Chefman TurboFry RJ38-V2-35: Specs, Use & Used-Buying Guide

Short verdict: the Chefman TurboFry RJ38-V2-35 is an older, compact analog air fryer that makes most sense for one or two portions and for owners who value two simple dials over presets. Its 3.5-litre basket, 30-minute timer and 1200-watt rating are modest by current standards. It can still be useful if you already own one, but a used example is only worth considering when the model plate, basket, cord and controls are all in sound condition.

This is a specification-led guide, not a hands-on test. We checked Chefman’s current document library and the model’s user guide on 24 October 2026. Because this is an older model without a current Chefman product page, availability and replacement parts may be limited.

Which Chefman TurboFry is this?

This guide covers model RJ38-V2-35. Chefman’s own user guide calls it a 3.5-Liter Air Fryer; some US retailer records describe the same model as 3.6 qt. That difference is naming and rounding, not evidence of a different appliance. If you are matching a manual, basket or second-hand listing, use the model number on the rating label underneath the unit rather than relying on “TurboFry” or the capacity alone.

Do not confuse it with the newer digital Chefman TurboFry 3.5-qt models. Those have touch controls, a higher maximum temperature and different model codes. The RJ38-V2-35 in this guide has two rotary dials, separate power and heating lights, a pull-out basket and no digital display.

Chefman RJ38-V2-35 specifications

Model	RJ38-V2-35
Official capacity name	3.5 litres; also sold as 3.6 qt
Controls	Two rotary dials: temperature and timer
Temperature range	About 175–400°F / 80–205°C
Timer	Up to 30 minutes, with bell and automatic switch-off at the end
Power	1200 W, 120 V, 60 Hz
Basket system	Removable non-stick fryer basket and basket tray
Cleaning	User guide says the fryer basket and tank are dishwasher-safe
Display / presets	None

The controls are intentionally basic. One dial sets heat and the other sets time; the lights show power and heating status. There is no remaining-time display, shake reminder or saved program. That simplicity is easy to understand, but a 30-minute mechanical timer is less convenient for recipes that need longer cooking than modern 60-minute controls.

How much food fits in 3.5 litres?

Capacity labels do not tell you how much food will brown well in one layer. The RJ38-V2-35 is best treated as a one-to-two-person machine for foods that need exposed surface area: a couple of small portions of fries, vegetables, frozen snacks or chicken pieces. You can physically load more, but crowding reduces airflow and usually means more shaking and less even browning.

It is a poor fit if you regularly need four complete portions at once, cook large bone-in pieces, or want two foods kept separate. For broader sizing help, see our air fryer size guide. A newer 5- to 6-quart basket model generally gives a couple or small family more useful cooking area without requiring as many batches.

What the analog controls are like to use

The user guide’s sequence is straightforward: place the unit on a flat, stable surface, add food to the basket, slide the assembly into the fryer, set temperature and then turn the timer. The appliance starts when the timer is engaged. When the bell sounds, pull out the basket and check the food; add more time if needed.

Chefman’s guide says to add about three minutes when starting from cold, or to preheat the empty appliance for about four minutes. It also tells users to shake or turn some foods during cooking. Those are starting instructions rather than promises: food thickness, load size and starting temperature still affect the result.

A practical first-cook routine

1. Confirm the basket tray is seated securely and that the basket is clean and dry.
2. Leave ventilation space around the appliance and keep the cord away from hot surfaces.
3. Start with a modest, single-layer load rather than filling the basket to the top.
4. Use the manual’s time and temperature table as a starting point.
5. Shake or turn food partway through when pieces overlap.
6. Check doneness with an appropriate food thermometer where food safety requires it.

If this is your first air fryer, our first-use walkthrough explains placement, the initial wash and a simple test cook in more detail.

Strengths and trade-offs

What works well	What to consider
Two dials are quick to learn and do not require navigating menus.	The 30-minute timer may need to be reset for longer recipes.
The 3.5-litre basket suits small portions and a smaller household.	It is likely to require batches for family-sized meals.
The removable basket and tank are listed as dishwasher-safe.	Dishwasher cleaning can still be harder on a worn non-stick surface than gentle hand washing.
A 1200-watt heater is a relatively modest electrical load for a US countertop air fryer.	It does not have the heat ceiling, programs or reminders found on newer digital models.
The manual remains available in Chefman’s document library.	The model is not presented as a current product on Chefman’s store, so model-specific parts may be harder to source.

