People preparing two components
If you want to cook a main dish and a side with different settings, check whether the zones can be programmed independently and whether their cooking times can be synchronised.
Who are these formats suitable for ?
People cooking larger batches
If you want to prepare several portions or use a large dish, the available surface area and the size of the largest compartment matter more than the number of programmes.
People who already own an oven
If kitchen space is limited, consider whether a countertop appliance would meet a need that your oven doesn’t already cover, bearing in mind the space it takes up and the maintenance it requires.
What matters when preparing several meals ?
Single-drawer air fryer
Consider this : for modest portions that can cook using the same settings.
Trade-off : separate dishes may need to be cooked in successive batches.
Two drawers or a flexible basket
Consider this : if two components need different settings; on selected models, a removable divider also lets you switch between two zones and one larger space.
Trade-off : two compartments, particularly if they’re different sizes, may not each fit a large dish.
Convection mini oven
Consider this : if you mainly cook in dishes, tins or trays that fit inside its cavity.
Trade-off : check how much space it will take up and whether it can really cook on several levels before adding it to your kitchen.
Existing oven
Stick with it : if its cavity already fits the dishes you usually cook and you don’t need two independently adjustable zones.
Trade-off : it won’t meet the need to cook two smaller dishes with independent settings in quite the same way.
| What matters | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Coordinating two cooking times | Independently programmable zones and a synchronisation function, if you need one. | If I’m preparing a main dish and a side that need different cooking times, I want them to be ready together. Around 36 % of consumers put this coordination first. |
| Plenty of usable capacity | Dimensions of the largest compartment and the space available to spread out the food. | To prepare several portions or fit the dish I usually use, I need to make the most of the space without cooking multiple batches. This is the top priority for around 29 % of consumers. |
| Space and cleaning | Appliance dimensions, drawer clearance and removable parts that are dishwasher-safe. | When worktop space is limited, I want the appliance to be easy to position and clean after each cooking session. Around 21 % of consumers prioritise these considerations. |
| How useful it is alongside an existing oven | The size and shape of dishes your oven already fits, and how often you’d use another appliance. | If I mainly cook large dishes in the oven, I’d rather know what a new appliance would actually add. For around 14 % of consumers, avoiding a duplicate purchase is the main concern. |
What should you avoid ?
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Confusing advertised litres with usable space
A large total capacity doesn’t tell you whether the basket will fit your dish or give you enough room to spread out the food. UFC-Que Choisir points out that usable capacity determines how much you can actually cook.
Compare the internal dimensions, the size of the largest compartment and the number of batches you’d need for the dishes you usually make.
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Assuming both drawers are the same size
A large total capacity may be split between two uneven zones. The Moulinex Easy Fry Dual XXL EZ9428F0, for example, is listed by Moulinex as having 6,5 L and 4,5 L drawers.
Decide which component would go in each drawer; if you regularly use one large dish, consider a flexible basket or an oven too.
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Forgetting the space needed to open the drawers
An appliance may fit on your worktop without leaving enough room in front to pull out the baskets comfortably.
Measure the width, depth, available height and clearance at the front before choosing a large model.
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Assuming energy savings apply in every case
UFC-Que Choisir found that an air fryer used less energy than a mini oven when cooking a small quiche in its test. This result doesn’t apply to every recipe or to a session that requires several batches.
Compare dishes and quantities similar to your own, and don’t make this result your only reason for buying.
Brands to consider
Moulinex
The Easy Fry range includes models with two drawers, an XXL model and a vertical format. These designs may suit people who switch between cooking separate components and preparing larger dishes.
- Moulinex lists independent drawers and synchronised cooking among the features of selected models.
- For the model you’re considering, check its dimensions, which parts are dishwasher-safe and the terms of the repairability commitment announced by the brand.
Philips
Philips describes its Série 1000 NA154/00 as having a flexible basket: the two 3,55 L zones can be combined into one 7,1 L space by removing the divider.
- On this specific model, you can choose between two zones and one single basket.
- Check the internal dimensions before assuming it will fit the large dish you usually use.
Tefal
According to the brand, the Tefal Dual Easy Fry & Grill EY905B10 has one 5,2 L drawer and another with a 3,1 L capacity.
- The two sizes let you allocate different dishes to each drawer.
- The smaller drawer limits the size of food you can put in it; check the care instructions for the exact model too.
Air fryers for different meal-prep needs
These appliances let you compare flexible baskets, separate zones and a single-basket format. Check how their compartments suit the dishes you usually make: the stated capacity alone won’t tell you what you can cook in one batch.
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Flexible-basket air fryer, 12QT, with 50 cooking sheets
Worth considering if you switch between cooking two separate dishes and using a more open basket. The product name mentions a flexible basket, two zones, Sync and Dual functions, a cooking window and dishwasher-safe parts; check the usable dimensions to make sure your dishes will fit.
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COSORI TF101S Dual Blaze Twinfry™ 10L air fryer
Compare it with your dishes if you’re looking for a 10 L air fryer to prepare several portions. Before buying, check the basket layout, its internal dimensions and the cleaning instructions for removable parts.
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Cecotec Cecofry DuoLevel 10000 DuoSize Window, 10 L
The two baskets may suit you if you want to prepare two separate dishes, provided each one fits in its designated zone. The title lists 2000 W, a total capacity of 10 L split between 3,5 L and 6,5 L, and 10 programmes; check how much space the smaller basket offers separately.
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ochama Dual-Chamber 9L air fryer
Its two compartments are worth considering if you want to prepare separate dishes in one session. The stated total capacity is 9 L; check the size of each compartment and whether it has the coordination functions you need.
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KITCHENCOOK AIRMED7W 7L air fryer
Worth considering if your portions can be prepared in a single basket, even if that means cooking in successive batches. The title mentions a 7 L capacity, a digital display and a cooking window; check the basket dimensions to estimate how many batches you’ll need.
Frequently asked questions
Is the stated capacity in litres enough to choose an air fryer for preparing meals in advance ?
No : also compare the usable surface area, the size of the largest drawer and the dimensions of your dishes. UFC-Que Choisir points out that usable capacity determines how much you can actually cook, which is particularly important if you want to avoid preparing several batches.
Can a dual-drawer air fryer replace my oven ?
It can help you cook two components with different settings, but it won’t necessarily replace a cavity that fits large dishes or trays. Compare the size of your food with each drawer before deciding to do without your existing oven.
How should I plan for cleaning after cooking several batches ?
Check the instructions for the exact model to see which baskets, racks and trays are dishwasher-safe, and how to clean any non-removable parts. A feature listed for one Moulinex or Tefal model won’t automatically apply to other appliances from the same brand.
What should I check if repairability matters to me ?
Check whether spare parts are available and what repair options apply to the model you’re considering. Moulinex announces a commitment to keeping technical parts available for 15 years after purchase for eligible products; check the terms that apply to your chosen model rather than assuming this covers the whole range.