Air fryer shopping used to mean comparing capacity and wattage. Now it means picking a cooking surface material too, with glass, ceramic and traditional non-stick baskets all competing for the same counter space, each with a different pitch about why it is the better choice. Here is how they actually compare, beyond the marketing.
Because there is no coating to begin with, an uncoated glass bowl, like the one used in EDT’s LUMA (detailed in the LUMA air fryer guide ), sidesteps the coating question entirely: there is no PTFE, no ceramic layer, nothing to scratch off or degrade under heat,. This is still the most common air fryer surface by a wide margin, and for good reason: it releases food easily even with little or no oil, it is inexpensive to manufacture, and it works well when new and properly cared for. The trade-offs are the ones covered in detail in are air fryer coatings safe: PFAS, PTFE and PFOA explained : the coating is a PFAS compound, it degrades with high heat or physical damage, and it has a finite lifespan before it needs replacing, typically one to three years of regular use. The bowl itself, typically borosilicate glass chosen specifically for its resistance to thermal shock, is the cooking surface. The trade-offs are practical rather than chemical. Glass needs a light coat of oil for best results, since it lacks any non-stick surface treatment. It is heavier than a comparable metal basket, which matters for lifting and pouring hot food. And glass air fryers, being a newer category with fewer manufacturers, tend to sit at a higher price point than mass-produced coated alternatives.
The upside beyond the coating question: full visibility into the cooking chamber while it runs, no coating wear to worry about over years of ownership, and straightforward cleaning with standard dish soap or a dishwasher, without needing to protect a delicate coated surface from scratching. This is worth being honest about: the cooking surface material has a smaller effect on how food actually turns out than the appliance’s heating design, airflow, and temperature accuracy. A well-designed glass or ceramic air fryer and a well-designed non-stick one can produce comparably crispy results. Where material does matter directly is release (how easily food comes off the surface without sticking or tearing) and maintenance (how the surface holds up over months and years of use), not the fundamental crispness or doneness of the food itself.
How to Choose
Choose glass if: avoiding coatings entirely is a genuine priority for you, you value being able to see food cook, and you are comfortable with a heavier bowl and a higher upfront price in exchange for a surface that will not wear out or need replacing due to coating degradation.
