Chefman RJ38-6TW-BLACK Review: 6-Qt Easy-View Guide

Short verdict: the Chefman TurboFry Touch RJ38-6TW-BLACK is a current 6-quart digital basket air fryer for shoppers who want a compact footprint, a viewing window and simple preset controls. Its 1,700-watt heater, 90–450°F range and two-minute Hi-Fry finish give it more flexibility than Chefman’s older analog models. The main trade-offs are a single cooking zone and the need to verify the exact regional model before using a manual or buying replacement parts.

This is a specification-led review, not a hands-on test. We checked Chefman’s current product page, document library and linked user guide on 24 October 2026. Performance comments below are based on the design and instructions rather than invented test results.

Which Chefman model does this review cover?

This guide covers the US Chefman RJ38-6TW-BLACK, also sold as the TurboFry Touch 6-Quart Easy-View Air Fryer. The important identifier is the complete model code on the rating label, not just “TurboFry Touch.” Chefman sells several closely related 4- and 6-quart models, including versions without a viewing window.

There is also a Canadian RJ38-6TW-BLACK-CA variant. Chefman’s product page lists the US appliance as 6 qt / 5.67 L, while the linked Canadian-series manual uses a 5.5-litre name. That does not justify merging the specifications. Match the model and electrical rating on your appliance before following region-specific documentation or ordering parts.

Chefman RJ38-6TW-BLACK specifications

Exact model	RJ38-6TW-BLACK
Official capacity	6 qt / 5.67 L
Power	1,700 W, 120 V
Temperature range	90–450°F / 32–232°C
Controls	Digital touch controls with four cooking presets
Cooking system	Single non-stick basket and removable rack
Window	Easy-view window in the basket
Special function	Hi-Fry finishing mode at 450°F
Dimensions	14.88 × 11.1 × 11 in / 37.79 × 28.19 × 27.94 cm
Weight	10.1 lb / 4.58 kg
Cleaning	Basket and rack listed as top-rack dishwasher-safe
Safety / assurance	Automatic shut-off; cETL approved; one-year Chefman assurance

These figures come from Chefman’s current US product page. They are more reliable for this exact appliance than specifications copied from a similarly named retailer listing.

What 6 quarts means in everyday use

A 6-quart label describes basket volume, not the amount of food that will brown evenly. Air frying works best when hot air can reach exposed surfaces, so a loose layer of food usually matters more than filling the basket to its stated capacity. Chefman positions this size for three to five people, but actual servings depend on the food and whether it is a side or a main.

The RJ38-6TW should suit a couple that wants room for larger portions, or a small family willing to shake food and occasionally cook in batches. It is less suitable for anyone who regularly needs two foods at different temperatures, because there is one basket and one cooking setting. See our air fryer size guide for a capacity-first comparison.

Controls, presets and the viewing window

The top-mounted digital panel lets you adjust time and temperature or choose one of four presets. Presets are starting points rather than automatic doneness detectors: thickness, starting temperature and basket load still affect cooking time. The shake reminder is useful for foods such as fries and small vegetables, although you still need to decide whether a particular food benefits from turning.

The basket window lets you check visible browning without opening the drawer. That can reduce unnecessary heat loss, but it does not replace checking the centre of thick food. Condensation or grease may also limit the view during some cooks. For meat, poultry and fish, use a suitable food thermometer and follow current food-safety guidance.

How Hi-Fry works

Chefman describes Hi-Fry as a high-heat finishing step. The manual for the series says it raises the temperature to 450°F for the final two minutes. That makes it most relevant when the outside of food needs a short final push, not as a promise that every recipe should run at maximum temperature for the full cycle.

Use it selectively. Thin food can darken quickly at 450°F, sugary glazes can scorch, and excess crumbs or rendered fat can smoke. Check through the window and stop early if the surface has reached the finish you want.

Counter space and electrical requirements

The body is about 11 inches wide, but the depth is nearly 15 inches before allowing space for airflow and the handle. Measure the full placement area rather than the basket opening alone. Chefman’s linked series guide calls for approximately 6 inches / 15 cm of clearance above and behind the appliance during use.

The US RJ38-6TW-BLACK is rated at 120 V and 1,700 W. It should be plugged directly into an appropriate wall outlet rather than an extension lead, and it should not share an overloaded circuit with another high-draw appliance. A US 120-volt rating does not make it suitable for a 230-volt supply. Our air fryer wattage guide explains the electrical load in more detail.

First use and a sensible cooking routine

Confirm that the rating label says RJ38-6TW-BLACK and 120 V.
Remove packaging and wash the basket and rack with warm, soapy water before the first cook.
Place the unit on a dry, level, heat-resistant surface with the required ventilation space.
Start with a modest load so air can circulate around the food.
Select a preset or set time and temperature manually; treat the displayed values as a starting point.
Shake or turn the food when useful, and check safe internal temperature before serving.

A small amount of manufacturing odour can occur on an initial heat cycle, but persistent electrical, melting-plastic or heavy smoke smells are not normal. Switch off, unplug and inspect the appliance if that happens.

