Think air fryers are ugly? Smeg’s gorgeous new 7-in-1 fryer might change your mind — and optional steam tech means it's super-versatile too

Smeg has unveiled its latest addition to the air fryer market, the AFC01 Dual Flavour Air Fryer, boasting an impressive array of seven cooking presets and an optional steam mode. This innovative appliance distinguishes itself with a strikingly minimalist design, characterized by its boxy shape and clean lines, setting it apart from other fryers on the market. The AFC01 features a unique square silhouette with a matte finish, ensuring a sleek and smart appearance without any bulky handles.

One of the standout features of the AFC01 is its unconventional lift-out basket, which allows for easy food retrieval while maintaining the exterior's pristine look. The lid opens effortlessly for convenient access to the basket, and the top portion of the air fryer is transparent, providing users with a clear view of their food's progress through an internal light. Operating the AFC01 is a breeze, thanks to its touch-sensitive control panel, eliminating the need for traditional dials and buttons.

With seven cooking presets to choose from, the AFC01 caters to a diverse range of culinary needs. The two cooking modes available are Crispy, perfect for dishes like chips, and Juicy+Crispy, a dual-mode that incorporates steam to keep foods like fish and chicken moist and succulent inside. To prepare the AFC01 for cooking, simply pour cold water into the reservoir located on top of the appliance, which releases fine droplets to prevent food from drying out during the cooking process. Once finished, the entire basket can be lifted out for easy cleaning in the dishwasher.

Smeg's AFC01 joins its previous launch, the MOC02, a microwave and air fryer combo released in February of this year. This multifunctional appliance also functions as a fan oven and grill, allowing for multi-stage cooking sequences, which are ideal for recipes that require crisping or browning after cooking. With a design that mirrors the AFC01, the MOC02 comes in the same four matte colors: Black, Storm Blue, Emerald Green, and White, and is also available for £199.95 directly from Smeg.