For a household of 5 to 6 people, or when cooking two parts of a meal at the same time, start with a usable capacity of 7 to 9 L and choose the format to suit your menus: two drawers to keep recipes separate, a flexible cooking chamber that can switch between one large zone and two smaller zones, or a mini oven that lets you make use of several levels. The total capacity in litres is not enough on its own: compare the size of each drawer, the external dimensions, the power and which parts are dishwasher-safe, as cooking results can vary from one zone to another.
To cook a family-sized quantity in one session, compare the genuinely usable capacity rather than relying solely on the “XXL” label. UFC-Que Choisir recommends 7 to 9 L for 5 to 6 people, and 9 L or more for households of over six people.
Independent drawers or a flexible cooking chamber with a sync function can help you organise two recipes with different cooking times or settings and serve them at the same time.
Measure the available space before buying: dual-drawer models and mini ovens can be wide or deep, while a flexible or stackable appliance may have a different footprint.
Start with the actual size of the food you want to prepare, then check how the cooking zones, kitchen space and cleaning requirements fit into your routine.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the capacity of each zone, the size of the larger drawer and the dimensions of the cooking chamber where available. For 5 to 6 people, UFC-Que Choisir recommends 7 to 9 L as a starting point. | I want a chicken, roast, quiche or large portion to fit without needing a second batch. |
| Two recipes at once | Check for separate settings, how the capacity is divided and whether there is a sync function. A total capacity split between two drawers does not make one large cooking chamber. | The main dish and its side should be able to cook separately, even if they require different cooking times or temperatures. |
| Even cooking | Avoid overfilling the zones and plan to shake or check the food when the recipe calls for it. UFC-Que Choisir reports that results can differ depending on the zone and how full it is. | I prefer to organise quantities carefully to reduce the risk of food being overcooked on top or undercooked at the bottom. |
| Size and cleaning | Measure the width, height and depth, remembering to allow for the drawers or door to open. Check separately which parts are dishwasher-safe and how the cooking chamber should be cleaned. | The appliance must fit in its usual position and remain easy to clean after a meal made up of several components. |
With a dual-basket appliance, the total capacity does not tell you whether a chicken, roast or quiche will fit in the larger drawer. UFC-Que Choisir points out that some XXL labels cover actual capacities of less than 5 L.
Check the capacity of each zone, the dimensions of the cooking chamber where available and the examples of food stated for the exact model.
The sync function can coordinate the end of cooking, but UFC-Que Choisir highlights that results are not necessarily identical depending on the zone used. Overfilling can also affect even cooking.
Use each drawer for a recipe suited to its size, avoid overloading it and check or shake the food when the recipe calls for it.
Large-capacity appliances take up considerable worktop space. A family-sized mini oven can be up to 50 cm deep, while a dual-drawer model is still a substantial appliance.
Measure the space and clearance required before buying, then compare the external dimensions of the exact model rather than looking only at its stated capacity in litres.
Removable parts and cooking-chamber cleaning vary between models. For example, the Moulinex EZ901N20 is advertised with dishwasher-safe cooking chambers, while the Ninja DT200EU is specified as requiring manual cleaning.
Check the baskets, racks, trays and drip tray separately, along with the recommended method for cleaning the cooking chamber.
Philips offers removable dividers, asymmetrical drawers and stackable baskets for households choosing between two recipes and one large cooking chamber.
The Easy Fry Dual range is designed in particular for cooking a main dish and side together, using drawers of different sizes.
Ninja may be a good choice when your family cooking needs are closer to those of a mini oven with racks and several levels than to a drawer-style appliance.
Joybuy options for preparing a family meal with two separate recipes or one large dish.
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Its two independent drawers are suitable for a main dish and side with separate settings.
Two 4.75 L zones, stated power of 2 470 W and stated dimensions of 32.5 × 41.5 × 27 cm. The drawers and crisper plates are advertised as dishwasher-safe.
The two drawers do not make one single cooking chamber: a very large item must fit into one basket. Avoid overfilling and check the food during cooking.
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The two baskets are designed to cook two recipes at the same time, with separate temperature controls and a stated sync function.
Two 4.5 L baskets, stated total capacity of 9 L, stated power of 2 400 W and eight preset programmes.
Check that the large item you plan to cook fits into one basket. Also measure the width, depth and drawer clearance before buying.
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The separate dual-chamber design is advertised for cooking different ingredients at the same time without mixing the preparations.
Stated total capacity of 9 L, precise temperature control, removable non-stick basket and ten menus.
Check the size of the larger basket for a roast or quiche, along with the dimensions, power and sync function if your recipes have different cooking times.
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Its single basket is suited to one family-sized dish rather than a main and side cooked with separate settings.
Stated capacity of 7 L, stated power of 1 600 W, seven programmes, digital display and transparent cooking window.
Check the space required on the worktop and for storage, along with whether the basket is dishwasher-safe if this matters to your routine.
For 3 to 4 people, UFC-Que Choisir recommends 5 to 6 L in a single-basket model. For 5 to 6 people, the organisation recommends 7 to 9 L; for more than six people, 9 L or more is a good starting point. Then check the capacity of each basket and the size of the item you want to cook.
No. On the Philips NA352/00, the 9 L is divided between a 6 L basket and a 3 L basket. This configuration is suitable for a main dish and side, but a large item must fit into the 6 L basket. The NA154/00, meanwhile, can combine two 3.55 L zones into one 7.1 L cooking chamber.
No. It is designed to make the programmes finish at the same time. UFC-Que Choisir states that cooking results are not necessarily identical depending on the zone in a dual-drawer appliance, so adjust the amount of food, recipe and cooking checks for each basket.
Measure the width, height and especially the depth of the available space, then allow room for the drawers or door to open. The Moulinex EZ901N20 measures 42 × 30.6 × 40 cm, while the Ninja DT200EU mini oven measures 43.1 × 33.5 × 50 cm: the widths are similar, but the mini oven needs more depth.
An air fryer comes under the waste electrical and electronic equipment stream. The ministry responsible for ecology states that the collection and recycling of household WEEE is organised in France; ask the retailer, a collection point or a recycling centre about the appropriate local option.