Choose a single-drawer air fryer if you mainly prepare one portion or one dish and keeping things compact is your top priority. Two independent zones are better suited to a main dish and a side requiring different settings, while a mini-oven style is the better option when you need several levels and trays, although it comes with more accessories to handle and clean. Check the genuinely usable capacity, ventilation clearance, dishwasher-safe parts and how the synchronisation function works on the exact model.
You mainly prepare one portion, chips, vegetables or a single dish and have limited worktop space: a single basket reduces the footprint and the amount of handling, but it cannot replace two independent zones for recipes requiring different settings.
If you regularly cook two components, such as a protein with vegetables or chips, look for two baskets that can be adjusted separately and a function that coordinates the end of cooking.
For cooking several preparations on racks or trays, reheating food or making a pizza, a mini-oven style air fryer provides several levels and more accessories, but requires more extensive cleaning.
Choose this if: you mainly cook one preparation at a time and want an appliance that takes up little space.
Bear in mind: this format cannot handle two independent recipes simultaneously.
Choose this if: the main dish and side often require different cooking times or temperatures.
Bear in mind: check that the settings are independent and that the selected model has synchronisation.
Choose this if: you need several levels, racks or trays for the same meal.
Bear in mind: the additional accessories require storage space and cleaning.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Simultaneous cooking | Check the number of zones, separate time and temperature controls, and the synchronisation function when needed. | I want to cook a main dish and its side using different settings, then serve them together. |
| Capacity and footprint | Look at the internal layout, how the capacity is divided between the baskets and the external dimensions, not just the stated litre capacity. | The usual quantity must fit without overloading the basket, while the appliance must still leave a suitable amount of space on my worktop. |
| Cleaning and maintenance | Check separately whether the baskets, trays and racks are dishwasher-safe. With a mini-oven style, also allow for the surfaces and accessories that need cleaning. | As the appliance may be used several times a week, I want parts that are easy to wash and store. |
| Noise and everyday use | Consult independent tests or available noise measurements, then check the manual, spare parts and accessories for the exact model. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want the appliance to remain at an acceptable noise level while I prepare the meal. |
A high litre figure alone does not tell you whether food can be spread out properly or whether two recipes can be set separately. Larger-capacity formats may also take up more room on the worktop.
Start with the meal you prepare most often: a single preparation, a main dish with a side or several trays. Check the internal layout, number of zones and external dimensions before relying solely on the stated capacity.
Two compartments only make serving easier if their programmes suit the way you cook. Coordinating the end of cooking does not necessarily mean that the results will be identical in each zone.
Look specifically for independent zones and a synchronisation function, then consult the manual, technical specification or a test covering the exact model.
Racks, trays, baking trays and crumb trays expand your cooking options, but they also increase the number of parts that need to be washed and stored.
Before buying, make a list of the accessories included, which ones are dishwasher-safe and what spare parts are available for the exact model.
Energy consumption depends on the recipe, quantity, cooking time and model. Results obtained under a specific test protocol are not a guarantee for every domestic use.
Compare consumption for a similar recipe and quantity, then choose the format that avoids unnecessary batches for the way you actually cook.
Philips is worth considering for households looking for two cooking zones and coordinated cooking times. The 3000 Series NA352/24 combines a large drawer with a smaller one, while the 4000 Series NA462/70 offers two stacked 5 L baskets.
Moulinex lets you compare a drawer-style air fryer with an air-fryer oven. The Easy Fry 20 L AL605820 is presented by the manufacturer with three cooking levels and two trays.
Tefal covers both compact single-drawer models and the air-fryer oven format. The Easy Fry Compact EY101815 is advertised for a maximum of two people, while the Easy Fry Oven & Grill FW501815 is a multi-accessory model.
These Joybuy options are two-drawer or dual-chamber air fryers designed to divide the components of the same meal. They are particularly suitable if you are looking for separate settings or parallel cooking.
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Two differently sized baskets let you separate a main dish and a side, with synchronisation advertised to coordinate the end of cooking.
Stated total capacity: 9 L; eight programmes, temperature adjustment from 40 to 200 °C and keep-warm function.
The removable parts are advertised as dishwasher-safe. Check that the smaller basket suits your usual side dish and allow enough room: 382.5 × 443.9 × 314.2 mm, plus the required clearance around the appliance.
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The two 4.75 L drawers have separate function, time and temperature settings for preparing two foods simultaneously.
Stated total capacity: 9.5 L; six cooking modes and dishwasher-safe crisper plates.
End-of-cooking synchronisation is not explicitly stated: check this point if serving both dishes at the same time is essential. The specification lists a 240 V power supply; check the plug and electrical compatibility required for your installation.
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Its two 3.8 L drawers offer independent settings for two preparations requiring different cooking times and temperatures.
Stated total capacity: 7.6 L; six functions and drawers with removable, non-stick plates advertised as dishwasher-safe.
Check the end-of-cooking synchronisation if you need to serve both components together. Also check the voltage, plug and ventilation instructions for the exact model.
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The two 4.5 L baskets are advertised with independent temperature and time controls for cooking two different foods.
Stated total capacity: 9 L; touchscreen, eight preset programmes and a stated power rating of 2400 W.
Sync mode is mentioned without a clear description of how it coordinates the end of cooking: consult the manual before buying. Also check the dimensions, weight, maintenance requirements and electrical compatibility for use in France.
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The dual-chamber design is advertised for cooking several ingredients simultaneously and dividing the components of a meal.
Stated total capacity: 9 L; temperature control, ten preset menus and a removable basket with a non-stick coating.
Independent settings for each chamber and end-of-cooking synchronisation are not specified. Also check the maintenance requirements, dimensions, weight and electrical compatibility before buying.
No. It is useful if you regularly prepare two foods with different cooking times or settings and want to serve them together. For one small preparation, a single drawer is simpler and more compact; for several trays or levels, a mini-oven style may be better suited to your intended use.
No. It coordinates the end of the programmes so that the food is ready at the same time. UFC-Que Choisir points out that results can vary depending on the zone used, so check the settings and expected results for the model you choose.
Check the details for the exact model: baskets, trays, racks and removable parts are not always all dishwasher-safe. A mini-oven style model generally has more accessories and surfaces to clean, including racks, a baking tray or a crumb tray.
No, it depends on the recipe, quantity, model and cooking time. In UFC-Que Choisir tests involving a small quiche of the same quantity, air fryers used an average of 36% less electricity than a mini-oven, although some models used more energy for chicken drumsticks. This result therefore cannot be applied to every recipe.
According to the DGCCRF, the statutory guarantee of conformity is compulsory for new, second-hand or refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual. Keep your proof of purchase and contact the seller first if the product has a conformity issue.