When planning your dinners, start by considering which foods you want to cook at the same time and how much space your portions actually need. One drawer may be enough for a single dish, while two zones let you set two cooking programmes independently and, on some models, synchronise them. A large cavity may suit a dish that doesn’t fit easily into separate drawers, but another appliance could be redundant if your oven already meets your needs. UFC-Que Choisir also stresses the importance of checking capacity, footprint, noise and cleaning requirements rather than relying on the stated volume alone.
If you often prepare a main and a side dish that need different settings, compare the capacity of each zone and check whether a synchronisation function is included. Two drawers don’t guarantee identical cooking results. UFC-Que Choisir describes synchronisation as an option on some two-zone models.
For an extra cooking option or a small portion, check that the basket suits your food and the space available in your kitchen. The stated capacity alone won’t tell you what quantity will fit: Philips notes that the maximum quantity depends on the food and the model’s size.
If your dishes fit in the oven and you don’t regularly need an extra cooking option or separate zones, consider what new uses would justify another appliance. The capacity and cleaning criteria highlighted by UFC-Que Choisir can also help you weigh up how you’ll actually use it against the worktop space it takes up.
For weeknight dinners prepared at home, UFC-Que Choisir highlights capacity, cleaning, noise and footprint as key factors when choosing an air fryer. You can compare these features according to what matters most to you.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking two items at once | Capacity of each zone; independent settings and synchronisation if needed. | If I’m preparing a main and a side dish with different cooking times or temperatures, I’ll prioritise zones suited to each. Consumers whose main priority is cooking items in parallel are estimated to account for around 29% of top priorities. |
| Fitting portions into one batch | Internal dimensions, basket shape and recommended quantity for the food you plan to cook. | When I want to prepare a portion in one go, I check that its shape and quantity will fit the basket without overfilling it. Consumers who prioritise cooking a full portion in one batch are estimated to account for around 22% of top priorities. |
| Saving space and keeping noise down | External dimensions; clearances specified in the model’s instructions and relevant noise information. | In a small kitchen or open-plan space, I take into account the worktop space it occupies and the noise it makes while cooking. Consumers who prioritise a less cluttered, quieter kitchen are estimated to account for around 14% of top priorities. |
| Cleaning up after dinner | Which parts are actually dishwasher-safe; how to clean the remaining surfaces. | If everyday cleaning is an important factor in my choice, I check which removable parts are dishwasher-safe and how many items I’ll need to wash. Consumers who put cleaning first are estimated to account for around 21% of top priorities. |
| Avoiding a redundant appliance | What your oven doesn’t do well; compare the same recipe and quantity to assess energy use. | If my oven already suits the dishes I usually make, I look for a regular use that would justify the space and cleaning involved in another appliance. Consumers who want to avoid a redundant purchase are estimated to account for around 14% of top priorities. |
The total volume is divided between the compartments, so a large dish or bulky food may not fit in either one.
Before choosing, check the dimensions of each drawer against the dishes and portions you usually cook.
If nothing fits in a single compartment, you may need to cook in several batches.
The results published by UFC-Que Choisir vary depending on the recipes and appliances compared. The cited tests don’t show energy savings for every model and cooking programme.
For a fair comparison, use an equivalent recipe and quantity rather than relying on a general claim about energy savings.
A larger model may take up more space, while noise and cleaning can also affect everyday use.
Measure the available space and check the instructions and cleaning guidance for the exact model you’re considering.
Several drawers, racks or trays can also mean more parts to wash after your meal.
The NA120/00 and NA154/00 models illustrate a single-drawer design and a flexible basket, respectively, according to Philips France’s product information.
The Dual Easy Fry & Grill EZ905D20 is an example of a two-drawer design with drawers of different sizes, according to Moulinex France.
SharkNinja France describes the DZ400EU as a 9,5 l DualZone appliance with two independent drawers.
The FR 2464 S-Fry Pizza & More is an example of a large cavity rather than two separate drawers, according to Severin France.
This selection includes compact and single-cavity formats as well as two-zone models, so you can compare appliances for occasional use according to portion sizes, cooking at the same time and the space available.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’d like to divide two dishes between separate drawers.
The model name indicates two drawers and a stated total capacity of 9,5 l; the total volume alone doesn’t show how much usable space there is for each dish.
Image unavailable
Worth a look if a stated capacity of 7 l and a cooking window suit your portions and the way you like to keep an eye on your food.
The name indicates a cooking window and a 7 l capacity. Check the internal dimensions to see whether your usual dishes will fit.
Image unavailable
Worth a look if you’re comparing a model advertised as 12QT and want to check its basket options and cooking visibility.
The name indicates a dual-basket model with a window, a 12-in-1 function and a pack of 50 paper liners. Check whether these accessories and the dimensions suit your needs.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for a small extra cooking task when the stated 2 l capacity suits the portion you have in mind.
The name indicates a power rating of 1 150 W, a non-stick basket and a 60-minute timer. Check the right quantity for the food you’re cooking.
Image unavailable
Worth a look if you want to compare an appliance described as Dual-Zone for dividing dishes between two zones.
The name specifies the AFD10XBLE model, the Dual-Zone format and the black finish. Check the dimensions of the zones and the model’s cleaning instructions.
No, not automatically. Check whether the model has a synchronisation function. On appliances with this feature, it coordinates the finish times of separately programmed cooking cycles, but doesn’t guarantee identical results in both zones.
Follow the limits given for the model and the food you’re cooking. Philips explains that the maximum quantity depends on the food and the size of the appliance. For chips, its guidance recommends not exceeding two-thirds of the maximum mark to help maintain airflow.
Measure the space, then check the instructions for your chosen model for guidance on ventilation, electrical connections and suitable surfaces. Don’t assume the clearances specified for another model apply to every appliance.
Check the cleaning instructions for the basket, racks, trays and the inside of the appliance separately. Moulinex says the drawers and trays of the EZ905D20 are dishwasher-safe; this applies to those parts and that specific model.