Dreo ChefMaker Combi Fryer Review

Air fryers are convenient, multi-purpose kitchen appliances. I’ve been enjoying an air fryer for some months now, so I was eager to test out the Dreo ChefMaker Combi Fryer. Boasting two years worth of research and development behind it, the ChefMaker promises a magical mix of delicious, easy-to-make food. But does this smart kitchen gadget deserve to take up valuable countertop real estate? Find out in our hands-on Dreo ChefMaker Combi Fryer review!

What is the Dreo ChefMaker?

The ChefMaker from Dreo is a fancy air fryer that utilizes CombiCook technology. Combi fryers use algorithms for precise cooking control like moisture, temperature, and time monitoring – all essential variables for achieving the proper doneness of your meal. Onboard, you’ll find amenities like Wi-Fi for smart home control and a water tank for even cooking.

Dreo ChefMaker Review Verdict

As a self-professed foodie, I had high expectations for the Dreo ChefMaker. Luckily, the Dreo not only met but actually exceeded my lofty goals. It consists of the Combi Fryer itself, a grilling rack, cooking tray, water tank, and temperature probe. The CombiFryer cooks foods, especially meats, to perfection. It accomplishes its exceptional cooking using water and heat.

There’s a built-in water tank on top of the device, used for atomization. Essentially, the water tank is part of the CombiCook atomization system which sprays a water mist on the surface of your food which provides even cooking throughout without charring. And the final stages of cooking remove excess moisture to prevent soggy meals.

You’ll find three modes: Classic Cook, Probe Cook, and Chef Mode. Classic Cook offers an impressive list of options including air fry, bake, toast, roast, broil, defrost, reheat, and dehydrate. I liked the multipurpose design of the Dreo, which meant it worked just as well for baking a tasty salmon filet as toasting a few slices of homemade bread for breakfast.

Probe Cook utilizes the included detachable meat thermometer. While I use my ThermoPro TempSpike wireless meat thermometer for grilling and in the oven, the Dreo’s integrated meat thermometer ensures precise cooking. For instance, I cooked a few salmon filets to the proper temperature recommended by the ChefMaker. On a whim, I popped them back in with the probe inserted and started the cooking process again. Immediately, the ChefMaker’s timer went from 25 or so minutes down to zero. If you’re like me and prone to getting distracted in the kitchen, the ChefMaker is a great sous chef that prevents kitchen catastrophes.

One of my favorite aspects of the ChefMaker is that most components are dishwasher-safe. The main air fryer compartment, grilling rack, and cooking tray can easily be popped into the dishwasher. Not only does this make cleanup a breeze, but it’s more eco-friendly. Using the dishwasher actually saves up to 100 gallons of water a week, so you’re conserving resources.

There’s neat smart home control built-in thanks to the ChefMaker’s onboard Wi-Fi. You’ll need the Dreo app which is also used by other connected devices like Dreo’s tower fans, space heaters, and air purifiers. In the app, you can find recipes, view cooking status like time remaining or temperature, plus even start your device in the app. I tried out a few recipes including some chicken wings and a lovely salmon, both of which turned out well. I’d have liked more recipes, but that’s an easy fix by simply updating in-app content. Similarly, smart home integration with other platforms such as Samsung SmartThings, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and other services would be nice, but it’s not a deal breaker at all.

Overall, the Dreo ChefMaker is a great piece of kit. As a foodie, I found the ChefMaker equally suitable for cooking-averse folks that want a hands-off experience or enthusiasts seeking manual control who love the kitchen. If you want everything from juicy meats and crispy air-fried veggies cooked to perfection, the Dreo ChefMaker deserves a spot on your counter.

