For family meals, choose a format based on what needs to cook at the same time and how much usable space you actually have, rather than the stated capacity alone. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the importance of usable capacity. Two zones can make it easier to cook different foods at the same time, while your oven is worth comparing against if a new appliance might duplicate what you already have.
You want to serve several people without cooking in multiple batches. Look at the usable surface area and capacity, not just the XXL label. UFC-Que Choisir points out that usable capacity determines how much food you can cook.
You sometimes cook two different foods and need to check the capacity of each zone, its settings and how the cooking programmes synchronise. UFC-Que Choisir assesses these features on models with two drawers.
You’re looking for a useful extra without losing space or buying a feature your oven already provides. UFC-Que Choisir lists capacity, ease of handling and ease of cleaning among the criteria to consider.
Worth considering: if you mainly cook one type of food at a time and want an easy-to-handle appliance, check the cooking surface and the space needed for your portions.
Bear in mind: a large stated capacity doesn’t guarantee that all your food will fit in a single layer.
Worth considering: if you regularly cook two different dishes, check the capacity of each zone, the settings available and how the programmes synchronise.
Bear in mind: the total capacity is divided between the zones. Depending on how it’s set up, a convertible basket can create one single cooking space.
Worth considering: if the shape of your dishes or the option to use racks and trays matters more to you than a drawer, compare the internal dimensions and usable shelf positions.
Bear in mind: the format alone doesn’t mean it will cook better, faster or more cheaply than a basket or an oven.
Worth considering: if your oven already accommodates large dishes and several portions, compare what you use it for with what a countertop appliance would add.
Bear in mind: energy-use comparisons depend on the recipes, quantities and appliances tested. They don’t predict how every family meal will turn out.
| Criterion | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Amount per batch | Compare the internal dimensions, the surface area available for spreading out food, the shape of your dishes and the quantities your recipes call for. | If I want to serve everyone in one batch, I look at the usable surface area before the stated capacity in litres. Around 28% of consumers who prioritise this put the amount per batch first. |
| Cooking different foods at the same time | Check the capacity of each zone, whether its settings can be adjusted independently and how the synchronisation works in practice. | When I’m cooking two foods that need different settings, I check that they fit in their respective zones and can be ready for the same meal. Around 22% of consumers who prioritise this favour cooking different foods at the same time. |
| How it compares with an oven | Compare the dishes and quantities your oven already accommodates with the number of batches you’d need in the appliance you’re considering. | If my oven already handles the meals I make, I look for a different use before adding another appliance. Around 17% of consumers who prioritise this want to avoid duplicating what they already have. |
| Kitchen space | Measure the space available, check how far the drawers or door open and allow for the clearances specified in the instructions. | When worktop space is limited, I also check how much room I’ll need to open and use the appliance. Around 17% of consumers who prioritise this focus on the space it takes up in the kitchen. |
| Cleaning | Check which parts can be removed, which are dishwasher-safe and how to clean the interior according to the instructions. | If I want to make cleaning up after a meal easier, I check how many parts need cleaning and the instructions for each one. Around 16% of consumers who prioritise this put ease of cleaning first. |
The shape and layout of the capacity determine what you can cook at the same time. If food doesn’t fit in the usable area, you may need to cook it in several batches.
Compare the internal dimensions with the size of the dishes you usually use, and distinguish between the total capacity and the capacity of each zone.
The settings and results for the two zones should be considered separately.
Check the controls for each zone and the information available about cooking two different foods at the same time.
Energy-use comparisons depend on the recipes, quantities and appliances tested. They can’t predict the results for every family meal.
Compare the dishes and portions you usually make with what your oven can already handle, and take the conditions of each comparison into account.
Cleaning instructions and dishwasher compatibility vary depending on the part and model.
Check the instructions to find out which parts can be removed and how to clean them, and let the appliance cool down before cleaning it.
The products featured are dual-zone air fryers, including one model described as converting into a single cooking space. They’re particularly suited to households that want to cook several dishes at the same time.
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Its two drawers are suitable for cooking two foods at the same time.
Two 4.75 L drawers, each with separate time and temperature settings. The description states that each drawer can hold up to 1.4 kg of chips or a 2 kg chicken.
The removable baskets and crisper plates are listed as dishwasher-safe.
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Its two independently adjustable drawers are ideal for cooking two dishes that need different settings.
Two 3.8 L drawers, each with independent time and temperature controls.
The drawers and crisper plates are listed as dishwasher-safe.
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Its design lets you choose between one cooking space and two zones for preparing different dishes.
The 10 L basket is described as converting into two zones of 5 L each.
The description states that it can be controlled via the VeSync app and has a temperature range of 35 to 240 °C.
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Its two independent baskets are designed to cook different foods at the same time.
The description lists ten preset programmes and separate settings for each basket.
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Its two independent chambers can cook food at different temperatures and for different lengths of time.
The stated total capacity is 12 L, split between two stacked chambers rather than one single cooking space.
The description lists ten preset programmes and a fold-away touch control panel.
No, it depends on the model and the parts. Check the instructions for your appliance. Philips says that some parts of the appliances covered by its support information are dishwasher-safe, and recommends letting the appliance cool down before cleaning.
The legal guarantee of conformity is claimed from the business seller under the conditions set out by law. The DGCCRF states that claims must be brought within two years of delivery of the goods, whether new or second-hand. Any commercial guarantee is separate and optional.
The DGCCRF points out that the CE mark is not an independent certification. The European Low Voltage Directive applies, among other things, to equipment designed to operate between 50 and 1,000 V AC, subject to its exclusions. Check the information that applies to the product rather than judging its safety by the logo alone.