Air Fryers and Microwaves: Cook Faster at Home in Ghana
After a long day in Accra traffic, nobody wants to stand over a hot stove for an hour. An air fryer and a microwave can shorten your cooking and reheating time and keep the kitchen cooler. This guide explains the sizes we sell, how to choose between them and some safety basics that apply to every household.
Choosing an air fryer size
An air fryer circulates hot air to cook food with little or no oil. The main difference between models is capacity. We stock three Novo sizes, all in our kitchen appliances range.
- Novo 6.5L Air Fryer: GH₵ 600, or GH₵ 168 a month on hire purchase. A sensible size for one or two people.
- Novo 8.0L Air Fryer: GH₵ 625, or GH₵ 175 a month. A middle option for a small family.
- Novo 10L Air Fryer: GH₵ 660, or GH₵ 185 a month. The largest, better for bigger portions or a larger household.
The price gap between sizes is small, so if you cook for more than two people, going bigger is usually the safer choice. A crowded basket cooks unevenly, so extra room helps.
Choosing a microwave
A microwave heats and reheats quickly. The choices come down to size and controls.
- 20L manual: the Novo 20L Manual Microwave is GH₵ 960, or GH₵ 268.80 a month. Dials are simple to use and easy for everyone in the house to understand.
- 20L digital with grill: the Novo 20L Digital Microwave with Grill is GH₵ 1,200, or GH₵ 336 a month. Digital controls let you set times precisely, and the grill adds browning for things like toasted sandwiches.
- 25L digital: the Novo 25L Digital Microwave is GH₵ 1,350, or GH₵ 378 a month. The bigger cavity fits larger plates and dishes.
Manual is cheaper and has fewer parts to confuse. Digital is more precise. If you only reheat rice and stew, manual is enough. If you want presets and a grill, go digital.
Practical tips for everyday cooking
Small habits make these appliances far more useful.
In the air fryer, pat food dry before cooking, as water makes food steam instead of crisp. Shake or turn the basket halfway through. Do not stuff the basket full, and cook in two rounds if needed. Chicken pieces, plantain chips, fish, yam and potato wedges all work well, and you can adjust time as you learn how your unit behaves.
In the microwave, stir food halfway and let it stand for a minute so heat spreads evenly. Cover dishes loosely to stop splatter. Reheat rice and leftovers until steaming hot all the way through, and do not leave cooked food out for long periods in the heat.
Safety basics
- Never put metal in a microwave. That includes foil, steel plates and dishes with metallic trim, which can spark. Use microwave-safe glass or ceramic.
- Do not run an empty microwave.
- Do not heat sealed containers or whole eggs in their shells, as pressure can build up and burst them.
- Use oven gloves, because dishes and steam get very hot.
- Give both appliances space around them for air to move, and keep them away from water and the edge of the counter.
- Unplug and let the air fryer cool before cleaning the basket.
Always read the manual that comes with your unit, as it is the final word on your specific model.
Look after the power supply
Power fluctuations are common, and electronics prefer steady voltage. Plug kitchen appliances into a good quality socket or extension, and consider a surge protector. Avoid chaining many appliances on one extension.
Which one should you buy first?
If you can only buy one item, think about how you eat. Do you mostly reheat food, or cook from raw? A microwave is the better reheater, while an air fryer is better at making food crisp. Many homes end up with both, since together they cost less than many other appliances. A student or single person might start with the 6.5L air fryer. A family that reheats lots of leftovers might start with the 25L microwave. A small shop or office that needs a quick lunch option could pick a 20L manual microwave.
Cleaning and care
Wipe the microwave inside after use with a damp cloth, since splatter that bakes on is harder to remove. Wash the air fryer basket after it cools, with warm soapy water and a soft sponge, and avoid harsh scourers that scratch the coating. Keep vents clear and dry both appliances fully before storing. Good care keeps them working well and smelling fresh.
Ready to buy?
Both appliances are among our most affordable products and are easy to start with on 4-month hire purchase. See how hire purchase works, then message us with the size you want. Prices can change, so please confirm on WhatsApp.