative to the pricier Ninja DoubleStack, but can it compete in performance?
Performance That Surprises
Despite its lower price point, the VertiCook View impressed in my tests.
From homemade chips and hash browns to a half chicken and assorted vegetables, this air fryer cooked food quickly and evenly.
Chips and hash browns were crispy in under 20 minutes, a half chicken cooked perfectly in 25 minutes at 180°C, and vegetables were ready in as little as 10 minutes.
I initially found the controls a bit confusing and the exterior somewhat plasticky, but as the saying goes, don’t judge a book by its cover—this model performed remarkably well for the cost.
Design and Features
The air fryer features two 4.5-litre drawers, each with a crisping plate and metal divider rack, letting you cook multiple items at once.
The match and sync functions let you cook two foods simultaneously at the same or different temperatures.
There are 12 pre-programmed settings for popular foods like fish, chips, and vegetables, though you can also adjust time and temperature manually.
Personally, I found I needed to tweak the presets for the best results.
One of my favourite design touches is the clear viewing windows, which make it easy to monitor your food while cooking.
The downside is that the build quality feels cheap and plasticky—this isn’t a luxury showpiece, but a practical, budget-friendly kitchen tool.
Value for Money
At under £120, the VertiCook View is a steal compared to Ninja’s DoubleStack, which retails for over £260.
You’re getting impressive performance and a clever vertical design without breaking the bank.
Energy costs are also low; in my testing, running the air fryer for an hour would cost around 30p based on 2025 rates.
If you need a space-saving air fryer that works reliably, this model is hard to beat for the price.
While it doesn’t have additional functions like roasting or dehydrating, it does the essentials exceptionally well.
Comparing to Other Air Fryers
The VertiCook View is clearly aimed at people who want a high-performing dual-drawer air fryer without paying for premium branding.
Ninja’s DoubleStack has more settings and features like Max Crisp, but Salter’s model cooks just as well for a fraction of the price.
Other vertical air fryers are available from Salter, though I haven’t tested those personally.
If you like the clear windows and stacked design, the VertiCook View is the standout option at this price.
Customer Feedback
The VertiCook View has a strong online following, with a 4.6/5 average rating on Salter’s website.
Users praise the viewing windows and ample drawer capacity, though some note that the touchscreen can be finicky and that the user guide could provide more guidance on cooking times.
Quick Tips and FAQs
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Do I need to use oil? You can cook with or without oil, but around 1 tbsp per 500g of homemade chips gives the best results. Frozen foods usually have enough oil coating.
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Why is my air fryer noisy? Make sure it’s on a flat surface, clear of obstructions, and that crisping plates are correctly inserted. Persistent noise may require customer support assistance.
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Air fryer recalls: Some Tower models have been recalled due to fire risk. Check the Tower Safety website if you’re unsure about your model.
Verdict
Overall, the Salter VertiCook View is a fantastic choice if you want a budget-friendly, space-saving air fryer that actually performs.
While the exterior isn’t luxurious and the presets need a little trial and error, it’s perfect for anyone looking to save space and money without compromising on cooking quality.
