Countertop air fryers often look similar on paper, but daily use quickly exposes where they differ. After cooking full meals, snacks, and quick reheats with both the Philips NA221 and Philips NA231, the contrast becomes less about brand and more about practicality. These two models belong to the same 2000 Series family, share RapidAir Technology, and offer 13 cooking functions, yet they target very different households.
This comparison reflects real-world use — portion sizes, visibility, ease of control, cleanup, and how each air fryer fits into everyday cooking routines.
Key Difference Between Philips NA221 vs NA231 Air Fryer
The primary difference between the Philips NA221 and NA231 is capacity and visibility. The NA221 focuses on compact efficiency with a smaller 4.4-quart basket designed for quick meals and limited counter space. The NA231, meanwhile, adds a larger 6.6-quart capacity and a built-in cooking window, making it easier to cook bigger portions while visually monitoring food without opening the basket.
Technically, both models use Philips’ RapidAir starfish design, but the NA231 is built for batch cooking and family portions, while the NA221 is optimized for speed, simplicity, and compact kitchens.
- CRISPY RESULTS WITH RAPIDAIR TECHNOLOGY – Unique Starfish design circulates hot air for crispy, golden...
- 13 WAYS TO COOK FOR ULTIMATE VERSATILITY – Air fry, bake, grill, roast, reheat, defrost, keep warm, one-pot...
- COOKING WINDOW: Keep an eye on your food while it cooks and see when it's done to perfection
- 13-IN-1 COOKING: Air fry, bake, grill, roast, and more. Set time and temperature manually or use presets for...
Comparison Table: Philips NA221 vs NA231 Air Fryer
| Feature | Philips NA221 | Philips NA231 |
| Series | 2000 Series | 2000 Series |
| Capacity | 4.4 quarts (4.2L) | 6.6 quarts (6.2L) |
| Cooking Window | No | Yes |
| Cooking Functions | 13-in-1 | 13-in-1 |
| Presets | One-touch presets | 9 touchscreen presets |
| RapidAir Technology | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Small families, quick meals | Larger households, batch cooking |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher-safe parts | Dishwasher-safe parts |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review (Hands-On Experience)
Design and Countertop Presence
Using both models side by side, the Philips NA221 clearly favors a compact footprint. It takes up less counter space and feels lighter when moving around. The black and silver finish looks modern without drawing attention, making it easy to keep on the counter permanently.
The Philips NA231 feels more substantial. The larger body accommodates the increased basket size, yet it still maintains a clean, streamlined look. The standout feature here is the transparent cooking window, which immediately changes how you interact with the appliance.
Verdict: NA221 blends in effortlessly; NA231 feels more premium and functional.
- CRISPY RESULTS WITH RAPIDAIR TECHNOLOGY – Unique Starfish design circulates hot air for crispy, golden...
- 13 WAYS TO COOK FOR ULTIMATE VERSATILITY – Air fry, bake, grill, roast, reheat, defrost, keep warm, one-pot...
- COOKING WINDOW: Keep an eye on your food while it cooks and see when it's done to perfection
- 13-IN-1 COOKING: Air fry, bake, grill, roast, and more. Set time and temperature manually or use presets for...
Ease of Use and Controls
Both air fryers rely on touchscreen controls, but the experience differs slightly.
The NA221 keeps things straightforward. Presets are easy to access, and manual temperature control is intuitive. I found it ideal for quick cooking without much adjustment.
The NA231 adds more visual confidence. Being able to watch food brown through the window reduces the need to pause cooking and check progress. The presets are clearly labeled, and navigation feels refined.
Verdict: NA221 is simpler; NA231 provides better feedback while cooking.
Cooking Performance and Food Quality
In actual cooking tests, both air fryers deliver excellent results thanks to Philips RapidAir Technology. Fries come out evenly golden, chicken remains juicy inside, and vegetables roast consistently without hot spots.
The NA221 performs exceptionally well for single meals or small batches. Because the basket is smaller, food tends to cook slightly faster, especially snacks and frozen items.
