Anyone who often cooks a small portion
For a side dish or a quick reheat with a crisp finish, without using the whole oven, consider the basket’s surface area and shape as well as its stated capacity.
Who are these formats for?
Households preparing two items to serve together
If your main dish and side need different settings, two compartments can help you cook them separately. Check how much room each drawer offers.
Anyone who already has a convection oven
If your oven fits your dishes and already meets your everyday needs, consider how often a dedicated smaller cooking space would genuinely come in handy.
How do the formats compare?
Drawer-style air fryer
Consider it : if you regularly cook or reheat a small portion in a dedicated basket.
Bear in mind : the basket shape limits the dishes you can use, and the appliance adds another pan to clean.
Air fryer with two compartments
Consider it : when you want two dishes with different settings to be ready at the same time.
Bear in mind : the capacity is split between the drawers, each of which takes up space and needs cleaning.
Convection mini oven
Consider it : if the shape of your dishes and the ability to use oven accessories matter more than a basket for a single portion.
Bear in mind : the space required and the number of items to wash depend on the model and its accessories.
Your existing oven
Stick with it : if it fits your usual dishes and you don’t often need a separate basket.
Consider : for a small portion, the size of its cavity and your preheating habits may affect your decision.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the shape and usable surface area with your dishes. For a two-drawer model, check each compartment separately. | When I cook several portions, I want everything to fit without having to cook in batches; around 27% of consumers would make usable capacity their priority. |
| Space and noise | Measure the space with the drawer open, and look for a noise rating if your kitchen is open-plan. | In a small kitchen, I want to use the appliance without cluttering the worktop or being bothered by a noisy fan; space and noise would be priorities for around 27% of consumers. |
| Cleaning | Check which removable parts are dishwasher-safe and how many accessories you’ll need to wash. | After a quick meal, I don’t want washing up to outweigh the convenience I was looking for; around 20% of consumers would prioritise ease of cleaning. |
| A use that’s different from your oven | Compare the way you usually cook with what your oven already offers, then consider which features of a new appliance you would actually use. | If my convection oven already meets my needs, I want a clear reason to add another appliance; avoiding duplication would be a priority for around 26% of consumers. |
What should you watch out for before buying?
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Choosing based only on the stated capacity in litres
Two baskets with a similar capacity may fit dishes of different shapes. For one particular model, for example, Moulinex says you can use dishes up to 27 cm.
Measure the food and dishes you usually cook, then compare the usable surface area, basket shape and external dimensions.
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Assuming two drawers are the same as one large compartment
Two zones let you keep dishes separate, but their combined capacity doesn’t tell you whether a large dish will fit in either one.
If you’re cooking a single dish, compare the size of each drawer with the cavity of a mini oven or your oven.
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Forgetting about noise and drawer clearance
UFC-Que Choisir identifies the fan as a buying consideration and includes noise in its testing process.
Allow enough room to open and handle the drawer. If quiet operation matters to you, look for a noise rating for the model you’re considering.
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Taking energy savings for granted
UFC-Que Choisir links the potential savings of an air fryer to its smaller cavity and shorter cooking time, but doesn’t claim this applies to every appliance or quantity.
Base your decision on your portion sizes and how you actually use your oven, rather than on a general promise of energy savings.
Brands to know when comparing formats
Philips
Philips’ range lets you compare a drawer-style air fryer with a model featuring two baskets of different sizes.
- Philips gives the NA330/00 a capacity of 6.2 L and describes the NA352/24 as having a large basket for the main dish and a smaller one for a side.
- These details relate to two different models. Check the dimensions, the capacity of each zone and the cleaning instructions for the one you choose.
Moulinex
The Easy Fry range includes basket-style air fryers and air fryer ovens, making it useful for comparing different cooking formats.
- Moulinex lists a capacity of 4.2 L and dishwasher-safe parts for the Easy Fry Deluxe. The brand also offers a 20 L air fryer oven.
- Don’t assume the capacity, accessories or dishwasher compatibility of one model apply to another.
Electrolux
Electrolux’s FR53G convection oven is a useful comparison if you already have an oven and are considering adding another appliance.
- Electrolux describes air circulation throughout the cavity and an AquaClean steam-cleaning system for this model.
- These features relate to one specific built-in oven; they don’t describe every oven or mini oven.
Air fryers to compare for your portion sizes
These air fryers include containers for small quantities, larger-capacity baskets and models with two zones. To choose between them, start with your portion sizes and check how much space the appliance will take up.
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Ninja FN101EUGY Crispi Air Fryer
Worth considering if you want to choose a container to suit a small dish or a quick reheat. Check how much space you’ll need to use and store the containers, and use suitable protection when handling them hot.
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Midea Air Fryer 2 L, black
Its 2 L basket is worth considering for small quantities, so check that your usual ingredients will fit. The stated power is 1150 W; the title also mentions a 60-minute timer and a dishwasher-safe non-stick basket.
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Philips NA351/00 Series 3000 Dual Basket Airfryer, 9 L, black and silver
Worth comparing if you cook a main dish and a side in two separate zones. The stated 9 L capacity is for both baskets combined, so check the capacity of each one and the space needed to open the drawers.
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Ninja Dual Zone DZ300EU, two drawers, 7.6 L, metallic grey
The two drawers are worth considering if you want to cook two parts of a meal separately. The stated total capacity is 7.6 L, so check that each drawer suits the food you plan to cook. The title lists six functions and baskets described as dishwasher-safe.
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Cuisinart Compact Max AFS8OBLE, 7.6 L
This stated 7.6 L capacity is worth comparing with your needs if you cook several portions. For smaller quantities, also check the basket shape and how much worktop space you have available.
Frequently asked questions
Can an air fryer replace my oven?
Not necessarily. An air fryer basket is suited to some smaller cooking tasks, while your oven can accommodate dishes in a wider range of shapes and sizes. If you regularly use both formats, compare what you cook in each before deciding whether you’d benefit from another appliance.
What capacity air fryer should I look for if I’m cooking for four?
UFC-Que Choisir recommends a minimum capacity of 6 L for a family of four in its article about XXL air fryers. Also check the basket shape and the size of each zone if you choose a model with two drawers: the total capacity doesn’t guarantee that all your food will fit at once.
How do I clean a non-stick basket?
Avoid using metal scourers and stiff brushes on the coating, as Moulinex advises. Let the appliance cool down and check the instructions for your model to find out which removable parts are dishwasher-safe.
What warranty applies to a new air fryer bought in France?
If a new appliance isn’t as described, the legal guarantee of conformity allows you to ask the seller for a repair or replacement. The French Ministry of the Economy says this must be carried out within a maximum of 30 days of your request. Any commercial warranty is optional and does not replace your legal guarantees.