Philips Vertical Duo: three functions that we already love on this two-basket airfryer

Philips is offering this year an airfryer with an unusual format: two baskets placed one above the other, to save space on the work surface. We are currently testing this Vertical Duo Series 4000, but certain features already deserve to be highlighted, as they make it easier to use.

We will soon publish our full test, with measurements, temperatures, before/after photos and analysis of cooking quality. But these three features already show that Philips has taken care of the ergonomics of its new vertical airfryer.

1. The reminder to stir: basic, but really useful

Like some air fryers, this model sends a visual and audible alert to remind you to stir the contents of the basket while cooking. In fact, this avoids forgetting this essential step to obtain nicely browned fries or nuggets. The advantage here: the screen is placed at the very top of the device, therefore very visible even from a distance.

How to use it? Nothing complicated, you just have to check that the reminder icon is activated on the screen. It is activated by default in certain modes and it can be activated after the start of cooking if you forget.

2. Synchronization: two dishes, one end of cooking

This is one of the promises of this double compartment model: to cook two different preparations so that they are ready at exactly the same time. Simply program each basket separately, then activate the Sync function, which automatically adjusts the times. A small gain in everyday comfort, but particularly appreciable when preparing a complete meal (for example: vegetables in the top basket, chicken in the bottom one).

The icon to activate this function is not visible by default. It only becomes so when you activate both baskets and the timers display different times. By activating the mode, the Vertical Duo will start cooking the basket that has the shortest time so that both finish at the same time to the nearest second.

3. Duplication of parameters: perfect for large quantities

Another practical function: copying settings from one basket to another. If both compartments need to cook the same dish, there is no need to reprogram everything. We adjust the first, we copy to the second, and the two cooking starts with the same parameters. It’s quick, intuitive, and avoids temperature or duration errors. Ideal when preparing two identical portions, for example two baskets full of fries.

Here again, nothing too rocket science. We configure the program, time and temperature and activate the copy button to duplicate in the other basket. No waste of time, no possible errors.