Back on the shelf: Lidl's double-basket air fryer — what buyers in Mallorca should know

New promotion start, same scenes: why everyone is watching

On Sunday, September 22, Lidl on the island will once again put the popular air fryer with two separate cooking compartments on the shelf. The offer runs until September 28, price: €74.99. The announcement already provokes morning mobilization: in front of some stores in Palma, Son Ferriol or at tourist hotspots you can hear on promotion days the typical rustle of shopping bags, the clatter of shopping trolleys and sometimes the distant croaking of seagulls over the car parks.

What the appliance really offers

In short: two baskets of about 4.35 liters each — together around 8.7 liters. The rated power is 2,600 W, plus a touchscreen and a retro-cream housing that fits nicely into many kitchens. 11 preset programs (from preheat to fries, chicken, steak to cake and defrost) make the unit versatile — practical for families or people who like to meal-prep. And yes: compared to classic frying in oil you save fat, which appeals to many on warm evenings in Mallorca.

The uncomfortable question: Why do queues form?

The answer is simple but multi-layered: limited quantities plus high visibility. Lidl promotions on the island have been a self-runner for years. The combination of low price, practical size and appealing design means that not only locals but also holidaymakers jump in. In front of branches you then see people lining up before opening — on sunny days with a cappuccino in a thermos or excited WhatsApp groups asking “who still has one?”.

Critical view: What is often missing from the discussion

The pictures of queues are harmless enough but also reveal problems that are mentioned less often: pressure on parking in residential areas, extra strain on some branches, and the fact that many promotional purchases are impulsive. Do you buy the fryer because it's cheaper but use it rarely? This question affects not only your wallet but also resources — production, transport and possibly a device in the attic or at the flea market at the end.

Also: promotion items bring additional crowds on days that are already busy — Saturdays, Sundays after the beach. That affects older residents and people who need to shop normally. Also rarely discussed is the electricity issue: 2,600 W is no joke. Anyone who fries for a long time every evening should check whether air fryers are energy efficient, especially if cooking in a rental flat with limited wiring.

Concrete opportunities and solutions for Mallorca

Instead of only getting annoyed about queues, practical ways can be found that help everyone. Some suggestions from everyday island life:

1. Plan digitally: Check the app and Lidl weekly leaflet — branches sometimes give hints about limited quantities or restocks. A phone call to the store can clarify whether more will be delivered.

2. Use meeting and swap boards: Local neighborhood groups (online or community platforms like Nextdoor neighborhood platform) can help: whoever buys two to bring one for friends, or swaps devices, avoids unnecessary purchases.

3. More conscious consumption: Ask yourself beforehand: Do I really need two baskets? Are alternatives — a smaller air fryer, the oven, or even sharing with family — sufficient?

4. Retailer dialogue: At the municipal level, it would be possible to talk with retail chains about regulated distribution methods — for example coupon systems, limited reservations or staggered pickup hours for particularly sought-after promotional goods.

Practical tips for buyers on the island

If you still go: take a shopping bag, plan parking time (Son Ferriol is tight on promotion days), and arrive early — at some stores queues form as early as 8:00 AM. Don't rely solely on restocks; some stores do replenish at midday, others don't. And: check return conditions and warranty before throwing away the receipt.

Conclusion: The double-basket air fryer is a solid offer: functional, nicely designed and at a moderate price. At the same time the promotion is a small mirror of bigger questions on Mallorca — how we shop, what priorities we set and how trade and community could better cooperate so that there is less hectic and more sense. Those who need it will be happy; those who only follow the bargain hunt should pause and consider whether the device really belongs in the kitchen or is better off waiting for the next Wallapop second-hand marketplace.