Households adjusting portion sizes
You want to know whether one batch will be enough for your meal, or whether two dishes will need to cook separately.
Who is this choice for ?
Cooks concerned about smells
You’re looking for crispy cooking without deep-frying in oil and comparing the result you can expect with that of a traditional deep-fat fryer.
Households that already have an oven
You’re wondering whether the convenience of cooking smaller portions is worth the space and upkeep of an additional appliance.
What should you look for before buying ?
Drawer-style air fryer
Choose this if: you mainly cook one dish or a small quantity at a time and want to avoid deep-frying in oil.
Bear in mind: the stated capacity doesn’t guarantee that your portion will fit in a single batch.
Dual-compartment air fryer
Choose this if: you often cook two separate dishes and want them to finish cooking at the same time.
Bear in mind: the combined capacity of two baskets doesn’t make one large cooking chamber, and there are more parts to clean.
Traditional electric deep-fat fryer
Choose this if: you prefer food submerged in oil and are happy to manage the oil bath.
Bear in mind: this option won’t suit you if you want to avoid oil and the smells that come with it.
Your existing oven
Choose this if: your oven already handles the dishes and quantities you cook.
Bear in mind: an air fryer is only worthwhile if it offers a clear benefit for the smaller portions you usually prepare.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity per batch | Compare the shape and usable dimensions of each basket with the dishes you usually cook, and check whether you’re happy to cook multiple batches. | If I want to prepare a meal in one go, I check that the portions will fit in the basket. Around 28 % of consumers prioritise the quantity cooked per batch. |
| Cooking without an oil bath | Decide whether avoiding an oil bath matters more to you than the texture of food deep-fried in oil. | If I want to avoid frying oil and the smells that come with it, I compare cooking methods that don’t use an oil bath without expecting the same result as traditional deep-frying. Around 22 % of consumers put this need first. |
| Space and noise | Check the dimensions and clearances specified in the instructions; if noise matters, look for measurements taken under comparable conditions. | In a small kitchen or open-plan space, I want to know whether the appliance will fit and if its operation will bother me. Around 17 % of consumers prioritise comfort in the kitchen. |
| Cleaning | Check which parts are removable and dishwasher-safe, as well as the care instructions for the coating. | If I use the appliance regularly, I check what cleaning involves and which parts need attention. Around 17 % of consumers put everyday maintenance first. |
| Usefulness compared with an oven | Start with the meals you usually cook and identify the specific benefit you’re looking for, without assuming it will save energy. | When my oven already meets my needs, I want to know how another appliance would change my routine. Around 16 % of consumers are mainly looking to avoid duplicating what their oven can do. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming two baskets make one large cooking chamber
The Philips NA352/00 has two independent baskets, with capacities of 6 L and 3 L. Their combined stated capacity doesn’t represent one single cooking space.
Compare each basket separately with the dishes and portions you cook most often.
A dish that’s too large may need to be cooked in several batches or in another appliance.
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Expecting an air fryer to give the same results as deep-frying
Hot-air cooking and deep-frying are different methods, so the food may not be equally crispy. Avoiding an oil bath doesn’t mean you’ll avoid all cooking smells.
Before choosing, decide whether your priority is to avoid an oil bath or to get the texture of traditionally deep-fried food.
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Adding an appliance without a clear reason when you already have an oven
An air fryer can perform some of the same cooking functions as an oven. An additional appliance takes up space and needs to be maintained.
Think about the meals you usually cook and decide what specific benefit you expect before you buy.
You’ll also need to find space for another appliance and keep it clean.
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Confusing repairability with a guarantee
Moulinex offers a 15-year repairability commitment for the Easy Fry Max EZ245320. This doesn’t mean repairs will be free for 15 years.
Check the repair terms, applicable guarantee and seller details separately.
Brands to know when comparing their ranges
Philips
The Series 3000 NA352/00 is an example of a model with two independent baskets for cooking separate dishes.
- Philips lists a cooking synchronisation function for this model.
- Its 6 L and 3 L baskets should be assessed separately: their combined stated capacity doesn’t make one single cooking chamber.
