A single-drawer air fryer may suit you if you mainly cook one portion or dish at a time. Consider two compartments if you want to cook separate dishes simultaneously. Before adding another appliance, compare its usable capacity, the space it takes up, its noise level and how easy it is to clean with what your oven already offers: an air fryer also uses a fan to circulate hot air.
You often cook one dish at a time and want a basket that suits your portions without taking up unnecessary space in your kitchen. UFC-Que Choisir recommends considering usable capacity and the space an appliance occupies.
You regularly prepare a main course and a side dish together. The capacity of each drawer and the available settings matter more than the total capacity shown. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the importance of usable capacity.
You want to know whether a new appliance meets a separate need before making room for it and adding another item to maintain. UFC-Que Choisir notes that air fryers and ovens can both be used for cooking with circulating hot air.
UFC-Que Choisir highlights usable capacity, the space an appliance takes up, noise and maintenance. The right size depends on what you cook and how much room you have, not just the stated capacity.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Portions and space | Compare the amount and shape of your food with the usable basket space, and measure the area available. | If I cook one portion at a time, I want to avoid a basket that is too small or an appliance that takes up too much room. Around 31% of consumers prioritise portions and space. |
| Cooking two dishes | Check the capacity of each drawer and the settings or synchronisation features available on the model. | When I prepare a main course and a side dish, I want to know whether each will fit in its compartment and can be cooked using the right settings. Around 31% of consumers prioritise cooking two dishes at once. |
| Whether it adds anything to your oven | Think about which dishes your oven cannot prepare as conveniently. Compare cooking times or energy use only for the same dish and quantity. | If my oven already meets my needs, I want a clear reason to buy another appliance. Around 23% of consumers want to avoid buying an appliance that duplicates what they already have. |
| Cleaning and noise | Check which parts of the model are dishwasher-safe and look for noise measurements taken under comparable conditions. | If I use it regularly, I want to clean the parts without too much hassle and take the noise into account, especially in an open-plan kitchen. Around 15% of consumers prioritise cleaning and noise. |
The stated capacity does not guarantee that your portions or a large item of food will fit in the drawer. A basket that is too small may also mean cooking in several batches.
Compare the usable dimensions with the size and shape of the dishes you usually prepare. If you are considering a two-drawer model, check each compartment separately.
Extra batches can take time, while an appliance that is too large can take up space unnecessarily.
An air fryer uses a fan to circulate hot air, much like an oven, while a traditional deep-fat fryer cooks food submerged in oil. The two appliances therefore serve different cooking needs.
First decide which dishes your current equipment cannot prepare conveniently and what type of cooking you are looking for.
Noise levels vary between models, and dishwasher compatibility can differ from one part to another. UFC-Que Choisir has found differences in noise levels between models.
Check measurements taken under comparable conditions and consult the instructions for the exact model to find out how to care for it.
The NA210/00 and NA350/00 are examples of a single-basket model and a two-drawer appliance with drawers of different sizes, respectively.
The Easy Fry Max EZ245320 is a 5 L single-basket model, while the Dual Easy Fry & Grill EZ905D20 has two drawers of different sizes.
The manufacturer describes the Foodi Flex AF500EU as having a configurable drawer with a stated capacity of 10,4 L.
The Filtra Pro FR516110 is worth considering if you want traditional deep-fat frying rather than hot-air cooking.
These products include single-basket and multi-compartment air fryers, for everything from individual portions to separate dishes.
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Worth considering if you mainly cook one portion or dish at a time.
The title states a capacity of 4,7 L, a power rating of 2 000 W and a serving size of 1 to 2 portions.
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Worth considering if you want to cook two dishes with separate settings as part of the same meal.
The title states that it has two drawers and a total capacity of 9,5 L.
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Worth considering if two compartments suit your meals better than cooking one dish at a time.
The title states a total capacity of 7,6 L and two drawers.
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Worth considering if you want to cook two dishes in separate baskets.
The title states that it has two 4,5 L baskets, a synchronisation function and a power rating of 2 000 W.
The description mentions ten programmes and an adjustable temperature range of 80 to 200 °C.
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Worth considering if you are comparing a large-capacity model with appliances designed around two compartments.
The title identifies the TF101S model and a capacity of 10 L.
Start by thinking about how many dishes you want to cook at the same time, then check what will fit in each drawer. A large total capacity does not guarantee that a large item will fit in the smaller compartment. A single basket may be enough if you mainly cook one dish at a time.
Measure the available space and follow the clearance requirements in the model’s instructions. Check dishwasher compatibility for each part: Philips specifies that the plate for the NA210/00 is dishwasher-safe, while Tefal says that the heating unit of the FR516110 cannot be put in the dishwasher.
No. When a business sells goods to a consumer, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies subject to its conditions. According to the DGCCRF, a claim must be brought within two years of delivery, whether the goods are new or second-hand. A commercial warranty is optional and supplements your statutory rights, so check its exclusions before paying for it.
The DGCCRF guidance on products that require mandatory energy labelling includes refrigeration appliances, among others; it does not establish that an air fryer must display an energy rating. To compare energy use, look for measurements based on equivalent dishes and quantities.