Big Boss 16Qt Extra Large Glass Air Fryer review

Have you been hunting for a family-sized air fryer that skips Teflon and toxic coatings while still delivering crispy, crowd-pleasing results?

My Quick Verdict

I found the Big Boss 16Qt Extra Large Glass Air Fryer Non Toxic – Family Sized 4 in 1 Cooker with 3 Cooking Sections, Stainless Steel Racks for French Fries, Chicken, No Preheat, Self Cleaning, Dishwasher Safe to be a surprisingly capable appliance for larger households. It offers a lot of features—multi-function cooking, a large interior, and a non-toxic construction—so it fits my needs when I want healthier versions of fried favorites without spending hours cooking.

Product Overview

I want to be upfront about what this unit is: it’s a 16-quart, dual-bowl, glass-air-fryer-style oven designed to air fry, bake, roast, grill, and toast. The brand emphasizes oil-free frying with 360° convection heat, a Teflon-free interior, and an auto-clean mode to minimize post-cooking hassle. I’ll break down how those claims translate into day-to-day use.

Key Features at a Glance

I like to know the essentials before committing to a long read, so here’s a compact breakdown of the unit’s main selling points and what they mean in practice.

Feature	What it means to me
16 Quart Capacity	Large enough to cook for a medium to large family; I can do multiple dishes at once on the included racks.
3 Cooking Levels	I can cook different foods simultaneously without flavors crossing too much.
360° Convection Heat	Promises even crisping and browning with little to no oil.
Teflon-Free & No Forever Chemicals	Peace of mind about non-stick coatings and potential long-term chemical exposure.
180°F–400°F Temperature Range	Covers a wide range of cooking methods, from low roasts to high-temp crisping.
Auto Clean + Dishwasher Safe Parts	Makes cleanup far less intimidating after big meals.
No Preheat	Speeds up cooking sessions for quick meals.
Stainless Steel Racks + Glass Door	Durable racks and a visible cooking chamber so I can monitor progress.
Includes 50-Recipe Cookbook	Helpful starting point if you want ideas and tested settings.

Design and Build Quality

The appliance has a clear glass cooking chamber and stainless steel racks, which immediately feel sturdier than many plastic-based air fryers I’ve handled. The controls are simple dials or buttons depending on the model version, and they’re intuitive to use even if you’re not gadget-savvy.

I appreciate that the interior material is marketed as non-toxic and Teflon-free. The dual-bowl design has a lightweight feel but doesn’t come across as cheap. I also like that the glass makes it easy to check food without opening the unit.

Capacity and Cooking Sections

The 16-quart capacity is genuinely useful for family meals. I tested multiple configurations: a full rack of fries on one level and bone-in chicken pieces on another, and the unit handled both without significant overcrowding.

I especially value the three cooking levels when I want a main and two sides ready at the same time. That saves me time and avoids the need to use multiple appliances.

Performance: Cooking Results Overall

I judged the Big Boss primarily on how well it reproduced the textures and flavors I look for in fried and roasted foods. For many items—french fries, breaded chicken, roasted vegetables—it achieved satisfying crispness with only a tablespoon (or less) of oil.

The 360° convection heating does a solid job of promoting even browning. I noticed the edges of fries and chicken were crisp while interiors stayed moist, which isn’t always the case with other “air fry” appliances.

Air Frying

Air frying is where most buyers will focus. I cooked frozen fries, homemade fries, and breaded chicken. The fries came out crisp on the outside and tender inside with little oil. Breaded items crisped nicely without burning, though I rotated or flipped dense items halfway to ensure even browning.

I found that the auto-clean function and the removable racks reduced the dread of cleanup after greasy batches.

Baking

I tried a small tray of biscuits and a loaf-style quick bread. The even heat distribution meant good rise and color without hot spots. The larger interior lets me fit larger or more items than a typical countertop air fryer.

Baking times were similar to a convection oven; if you typically bake in a regular oven, small timing adjustments will get you consistent results.

Roasting

Roasts and whole chickens came out juicy with a crisp skin when I set the temperature higher toward the 375°F–400°F range. The three levels allowed me to roast vegetables below while the main protein sat above, giving me a full meal with a single appliance.

I paid attention to spacing and ventilation between racks for best airflow, and the results were close to conventional oven roasting.

