Load food into either basket, avoid overfilling, slide both baskets fully into the main unit, and set time and temperature on the control panel.
Tower dual basket air fryers solve a real kitchen problem: cooking two foods at once without blending flavors or juggling cook times. Your chicken wings go in one compartment while fries crisp in the other, and the countertop appliance handles both independently. The controls differ a little across Tower’s Vortx lineup, so the smart starting point is which model you own and what its panel actually shows.
What Makes a Dual Basket Air Fryer Different
A dual basket air fryer splits the cooking chamber into two separate compartments with independent baskets, meaning each side cooks at its own temperature and timer.
The headline feature on some models is synchronization. The T17088 includes Smart Finish, and the T17138 adds Sync Finish, both of which make the faster side hold its results so both baskets finish at the same moment. For anyone comparing a few options before buying, our tested dual basket air fryer roundup breaks down which features matter most.
Basic Steps for Cooking With Both Baskets
The core routine is the same for every Tower dual basket unit. Start by placing food directly into one or both baskets, never filling past the point where air can circulate. Tower’s manual guidance emphasizes not overfilling, since crowding stops hot air from reaching all surfaces. Slide each basket firmly into the main unit until it clicks into place.
Then use the control panel to choose your settings. The exact options depend on the model: the T17151 offers nine preset programmes plus a re-heat function, while the T17100 and T17088 give you variable temperature from 50°C up to 200°C. Set each basket’s time and temperature independently, then start the unit.
Matching Food to the Right Basket
The dual-basket design earns its counter space when you use each side for what it does best.
| Model | Capacity | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|
| T17100 Vortx Vizion | 9 litres / 1kg max | 2600W, 50–200°C range |
| T17088 Vortx 9L | 9 litres / 2kg max | Smart Finish sync |
| T17151 Vortx 8L | 8 litres | Viewing windows, 3040W |
| T17137 Dual Basket | 8.5 litres | 2400W, 3-year guarantee |
| T17138 Vortx Elite | 10.4 litres | Sync Finish, 1700W |
One caveat applies across the lineup: specs change from model to model, so the buttons on your unit may not match another Tower exactly. The instruction manual for your specific model is the authoritative source — the T17137 Vortx manual offers a useful reference for how Tower structures its dual-basket controls.
FAQs
Can you cook frozen food in both baskets at once?
Yes. Place frozen fries or nuggets directly in one or both baskets without thawing first. Keep the load below the maximum capacity and shake the baskets halfway through the cook time to ensure even crisping.
How do you clean Tower air fryer baskets?
Remove both baskets after the unit cools completely, then wash them by hand with warm soapy water or place them in the dishwasher if your model permits. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that damage the nonstick coating, and wipe the inside of the main unit with a damp cloth.
Why does food cook unevenly in one basket?
Overfilling is the most common culprit since packed food blocks air circulation. Reduce the portion size, arrange pieces in a single layer where possible, and pause the cook halfway to shake or flip the contents before resuming.
References & Sources
- Manuals Plus. “Tower T17137 Vortx Dual Basket Air Fryer Manual.” Documents the core operating steps and basket handling for Tower’s dual-basket line.