A countertop appliance is most worthwhile if your usual portions fit in its usable cooking space and it means you can avoid regularly using your full-size oven. An air fryer suits smaller batches or, depending on its design, cooking two things at once. A mini oven can accommodate different types of dish, while a multi-cooker is only worth considering if you’ll also use its other cooking modes. Before adding another appliance, think about the space it takes up, the noise, cleaning and the risk of duplicating what your oven already does.
If you often cook one or two portions and would rather not use the full-size oven, consider the available space and storage as well as the basket capacity. Airflow matters in a small room, too: UFC-Que Choisir recommends considering noise levels before buying an air fryer.
If you want to cook two parts of a meal together or cut down on batches, look at the usable capacity, drawer layout and shape of the dishes you use. UFC-Que Choisir points out that usable capacity matters more than the stated capacity alone.
If your oven already works well, first identify a regular task that an extra appliance would genuinely make easier. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition advises reconsidering the purchase of equipment that would only be used occasionally.
For everyday meals, start by choosing an appliance that suits the shape and quantity of the food you cook. Then check that it will fit in your kitchen without unnecessarily duplicating what your oven can do.
Worth considering: for portions that fit comfortably in a basket, or for cooking two things at once if the model has suitable zones.
Bear in mind: the usable cooking area may mean you need to cook in batches, and the airflow can be disruptive in an open-plan kitchen.
Worth considering: if you’re more likely to use a baking tray, rack or tin, particularly for pizzas or gratins.
Bear in mind: measure the space it will take up and check that your dishes will fit the specific model.
Worth considering: if you’ll also regularly use modes such as pressure cooking, steaming or slow cooking.
Bear in mind: the air-fry function may depend on the kit or accessory you choose, so check what’s included.
Stick with it: if you usually cook large dishes or would only use a countertop appliance occasionally.
The trade-off: you’ll still need to use the oven, even for smaller meals.
| Criteria | What to check | Relevant consumer needs |
|---|---|---|
| Portions and usable capacity | Cooking space and shape; room for your usual portions. | If I’m preparing a family meal, I want to avoid having to start another cooking cycle because everything won’t fit in the basket. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this need for capacity. |
| Cooking at the same time | Number of zones or levels; separate settings if you need them. | When serving a main with a side, I want to be able to cook both at the same time. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this kind of coordination. |
| Space and everyday use | Dimensions and clearance specified in the instructions; noise and how easy removable parts are to clean. | In my open-plan kitchen, the appliance needs to be easy to position and not too disruptive when it’s running. Keeping this space practical is the main concern for around 25% of consumers. |
| Risk of duplication | Functions actually included; how often you’ll use it compared with your current oven. | If my oven already handles my everyday meals, I’d rather not add an appliance that needs storing and will rarely be used. Around 17% of consumers prioritise this trade-off. |
A large stated capacity doesn’t guarantee that your portions will fit in the basket without cooking in several batches. UFC-Que Choisir stresses the importance of usable capacity for family meals.
Compare the cooking space and shape with your dishes, then check the model’s filling instructions.
Synchronising the end of cooking doesn’t guarantee identical results in each zone. UFC-Que Choisir notes that results can vary between compartments.
Check the settings for each drawer and, if this matters to you, look for tests of the specific model that cover both zones.
An air fryer’s airflow can become disruptive when it’s running near your living space, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
Think about where you’ll actually put it and look for a noise measurement or test of the model, if available.
This function may depend on the kit you buy: Moulinex includes the Extra Crisp lid with some Cookeo sets, but not necessarily every version.
Check the model reference, what’s included and whether the lid is compatible before choosing.
Depending on the version, you may need to buy a separate accessory to get this function.
The Philips NA154/00 is an example of an air fryer that can be divided into separate compartments or used as one space, depending on what you’re cooking.
The Cookeo Wifi 10-in-1 with Extra Crisp is for households interested in using a multi-cooker’s other modes, too.
The TO 2056 mini oven is worth considering if the shape of your dishes and the option to use racks matter more than having a basket.
These Joybuy models all use hot-air cooking. Compare dual-basket models if you want to coordinate two dishes, or look for a basket capacity that suits your portions. Their inclusion here doesn’t change the potential benefits of a mini oven, multi-cooker or your existing oven.
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Worth considering if you’d like to divide a meal between two baskets. The stated total capacity is 9 L; check the usable space in each basket for your portions and dishes.
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Its two drawers may suit households that like to keep different parts of a meal separate. The stated total capacity is 7,6 L; look at the area of each drawer rather than relying on the total alone.
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For cooking two dishes separately, this model offers independent temperature controls. Its stated total capacity is 9 L and its rated power is 2 400 W. Check the dimensions of the baskets and appliance before deciding where to put it.
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Worth looking at if you’re more interested in the capacity for a single cooking session than in separating two dishes. The stated 7,6 L capacity doesn’t tell you how much usable cooking space there is, so compare it with your usual portions.
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Its stated capacity of 2 L makes it more suited to smaller portions, so check that it’s big enough for your regular meals. The product title mentions a non-stick basket, dishwasher-safe parts and a 60-minute timer. If worktop space is limited, check the external dimensions too.
Not for every meal. Keep your oven as your main appliance if you often cook large dishes, use several shelves or prepare food that won’t fit in a basket. UFC-Que Choisir points out that the functions can overlap, so before adding an air fryer, think about the smaller meals you’d use it for regularly.
Start by checking the usable capacity and cooking area against your usual portions. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 6 L as a minimum for four people and notes that 9 L or more may reduce the number of batches needed for more than five people. Still, check the internal dimensions and filling instructions for the model you’re considering.
No. Cooking two foods at once doesn’t guarantee identical results in both zones. UFC-Que Choisir has found that results can vary between compartments. Check the settings for each drawer and look for tests of the specific model if consistent results matter to you.
Consider airflow as well as where you’ll put it and how easy it is to clean. UFC-Que Choisir notes that the airflow can be audible. If possible, look for a noise measurement or test for the model you’re considering, then check the required clearance around the appliance in its instructions.
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity applies when a consumer buys a new, second-hand or refurbished item from a professional seller. If the appliance doesn’t match its description, keep your proof of purchase and the product description so you can raise the issue with the seller. This remedy is separate from simply changing your mind.