Moulinex
The Easy Fry Max EZ245320 is an example of a single-basket air fryer with a stated capacity of 5 L.
- Moulinex says the non-stick basket is dishwasher-safe and offers a 15-year repairability commitment.
- The repairability commitment isn’t a guarantee of free repairs for that period.
Tefal
The Oleo Clean Inox & Design FR804015 is an example of an electric deep-fat fryer that uses an oil bath.
- Tefal lists an oil capacity of 3,5 L, a filtration system that drains into a container, and removable parts that are dishwasher-safe.
- Filtration doesn’t remove the need for an oil bath or the question of smells.
Cosori
The Turbo Tower Pro Smart is one of the connected options featured in Capital’s editorial selection, published on 2 September 2026.
- This model gives you the chance to consider a connected appliance.
- Being featured in an editorial selection doesn’t prove it’s right for every household. Check the full model number, baskets and usefulness of the connected features.
Ninja
The Ninja Crispi is featured in Capital’s editorial selection, published on 2 September 2026, in a separate category from standard basket-style air fryers.
- This model offers a different configuration to consider when choosing.
- Don’t assume it’s the same as a « Crispi Pro XL » without confirming the exact model number and accessories for the product you’re considering.
Air fryers to compare on Joybuy
These air fryer models let you compare container-style and multi-compartment designs based on the portions you cook, whether you need to cook dishes separately and how much maintenance you’re happy to do.
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NINJA FN101EUGY Crispi Air Fryer
This model may suit you if you’re looking for containers in different sizes to cook a variety of dishes.
It comes with two glass containers, with capacities of 1,4 L and 3,8 L. The containers are listed as dishwasher-safe.
The instructions say not to use baking paper if it blocks the airflow.
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COSORI TF101S Airfryer Dual Blaze Twinfry™ 10 L
Its stated configuration lets you switch between cooking one dish in a single compartment and preparing two separate dishes.
The 10 L basket is described as convertible into two 5 L zones. The appliance is also described as having Wi-Fi controls and a stated temperature range of 35 to 240 °C.
The instructions say to keep the vents clear, use a stable, heat-resistant surface and never immerse the main unit.
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KitchenCook AIRFLOW12 LED Dual Tower Vertical, 12 L
The two independent chambers are designed for cooking two foods at once, with separate settings for each.
The stated 12 L capacity is split between two stacked chambers; it doesn’t represent one single cooking space. The removable parts are listed as dishwasher-safe.
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KitchenCook AIRMED7W, 7 L
Consider this removable-basket design if you’re looking for a drawer-style air fryer with a cooking window.
The model is listed with a capacity of 7 L, a viewing window and seven programmes. The description says it switches off automatically when the basket is removed.
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Convertible dual-basket air fryer, 12QT
Its configuration is designed to switch between cooking a larger portion and preparing two separate dishes.
The basket is listed as convertible from one 12 L compartment to two 6 L baskets, with independent heating zones and a SYNC mode. Some removable parts are listed as dishwasher-safe.
The instructions state that the appliance isn’t suitable for liquid dishes such as soups, sauces or stews.
Frequently asked questions
Can two baskets of 6 L and 3 L cook a 9 L dish in one go ?
Not with the Philips NA352/00: Philips describes two independent baskets. Check that your dish fits in the basket you plan to use rather than relying on their combined capacity.
Do you need to clean an air fryer after cooking if its basket is dishwasher-safe ?
Check which parts are dishwasher-safe and follow the instructions. For the Philips air fryers concerned, Philips recommends letting the appliance cool, using a non-abrasive sponge and avoiding metal utensils on the coating; the heating element also needs attention.
What rights apply when buying an appliance from a business in France ?
The legal guarantee of conformity covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a private individual, and the seller is responsible for it. For distance sales between a business and a consumer, the French Ministry of the Economy says that a withdrawal period of at least 14 days generally applies, subject to the stated exceptions.
How can you have an old electric deep-fat fryer taken back ?
The French Ministry for Ecological Transition distinguishes between « 1 for 1 » take-back when you buy a similar appliance and, for shops that meet the minimum floor-space requirements, « 1 for 0 » take-back without a purchase. Check the arrangements with the retailer concerned.