Grilling and Toasting

For smaller grilling tasks—panini-style sandwiches, skewers—the unit worked well with the higher setting, producing grill-like sear lines when I used the stainless steel racks. Toasting bread or bagels was reliable; turn times were similar to a toaster oven but with more even surface toasting thanks to the convection.

Controls and Usability

The Big Boss provides time and temperature controls that are straightforward. The responsiveness is good, and the no-preheat feature is genuinely convenient: I could start cooking almost immediately, shaving off typical warming time.

I appreciated the included cookbook because it gives starting points for temperatures and times, which is helpful if you’re transferring recipes from a traditional oven.

Display and Buttons

If you prefer minimal fuss, you’ll like the straightforward buttons or dials; they’re tactile and clear. I didn’t find a steep learning curve. The control panel doesn’t overwhelm—just the basics I use daily.

Accessibility and Visibility

The glass window is a big plus for me. Seeing the food during cooking reduces the chance of overcooking and helps me make quick adjustments.

Health and Safety: Teflon-Free & No Forever Chemicals

One of the main reasons I considered this model was the claim of being Teflon-free and made without forever chemicals. I like cooking appliances that minimize potential exposure to problematic coatings, and this air fryer’s non-toxic interior is reassuring.

I also appreciated the dual-bowl design that helps separate drippings and excess fat from food. Combined with minimal oil usage, it’s a healthier approach to achieving fried textures.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The auto-clean function is genuinely useful for daily maintenance. When I used it, the unit loosened baked-on residue and made the removable parts easy to rinse or run through the dishwasher.

The removable stainless steel racks and trays are dishwasher-safe, which simplifies cleanup after family meals. I still recommend wiping down the interior and the glass periodically to avoid grease buildup over long-term use.

Auto Clean Function

I tested auto-clean after a few heavy cooking sessions. It shortened the time I spent scrubbing, but I still pre-wiped stubborn areas before running the cycle to avoid excess smoke or smells during cleaning.

Dishwasher Safety

I put racks and trays in the dishwasher several times without issue. I do suggest placing them on a lower rack and spacing them to avoid potential contact with heating elements in some dishwashers.

Accessories and Cookbook

I like that the Big Boss includes stainless steel racks and a 50-recipe cookbook. The cookbook is a convenient way to learn time and temperature settings specifically suited to this unit.

I also used my own pans inside when sizes fit, and the flexible interior handling is a nice plus for home cooks who already own small baking dishes.

Included Cookbook

The 50-recipe cookbook has practical recipes from basics like fries and chicken to more creative ideas. For someone transitioning from a conventional oven, it’s a helpful reference to shorten the learning curve.

Energy Use and Noise

Compared to my full-size convection oven, the Big Boss uses less energy for smaller or medium-sized meals because it heats a smaller volume. It’s not whisper-quiet, but it’s no louder than similar convection countertop appliances.

I measured perceived noise subjectively: fan hum plus occasional clicks from the control mechanism. It never got intrusive during cooking.

Practical Tips I Learned While Using It

I picked up a few practical tips that made usage easier and results more consistent:

• Don’t overcrowd racks; leave space for airflow to maximize crispness.
• Lightly spray or toss with a tablespoon of oil for extra crunch on breaded items.
• Rotate or flip denser items halfway through cooking for even browning.
• Use the included racks to separate items when cooking a full meal at once.
• Pre-seating (no preheat) is great, but for baked goods a short preheat can improve rise and color.
• Clean the drip areas after each heavy use to prevent smoke and lingering odors.

What I Liked (Pros)

I want to be clear about the strengths I experienced:

• Large capacity that genuinely fits family-sized meals.
• Teflon-free, non-toxic interior that gives me peace of mind about coatings.
• Multi-function capability: air fry, bake, roast, grill, and toast.
• Three-level cooking that enables cooking multiple items at once.
• Auto-clean feature and dishwasher-safe parts reduce cleanup friction.
• No-preheat functionality speeds up meal prep.
• Included cookbook helps with settings and recipe ideas.

What I Didn’t Like (Cons)

No product is perfect; here are the drawbacks I noticed:

• The unit is sizeable and requires counter space; it’s not ideal for very small kitchens.
• For some dense or large items, I still had to check and turn food for perfect browning.
• The glass can require extra care to keep streak-free for visibility.
• If you expect convection-oven performance identical to a full oven on massive roasts, the air fryer may be slightly more limited by rack spacing and internal circulation.

