Short verdict: the Chefman TurboFry Touch RJ38-4TW-BLACK is a compact 4-quart digital air fryer for one to three people, or small side portions for four. Its useful features are the basket window, four presets, shake reminder and two-minute 450°F Hi-Fry finish. The main limits are the single cooking zone, a 120-volt US electrical rating and less usable surface area than a larger 6-quart basket.
This is a specification-led review, not a hands-on test. We checked Chefman’s current US product page, official user guide and document library on 24 October 2026. Performance comments below are based on the documented design and operating instructions, not invented test results.
- Which exact model does this review cover?
- Chefman RJ38-4TW-BLACK specifications
- What a 4-quart basket means in practice
- Controls, presets and viewing window
- How the Hi-Fry function works
- Counter space, clearance and electrical fit
- First use and a sensible cooking routine
- Cleaning and non-stick care
- Strengths and trade-offs
- RJ38-4TW versus other Chefman sizes
- Who should choose it?
- Troubleshooting basics
- The fryer will not start
- Food browns unevenly
- White smoke appears
- The display shows E1, E2 or E3
- Frequently asked questions
- Is the RJ38-4TW-BLACK the same as the RJ38-4T-BLACK?
- Does it reach 450°F?
- Is preheating required?
- Can the basket go in the dishwasher?
- Is this a dual-basket air fryer?
- Our conclusion
- Sources checked
Which exact model does this review cover?
This guide covers the black US Chefman RJ38-4TW-BLACK, sold as the TurboFry Touch 4-Quart Easy-View Air Fryer. The full code matters: Chefman also sells an RJ38-4T-BLACK without the “W” window designation, plus regional RJ38-4TW variants with different electrical requirements and documentation.
Check the rating label underneath the appliance, the bottom of the box or the front of the user guide before buying accessories or following model-specific instructions. Chefman says its appliance model numbers begin with “RJ.” A retailer title that only says “Chefman 4-Quart” is not enough to establish an exact match.
Chefman RJ38-4TW-BLACK specifications
| Exact model | RJ38-4TW-BLACK |
|---|---|
| Product family | TurboFry Touch 4-Quart Easy-View |
| Official capacity | 4 qt / 3.78 L |
| Power | 1,500 W, 120 V |
| Temperature range | 90–450°F / 32–232°C |
| Controls | Digital touch panel with four presets |
| Cooking system | Single non-stick basket with removable rack |
| Window | Easy-view basket window with internal light |
| Special function | Two-minute 450°F Hi-Fry finish |
| Dimensions | 13.8 × 10 × 10.2 in / 35 × 25.4 × 25.9 cm |
| Weight | 7.5 lb / 3.4 kg |
| Cleaning | Basket and rack listed as top-rack dishwasher-safe |
| Safety / assurance | Automatic shut-off, cETL approval, one-year Chefman assurance |
These figures come from Chefman’s current page for the exact RJ38-4TW-BLACK. Do not substitute specifications from the similarly named RJ38-4T-BLACK: Chefman currently lists that non-window model at 1,700 W and gives it a different temperature specification.
What a 4-quart basket means in practice
Chefman markets this size for two to four people, but basket volume is not the same as an evenly browning food load. Air needs space to move around exposed surfaces. A loose layer of fries, vegetables or breaded pieces will generally cook more evenly than food packed up to the rim.
The 4-quart format is a strong fit for a single person who wants leftovers, a couple cooking a main or two sides, or a household using the air fryer alongside another appliance. Four modest snack or side portions may be realistic, but four full main-course portions are more likely to require batches. For a broader capacity comparison, see our air fryer size guide.
Controls, presets and viewing window
The control panel provides separate time and temperature adjustment, four food presets, a shake indicator, light button, Start and Stop/Cancel controls. The manual identifies the presets as meat, chicken, fish and fries. Their default settings are starting points, not doneness sensors: food thickness, starting temperature and basket load still affect the result.
The window and light let you inspect visible browning without opening the basket. That can reduce unnecessary interruption, but condensation or grease can obscure the view, and surface colour cannot confirm that the centre of meat or fish is safe. Use a suitable food thermometer where food-safety guidance calls for one.
The shake reminder appears halfway through the documented preset times. Shake small foods such as fries; turn larger pieces; and flip delicate fish rather than shaking it. If a food does not need movement, the manual says the reminder can be ignored.
How the Hi-Fry function works
Chefman’s user guide says the Hi-Fry button raises the temperature to 450°F for two minutes. It is a short finishing step designed to add browning or crispness near the end of cooking, not a full-cycle mode for every recipe.
Watch thin food and sugary coatings closely at that temperature. Crumbs, marinades and rendered fat can darken or smoke quickly. The window is particularly useful here: stop the cycle early if the surface has reached the finish you want.
Counter space, clearance and electrical fit
The body is only 10 inches wide, but it is 13.8 inches deep before accounting for the handle and rear ventilation. The official guide calls for at least 6 inches of clearance above and behind the appliance. Measure the operating position, not only the shelf where you plan to store it.
The US RJ38-4TW-BLACK is rated at 120 V and 1,500 W. It needs an appropriate wall outlet and should not share an overloaded circuit with another high-draw appliance. A plug adapter does not convert a US 120-volt appliance for a 220–240-volt supply. Read our air fryer wattage guide for more context.
First use and a sensible cooking routine
- Confirm that the label shows RJ38-4TW-BLACK and the expected 120-volt rating.
- Remove packaging, wipe the body and wash the basket and rack with warm, soapy water.
- Dry every part and place the fryer on a flat, sturdy, heat-resistant surface with the required clearance.
