To cook a main and a side dish that need different cooking times or temperatures, a dual-drawer air fryer with independent settings and a synchronised finish function is the most straightforward choice. However, check how much space each drawer offers, the appliance’s overall dimensions and the ventilation requirements in the manual. A single drawer is better suited to cooking food in batches, while a mini-oven style is a better fit if you prefer using trays and racks.
If the two dishes need different settings, separate compartments and a synchronised finish function can make it easier to serve them at the same time. However, each portion needs to fit in its drawer. Philips France describes this function on the NA352/24, while UFC-Que Choisir also assesses synchronisation in its tests of dual-drawer appliances.
A stacked appliance can take up less width without being compact in every dimension. For example, Les Numériques notes that the Ninja Double Stack SL400EU measures 28 × 38,5 × 47 cm and highlights the ventilation clearance required for the Philips Vertical Duo NA462/70. Also measure the space needed to pull out the drawers.
If one part of your meal takes up a lot of space, compare the capacity of each compartment rather than the advertised total. Moulinex France, for example, describes one model split into 5,2 L and 3,1 L, and another into 6,5 L and 4,5 L. The size of the larger drawer and the space for the side dish both matter.
Consider it: if you mostly cook one food at a time or are happy to cook in batches.
Limitation: a single cooking compartment cannot give two areas independent cooking times or temperatures.
Consider it: if you want to cook a main and side dish separately, then serve them together.
Limitation: the combined capacity is not the same as one large compartment, and synchronised cooking functions vary by model.
Consider it: if you prefer arranging food on trays or racks rather than in two baskets.
Limitation: multiple cooking levels do not necessarily mean two areas with independent settings.
Consider it: if frying in oil is your priority, rather than air-frying several parts of a meal.
Limitation: it does not directly meet the need to synchronise two dishes in separate areas, and you will need to manage the oil.
Once you have chosen a style, start with the factor that will matter most for your usual meals, then check the specifications of the exact model.
| Feature | What to check | Who is it most important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Serving everything at once | Separate time and temperature settings; confirmation that the model has a synchronised finish function. | When my main and side dish need different cooking settings, I want them ready at the same time without tying up the hob; around 36 % of consumers would prioritise this coordination. |
| Portions per compartment | The capacity and, where listed, usable dimensions of each compartment; filling instructions. | When serving several people, I need to fit the main in one compartment and the side dish in the other; the usable space would be a priority for around 29 % of consumers. |
| Space and noise | Width, height and depth, clearance specified in the manual; noise level measured for the exact model. | In a kitchen with limited worktop space or an open-plan living area, I care just as much about where it fits as how noisy it is; these factors would come first for around 21 % of consumers. |
| Everyday cleaning | Removable parts, stated dishwasher compatibility and access to areas that need cleaning. | If I cook with the appliance often, I want to be able to clean the parts used for every meal easily; around 14 % of consumers would prioritise this. |
A total capacity of 8,3 L could be split between two very different-sized compartments: Moulinex France lists 5,2 L and 3,1 L for one of its models. Make sure a larger dish will fit in the drawer intended for it.
Compare your usual portions with the capacity of each compartment and, where available, its usable dimensions.
Having two baskets does not necessarily mean you can set their cooking times and temperatures independently, or that the food will finish cooking at the same time.
Check the product details or manual for the exact model to confirm it has separate settings for each area and a synchronised finish function.
A vertical design may be narrow, but still tall and deep. Les Numériques lists the Ninja Double Stack SL400EU as measuring 28 × 38,5 × 47 cm and highlights the ventilation requirements of the Philips Vertical Duo NA462/70.
Before choosing a spot, measure all three dimensions, check that the drawers can open fully and allow for the clearances specified in the manual.
A single- or dual-drawer design, on its own, tells you nothing about noise levels, how easy it is to clean or how well it will cook the foods you make.
Look for a test of the exact model that includes dishes similar to your usual recipes. UFC-Que Choisir’s air fryer testing protocol includes noise, cleaning and cooking performance.
Worth considering if a stacked dual-compartment design is a better fit for your worktop width.
Compare its asymmetrical dual baskets or vertical layout, depending on the model.
Worth considering if the balance between a larger drawer and a smaller one will determine your choice.
These Joybuy models have two cooking areas, two baskets or a flexible basket to keep dishes separate. Before choosing a model, compare the space available for each food and check for a synchronised finish function if you want to serve both parts of the meal together.
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With two cooking areas and viewing windows, this model lets you cook a main and side dish separately. Check the manual for the clearance needed around the appliance and the settings required for your two dishes.
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The flexible basket may suit anyone who alternates between cooking one dish and preparing two separate parts of a meal. The product title lists Sync mode, a viewing window and 12 functions; measure the space available before setting it up.
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The two baskets let you cook a main and side dish separately. The product title lists a power rating of 2400W, eight programmes and independent temperature control; also check the dimensions, ventilation requirements and whether the cooking times can be synchronised for your needs.
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When dividing two parts of a meal between the baskets, compare the space available in each one: 9L is the total capacity stated in the product title. If one of your dishes is bulky, check the usable dimensions of the basket it needs to fit in.
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The convertible basket lets you cook one large dish or use two separate cooking areas. If you want to serve two recipes at the same time, check that the finish times can be synchronised; also allow for the ventilation clearance specified in the manual.
Yes, if the model lets you set each area independently; a synchronised finish function can then make sure both dishes finish cooking together. Also check that each dish fits in its designated drawer: two baskets do not necessarily mean two equally sized portions.
It may take up less width, as long as its height, depth and ventilation clearances also suit your space. Les Numériques lists the Ninja Double Stack SL400EU as measuring 28 × 38,5 × 47 cm; you will also need room to open the drawers of your chosen model.
Yes, especially if you plan to use it in an open-plan kitchen. UFC-Que Choisir measures noise from 0,50 m away in its testing protocol, so check an assessment of the exact model rather than trying to judge its noise level by its design.
Follow the connection instructions in the manual for your exact model and check them before deciding where to put it. For example, the manual for the Ninja DualZone AF400EU viewed at Boulanger specifically prohibits using an extension lead; do not assume this model-specific instruction applies to every air fryer without checking.