For cooking small portions
If you often cook a portion or a side dish, check that it fits in the basket and that the appliance suits the way you cook. UFC-Que Choisir lists capacity among the factors to consider when buying.
Who are these appliances for?
For preparing two parts of a meal
If you want to cook two dishes with different settings at the same time, compare the capacity of each zone rather than the total volume alone. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol takes appliances with one or two cooking zones into account.
For kitchens where space is at a premium
If you need to balance storage, cleaning and functions your oven already provides, measure the space available and consider what you need before adding another appliance. UFC-Que Choisir includes storage and cleaning among the points to consider.
What should you check for small portions?
Single-drawer air fryer
Choose this if: you usually cook one small portion at a time and want just one basket to wash.
Bear in mind: dishes that need different settings will have to be cooked one after the other.
Dual-zone air fryer
Choose this if: you regularly cook two dishes at the same time, with different cooking times or settings.
Bear in mind: two zones may take up more space and mean more parts to clean. If you’re only cooking one portion, you may not use one of them.
Mini or compact oven
Choose this if: you prefer cooking on a rack or in a dish, or want oven-style cooking modes, and your existing oven doesn’t already meet those needs.
Bear in mind: an oven’s capacity in litres cannot be directly compared with a basket’s. Measure your dish and the available space before choosing.
For small portions, start by checking usable capacity, then consider cleaning and available space. UFC-Que Choisir highlights capacity, ease of use and ease of cleaning among the factors to look at.
| Consideration | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the basket’s internal dimensions and shape with your dish, and check the filling instructions. | I want to make sure my usual dish fits without exceeding the filling instructions; around 28% of consumers prioritise usable capacity. |
| Regular cleaning | Check which parts are dishwasher-safe and how easy it is to reach the surfaces that need cleaning. | If I cook often, I want to know which removable parts are easy to clean after use; around 22% of consumers prioritise ease of cleaning. |
| Space and storage | Measure the appliance’s width, depth and height, then check the clearances specified in its instructions. | When worktop and storage space are limited, I want to make sure the appliance will fit without getting in the way in my kitchen; around 22% of consumers prioritise the appliance’s footprint. |
| Cooking two dishes at once | Compare the size of each basket, the independent settings and the model’s synchronisation function. | If I regularly cook a main and a side dish at the same time, I check that each zone suits the food I plan to cook; around 11% of consumers prioritise cooking two dishes simultaneously. |
| Avoiding duplication | Make a list of the dishes your current oven can’t prepare as you’d like, as well as the dishes you use. | Before adding another appliance, I want to know whether my current oven already does the job for my usual recipes; around 17% of consumers prioritise avoiding duplication. |
Mistakes to avoid before you buy
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Choosing based on the litre capacity alone
The advertised volume alone won’t tell you whether your dish or tin will fit in the basket, or how much food you can cook in it under the recommended conditions.
Check the internal dimensions, the shape of the basket and the filling instructions for the exact model.
A dish that doesn’t fit properly could mean cooking in several batches or being unable to use a particular tin.
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Choosing two zones when you almost always cook one portion
Two zones are useful for cooking separate dishes, for example. They don’t automatically make it more convenient to cook a single small portion.
Choose this format if you regularly need to cook two dishes at once, and compare the capacity of each zone.
Two baskets may take up more space and mean more parts to clean.
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Assuming an air fryer will be useful alongside an oven that already meets your needs
Cooking functions can overlap, so a new appliance won’t necessarily meet a need that you don’t already have.
Before comparing models, work out which dishes your current oven can’t prepare in the way you want.
An extra appliance also needs a place on your worktop and somewhere to store it.
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Taking general claims about speed or savings as a guaranteed result
Moulinex’s energy-use comparison is based on cooking 300 g of frozen chips in comparison with a class A oven. It doesn’t allow you to draw conclusions about other recipes or a different oven.
Don’t apply a comparison figure to your meals without checking that it’s based on the same recipe and an equivalent basis of comparison.
Brands and models to compare
Moulinex
The models listed include a single-basket air fryer and a freestanding mini oven. Compare the two formats based on the dishes you cook and the space available.
