To serve a main and a side at the same time, first choose the shape of the cooking zones: two drawers for separate dishes, or a flexible basket if you also need space for one large dish. UFC-Que Choisir recommends looking at models of at least 9 L for more than five people, but the total capacity doesn’t tell you what will fit in each zone. Also check how much room you need to open the drawers, how easy the model is to clean and how well it cooks.
If the two dishes need different settings, independent drawers let you cook them at the same time. Just make sure each drawer can hold the portion you need, and that the model has a sync function if you want both dishes to finish cooking together.
A basket with a removable divider lets you switch from two zones to one large cavity. However, make sure its capacity and shape are suitable for the dish you actually use.
Stacked drawers can be a good option when width is limited. Before choosing this design, measure the clearance beneath your cupboards, the depth of the space and the room needed to pull out the drawers.
Consider this: if you mainly cook one recipe at a time for three or four people.
The trade-off: a single basket can’t keep two dishes with different settings separate.
Consider this: for cooking a main and a side at the same time using different settings.
The trade-off: the stated capacity is split between the drawers, rather than forming one large cavity.
Consider this: if you switch between cooking two separate recipes and making a dish that needs the full width of the basket.
The trade-off: the combined capacity doesn’t guarantee that your dish will fit.
Consider this: if you need to cook two dishes separately but have limited width.
The trade-off: check the clearance beneath your cupboards and the depth of the space, not just its width.
Consider this: if your recipes use racks or trays rather than drawers.
The trade-off: check the dimensions of the appliance and its cooking accessories before counting on using multiple levels.
Keep this in mind: for large dishes or batches spread across several trays that won’t fit in the air fryer.
The trade-off: whether an oven or air fryer is best depends on the recipe and quantity. UFC-Que Choisir’s tests of small portions can’t be used to draw conclusions about every family meal.
| Criteria | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the capacity of each zone, the internal dimensions and whether the divider can be removed. | I want the main dish and family portions to fit without cooking a second batch; around 45% of consumers rank capacity as their top priority. |
| Space in the kitchen | Measure the width, depth, clearance beneath cupboards and space in front of the drawers. | I need to keep using my worktop once the appliance is in place; around 27% of consumers prioritise its footprint above all else. |
| Cooking two dishes and cleaning | Check for a sync function, cooking test results for each zone and the cleaning instructions for the parts supplied. | I want to serve two recipes together without making everyday cleaning more difficult; around 28% of consumers prioritise this way of organising cooking. |
The total capacity may be split between two drawers. UFC-Que Choisir points out that the XXL label alone doesn’t tell you how much usable space is actually available.
Compare each zone separately, and look for an example of a compatible joint or dish in the model’s product details.
UFC-Que Choisir says results can vary depending on which zone you use. A function that synchronises the end of cooking doesn’t guarantee identical results.
Look for tests covering the foods you’re interested in, and follow the filling limits in the instruction manual.
A stacked model may not fit in the available height or depth. If your kitchen is open-plan, the fan noise is also worth considering; UFC-Que Choisir reports differences between appliances.
Measure the full space, including with the drawers open, then look for a noise measurement or rating for the exact model.
In France, the Ministry of the Economy explains that the legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to an individual. A commercial warranty is separate and doesn’t replace it.
Before taking out an extended warranty, check its exclusions and what extra cover it offers beyond the legal protection that applies.
The Easy Fry Dual XXL range includes the EZ942AF0, with two unevenly sized drawers and a total capacity of 10.5 L, according to Moulinex: 6.5 L and 4 L.
Philips offers the flexible NA156/60 and stacked-basket models in its 4000 Series: two different layouts for different menus and kitchen spaces.
The Foodi FlexDrawer AF500EU and Double Stack XL SL451EU show two distinct options: a flexible cavity or two stacked drawers.
These dual-zone appliances are mainly for households that want to cook two foods at the same time. Their total capacities, layouts and space requirements vary, so choose based on your portions and the room available rather than the stated capacity alone.
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Worth considering if you want to cook two recipes at the same time. Check that each drawer can hold the portion you need, as 9.5 L is the total capacity.
The model name indicates six functions and dishwasher-safe baskets. If you want both dishes to finish together, check the product details for a sync function.
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Worth considering for two separate dishes. Check the space in each basket before planning to cook the whole meal in one batch.
The product name indicates a power rating of 2,400 W and eight preset programmes. Check its external dimensions too, to make sure it fits on your worktop.
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Its two drawers let you cook separate dishes, but compare their capacity with your portion sizes: the total capacity of 7.6 L may be limiting for a large family meal.
The model name indicates six functions. Check for a sync function if you want to serve both dishes at the same time.
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Its vertical design is worth considering if you want two cooking zones without taking up more worktop width. Check the available height and usable capacity of each zone rather than relying on the stated total of 12 L.
The product name indicates ten preset programmes. Check for a sync function if your recipes have different cooking times.
UFC-Que Choisir recommends at least 6 L for four people and suggests looking at models of at least 9 L for more than five. Then check the capacity of each drawer and the dimensions of the dish you want to put in it.
Yes, if the model has independent zones and a function that synchronises the end of cooking. This coordinates the timings, but doesn’t guarantee identical results in both zones; UFC-Que Choisir notes that results can vary from one zone to another.
Remove any food debris after use and check which parts of your chosen model are dishwasher-safe. UFC-Que Choisir points out that food can get trapped between the plate and the bottom of the drawer; check separately whether the baskets and accessories are dishwasher-safe.
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity applies in France to new, second-hand or refurbished air fryers sold by a business to an individual. It’s separate from any commercial warranty; keep the product description and proof of purchase in case a lack of conformity becomes apparent.