Don’t rely on the “XXL” label alone: check the capacity of each zone, the shape of the basket, whether you can separate your dishes and the appliance’s actual footprint. For three to four people mainly preparing a single dish, a simple 5 to 6 L basket may be suitable; for two items requiring different settings or a larger household, a dual-drawer model, a convertible basket or a mini oven may organise cooking more effectively, although it will require more space.
You want family-sized capacity without permanently taking over your worktop. Que Choisir states that a 6 L model is the minimum for a family of four; also check that your food fits without overloading the bottom of the basket.
A dual-drawer model or convertible basket may be suitable when the two items require different temperatures or cooking times. However, the larger compartment must be able to accommodate the main dish properly.
For a quiche, chicken, pizza or tray cooking, a wide convertible basket or air fryer mini oven may be a better fit. Measure the space available and don’t assume that cooking on several levels will be even.
Start with the size and shape of your main dish, then consider whether you really need to cook two items with separate settings.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the main cavity’s volume, width and depth with the dishes you usually prepare. For four people, Que Choisir cites 6 L as an indicative minimum; for more than five people, the organisation recommends 9 L or more. | I want to prepare the planned portions without cramming them in or having to cook multiple batches. A total litre capacity alone does not tell you how much surface area is available. |
| Two dishes | Check the capacity of each drawer, the independent settings and the end-time synchronisation. A small drawer must suit the side dish you plan to prepare, not just the total capacity shown. | I want to serve a main dish and its accompaniment together, without forcing them to use the same temperature or cooking time. |
| Basket load | Check the maximum load in the instructions, along with the guidance on shaking or turning the food. In its test protocol, Que Choisir fills the basket two-thirds full of chips for the maximum-load test. | I want to avoid treating a deep compartment as a guarantee of even cooking for food placed in layers. |
| Everyday footprint | Measure the width, depth, height beneath cupboards and the space needed to open the appliance. Also check which parts are removable and read the cleaning instructions. | The appliance needs to remain accessible on my worktop and be straightforward to use after a family meal. |
A 9 L dual-drawer model may divide its capacity between one large and one small drawer: this configuration suits a main dish and a side, but not necessarily one large item. A convertible cavity may offer more width, but in a larger overall format.
Note the capacity of each zone and compare it with the dimensions of the largest dish you usually prepare. Choose a dual-drawer model only if its larger drawer is genuinely suitable for the main dish.
Air still needs to circulate around the food. According to Que Choisir, chips may cook unevenly depending on the model, even when they are shaken during cooking.
Check the maximum load stated in the instructions and follow the guidance on shaking or turning the food. Foods that need browning or crisping are a good test of the appliance’s real capacity.
A dual-drawer model or large basket may be difficult to keep on the worktop in a small kitchen. An appliance that is awkward to open or store may end up being used less often.
Measure the available space, the height beneath cupboards, the room in front of the appliance and the clearance needed to remove the drawer or open the door.
Portion claims and promises about cooking performance often come from brand or retailer information. Que Choisir has identified performance differences between the models it tested.
Use portion figures to shortlist a format, then check the instructions and, where possible, look for an independent test covering cooking, cleaning, noise and safety for the exact model.
Models to compare when considering a family-sized basket, an asymmetrical dual drawer or an air fryer mini oven.
An option to consider if you want an asymmetrical dual drawer for a main dish and a side.
A flexible format for households that switch between two zones and a single cavity.
Joybuy options suited to family meals prepared in a large cavity, two independent zones or a convertible basket.
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Suitable for households that switch between one large dish and two recipes requiring different settings.
Convertible 10 L basket or two 5 L zones; stated internal dimensions: 21.8 × 37.9 × 12.45 cm.
At 51.8 cm wide, check your worktop, clearance and storage space. Also consult the instructions for the appropriate load for your food.
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Worth considering for cooking two items with separate time and temperature settings.
Two independent 4.75 L drawers, for a stated total capacity of 9.5 L; dishwasher-safe baskets.
The two zones do not create a single cavity for a large item. Check the load suitable for crispy foods in the instructions.
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This model is designed to organise a main dish and a side prepared at the same time.
Two independent 4.5 L baskets, Sync function and separate temperature controls.
The baskets cannot replace a single large cavity. Check the external dimensions and maximum load per basket before buying.
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Could be suitable for cooking two ingredients simultaneously in independent chambers.
Stated total capacity of 9 L, dual chamber and precise temperature control.
Before choosing this format, check the capacity of each chamber, end-time synchronisation, external dimensions and recommended load.
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An option for one family-sized dish rather than two recipes requiring independent settings.
Stated 7 L single basket, cooking window, removable non-stick basket and preset programmes.
A single basket means all food uses the same settings. Check the dimensions, usable surface and maximum load; the instructions state that it must not be overloaded.
Start with the capacity of the drawer that will hold the main dish, then check its width, depth and the formats it can accommodate. Que Choisir gives 6 L as an indicative minimum for four people and recommends 9 L or more for more than five people, while reminding readers that total capacity may be divided between several drawers.
Not automatically. The permitted load depends on the food, air circulation and the instructions; in its test protocol, Que Choisir fills the basket two-thirds full of chips and shakes them during cooking. Check the guidance for your chosen model before relying on layered cooking.
Yes. Measure the width, depth, height beneath cupboards and the clearance needed to fully remove a drawer or open a door. For example, the Ninja AF500EU is stated to be 49.6 cm wide: capacity alone is not enough to assess whether it will fit in your kitchen.
Prioritise an independent test of the exact model whenever you can find one. The Que Choisir protocol published on 20 January 2026 assesses cooking, programming, cleaning, noise, and electrical and thermal safety, among other things—criteria that cannot be determined from the litre capacity alone.