To serve five or more people in one batch, first choose a size that can accommodate the dishes you usually cook. Then decide whether you need to cook two things separately. A flexible basket can work well for a large dish if the combined compartment is big enough; two drawers make it easier to cook different foods at the same time, while a mini oven is better suited to oven-style dishes. In every case, the stated capacity in litres is no substitute for checking the cooking dimensions and measuring the space available in your kitchen.
If you’re preparing a large dish or a generous quantity for five or more people, check that it will genuinely fit in the cooking space. The term “XXL” tells you nothing about the basket’s shape or dimensions.
To cook a main and a side dish at different times or temperatures, look for independently adjustable cooking zones. A synchronisation function can help both dishes finish at the same time, as Philips states for its 3000 Series Dual Basket Airfryer.
Compare the external dimensions, as well as the space needed to open the drawers or door. A narrower appliance won’t solve the problem if its height or depth makes it difficult to fit or use.
The right size depends largely on the kind of meal you’re making. A flexible basket is worth considering for a large dish if its divider can be removed; two drawers are better for cooking different foods at the same time, while a mini oven is worth a look if you use oven-style dishes.
Consider it: when your largest dish needs a single cooking space and the model allows you to remove the divider.
Bear in mind: two recipes that always need separate settings may be trickier to manage in this format.
Consider it: when your main and side dishes need different cooking settings.
Bear in mind: the total capacity is split between the drawers, so the larger one needs to be big enough for your main dish on its own.
Consider it: when you’re more likely to cook oven-style dishes than use two separate baskets.
Bear in mind: check which dishes and shelf positions can be used in your chosen mode, and allow enough space in front of the door.
| Consideration | What to check | What matters to shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Internal dimensions and the maximum dish size; available space with the divider removed, if this configuration is available. | I want to fit a family meal or a large dish in one go, without having to cook a second batch; around 42% of shoppers would prioritise this usable capacity. |
| Separate cooking settings | Independent time and temperature settings; synchronised finish times if needed. | I need two suitable zones to serve a main and a side together, despite their different cooking times; around 33% of shoppers would put this setup first. |
| Available space | The appliance’s width, depth and height; the clearance needed to open the drawers or door, as specified in the instructions. | I need to be able to fit and use a family-sized appliance without blocking my worktop; around 25% of shoppers would put this constraint first. |
UFC-Que Choisir points out that usable capacity matters more than the name on the box. If your main dish won’t fit in the basket, you may need to cook a second batch.
Compare the shape and cooking dimensions of the exact model with those of the dishes you usually use.
The capacity in litres is split between two compartments; it doesn’t tell you how much room there is for one large dish.
Measure your main dish, then check the dimensions of the larger drawer and the details in the instructions.
A family-sized air fryer might fit on your worktop, but still not leave enough room to pull out the drawers or open the door comfortably.
Measure the full space you have available and check the clearance guidance for the model you’re considering, including beneath wall units.
In France, the DGCCRF distinguishes between optional commercial warranties and statutory guarantees. A commercial offer does not replace the statutory guarantee of conformity.
Before taking out an extended warranty, compare its cover, exclusions and duration with the rights that already apply to your purchase.
Moulinex offers family-sized models with a large basket and models with two drawers. Consider the stated capacities and serving sizes in terms of the dish you want to cook.
According to Philips, its 3000 Series Dual Basket model is designed for meals with two dishes, with a larger drawer for the main and a smaller one for the side.
SharkNinja’s range includes the DoubleStack XL with stacked drawers, as well as a Foodi mini oven with an air fryer mode. Their different designs suit different kitchen layouts.
Consider this dual-zone model if you want to cook two dishes for a family meal. Before choosing it for cooking everything in one batch, compare the size of each compartment with the dishes you usually use.
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Worth considering if you want to cook a main and a side in two separate zones. Check that the internal dimensions suit your main dish, and that there’s enough room in your kitchen when the compartments are open.
Not necessarily: how much you can cook in one batch also depends on the shape of the basket, whether the capacity is split between drawers and what you’re making. Moulinex describes 8 L as suitable for five to eight people, while UFC-Que Choisir recommends 9 L or more for more than five people. So, check the model’s usable dimensions rather than treating either capacity as a guarantee.
A dual-zone model with synchronised finish times can help both dishes be ready at the same time. Philips says its 3000 Series Dual Basket Airfryer has this function; also check that each drawer can hold the amount you need for your meal.
It depends on the parts and the model. Check the instructions for the exact product before putting baskets, racks, tins or mini oven accessories in the dishwasher.
For a new item bought from a professional seller in France, you can claim under the statutory guarantee of conformity for two years, according to the French Ministry of the Economy. You make the claim through the seller; the DGCCRF explains that an optional commercial warranty is additional and does not replace it.