Dreo ChefMaker Specs

• Modes: Classic Cook, Probe Cook, Chef Mode
• Capabilities: Air fry, defrost, reheat, broil, roast, toast, bake, dehydrate
• CombiCook technology
• Included items: Dreo ChefMaker Combi Fryer, Cooking Tray, Grilling Rack, Cook Probe
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, app control

Dreo ChefMaker Food Review

Already owning a basic air fryer, I was already sold on the benefits of having one in the kitchen. They’re multipurpose and work well for baking, air frying, roasting, toasting, you name it. Plus, air fryers don’t heat up your kitchen as an oven does, so it’s convenient for cooking in warmer months (depending on where you live, that could be almost never to year-round). As such, I expected to enjoy the Dreo ChefMaker’s smart features but ended up blown away by its mouth-watering food.

First up, I wanted to try some recipes from the Dreo app. I selected a grilled salmon with a fennel bed meal. The app provides all necessary information laid out in an easy-to-follow manner. There’s a difficulty setting, prep time, cook time, ingredients list, required tools (i.e., cook probe), and steps. The steps are written out and offered in video format for intuitive directions. You can even increase the servings which bumps up the ingredient amounts for you, making it foolproof to follow Dreo recipes. The resulting grilled salmon was mouthwatering and expertly flavored.

Next, I tried some garlic parmesan chicken wings. Again, I was impressed with the Dreo’s clear ingredient list and cooking instructions. The first batch came out a bit unevenly done, which I realized was because I overpacked the air fryer compartment (hey, I was hungry). The recipe even warned against cramming too much chicken in the unit. The next batch turned out flawlessly, and I even re-purposed some of the garlic parm mix as a coating for some traditional buffalo wings. The crispy, crunchy exterior was a treat to bit into, while the meat remained tender and juicy.

I also went off (cook) book and tried a number of my own meals. Roasted veggies like cauliflower, broccoli, and brussel sprouts. Roasted and air-fried vegetables came out crispy with a pleasant char, but not overdone. Ultimately, the only minor issue I had with a meal was because of my own haste and overpacking the decently-sized ChefMaker basket.

Dreo ChefMaker Design and Build

The Dreo ChefMaker looks like most air fryers. There’s a big handle that lets you pull out the food basket. Inside the basket, you’ll find a magnetic slot where the included food probe slots in, along with a removable grilling basket and cooking tray.

In the front of the unit, there’s a helpful LCD touchscreen for selecting your desired settings, like mode of operation, temperature, and time.

On top of the unit, you’ll find the water tank which is used for select modes and recipes.

Dreo ChefMaker Smart Home Features

Sometimes smart home features can be a bit gimmicky and less useful. Luckily, I found the Dreo ChefMaker’s suite of connectivity options pretty solid. The Dreo companion app (which also lets you control other Dreo products like fans and air purifiers) offers a slew of features. For instance, you can find recipes in the app, start cooking from your phone, and view the real-time status of cook time and temperature. You even receive a notification when cooking finishes.

Especially if you’re already invested in the Dreo ecosystem, this is a great touch. Even if you’re not, the Dreo app provides excellent functionality for the ChefMaker. I’d have liked more recipes available, but that’s an easy update to implement, and something I expect as the ChefMaker becomes more widely available.

Dreo ChefMaker Review: Final Thoughts

So the real question: Does the Dreo ChefMaker deserve valuable counter space in your kitchen? The answer is a resounding yes. I was wowed at its ability to expertly cook a variety of foods to perfection, including maintaining the juiciness of meats. The temperature probe is a fantastic inclusion, and the app offers fantastic functionality alongside a budding library of recipes. Plus, the fact that nearly all cooking components aside from the meat probe are dishwasher-safe makes post-meal cleanup easy peasy. In the end, the Dreo ChefMaker is a fantastic choice for folks seeking a hands-off experience and ready-made recipes just as much as hardcore foodies that like to get their hands dirty.

Although you could cobble together a makeshift version of the ChefMaker using a budget air fryer and Bluetooth meat probe like the ThermoSpike, you miss out on the CombiCook technology, thermometer integration, and water tank which make the ChefMaker such a spectacular all-around experience. While I’ve got an air fryer already, the ChefMaker is now my go-to for cooking, particularly with meats like fish and chicken.

Dreo ChefMaker Review FAQs