Cleaning and coating care

Let the appliance cool, unplug it, and remove the basket assembly before cleaning. Chefman’s guide instructs owners to clean the basket and tank with hot water, soap and a non-abrasive sponge before first use; it also identifies those parts as dishwasher-safe. The appliance body should be wiped with a damp cloth rather than immersed.

For an older basket, gentle hand washing is the conservative choice if the coating is already showing wear. Avoid metal utensils and abrasive pads. If the cooking surface is peeling, deeply scratched or blistered, do not disguise the damage with oil or liners; replace the compatible part if an authentic one can be sourced, or retire the appliance. Our guides to cleaning an air fryer and non-stick air fryer coatings cover the broader care questions.

Buying the RJ38-V2-35 used

This model is more likely to appear second-hand than as current new stock. A low price alone is not enough reason to buy an older countertop heating appliance. Ask for the exact model number and inspect the unit in person where possible.

• Identity: the label underneath should say RJ38-V2-35 and show the expected 120 V electrical rating.
• Basket completeness: confirm the fryer basket, basket tray and handle are present, fit correctly and are not warped.
• Coating: reject a basket with peeling, flaking, heavy corrosion or exposed damaged substrate.
• Power parts: do not buy a unit with a cracked plug, damaged cord, melted plastic or scorch marks.
• Controls: both dials should turn consistently; the timer should count down and ring rather than stick.
• Heat and shut-off: the appliance should heat normally and stop at the end of the timer. Stop immediately if it produces an electrical smell, sparks or abnormal smoke.
• Odour and residue: heavy grease inside the housing or persistent burnt odour can signal poor maintenance that surface cleaning will not solve.

Missing baskets and trays can erase any saving because similarly named Chefman models are not proof of part compatibility. Confirm a replacement specifically names RJ38-V2-35 before ordering.

Is it still worth using?

Keep using it if you already own a clean, undamaged unit, cook small portions and prefer uncomplicated controls. The basic design is sufficient for reheating crisp foods, roasting vegetables and cooking modest frozen-food portions.

Consider replacing it if you constantly cook in batches, need more than 30 minutes, cannot read the dial markings, or the basket coating, cord or housing is damaged. A current compact model can add a clearer timer, shake reminders and more usable temperature control, while a larger single basket may better match two substantial servings.

Do not choose it just because a listing says “TurboFry.” Chefman has used that name across multiple generations. Model code, electrical rating, controls and included parts are the meaningful checks.

Frequently asked questions

Is the RJ38-V2-35 a 3.5-litre or 3.6-quart air fryer?

Chefman’s user guide calls it 3.5 litres. Some US retailer listings call the same RJ38-V2-35 model 3.6 qt. Use the model number to identify the appliance; both capacity labels appear in the market.

Does it need preheating?

The manual allows either approach. It says to add about three minutes when the appliance is cold, and also describes preheating without food for about four minutes. Treat that as a starting point and adjust for the food and load.

Are the removable parts dishwasher-safe?

The model’s guide says the fryer basket and tank are dishwasher-safe. For a well-used non-stick basket, gentle hand washing with a soft sponge may help avoid additional abrasion.

Does it have automatic shut-off?

The 30-minute timer ends with a bell and switches the heater off. That does not replace normal supervision or the instruction to unplug the appliance after use.

Can it cook for four people?

The volume may hold some four-person side dishes, but foods that depend on airflow are unlikely to cook best as four full portions in one batch. For main meals, this is more realistically a one-to-two-person format.

Can I buy a basket from another Chefman TurboFry?

Do not assume so. TurboFry is a family name used across different capacities and generations. Buy only a part that explicitly lists RJ38-V2-35 compatibility and compare the attachment points and dimensions.

Our conclusion

The Chefman RJ38-V2-35 is a simple older air fryer rather than a feature-rich current recommendation. Its two dials, compact basket and available manual make it approachable for an existing owner, but the small cooking area and short timer are real limitations. If you find one used, condition and exact-model verification matter more than a low asking price. For a new purchase, compare current compact models with stronger parts support and choose capacity based on the food you actually want to cook.

Sources checked

• Chefman Document Library: Air Fryers — RJ38-V2-35 user-guide listing, checked 24 October 2026.
• Chefman RJ38-V2-35 3.5-Liter Air Fryer user guide (PDF) — controls, first use, operation, cleaning and warranty information.