For small portions cooked without a bath of oil, a drawer-style air fryer is a straightforward way to avoid handling oil and reduce cooking smells, provided you stick to the recommended load for each food. A dual-compartment model is mainly useful for coordinating a main course and a side, while a compact convection oven is better suited to cooking on several levels and preparing larger quantities. If cooking large batches of fresh chips matters more to you than avoiding oil, a deep-fat fryer is still an option, though it does involve filtering and cleaning.
If you mainly prepare small portions, a drawer-style air fryer lets you cook without a bath of oil. Que Choisir reports that this type of appliance reduces frying smells, though it does not guarantee the same result as deep-frying.
If your main course and side need different settings, two compartments can make it easier to prepare them together. However, check the usable space in each basket: the total capacity does not tell you how much each one holds.
If the quantity of chips and the results of deep-frying matter more than reducing cooking smells, an electric deep-fat fryer is also worth comparing. Just remember to factor in handling the oil, filtering it and cleaning the appliance.
If you occasionally cook foods that are usually fried, start with what matters most to you: avoiding a bath of oil, preparing two dishes at once, having several cooking levels or making a large batch of chips.
| Priority | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Using less oil and reducing cooking smells | Check which parts can be removed and the instructions for cleaning the basket. | In a small kitchen, avoiding the need to handle a bath of oil may matter more than recreating deep-fried chips; around 40% of consumers prioritise avoiding oil and cooking smells. |
| Preparing two dishes together | Compare the usable size of each drawer and check whether the appliance can synchronise the end of cooking. | If you want to serve a main course and side together after cooking them with different settings, around 30% of consumers prefer a two-zone layout. |
| Making more at once | Check the usable cooking levels, external dimensions and size of compatible dishes. | When a basket limits family-sized portions or cooking on several trays, the capacity and versatility of a compact oven become a priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Cooking a large batch of chips | Check the food capacity, the amount of oil needed and which parts need cleaning. | If being able to deep-fry a large quantity matters more than avoiding a bath of oil, around 10% of consumers prioritise this option, despite the extra maintenance it involves. |
A large basket should not necessarily be filled to the brim. In its test procedure, Que Choisir limits the maximum load tested to a basket filled two-thirds full and recommends shaking the chips during cooking.
Check the recommended quantity for the foods you plan to cook in the instruction manual, then look at the basket’s shape and usable dimensions.
Que Choisir notes that fresh chips cooked with hot air do not necessarily turn out like chips from a deep-fat fryer. Results can also vary between appliances.
If large batches of fresh chips are your priority, compare a deep-fat fryer too, along with the maintenance it requires.
A measurement taken when cooking a small amount does not predict the energy use of every recipe. Comparisons published by Que Choisir vary according to the food and appliances tested.
Compare complete cooking cycles using the same recipe and quantity, rather than estimating energy use from a single wattage figure.
Dishwasher compatibility depends on the part and the model. For example, Tefal says the heating unit of its Filtra Pro 4 L is not dishwasher-safe.
Before choosing and cleaning an appliance, check the manual to see which baskets, trays and bowls can be removed and which parts are excluded.
These range examples illustrate different formats. Features depend on the models mentioned and do not apply to every appliance from a particular brand.
Philips offers single-basket and dual-compartment appliances. Compare them based on your portion sizes and whether you need to cook two parts of a meal separately.
The Easy Fry range includes drawer-style models and an oven-style appliance, which may suit you if you want to cook on several levels.
The Filtra Pro FR516110 is an electric deep-fat fryer for households that prioritise cooking large batches of chips.
These hot-air appliances include dual-compartment models and single-drawer models. First, choose based on your portion sizes and whether you need to cook two dishes at the same time. This selection does not include compact convection ovens or deep-fat fryers.
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Worth considering if you want to divide a meal between two drawers. The product name lists a total capacity of 9.5 L, six functions and dishwasher-safe baskets. Check the manual for the recommended load for each food.
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Consider this model if you are deciding between cooking in a flexible basket and preparing two dishes separately. The product name mentions SYNC and DUAL functions, as well as 50 cooking sheets. Check its external dimensions and recommended quantities before deciding on your portion sizes.
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Worth comparing if you want to keep your main course and side separate. The product name lists two baskets and a total capacity of 9 L. Check the size of each basket against your usual portions rather than relying on the total capacity alone.
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Its 2 L basket is worth considering for small portions rather than a large batch. The product name lists a 60-minute timer and a dishwasher-safe basket. Check its dimensions, as well as the plug and connection supplied, to make sure they are suitable for your kitchen.
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This drawer-style model is worth comparing if your portions are too large for a small basket. Its stated capacity is 7.6 L. Check the manual for the recommended load for each food, and measure the appliance to make sure you have room for it on your worktop.
No. It depends on the recipe, quantity and appliances being compared. For a small quiche prepared in the same quantity, Que Choisir measured an average of 36% less electricity used by the air fryers it tested than by a mini oven. This result does not automatically apply to other dishes or models.
Not by itself. In its tests, Que Choisir includes a maximum load with the basket filled two-thirds full and shakes the chips during cooking. For your appliance, follow the quantities and instructions in the manual rather than filling the basket to the brim.
No. It depends on the model and the part. Philips says its QuickClean CP1611/01 basket is dishwasher-safe, while Tefal says the heating unit of the Filtra Pro 4 L is not. Check the manual for each part before cleaning.
In France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to an individual, according to the DGCCRF. If the appliance does not match the seller’s description, keep a copy of the product listing and proof of purchase so you can assert your rights with the seller.
No. The DGCCRF explains that the CE marking shows the manufacturer’s commitment to meeting the applicable regulatory requirements. It is neither a certification mark nor a measure of cooking performance. Compare the features that matter for your portion sizes and the food you plan to cook separately.