Real-World Tests and Times I Used

I put together several real meals to see how the appliance handled typical weeknight and weekend cooking:

• Weeknight dinner: I air-fried breaded chicken on the top rack, roasted broccoli on the middle, and roasted potatoes below. Everything finished within a reasonable time, and timings aligned well with the cookbook suggestions after a small tweak.
• Pizza night: I reheated leftover pizza and used the top rack to toast and crisp the crust. Crisp, not chewy—positive result.
• Breakfast: Bagels toasted uniformly, and I used the toaster-like settings for consistent browning.
• Large family meal: Whole chicken roasted at 375°F with veggies on lower levels. The chicken skin browned nicely, and the interior reached safe temperatures without drying.

Comparison to Other Air Fryers

I’ve used smaller, basket-style air fryers and compact countertop convection ovens. Compared to basket air fryers, the Big Boss’s large glass chamber and racks give me more flexibility and capacity. Compared to a standard convection oven, it’s faster for smaller meals and uses less energy to heat a smaller space.

If you currently use a small basket-style unit and regularly cook for more than two people, this model is a meaningful upgrade.

Safety and Use Concerns

I recommend placing the Big Boss on a heat-resistant, well-ventilated surface. Because of the glass door and metal racks, I use oven mitts to avoid burns when checking or removing racks.

The product’s non-toxic interior is a major safety plus, and the manufacturer’s instructions about maximum capacities and proper rack placement are worth following for best results.

Long-Term Use and Durability Expectations

Given the stainless steel racks and glass build, I expect reasonable longevity under regular home use. The parts that contact food are dishwasher-safe, which reduces wear from hand-scrubbing. I plan to treat the glass door gently and replace any small accessories as needed over time.

Who Should Buy This

I recommend the Big Boss 16Qt Extra Large Glass Air Fryer Non Toxic – Family Sized 4 in 1 Cooker with 3 Cooking Sections, Stainless Steel Racks for French Fries, Chicken, No Preheat, Self Cleaning, Dishwasher Safe for:

• Families who want to cook multiple items at once.
• People prioritizing non-toxic, Teflon-free cooking surfaces.
• Home cooks who want a multi-function counter appliance that replaces a toaster oven and holds its own against a convection oven for many tasks.
• Anyone who wants easy cleanup and sizable capacity without the footprint of a full built-in oven.

Who Might Want Something Else

This unit may not be ideal if:

• You have a very small kitchen or limited counter space.
• You expect commercial-level throughput or have extremely large roasts multiple times per week.
• You prefer professional, programmable smart appliances with app integration (this is more of a straightforward, tactile control appliance).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I gathered some common questions I had and answered them based on my testing and the product details.

Does it really cook without preheating?

Yes, the no-preheat feature is practical for most quick-cook items. For some baked goods, a short preheat can still help with rise.

Is it truly Teflon-free and free of forever chemicals?

The manufacturer advertises it as Teflon-free and without forever chemicals. That aligns with what drew me to this unit, and it’s a meaningful advantage for anyone concerned about non-stick coatings.

How big is 16 quarts in real terms?

Sixteen quarts translates to a roomy internal cavity—large enough for a whole chicken or multiple trays of fries and sides. It’s larger than most basket air fryers and some similar counter convection ovens.

How easy is it to clean?

Quite manageable. The auto-clean option helps, and the racks/trays are dishwasher-safe. I still recommend wiping grease promptly after heavy sessions.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

I’m comfortable recommending the Big Boss 16Qt Extra Large Glass Air Fryer Non Toxic – Family Sized 4 in 1 Cooker with 3 Cooking Sections, Stainless Steel Racks for French Fries, Chicken, No Preheat, Self Cleaning, Dishwasher Safe to families and cooks who want a large-capacity, healthier alternative to deep frying. It balances versatility, safety, and easy cleanup, and it handles a wide range of dishes competently.

If you value a Teflon-free interior and the ability to cook several items at once without managing multiple appliances, this unit is worth serious consideration. My experience showed it to be a practical, friendly addition to a busy kitchen that simplifies meals without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.