Smaller households with limited space
You mainly prepare small portions and want an appliance that’s easy to take out, clean and put away. The shape of the basket and the appliance’s external dimensions matter just as much as its stated capacity.
Who are these options suited to?
Households that cook a main and a side together
You often need different cooking times or temperatures for the two dishes. Separate drawers can save you from cooking in batches, as long as each recipe fits in its own cooking zone.
People who already have an oven
You want to know whether a countertop appliance would serve a different purpose from your oven. How often you cook small batches, the space available and whether you need two zones are key considerations.
What sets the different formats apart?
Single basket
Consider this if: you mainly cook one thing at a time and want to keep the appliance’s footprint small.
Bear in mind: food cooked in the same batch will share the same cooking settings.
Dual compartment
Consider this if: you regularly cook a main and a side that need different settings.
Bear in mind: the stated capacity is divided between the drawers, and the appliance takes up more space.
Oven or mini oven
Stick with this if: your current appliance already handles the food you usually cook without any trouble.
Bear in mind: a conventional oven doesn’t provide two independent cooking zones by default.
To compare these options, start with your usual portions rather than the stated capacity alone, then consider cooking two dishes at once, available space and cleaning.
| Criterion | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the shape and capacity of each basket with the largest portion you usually prepare. Que Choisir recommends at least 6 L for a family of four. | I want to prepare the household’s usual portions without cooking multiple batches; around 33% of consumers would put usable capacity first. |
| Cooking two dishes at once | Check whether the settings are independent and, if needed, whether there’s a function to synchronise the end of cooking. | When the main and side need different settings, I want to serve them together. This would be the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Space and oven use | Measure the space available with the drawers open, then compare how often you expect to use the appliance with how often you use your oven. | My oven already meets some of my needs, and I don’t want to clutter the worktop for occasional use; around 20% of consumers would make this their main criterion. |
| Cleaning and spare parts | Check the specific model to see which parts are removable, how they should be washed and whether replacements are available. | If I cook often, I want to clean the basket without damaging its coating and keep using the appliance if a part needs replacing. Around 20% of consumers would prioritise this. |
What should you watch out for before buying?
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Focusing only on the total capacity
With a dual model, the capacity is split between two drawers, so larger ingredients need to fit in one of them. Que Choisir also recommends looking beyond claims such as ‘XXL’.
Compare the capacity and internal shape of each zone with the food you prepare most often.
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Assuming chips will always cook evenly
Que Choisir has found that results vary between models, with chips sometimes more cooked on top than at the bottom.
Look for test results for the model you’re considering and follow the manual’s instructions on how much to put in the basket and whether to shake or turn the food.
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Using an abrasive cleaner on a non-stick coating
According to Que Choisir, an abrasive sponge can damage the basket’s coating.
Follow the cleaning instructions, use a soft sponge or cloth, and check whether a replacement basket is available for the specific model.
If the basket is damaged, you may need to replace it to keep using the appliance.
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Taking claims about energy use or cooking performance at face value
A comparison made for a particular model and set of cooking conditions may not reflect your recipes or your oven.
To compare two appliances, look for measurements based on the same recipe and quantity, with comparable preheating conditions.
Brands and ranges to explore
Moulinex
The Easy Fry Dual models may suit households looking to cook a main and a side in separate drawers.
- Moulinex lists 5.2 L and 3.1 L drawers, along with a cooking synchronisation function, for the Dual Easy Fry & Grill EZ905D20.
- Check the space required and the cleaning instructions for this model; its specifications don’t apply to the whole range.
Philips
The range featured here includes both a single-basket model and an appliance with two baskets.
- Philips lists the 4.1 L HD9252/90 for two people and the NA352/00 with 6 L and 3 L baskets.
- These stated capacities don’t replace checking the size of your dishes and the external dimensions of the model you choose.
Cosori
If you expect to use your appliance frequently, it’s worth checking whether model-specific spare parts are available.
- Cosori lists a 5.5 L replacement inner basket for the Premium Chef Edition.
- Check the exact reference and availability of this part before relying on being able to replace it; this example doesn’t apply to the whole range.
Air fryers available on Joybuy
These appliances cover two of the options discussed here: a single basket for cooking in one zone and dual baskets for preparing two parts of a meal at the same time. Before deciding whether to replace your oven, compare these uses with your current appliance.
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Philips 3000 Series NA351/00, dual basket, 9 L
Worth considering if you want to cook a main and a side in separate baskets. The stated total capacity is 9 L; check the capacity of each basket against your portions.
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Ninja Dual Zone DZ400EU, two drawers, 9.5 L
Worth a look if you want to prepare two parts of a meal in separate drawers. The model name indicates a total capacity of 9.5 L and six functions; if you want to serve both dishes together, check the synchronisation options.
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Bear QZG-F24F1, dual basket, 9 L
Worth considering when two dishes need different temperatures. The model has a stated total capacity of 9 L, independent temperature controls and eight programmes; measure your available space and check the internal size of each basket.
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Midea Air Fryer, single basket, 4 L
Worth considering for smaller portions cooked in a single zone. The product name lists a capacity of 4 L, a rated power of 1,500 W and eight pre-set modes; check that your portions will fit in the basket.
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Cuisinart Compact Max AFS8OBLE, 7.6 L
Worth a look if you want to cook larger portions in one basket rather than using two separate zones. The stated 7.6 L capacity doesn’t tell you the shape of the interior, so check that your food will fit and that you have room for the appliance.
Frequently asked questions
What capacity do you need for everyday meals?
Start with the number of portions and the size of the food, rather than the litre figure alone. For four people, Que Choisir recommends at least 6 L; with a dual model, also check what fits in each drawer separately.
When should you choose a dual-compartment air fryer?
A dual-compartment model makes sense if you often prepare two parts of a meal with different settings. Check that each item fits in its drawer and that the model has a synchronisation function if you want both dishes to finish cooking together.
How do you care for a non-stick basket?
Follow the instructions for your model and clean the coating without using abrasives. Que Choisir warns that an abrasive sponge can damage it; check the washing instructions for each removable part separately.
What should you do if an appliance bought in France isn’t as described?
Contact the professional seller and make a claim under the statutory guarantee of conformity if the product doesn’t match its description or the use normally expected of it. The French Ministry of the Economy explains that this guarantee covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a consumer; it is separate from any commercial guarantee.
Where can you dispose of an air fryer at the end of its life?
An air fryer is an electrical appliance and should be taken to an appropriate collection point. The French ministry responsible for ecological transition lists options including collection points or household waste recycling centres, returning it to a retailer, and social and solidarity economy organisations.