Choose a compact air fryer if you mainly prepare small batches, roasted vegetables, portions of protein or reheated food. For gratins, tarts, pizzas and recipes cooked in a dish, a mini oven or multifunction air fryer oven will generally be the better choice; a dual-drawer model is best suited to two separate cooking tasks that need to finish at the same time. Before relying on the advertised capacity alone, compare the appliance’s footprint, how the drawers or door open, the usable dimensions and how easy it is to clean.
If your meals often consist of a batch of vegetables, chips, protein, snacks or reheated food, start by looking at a compact air fryer. Check the quantity recommended in the instructions and how easy the basket is to clean; Que Choisir’s testing protocols distinguish in particular between the optimum and maximum quantities.
A dual-drawer air fryer can be a good choice when you want to prepare two foods using different settings and serve them together. However, Que Choisir points out that results can vary from one zone to another. Also check the size of each basket and the space required when the drawers are open.
For gratins, tarts, pizzas, pastries or recipes cooked in a dish, choose a mini oven or multifunction air fryer oven. Depending on the model, Moulinex mini oven instructions specify round dishes of around 28 cm and oval dishes measuring 33 to 35 cm. This measurement is more useful than the litre capacity alone.
Start with the recipes you usually make, then check the space you actually have available, the usable dimensions for your dishes and the parts that need cleaning after each use.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Actual footprint | Compare the width, depth and height with the available space. Check which way the drawers or door open, as well as the clearances specified in the instructions. | I want to be able to leave the appliance on the worktop without blocking a cupboard, walkway or access to the cooking cavity. |
| Usable capacity | Check the recommended quantities, the number of cooking zones and the dimensions of compatible moulds or dishes. Two drawers do not replace a single cavity for a large dish. | I want to prepare my usual portion without having to cook several batches or buy a cavity that is too large for how I use it. |
| Recipes and cooking | Look for independent tests covering temperature, evenness and the recipes that interest you. For a mini oven, also check the available racks, trays and shelf positions. | My meals are not limited to chips: I want to know whether the appliance is also suitable for quiches, cakes, gratins or roasted vegetables. |
| Cleaning and noise | Compare the removable parts, whether they are dishwasher-safe and how easily you can access the walls, base or heating elements. For an open-plan kitchen, look for a noise measurement while the appliance is running. | I want to minimise the greasy surfaces that need washing and avoid a fan becoming annoying near the living area. |
A total volume tells you neither how much room there is for a mould nor which quantity will give the best results. Two separate zones do not become one large cooking cavity; Que Choisir also distinguishes between optimum and maximum quantities for chips.
Make a list of the three recipes you cook most often, then check the usual quantity, the dimensions of your dishes, how many zones you need and whether you can cook at the same time.
A two-zone appliance can take up a lot of depth when the baskets are pulled out. A stacked format mainly reduces the footprint on the worktop, but does not guarantee the same available height or the same amount of room for handling.
Measure the worktop and simulate the drawers or door opening fully. Then check the dimensions and clearances specified in the instructions for your chosen model.
An air fryer’s fan can be more noticeable in a studio flat or open-plan kitchen. With a mini oven or air fryer oven, trays, racks, the base and walls add surfaces exposed to splashes; UFC-Que Choisir highlights the importance of noise levels in small spaces.
Look for an independent noise measurement and compare the removable parts, whether they are dishwasher-safe and how easily you can access the areas most exposed to dirt and grease.
Comparisons published by manufacturers depend on specific recipes and conditions. They do not prove that you will achieve the same result with every portion, programme or oven-style use.
Use these figures as a starting point, then prioritise independent tests comparing cooking time, temperature, evenness and energy use with defined recipes.
The Philips range includes single-basket air fryers, dual-basket models and stacked-basket designs.
Moulinex offers basket air fryers, vertical dual-drawer models and multifunction air fryer ovens, with capacities ranging from around 4.2 L to 20 L among the models reviewed.
SEB offers freestanding mini ovens from 18 to 24 L designed for oven-style recipes, with conventional or fan-assisted cooking depending on the model.
These Joybuy options cover compact air fryers and dual-drawer models for small portions, reheating or cooking a main dish and its side at the same time.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for a small household wanting to cook two foods separately at the same time.
Two independent 3.8 L drawers, six functions and advertised dimensions of 31.5 × 38 × 26.5 cm. The drawers and non-stick plates are advertised as dishwasher-safe.
Check the space needed to open both drawers; they do not form a single cavity for a large dish or mould.
Image unavailable
This model is designed for serving a main dish and a side at the same time.
Large and small baskets, a synchronisation function, temperature settings from 40 to 200 °C and a 60-minute timer. The removable parts are advertised as dishwasher-safe.
With an advertised width of 443.9 mm, check the available space, basket clearance and ventilation before buying.
Image unavailable
An option for small portions, reheating and kitchens where worktop space is limited.
Two containers measuring 1.4 L and 3.8 L, four functions and advertised dimensions of 30 × 34.5 × 34 cm. The containers and accessories are advertised as dishwasher-safe.
The maximum 3.8 L capacity must suit your portions and moulds. The glass containers become hot during and after cooking: use oven gloves.
Image unavailable
Consider this model if you regularly prepare two more generous portions using separate settings.
Two independent 4.75 L drawers, six modes and advertised dimensions of 32.5 × 41.5 × 27 cm. The drawers and non-stick plates are advertised as dishwasher-safe.
The two zones remain separate: this format does not replace a single cavity for gratins, tarts or oven-baked dishes.
Image unavailable
This capacity is designed for one person or a couple, as well as small batches.
2 L capacity, advertised power of 1,150 W, 60-minute timer, temperature control and non-stick basket. The removable parts are advertised as dishwasher-safe.
Check the external dimensions, ventilation clearances and noise level. For a larger household, 2 L may mean having to cook several batches.
Yes. The testing protocols used by Que Choisir and Les Numériques also cover chicken drumsticks, bread rolls, quiches and cakes. However, choose based on the compatible mould diameter, the capacity recommended in the instructions and your usual recipes, rather than the number of programmes.
Not necessarily. A dual-drawer model is convenient for two separate, synchronised cooking tasks, but each basket has its own dimensions. If you often use moulds, gratins or tarts, check the dish dimensions accepted by a mini oven or the cavity size of an air fryer oven instead.
Choose a comparison that measures noise while the appliance is running rather than relying on a brief in-store demonstration. Que Choisir says it measures air fryer noise at 0.50 m and finds differences between models, which is particularly useful information in a small space.
Measure the available width, depth and height, then allow for the door or drawers to open fully. Consult the instructions for the exact model to check ventilation distances, the required support, power rating and connection requirements; the SEB instructions reviewed specifically require a stable surface and an earthed socket for the relevant mini ovens.