Chefman RJ38-2 Air Fryer Review
Our verdict
The Chefman RJ38-2 is a 5 qt basket air fryer with 1500 W, touch controls, and an aluminum and plastic construction, priced at $82.15. A 4.6-star rating from 4,300 reviewers makes it one of the most validated models in this capacity range, standing a full notch above most budget and mid-range competition.
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Anyone cooking for one to three people who wants a highly rated, proven basket air fryer at a reasonable price. The 4.6-star score across a large review pool makes it an especially confident recommendation for buyers who prioritize track record.
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Households that regularly cook for four or more will need a 6 to 10 qt model. At 3.65 lb this unit is exceptionally light, which could mean a less substantial feel compared to heavier metal-bodied alternatives if build solidity is a priority.
- Capacity 5.0 qt
- Wattage 1500 W
- Material Aluminum, Plastic
- Controls Touch
- Color Black
- Dimensions 11 X 14 X 13 In
- Priced 33% below the category median ($122.22 across 65 tracked models)
- Capacity of 5.0 qt - smaller than 75% of the 66 models we track
- Wattage of 1500 W - lower than 60% of the 66 models we track
Pros
- 4.6 stars from 4,300 reviewers is exceptional validation at this price tier
- Extremely light at 3.65 lb, easy to lift and store one-handed
- 5 qt basket is right-sized for one to three person meals
- Touch controls are clean and easy to operate
- Aluminum construction aids heat distribution compared to all-plastic alternatives
Cons
- At 3.65 lb, some buyers may perceive the build as less substantial
- 1500 W is not the highest wattage in this size class
- 5 qt caps out when cooking for larger groups
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.6/5
4.6 average across 4,300 owner ratings
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Popularity4.6/5
4,300 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other air fryers, deep fryers, indoor grills, griddles and countertop cooking appliances we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Specifications
- Capacity
- 5.0 qt
- Wattage
- 1500 W
- Material
- Aluminum, Plastic
- Controls
- Touch
- Color
- Black
- Dimensions
- 11 X 14 X 13 In
- Weight
- 3.65 lb
- Voltage
- 120 Volts
Overview
The Chefman RJ38-2 earns its reputation through a combination of consistent buyer satisfaction and solid core specs. A 5 qt basket accommodates the majority of single-household and couple cooking tasks, from a batch of chicken wings to a dinner's worth of roasted vegetables. The aluminum and plastic construction is lightweight, bringing the unit to just 3.65 lb, which is strikingly easy to lift and store.
At 1500 W the power supply is in the same range as other Chefman basket models. The touch interface keeps operation clean, allowing direct temperature and time input. Dimensions of 11 x 14 x 13 in match what you expect from a standard 5 qt unit, fitting neatly on a typical kitchen counter without occupying excessive space.
The $82.15 price point is about $20 higher than the Chefman Large basket variant, and the payoff is in the dramatically stronger rating: 4.6 stars versus 4.4, from more than twice as many reviewers. For buyers prioritizing confidence in their purchase over saving $20, the RJ38-2 is the more defensible choice in the Chefman lineup.
Performance notes
The aluminum and plastic construction is a practical choice: aluminum conducts heat efficiently, which helps with cooking evenness in the basket relative to all-plastic designs. At 1500 W and 5 qt, the unit is well-matched, meaning it is not trying to heat an oversized cavity with undersized power. Touch controls at 120 V make this a standard US-outlet appliance. The 3.65 lb weight is notably below the 10 to 12 lb typical for this basket class, reflecting the aluminum-heavy material choice. The 11 x 14 x 13 in footprint is unremarkable and fits on counters without issue.
What buyers say
With 4,300 reviews at 4.6 stars, buyer sentiment is strongly positive and the sample is large enough to be statistically meaningful. At this star level with this review count, a high proportion of buyers are actively satisfied with their purchase, not merely neutral. The score suggests the RJ38-2 delivers consistent results across a wide range of users and cooking styles, which is the real signal at the 4.6 threshold. Minor criticisms in this segment typically involve cook time calibration or learning the right temperature settings, not fundamental product failures.
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Frequently asked questions
Why is this so much lighter than other air fryers?
At 3.65 lb, the RJ38-2 is substantially lighter than the 10 to 12 lb typical for 5 qt basket air fryers. This comes from the aluminum construction choice, which is lighter than steel while still conducting heat well. The lighter weight is genuinely useful for daily moving and cleaning.
How does this compare to the Chefman Large Air Fryer (B09BZVP4VW)?
Both share 5 qt capacity and 1500 W, but the RJ38-2 has a higher rating (4.6 vs 4.4), more than twice the review count, and an aluminum frame rather than a plastic and stainless steel blend. The RJ38-2 costs about $20 more and represents the stronger buy for buyers who want extra confidence.
Does the aluminum basket affect cooking performance?
Aluminum is a good heat conductor, which can contribute to more consistent browning across the basket compared to plastic-heavy designs. The difference in practice is subtle but the material choice does mean the basket itself participates in heat distribution rather than insulating against it.