Cleaning and non-stick care

Chefman lists the basket and rack as top-rack dishwasher-safe. Hand washing with warm water, mild detergent and a soft sponge is still the gentler option for a non-stick surface. Let the appliance cool before cleaning, and never immerse the main body, cord or plug.

Avoid metal tools, abrasive pads and aerosol cooking sprays on the non-stick coating. The series guide warns that aerosol propellants can contribute to residue that is difficult to remove. If food is stuck, soak the removable parts rather than scraping them. Wipe the interior and heating area only when the appliance is cool and unplugged. See our full air fryer cleaning guide for a step-by-step routine.

Strengths and trade-offs

Potential strengths	Trade-offs to consider
Current exact model with an official product page and document support.	One basket cannot run two temperatures at the same time.
6-quart capacity in an approximately 11-inch-wide body.	The handle and ventilation clearance increase the real counter-space requirement.
Window, shake reminder and four presets reduce routine guesswork.	Presets and the window do not confirm internal doneness.
450°F Hi-Fry adds a short high-heat finishing option.	Maximum heat can over-brown delicate or sugary foods quickly.
Basket and rack are listed as top-rack dishwasher-safe.	Gentle hand washing is kinder to a non-stick coating over time.
Automatic shut-off when the timer ends or basket is removed.	Automatic shut-off does not make an operating heating appliance unattended-safe.

Who should choose it?

It is a sensible match for:

a couple or small household wanting a roomier single basket;
someone who values a viewing window and simple digital presets;
buyers who want a current Chefman model with exact documentation;
people who prefer a compact-width appliance over a dual-basket format.

Consider a different format if:

you regularly cook two foods at different temperatures;
you need a broad, shallow cooking surface for large flat items;
you have a 230-volt kitchen and no matching regional version;
you want a stainless-steel cooking surface rather than a non-stick basket;
you often prepare full family meals that would require multiple batches.

How it differs from older Chefman TurboFry models

Chefman has used the TurboFry name across several generations, so the family name alone is not enough for comparison. The older RJ38-V2-35 guide covers a 3.5-litre analog model with two dials, a 30-minute timer and 1,200-watt rating. The RJ38-6TW-BLACK here is a larger, current digital model with a window, presets, reminders and a higher temperature ceiling.

If you are replacing an older machine, do not assume its basket, rack or manual is compatible. Match the full model code on Chefman’s documentation before ordering accessories.

Troubleshooting basics

The air fryer will not start

Check that the basket is fully inserted, the plug is secure and a time has been selected. Test the wall outlet with another small appliance only if it is safe to do so. Do not bypass the basket interlock.

Food is browning unevenly

Reduce the load, separate overlapping pieces and shake or turn food partway through. Wet batter and crowded food restrict airflow and will not behave like dry breading.

White smoke appears

Fat or old residue may be reaching a hot surface. Stop the appliance, let it cool and clean the basket, rack and accessible interior. A little steam from moist food is different from persistent smoke or an electrical smell.

The display shows an error

The linked series guide says an E3 message can indicate overheating; unplug the unit and allow it to cool completely. E1 or E2 messages should be referred to Chefman support. Do not open the housing or attempt an electrical repair.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Chefman RJ38-6TW-BLACK really 6 quarts?

Chefman’s current US product page specifies 6 qt / 5.67 L. A Canadian-series manual may use a 5.5-litre name, which is why the complete regional model code matters.

Does it reach 450°F?

Yes. Chefman lists a 90–450°F range and presents 450°F as the Hi-Fry finishing temperature. The series instructions describe Hi-Fry as a two-minute final stage.

Can the basket go in the dishwasher?

Chefman lists the basket and rack as top-rack dishwasher-safe. Hand washing remains the lower-abrasion choice for preserving a non-stick finish.

Does it shut off when the basket is removed?

Chefman says the appliance shuts off when cooking ends or the basket is removed. Normal supervision, correct placement and unplugging after use are still required.

Is this a dual-basket air fryer?

No. It has one 6-quart basket and runs one time and temperature setting at a time.

Our conclusion

The Chefman RJ38-6TW-BLACK offers a useful middle ground: more cooking room and control than an older compact analog fryer, without the width of a dual-basket appliance. The window, shake reminder and Hi-Fry finish are genuinely relevant features, while the exact 120-volt rating and regional manual differences deserve careful attention. It is best for shoppers who want one straightforward 6-quart basket and are comfortable caring for a non-stick surface.

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Sources checked

Chefman TurboFry Touch 6-Quart Easy-View Air Fryer — exact US model, capacity, electrical rating, temperature range, dimensions, weight, controls, cleaning and assurance; checked 24 October 2026.
Chefman air-fryer document library — RJ38-6TW-series US guide and separate Canadian documentation; checked 24 October 2026.
Chefman RJ38-6TW-BLACK-CA user guide (PDF) — controls, Hi-Fry operation, clearance, cleaning and error-code guidance. This is the linked Canadian-series guide, so its regional capacity name is not used as the US specification.