For frequent small batches, a single-drawer air fryer could be a good fit if its capacity suits your usual portions and you have a suitable place for it, as set out in the instructions. Consider a two-zone model if you want to cook two dishes at once. A mini oven is better suited to dishes and trays similar to those you use in your main oven. If your existing oven is available and works for the meals you make, an extra appliance may simply duplicate what you already have.
For one or two portions at a time, a suitably sized basket means you don’t need to make room for a large oven cavity. However, if different parts of your meal need different cooking settings, you may have to cook in batches. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the importance of usable capacity.
When your main oven is already in use, two independent zones let you set different cooking settings for different parts of a meal. Check the capacity of each compartment, not just the total. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol also takes cooking synchronisation into account for appliances with this feature.
The space available, the clearances specified in the instructions and storage can all influence your choice before you even consider the advertised capacity. In an open-plan kitchen, it’s also worth considering the fan noise, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
Consider it: for regular small batches that fit in a single basket.
Limitation: two foods that need different settings may have to be cooked one after the other.
Consider it: when two parts of a meal need to cook at the same time with different settings.
Limitation: the extra space it takes up should be justified by regular use of both zones.
Consider it: if you mainly need to cook dishes or use trays similar in size to those for your main oven.
Limitation: this heating appliance also needs a suitable position, as specified in its instructions.
Keep using it: if it suits the dishes you usually make and is available when you cook.
Limitation: it won’t help when it’s already in use for another dish.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare your portions with the usable surface area and volume of the basket or oven cavity, then measure the appliance. | For my small everyday batches, I want enough room without cluttering up the kitchen with an oversized appliance; around 31% of consumers prioritise a good fit for their portions. |
| Cooking two dishes together | Check whether the zones work independently, the capacity of each one and whether synchronisation is available if you need it. | When the oven is already in use, I need to cook two parts of a meal at the same time; around 25% of consumers put this first. |
| A different use from the oven | Identify when the oven is already in use and check that your dishes or tins will fit the format you’re considering. | I don’t want to add an appliance that simply duplicates how I use my oven; around 25% of consumers prioritise having the oven free or choosing a different format. |
| Space and everyday use | Measure the space and check the instructions for clearance and cleaning guidance; look for noise measurements if needed. | In my open-plan or small kitchen, the appliance needs to be easy to set up and clean without making mealtimes more complicated; these considerations come first for around 19% of consumers. |
UFC-Que Choisir points out that an air fryer performs some of the same functions as an oven. If you’d only use it occasionally, it may be difficult to justify the space and cleaning involved in having another appliance.
Think about which meals are difficult to cook when the oven is in use, then compare how often you make them with your usual cooking habits. The Ministry for Ecological Transition also recommends considering whether equipment that would be used rarely is really worthwhile.
How much you can cook depends on the usable capacity and the space available for the food. UFC-Que Choisir stresses that a large advertised capacity doesn’t remove the need to consider the portions you’ll actually cook.
Compare the size of your dishes and batches with each basket or oven cavity. For a two-zone model, check the capacity of each compartment separately.
An appliance may fit on your worktop without leaving enough room around it. UFC-Que Choisir also notes that air fryer fans can be noisy, which is particularly relevant in an open-plan kitchen.
Check the instructions for the model you’re considering to find out about clearance and suitable surfaces. If quiet operation matters to you, look for a test that measures noise levels.
Having two baskets doesn’t necessarily mean you can set or synchronise the cooking times independently. Check that the appliance you’re considering has these features.
Choose two zones if you regularly make meals that need different cooking times or temperatures. Otherwise, compare the space it takes up and the effort needed to clean it with a single-basket model.
This selection of air fryers includes a model for small batches, models with two compartments and an appliance with an advertised capacity of 7,6 L. The right choice depends on your portions, the space available and whether adding another appliance makes sense compared with using your existing oven or a mini oven.
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Worth considering if you want to cook two dishes in separate drawers. Check that each drawer is the right size for your dishes and that the appliance will fit in your kitchen.
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Compare the 2 L basket with the small portions you usually cook. If your meal includes several dishes, consider whether cooking them in separate batches will suit you.
Measure the space you have in mind and check the instructions for installation guidance.
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Two baskets with independent temperature controls make this model suitable for cooking two foods at the same time. Compare the space in each basket with your usual portions rather than relying on the total capacity alone.
Check the model’s external dimensions, clearance requirements and cleaning instructions.
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This two-compartment design is worth considering if you need to cook two dishes at once. Check that each compartment is large enough for the dishes you usually make.
Check the instructions for installation and for cleaning the removable parts.
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Worth a look if you cook larger batches than a small basket can manage. Check how much space is actually available for food and look at the internal layout before relying on it to cook several things at once.
The Compact Max name doesn’t replace measuring the space or checking the ventilation instructions.
No. As UFC-Que Choisir points out, an air fryer can perform some of the same cooking functions as an oven, but its basket may not fit the dishes you usually use. It’s most useful if you regularly cook small batches or need another option when the oven is in use. Otherwise, compare it with how you already use your oven.
Choose a capacity that can genuinely accommodate your portions and dishes, rather than focusing on the advertised volume alone. UFC-Que Choisir stresses the importance of usable capacity. For a two-zone appliance, also check the space available in each compartment.
Follow the installation guidance in the instructions for the exact model. Before buying, measure the space you have in mind and check the clearance, ventilation and surface requirements for the appliance you’re considering.
Yes, if the fan runs near the area where you eat or work. UFC-Que Choisir recommends taking noise into account before buying. If it could influence your choice, look for a test that measures the noise level of the model you’re considering.