- Set the rack securely in the basket, feet downward, and keep food below the MAX line.
- Choose a preset or set time and temperature manually, then press Start.
- Shake or turn food when appropriate and check doneness early until you know how your usual portions behave.
Chefman says preheating for five minutes is optional: it can shorten cooking and promote browning, but a cold start can work if you allow extra time. A slight odour on the first use may dissipate, while persistent electrical, melting-plastic or heavy smoke smells are reasons to stop, unplug and inspect the appliance.
Cleaning and non-stick care
The basket and rack are listed as top-rack dishwasher-safe. Hand washing with warm water, mild detergent and a soft sponge is the gentler choice for a non-stick finish. Let parts cool before handling, and never immerse the body, cord or plug.
Avoid metal tools, abrasive pads and aerosol cooking sprays on the non-stick parts. Chefman warns that aerosol spray can damage the coating. Do not use window cleaner on the basket window; wash it with the basket using mild soap. If residue is stuck, soak the removable parts instead of scraping them. Our air fryer cleaning guide covers a deeper routine.
Strengths and trade-offs
| Potential strengths | Trade-offs to consider |
|---|---|
| Compact 10-inch body width. | Handle and ventilation clearance make the real footprint larger. |
| Window and light help monitor browning. | The window cannot confirm internal doneness. |
| Four presets plus manual time and temperature control. | Presets still require judgement and portion adjustments. |
| 450°F two-minute Hi-Fry finish. | Maximum heat can over-brown delicate or sugary foods quickly. |
| Shake reminder and automatic cooking stop. | One basket cannot run two foods at different settings. |
| Top-rack dishwasher-safe basket and rack. | Gentle hand washing is kinder to non-stick coating. |
RJ38-4TW versus other Chefman sizes
| Model | Best fit | Key distinction |
|---|---|---|
| RJ38-2T | One person, snacks, very small counter | 2 qt, 900 W, no basket window |
| RJ38-4TW-BLACK | One to three people, or sides for four | 4 qt, 1,500 W, window and Hi-Fry |
| RJ38-6TW-BLACK | Larger portions and small-family mains | 6 qt, 1,700 W, window and Hi-Fry |
The 4-quart model is the balance point: more flexible than the 2-quart mini without taking the full space of the 6-quart version. If you often cook broad layers of food, the 6-quart basket may reduce batching. If compact storage is the priority, the 2-quart model is easier to place. Our Chefman model guide lists the other tracked RJ38 families and regional checks.
Who should choose it?
It is a sensible match for:
- one or two people who want useful headroom beyond a mini fryer;
- small households cooking sides, snacks or modest mains;
- shoppers who value a viewing window and uncomplicated digital controls;
- buyers with a North American 120-volt kitchen who can give it proper clearance.
Consider another format if:
- you routinely cook four full meals in one batch;
- you need two independent time and temperature zones;
- your kitchen supply is 220–240 V and you do not have the correct regional model;
- you want a stainless-steel cooking surface rather than non-stick coating;
- you have less than 6 inches of safe ventilation space above and behind the unit.
Troubleshooting basics
The fryer will not start
Check that the basket is fully inserted, the plug is secure and you have selected time and temperature before pressing Start. Do not bypass the basket interlock or open the housing.
Food browns unevenly
Reduce the load, separate overlapping pieces and shake or turn food during cooking. Wet batter and an overcrowded basket block airflow; use breading or a thicker coating instead.
White smoke appears
Rendered fat or old residue may be contacting a hot surface. Stop cooking, let the unit cool and clean the basket, rack and accessible interior. Steam from moist food is different from persistent smoke or an electrical smell.
The display shows E1, E2 or E3
The official guide says E3 indicates the overheating protection has operated; unplug and let the fryer cool fully. E1 or E2 indicates a malfunction that should be referred to Chefman support.
Frequently asked questions
Is the RJ38-4TW-BLACK the same as the RJ38-4T-BLACK?
No. They are closely related 4-quart TurboFry Touch models, but the “W” version has the easy-view window and Chefman publishes different power and temperature specifications. Match the full code.
Does it reach 450°F?
Yes. Chefman lists a 90–450°F range, and the series manual describes 450°F as the two-minute Hi-Fry finishing temperature.
Is preheating required?
No. The manual describes a five-minute preheat as optional. Preheating may improve browning and shorten the cook, while a cold start may need a few extra minutes.
Can the basket go in the dishwasher?
Chefman lists the basket and rack as top-rack dishwasher-safe. Hand washing is the gentler option for the non-stick coating.
Is this a dual-basket air fryer?
No. It has one 4-quart basket and operates one time and temperature setting at a time.
Our conclusion
The Chefman RJ38-4TW-BLACK is a well-defined current model rather than a vague TurboFry listing. Its 4-quart capacity, window, four presets, shake reminder and short Hi-Fry finish make sense for compact kitchens and smaller meals. The best reason to step up to the 6-quart model is cooking surface and fewer batches; the best reason to choose the 2-quart model is storage. Whichever size you choose, verify the complete model code and voltage before buying.
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Sources checked
- Chefman TurboFry Touch 4-Quart Easy-View Air Fryer — exact US model, capacity, power, temperature range, dimensions, weight, controls, cleaning and assurance; checked 24 October 2026.
- Chefman RJ38-4TW-Series user guide (PDF) — controls, presets, Hi-Fry, clearance, first use, cleaning and error-code guidance.
- Chefman air-fryer document library — RJ38 family and regional manuals; checked 24 October 2026.
- Chefman model-number guide — exact-code identification locations; checked 24 October 2026.
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