To serve a meal at roughly the same time, choose a format based on the portions that will actually fit in each cooking zone and the settings your dishes need. Two drawers with a synchronisation function can make planning easier, but they do not guarantee even cooking or enough capacity. Que Choisir tested cooking two different foods at the same time, while Philips describes synchronised cooking times on the NA350/00 as a feature of that model.
You want to cook a main and a side dish with settings suited to each, without waiting for two batches to finish one after the other. In that case, synchronisation matters just as much as the size of each basket. Que Choisir tested cooking two different foods in the two baskets.
Your main aim is to cook your usual quantities without reducing portion sizes or making several batches. Usable space and the results for the foods you plan to cook are the priorities. Que Choisir points out that cooking space can limit the quantities you can prepare.
You already have an oven or microwave and want to make sure a new appliance will meet a different need, while finding a suitable spot for it to be used and ventilated. LaboMaison advises keeping air outlets clear; check the manual for the clearances required for the specific model.
Worth considering: if you mainly cook one item at a time, with the side dish already prepared or cooked another way.
Bear in mind: dishes that need different settings will have to be cooked one after the other or in another appliance.
Worth considering: if you regularly cook two separate dishes and want to serve them at the same time.
Bear in mind: each portion needs to fit in its own basket; check that the exact model supports synchronisation.
Worth considering: if you’re more interested in oven-style dishes or cooking accessories.
Bear in mind: having several accessories does not prove that dishes will cook evenly together or at independent temperatures.
Worth considering: if your dishes or quantities exceed the air fryer’s usable space, or if you’re happy with how your microwave reheats food.
Bear in mind: hot air and a microwave produce different textures; energy savings depend on the meal and the number of batches needed.
Start by checking the portions and foods you cook most often, then compare the format with the space available and the number of cooking cycles you need to coordinate.
| Priority | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Coordinating two dishes | Check for a synchronised finish function and the settings available for each zone; look for a test using two different foods. | If I want the main and side dish to be ready together, I look at synchronisation as well as the settings. Around 31% of consumers prioritise this coordination. |
| Portions and suitable cooking | Compare the usable space in each basket with your portions and look for tests using the foods you usually cook. | If I want to cook my usual quantities without making several batches, the space in each zone and the results for my food matter most. Around 25% of consumers prioritise portion size and even cooking. |
| Space and noise | Measure the appliance, allowing for the ventilation space specified in its manual; look for a noise test if it will be used near a living area. | If my worktop is already crowded or my kitchen is open-plan, I want to be able to position the appliance without obstructing the flow of the room. Around 19% of consumers put how well an appliance fits into their kitchen at the top of their list. |
| Energy use for the meal | Compare kWh measurements for similar dishes and portions, taking the number of batches into account. | If I want to manage energy use for the whole meal, I consider all the batches rather than just the stated power. Around 13% of consumers prioritise energy consumption. |
| Cleaning and spare parts | Check which parts are dishwasher-safe, then look for spare parts for the full model number and check the repair terms. | If I want to keep maintenance to a minimum and replace worn parts, I check the cleaning instructions and repair options. Around 12% of consumers put these criteria first. |
Baskets can be different sizes: a stated total capacity doesn’t mean there’s enough room in each one for the food you want to cook.
Check separately how much space the main and side dishes need in their respective baskets.
If a portion doesn’t fit, you may need to cook another batch or use a different appliance.
An extra appliance can take up worktop space without replacing jobs already handled by your oven or microwave.
Think about which meals the air fryer would suit, then check that you have enough room to use it.
The appliance adds to your costs and may take up part of your worktop permanently.
A repairability commitment doesn’t mean that every repair or spare part will be free or available throughout the stated period.
Check the parts available for the exact model and distinguish between the statutory guarantee, a commercial warranty and a paid repair.
After the applicable warranty period, a repair may involve charges for parts, labour or transport.
The 3000 Series includes the NA350/00, a two-drawer model with differently sized baskets for cooking two dishes in sync.
The Easy Fry range includes a single-drawer model, EZ130810, and a 20 L oven-style model.
The Foodi Flex AF500EU and Double Stack XL SL400EU ranges showcase different designs to consider, depending on the layout and capacity you’re looking for.
This Joybuy selection features air fryers with two drawers or chambers, so you can cook several dishes at once. Check the portion size for each zone and the synchronisation features of the exact model.
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Worth considering if you want to divide two dishes between two drawers; check how much space each portion needs.
Stated capacity: 9,5 L; 6 cooking functions; dishwasher-safe baskets.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a two-drawer model; compare the stated capacity with your usual portions.
Stated capacity: 7,6 L; 6 cooking functions; baskets described as dishwasher-safe.
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Worth comparing if you’re looking for an air fryer with a high stated capacity; check that the portions and dimensions suit your kitchen.
Model listed: AIRMED W; capacity stated in the product name: 10 L.
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Worth considering if splitting your dishes between baskets or having a Flex basket would suit your needs; check the dimensions and what’s included.
Product name: 12QT, Sync, Dual and Light functions; stated bundle contents: 50 sheets of baking paper.
The product listing specifies that the appliance is intended for indoor domestic use and is not suitable for liquid dishes such as soups, sauces or stews.
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Worth comparing if you’re considering a model with two chambers; check the dimensions of each zone against your portion sizes.
Stated capacity: 9 L; 10 functions listed in the product name.
No. Check that the exact model has a synchronisation function. Philips describes automatic cooking-time synchronisation for the NA350/00; the presence of two drawers alone doesn’t confirm that another model has this feature.
Start with a dish you usually cook, note the quantity, settings and result, then make adjustments. Que Choisir found that results vary between models; a programme name doesn’t guarantee even cooking.
Follow the clearance instructions in the manual for your chosen model and keep the air outlets clear. LaboMaison’s general advice doesn’t replace the instructions for the specific model.
Check the manual to see which parts are dishwasher-safe and search for spares using the full model number. Moulinex states that the EZ130810 basket is dishwasher-safe and offers an Easy Fry spare parts section; this doesn’t confirm that every part is available.
Compare measurements for similar portions and dishes, counting the batches needed for the whole meal. Rated power or a measurement for a single dish isn’t enough to establish the total energy use for your meal.