For a small batch or one dish at a time, start by looking at single-drawer air fryers. If you want to cook two parts of a meal with different settings, consider dual-compartment models. For a family of four, Que Choisir recommends at least 6 L, but the stated capacity doesn’t tell you how much usable basket space you’ll have. If your dishes are better suited to racks or trays, compare a compact convection oven too, but don’t assume it will deliver the same results.
If you often cook a protein and a side dish at the same time, two compartments let you use different settings for each. Les Numériques describes this as a key use for dual-compartment models. Be sure to check how much worktop space you have, too.
For one portion or one dish at a time, a single drawer may be enough. Check the basket’s surface area and look for cooking tests of the model you’re considering: Que Choisir has found that chips cook unevenly in some appliances.
A larger model is worth considering if you want to cut down on the number of batches. Que Choisir recommends at least 6 L for four people. Then check whether the basket’s shape and surface area suit the dishes you usually cook.
Start with the dishes you cook together, then compare each format against your portion sizes, available space and cleaning needs.
| Criterion | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Portions and capacity | Compare the stated capacity with the basket’s shape and usable surface area. For four people, Que Choisir recommends at least 6 L. Treat this as a starting point, not a measure of how much room your food will actually have. | I want to cook enough for the meal without having to make several batches. |
| Cooking at the same time | For a dual-compartment model, check the size of each drawer and whether you can set them independently. Les Numériques notes that this format lets you cook two dishes at once using different settings. | I need a side dish and another part of the meal ready at the same time, even if they need different settings. |
| Cooking results | Look for a test of the specific model and check which foods were used. Que Choisir found that, in some air fryers, chips were overcooked on top but still pale underneath. | I’d rather have even cooking than rely on a promise based on the name of a preset. |
| Space, noise and cleaning | Measure the space you have and check the cleaning instructions for removable parts. If noise matters to you, look for comparable test results: Que Choisir measures it at 0.50 m as part of its testing protocol and flags the fan as something to consider. | In an open-plan or small kitchen, I want to be able to position, use and clean the appliance without too much hassle. |
| Dish format | If you’re considering a compact convection oven, compare its internal dimensions, racks and trays with an air fryer’s basket. Que Choisir also describes appliances that sit between these formats, so the category name alone won’t tell you which is best for your needs. | My dishes may need a tray or rack rather than a deep basket. |
The stated capacity doesn’t tell you how much surface area you have for arranging food. Que Choisir’s recommended minimum of 6 L for a family of four is a useful guide, but you should still check the basket’s shape and cooking results.
Compare the basket’s dimensions with the dishes you cook and look for a test of the specific model.
As Les Numériques explains, two compartments let you use different settings for two dishes. But each drawer needs to fit the portion you have in mind, and you’ll need enough room for the appliance itself.
Measure the space, required clearance and size of each drawer before choosing this format.
A programme name doesn’t tell you how much room there is for a dish or how it will cook. Que Choisir describes models with different accessories, some of which are closer to a mini oven.
Think about how you’ll use each function, then check the accessories, manual and test results for the model you’re considering.
Que Choisir highlights the fan as a reason to consider noise levels. The organisation also includes cleaning and storage in its assessment of ease of use.
Look for a noise assessment carried out from a comparable distance, and check which parts need to be removed and washed after use.
These models are mainly suited to meals cooked in two zones or two drawers. The last one has a single 7.6 L basket, offering another way to prepare several portions.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you switch between cooking meals in parallel and making larger batches. It has a stated capacity of 10 L. Check the usable surface area in your preferred configuration, as well as the model’s cooking results.
Image unavailable
The two drawers are worth considering if you want to cook two parts of a meal at once. This model has a stated capacity of 9.5 L and 6 functions. Check the usable space in each drawer and make sure the appliance will fit in your kitchen.
Image unavailable
The two-basket design suits meals made up of two different dishes. The product details list a capacity of 9 L, 2400 W and eight programmes, with independent temperature control. Focus on comparing the usable size of the baskets and the cleaning instructions.
Image unavailable
This two-drawer model is worth comparing if you want to cook two dishes at the same time. It has a stated total capacity of 7.6 L and six functions. Check that each drawer can accommodate your usual portions.
Image unavailable
The single basket is worth considering if you want to cook several portions in one batch. It has a stated capacity of 7.6 L. Compare the basket’s surface area with the dishes you make, and measure the space you have for the appliance.
No. They’re most useful if you regularly cook two foods at once using different settings, as Les Numériques describes. If you only cook one dish at a time, compare the surface area and dimensions of a single drawer, as well as its cooking results.
Que Choisir recommends at least 6 L for a family of four. Still, check the basket’s shape and surface area against the dishes you cook: the stated capacity alone doesn’t tell you how much usable space you’ll have.
Check the manual to see which parts are removable and how they should be washed, then look for a cleaning assessment in a product test. Que Choisir includes cleaning in its ease-of-use testing protocol.
Yes, particularly if your kitchen is open to the room where you eat. Que Choisir flags fan noise as something to consider and measures it at 0.50 m as part of its testing protocol. Compare assessments carried out under similar conditions.