Households serving two dishes together
If your main dish and sides need different settings, separate zones and a synchronised finish may help you decide. Que Choisir describes cooking different foods at the same time in models with two drawers.
Who are these formats for?
Families looking to avoid cooking in batches
When preparing several portions, compare the usable space and the dimensions of each compartment rather than relying on the advertised total capacity alone. Que Choisir highlights the importance of usable capacity; some mini-oven-style models offer several shelves, as Moulinex states for its Easy Fry 20 L.
Kitchens with limited worktop space
Compare the appliance’s width, depth and height, as well as the clearance needed to open the drawers or door. A stacked design may take up less width, but you’ll still need to check the available height.
What should you check when preparing several dishes?
Single-drawer air fryer
Choose this if: your dishes need the same settings, or you usually cook one recipe at a time.
Bear in mind: two recipes that need different settings will have to be coordinated manually or cooked one after the other.
Two-zone air fryer
Choose this if: your main dish and sides regularly need different settings.
Bear in mind: check the capacity of each compartment, the independent controls and the synchronisation function; two drawers take up space and mean more parts to clean.
Mini-oven-style air fryer
Choose this if: you want to arrange several dishes on trays or shelves, or use dishes and tins that fit inside an oven-style cavity.
Bear in mind: having several shelves doesn’t mean each zone has its own temperature setting.
Multi-cooker with an air fryer function
Choose this if: you’ll also regularly use its other settings, such as pressure cooking.
Bear in mind: an air fryer function doesn’t guarantee two independent cooking zones. Que Choisir says the Cookeo Infinity doesn’t offer this.
To compare formats, start with your main priority: coordinating different cooking times, fitting in your portions, saving space or making use of other cooking functions.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Different dishes ready to serve together | Independent controls and a clearly stated synchronisation function; the capacity of each drawer. | I want my main dish and sides, which need different settings, to be ready at the same time. This is a priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Portions per batch | The usable dimensions and surface area of each zone or shelf; whether they suit your portions and cookware. | To serve several portions without cooking in batches, I check how much usable space there really is. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this usable capacity. |
| Worktop space | The appliance’s width, depth and height; the clearance needed in front of the drawers or door. | In a small kitchen, I need to be able to position the appliance and open it without moving other things. This is the main consideration for around 21% of consumers. |
| Other cooking functions | The settings you’ll actually use; whether it has independent zones and which accessories are included. | If I also want to use a multi-cooker’s other functions, I check that they suit the way I cook. This versatility is the main priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid before you buy
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Choosing based on the total litres alone
The combined capacity doesn’t tell you whether each drawer can fit the portions you have in mind or whether a dish will fit in one of the compartments.
Compare the dimensions and usable space in each zone with the dishes and portions you usually prepare.
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Assuming several shelves mean two independent zones
Shelves can let you spread food across a single cavity without allowing you to set different temperatures.
If your recipes need different settings, look for clear details about independent controls and the synchronisation function you want.
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Assuming a multi-cooker’s air fryer function is the same as having two drawers
Que Choisir says the Cookeo Infinity doesn’t cook two dishes independently.
Choose a multi-cooker for its other settings if you plan to use them; if you want to cook two different recipes at the same time, check explicitly that it can do this.
Brands to consider by format
Philips
The Série 3000 NA352/00 is an example of a two-drawer design with drawers of different sizes, for a main dish and a side.
- Philips lists 6 L and 3 L drawers with a synchronisation function on this model.
- The capacities are different, so compare each drawer with the portions you plan to prepare. These features don’t represent the entire Philips range.
Ninja
The DualZone range represents the two-drawer format with separate settings; some Double Stack models have a vertical layout.
- SharkNinja describes Sync as a way to prepare two different recipes and serve them hot at the same time.
- For a stacked model, check the available height and how easy the drawers are to access.
Moulinex
The models mentioned include a dual-drawer air fryer, a mini-oven-style air fryer and Cookeo multi-cookers with an air fryer function.
- Moulinex lists synchronised 6.5 L and 4.5 L drawers on the Easy Fry Dual XXL EZ9428F0, as well as three shelves in its Easy Fry 20 L oven.
- Que Choisir says the Cookeo Infinity doesn’t offer two independent cooking zones. Check the functions of the model you’re considering rather than assuming they apply to the entire range.
Instant Pot
The Vortex ClearCook 13 L is an example of an oven-style air fryer with trays and a rotisserie spit.
- The manufacturer’s product information lists two trays and a drip tray for this model.
- Having two trays doesn’t mean the shelves have independent temperature settings. Also check the language of the supplied instructions.
Air fryers available on Joybuy
These models feature two drawers or two zones, making them worth considering if you want to prepare several parts of a meal together.
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Ninja Dual Zone Digital Air Fryer DZ400EU, 9.5 L, 2 drawers
Worth considering if you want to prepare two parts of a meal in separate drawers; check the independent settings and synchronisation details for this model.
Advertised capacity: 9.5 L; 2 drawers; 6-in-1.
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Ninja Dual Zone Digital Oil-Free Air Fryer DZ300EU, 7.6 L, 2 drawers
This two-drawer design is worth considering if you prepare several parts of a meal; check the available controls and how the cooking times can be coordinated.
Advertised capacity: 7.6 L; 2 drawers; 6-in-1.
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Sinaopus Hot Air Fryer XXL, 10 L, Dual Zone
Worth considering if you’re looking for a two-zone design to cook several dishes; check the usable dimensions of each space against your portions.
Advertised capacity: 10 L, split into 5 L + 5 L; removable divider; 10 automatic programmes.
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Dual-zone air fryer, 9 L, 2 x 4.5 L baskets, 2000 W
Worth considering if you want to coordinate two dishes; the product name lists a synchronisation function and a timer.
Advertised capacity: 9 L; 2 x 4.5 L baskets; 2000 W; 10 automatic programmes.
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Mini-oven air fryer, 23 L, dual zone
Worth considering if you prefer a mini-oven-style design for cooking several dishes; check the cavity dimensions and the controls provided for each zone.
Advertised capacity: 23 L; dual cavity; LED touchscreen; 15 programmes.
Frequently asked questions
Can two shelves in an air fryer oven be set to different temperatures?
Not necessarily. Moulinex lists three shelves for the Easy Fry 20 L oven, while Philips describes independent, synchronised drawers for the Série 3000 NA352/00. Check the controls on the model you’re considering: the number of shelves or levels alone doesn’t mean the settings are independent.
What should I check when setting up and maintaining an air fryer?
Measure the space you have and the clearance needed to open the drawers or door, then follow your model’s instructions for set-up and cleaning. Que Choisir lists capacity, ease of handling and maintenance among the points to consider; access to shelves and removable parts varies by design.
What statutory guarantee applies to a purchase from a professional seller in France?
The statutory warranty of conformity covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual. The Ministry of the Economy states that you have two years to request that it be applied; contact the professional seller concerned. This statutory warranty is separate from any optional commercial guarantee.
Does an electric air fryer sold in France need to carry the CE marking?
For an electrical appliance covered by the European Low Voltage Directive, including one designed to operate between 50 and 1,000 V AC, the CE marking is one of the requirements for placing it on the market. The DGCCRF explains that it represents the manufacturer’s declaration of conformity and is not an independent certification of quality or performance.