Aldi’s Ambiano Microwave Air Fryer

by Barry Lewis

Can Aldi’s Ambiano Microwave Air Fryer Combo Really Do It All?

I picked up the Ambiano 25L Microwave with Air Fryer from Aldi recently, and like most things labelled “multi-cooker” or “combo gadget,” I had one big question…

Is it actually any good, or is it just trying to do too much?

It claims to microwave, air fry, bake, and even do combo cooking all in one fairly compact unit, and at £119.99, it’s definitely cheaper than buying three separate gadgets.

So I put it to the test—real-world style. Not lab conditions or measuring exact wattage, just actual food, in an actual kitchen, the way most of us would use it.

Here’s what happened.

What Is the Ambiano Microwave Air Fryer?

Sold as a Specialbuy at Aldi (so limited-time only), this 25-litre unit combines:

  • A 900W microwave

  • A 1500W air fryer/convection oven

  • 17 auto cooking programs

  • A glass turntable, air fryer tray, and baking tray

It’s designed to do everything from warming milk to roasting a chicken. It sounds brilliant in theory—but we’ve all seen flashy buttons before.

What I Tested (And Why)

I chose eight classic foods that represent how people actually cook at home. Here’s what I made:

1. Coffee (Preset 1 – Microwave)

Quick and easy—just wanted to see if the presets actually worked. It did the job, though not scalding hot. Fine for a quick zap.

2. Mug Cake

A great way to test short bursts of microwave power. Mine came out cooked and fluffy in about a minute. Not bad at all!

3. Chilled Ready Meal

I tried a lasagne. The microwave cooked it evenly and the turntable worked nicely. No frozen centre, no burnt edges. So far, so good.

4. Frozen French Fries

This is where an air fryer has to deliver. The fries came out surprisingly crisp and golden. It’s not the fastest air fryer I’ve used, but it does the job.

5. Frozen Sausage Rolls

These tested its ability to go from frozen to golden. Using air fryer mode, they puffed up beautifully and cooked through. Better than I expected.

6. Brownies (Bake Mode)

This tested the convection oven side. I used a brownie mix and it baked evenly—not too crusty at the edges, and set in the middle. Definitely a win.

7. Jacket Potato (Microwave + Air Fry Manual Combo)

One of my favourite combo tests. Microwaved to soften, then air fried for that crispy skin. Worked brilliantly—fluffy inside, crunchy outside.

8. Roast Chicken (Preset Combo Mode)

Now for the big one. The preset said 35 minutes. I was sceptical… but it actually worked. I used a small chicken (about 1.3kg), and it hit temperature with crisp skin. I still used a thermometer, just to be sure.

Is It Worth It?

For £119.99, I think this Ambiano unit punches above its weight. It’s not the most powerful air fryer or the quickest microwave, but the convenience of combo cooking in one machine really impressed me.

It’s perfect for:

  • Small kitchens

  • Students or first homes

  • People who want to downsize their appliances

Just keep in mind:

  • The included trays aren’t microwave-safe—only use them in air fry or oven mode

  • You’ll want a meat thermometer if you plan to cook whole chickens or anything thick

  • Some presets are better than others (I’d skip the spaghetti one…)

Final Verdict

I went into this video expecting a jack-of-all-trades, master of none.

But honestly? It’s more capable than I thought.

If you’ve got a small kitchen or just love a good multi-tasking gadget, it’s definitely worth a look—especially if it comes back to Aldi again.

Want to see the full video and all 8 tests in action?

Watch the full review above or on my YouTube channel here. Also, you may enjoy this recent Ninja Slushi test!

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