- According to Moulinex, the Easy Fry Compact EZ145A20 has an advertised basket capacity of 3 L and is dishwasher-safe.
- The manufacturer describes the Optimo OX444810 as a 19 L freestanding oven with several cooking modes.
- These capacities refer to different types of containers and aren’t directly comparable. On their own, they don’t tell you whether your dish will fit.
Philips
These models let you compare a single-basket option with a dual-basket model, depending on how many dishes you cook at the same time.
- Philips lists the Series 3000 HD9252/90 basket capacity as 4.1 L and describes this model as suitable for two people.
- For the NA555/00, Philips lists two zones with capacities of 6 L and 3 L, along with a basket synchronisation function.
- The advertised capacities don’t confirm that your portion or dish will fit. The synchronisation function is most useful if you use both zones.
De’Longhi
The EO14552.W mini oven is worth considering if you’d prefer a freestanding oven for cooking small portions.
- The official product information lists a 14 L internal capacity, a rack, a crumb tray and a grill function.
- Measure your dish and the space available. The advertised capacity alone doesn’t confirm that this format will suit your needs.
Appliances for these uses
This selection includes single-basket air fryers, a dual-basket model and a compact mini oven, so you can compare the formats based on your portions, whether you cook two dishes at once and the space available.
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Midea Air Fryer 2 L, 1150 W
Its single-basket design could suit you if you mainly cook small portions and want just one basket to clean.
Advertised capacity of 2 L, power of 1150 W, a 60 min timer and a non-stick, dishwasher-safe basket, according to the product title.
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Ninja AF110EU 3-in-1 Digital Air Fryer, 4.7 L
The title describes it as suitable for one to two portions. Check that the basket suits the dish you usually cook, as the advertised capacity alone can’t confirm this.
Advertised capacity of 4.7 L, power of 2000 W, Air Fry, Reheat and Dehydrate functions, and a dishwasher-safe basket, according to the product description.
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OYAJIA Double-Basket Air Fryer
Its two baskets and independent settings are designed for cooking two different foods with different settings at the same time.
The description mentions a touch screen, eight programmes, and SYNC and DUAL COOK modes.
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KitchenCook K-FRY Semi-Professional 3 L
This single-basket model is worth comparing if you’re looking for an air fryer for small portions. Check that the basket suits your dish.
Advertised capacity of 3 L and stainless steel finish, according to the product title.
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HOMCOM Mini Electric Oven 10 L
A mini oven worth considering if you prefer to cook in a dish or on a rack. The description says it can fit a 22 cm pizza.
Advertised capacity of 10 L, adjustable temperature from 100 to 230 °C, a 60 min timer and dimensions of 36.5 × 26 × 22 cm. The description says the rack and tray are dishwasher-safe.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell whether a basket will fit my portion?
Measure the dish or tin you use and compare it with the basket’s internal dimensions and the filling instructions in the manual. For some dishes, UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol distinguishes between the recommended and maximum quantities. The advertised capacity in litres therefore doesn’t replace this check.
Can you put the entire air fryer in the dishwasher?
No. Check which parts are specifically listed as dishwasher-safe in the model information. Moulinex states that the Easy Fry Compact EZ145A20 basket is dishwasher-safe, not the whole appliance.
What warranty applies to a purchase from a business in France?
The Ministry of the Economy and Finance states that the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a consumer, and can be invoked for two years. An additional commercial warranty does not replace it.
Does an air fryer need to display a repairability index?
Air fryers are not included in the list of product categories subject to a repairability index published by the Ministry of the Economy and Finance. The absence of an index therefore doesn’t let you compare how repairable they are. Instead, check the information available about parts for the model you’re interested in.
What do the CE marking and take-back of my old appliance mean?
The DGCCRF explains that CE marking applies to products covered by the relevant European rules and indicates the manufacturer’s commitment; it is not an independent certification. When you buy a new appliance, free one-for-one take-back applies to an old equivalent item. Ask the retailer about the arrangements that apply.