If you’re cooking mainly one small portion at a time for one or two people, a single-drawer air fryer is worth considering if its basket is big enough and its size, noise and cleaning requirements suit you. A dual-drawer model is better suited to regularly cooking two things at once. For dishes that need a baking tray, tin or more height, compare it with a mini oven. If your current oven is easy to use and already covers these needs, a new appliance may simply duplicate what you have.
If you usually cook just one small portion, start by comparing single-basket models. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 3 to 4 L as a guide for one or two people, but the usable capacity and shape of the basket also need to suit what you cook.
The dishes you cook can help you choose between appliances: a basket works for food that fits inside it, while a mini oven’s cavity is worth considering if you use tins or wider dishes. Check that you have enough room to set up the appliance, too.
Factor in fan noise if you’ll be using the appliance near your living area. UFC-Que Choisir considers noise a buying criterion and measures it from 50 cm away in its test protocol. If measurements are available, compare results taken under the same conditions.
Start with your usual portions and dishes, then check whether the appliance will fit somewhere practical without needlessly duplicating the functions of an oven you can already use.
| Criterion | What to check | Based on your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking format | Compare a single basket, two drawers and a mini oven’s cavity based on how many things you cook at once and the shape of your dishes. Check whether your current oven already does the job. | Will everything I’m cooking fit in one basket? I could consider a single drawer. For two things cooking regularly at the same time, I’ll look at a dual-drawer model; for tins or wider dishes, a mini oven. |
| Usable capacity | Check the internal dimensions and usable surface area, not just the stated capacity in litres. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 3 to 4 L as a starting point for a single basket for one or two people. | I want my usual portions to fit without having to choose an appliance that’s too large for my kitchen. |
| Space and ventilation | Measure the space where you plan to put it, compare the external dimensions and check the manual for the exact model to find out how much clearance it needs. | Worktop space is limited: the appliance needs to fit without getting in the way or restricting airflow around it. |
| Cleaning | Find out which parts can be removed and whether they’re dishwasher-safe. For an oven-style appliance, also check how easy it is to reach the cavity, tray and rack. | If I cook often, cleaning it after every use matters just as much as the cooking format. |
| Noise | For air fryers, look for measurements taken under comparable conditions rather than relying on the product description alone. UFC-Que Choisir measures noise from 50 cm away in its tests. | In a small room or open-plan kitchen, I need to know whether the fan noise will be acceptable while it’s cooking. |
| Manual and model details | Check the installation instructions for the exact model and note its model number or GTIN so you can identify it if there’s a recall on RappelConso. | I want to be able to install the appliance according to its instructions and identify the exact model I bought. |
A dual-drawer model lets you cook two things at once, but it may take up more space than you need if you only do this occasionally.
Think about the meals you usually cook: if you generally only need to cook one thing, start by comparing single-basket models.
The capacity in litres alone won’t tell you whether a dish, tin or your usual portions will fit in the basket or cavity.
Check the internal dimensions and the size of the accessories before comparing capacities.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, the fan noise from an air fryer is worth considering in an open-plan kitchen or small space.
If noise matters to you, look for independent tests carried out under comparable conditions.
Positioning instructions vary by model. Recalls also apply to specific model numbers: in March 2026, for example, RappelConso reported electrical and fire risks for the SYMEX SYM 6766 air fryer.
Read the manual before setting up the appliance, keep a note of its exact model number and check RappelConso notices if you have any concerns about it.
Moulinex’s product information lets you compare a single basket, two drawers and an air fryer oven, without assuming that they all take up the same amount of space.
Philips provides support documents for models such as its NA352/24 dual-basket air fryer, which are useful to check before choosing this format.
If you’re considering a Ninja air fryer, compare a specific model with the formats that suit your usual portions.
This single-basket model suits anyone looking to cook a small portion without always using an oven. Before choosing this format, compare its usable capacity and installation requirements with your needs.
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Its 2 L single basket is designed for small portions, provided its usable surface area suits the dishes you cook. The product name lists a power rating of 1150 W, a dishwasher-safe non-stick basket and a 60-minute timer. Before setting it up in a small kitchen, check its dimensions, noise level and the clearances specified in the manual.
Not for every dish. UFC-Que Choisir points out that the two appliances have some functions in common: a basket can work well for small portions, while a mini oven or an accessible conventional oven is still worth considering for tins, trays and dishes that won’t fit in the basket.
UFC-Que Choisir suggests 3 to 4 L as a guide for a single basket for one or two people. Still, check the usable capacity and shape of the basket: the number of litres doesn’t guarantee that your usual dishes will fit.
Yes. Follow the instructions for the exact model to ensure it’s set up correctly and heat can escape. Measure the available space before buying rather than assuming that the same clearance applies to every appliance.
Yes, particularly if your kitchen opens onto your living area. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the fan noise from air fryers and measures it from 50 cm away in its test protocol. When comparing models, look for results obtained under comparable conditions.