The emotional subtext here isn't really about health. It's about the fantasy of becoming a person who cooks at home instead of ordering Swiggy four times a week. At this price, you're buying a permission slip to stop feeling guilty about oil. The chaos: this sits exactly where 'I'm being responsible' and 'I'll use this twice then shove it behind the pressure cooker' are genuinely indistinguishable at checkout.
What actually holds up in this range: a compact 4L unit with a mechanical dial, not digital. Fewer electronic parts, fewer failure points, and you can find the temperature knob without reading a manual. If your household cooks for four or more, look at 6L models with a proper mesh basket, not the flat tray style. Those handle samosas and frozen snacks without the bottom half steaming instead of crisping. The 12L oven-style combos at this price look impressive but the heating element underperforms at that size.
The most common mistake: buying the one with a digital touchscreen panel at ₹2,800 because it looks premium. That panel is usually the first thing to go in budget units, around month four. Same trap with non-stick baskets that don't specify PFOA-free coating. And if you're in a joint family kitchen where multiple people will claim it, also verify: does it fit the counter space, because the oven-style models at this price are surprisingly large.