The NA231, however, shines when cooking for more than two people. Larger portions cook evenly without overcrowding, and the window allows quick checks without heat loss.
Verdict: Equal quality; NA231 handles volume better.
- CRISPY RESULTS WITH RAPIDAIR TECHNOLOGY – Unique Starfish design circulates hot air for crispy, golden...
- 13 WAYS TO COOK FOR ULTIMATE VERSATILITY – Air fry, bake, grill, roast, reheat, defrost, keep warm, one-pot...
- COOKING WINDOW: Keep an eye on your food while it cooks and see when it's done to perfection
- 13-IN-1 COOKING: Air fry, bake, grill, roast, and more. Set time and temperature manually or use presets for...
Capacity and Meal Flexibility
Capacity is where these models separate clearly.
The NA221 comfortably handles meals for one to two people. It fits six drumsticks or a modest batch of fries without issue. For small households, this feels efficient rather than limiting.
The NA231, with its 6.6-quart basket, supports family-sized meals. I was able to cook larger batches of vegetables, multiple protein portions, and sides in one go without stacking.
Verdict: NA221 for minimal cooking; NA231 for family meals.
Cooking Functions and Versatility
Both models offer 13-in-1 cooking modes, including air fry, bake, grill, roast, reheat, defrost, keep warm, dehydrate, and cook from frozen.
Functionally, there’s no meaningful limitation on either model. The difference lies in how often you’ll use them. The NA221 excels at quick weekday cooking. The NA231 feels better suited for planned meals and entertaining.
- CRISPY RESULTS WITH RAPIDAIR TECHNOLOGY – Unique Starfish design circulates hot air for crispy, golden...
- 13 WAYS TO COOK FOR ULTIMATE VERSATILITY – Air fry, bake, grill, roast, reheat, defrost, keep warm, one-pot...
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning is equally painless on both air fryers. Non-stick baskets release food easily, and dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup quick.
The NA221’s smaller basket cleans slightly faster simply due to size. The NA231, despite being larger, doesn’t require extra effort beyond a bit more surface area.
Noise and Heat Management
Neither air fryer is excessively loud. The NA221 is marginally quieter due to its smaller fan system. The NA231 remains comfortable to use without overwhelming kitchen noise.
Heat dissipation is well managed on both, with no noticeable overheating on countertops.
Philips NA221 Rapid Technology Air Fryer
- CRISPY RESULTS WITH RAPIDAIR TECHNOLOGY – Unique Starfish design circulates hot air for crispy, golden...
- 13 WAYS TO COOK FOR ULTIMATE VERSATILITY – Air fry, bake, grill, roast, reheat, defrost, keep warm, one-pot...
Pros:
- Compact and space-saving
- Fast cooking for small portions
- Simple, intuitive controls
- Excellent for singles or couples
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Limited capacity
- No cooking window
- Not ideal for batch cooking
Philips NA231 Air Fryer 2000 Series
- COOKING WINDOW: Keep an eye on your food while it cooks and see when it's done to perfection
- 13-IN-1 COOKING: Air fry, bake, grill, roast, and more. Set time and temperature manually or use presets for...
Pros:
- Larger 6.6-quart capacity
- Built-in cooking window
- Great for family meals
- Same strong RapidAir performance
- Visual cooking control adds confidence
Cons:
- Takes more counter space
- Slightly longer cooking times for small batches
- Heavier than NA221
Conclusion and Recommendation:
After cooking extensively with both models, the choice between the Philips NA221 and NA231 depends entirely on household size and cooking habits.
The Philips NA221 is the better option for those who value speed, compact design, and everyday convenience. It fits naturally into smaller kitchens and handles daily meals without excess capacity.
The Philips NA231, on the other hand, is ideal for families or anyone cooking larger portions regularly. The added capacity and cooking window make it more versatile for batch cooking while maintaining the same reliable food quality.
My recommendation:
- Choose Philips NA221 if you cook for one or two people and want a compact solution
- Choose Philips NA231 if you need extra space, visual control, and flexibility for family meals
Both deliver excellent results, but they serve different lifestyles.
