People living alone or couples
If you mainly prepare small portions, a single-basket appliance may suit the meals you cook. But check how much the basket can cook in one go, rather than relying on its stated capacity alone.
Which format is right for you?
Households that cook two dishes at once
Two compartments are useful if you regularly cook foods that need different settings or cooking times. This needs to be a frequent enough part of your routine to justify the space the appliance takes up.
Households that already have an oven
Before adding another appliance, identify the meals for which its format would genuinely change how you cook. Que Choisir notes that an air fryer’s functions overlap with those of an oven.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with the meals you usually cook and the space available, then consider the practicalities of the format you have in mind.
Drawer-style air fryer
Consider it: for small portions cooked in a basket, if this way of cooking would add something to your routine despite already having an oven.
Bear in mind: there’s only one cooking zone, so you may need to cook in batches as portions get larger.
Air fryer with two compartments
Consider it: if you often cook two parts of a meal that need different settings.
Bear in mind: two drawers take up space, and the total capacity doesn’t tell you how much each one can hold.
Convection mini oven
Consider it: if your usual dishes fit more naturally on a shelf or tray than in a basket.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to clean the oven cavity and accessories, particularly after grease has splattered.
| What to consider | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare your portion sizes with what will actually fit in the basket, each drawer or on the tray. Also check the external dimensions and the clearances specified in the instructions. Que Choisir distinguishes between the stated capacity and the usable capacity. | I’d like to cook a meal in one go without giving up a disproportionate amount of worktop space. |
| Noise | Look for a test or measurement that explains its method, rather than relying on a simple ‘quiet’ claim. Que Choisir’s test protocol measures air fryer noise from a distance of 0,50 m. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to know whether the fan noise will be acceptable during everyday meals. |
| Cleaning | Check which parts can be removed and the instructions for the model, including whether they’re dishwasher-safe. For a mini oven, consider how easy it is to reach the cavity, sides, shelves and trays. | If I use it often, cleaning the basket or surfaces exposed to splashes needs to fit into my routine. |
| A use that’s different from the oven | Make a list of the meals for which a basket, two independent cooking zones or a countertop shelf would change the way you cook. Que Choisir notes that an air fryer also performs some of the functions of an oven. | I already have an oven in my kitchen, so I’d only add another appliance if its format suited a specific, regular use. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Expecting an air fryer to replace your oven without thinking about how you’ll use it
Que Choisir notes that their main cooking functions overlap. An appliance without a distinct purpose could simply take up space on your worktop.
Make a note of the meals you cook over the course of a week, and which ones a basket or two cooking zones would genuinely make easier to prepare.
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Choosing based on the stated capacity alone
Total capacity doesn’t tell you how much food you can actually cook, especially when it’s split between two drawers. Nor does it tell you how much space you’ll need around the appliance.
Check the usable space for your food, the overall dimensions and the clearances specified in the instructions.
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Overlooking fan noise
Que Choisir highlights this as something to consider, particularly in an open-plan kitchen or small space.
Look for a test or measurement of the model you’re considering, carried out using a clearly stated method.
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Ignoring recalls for specific models
RappelConso issued a recall for the SYM 6766 model due to a risk of electric shock linked to possible moisture in the heating element. This recall does not apply to all air fryers.
Keep a record of your appliance’s exact brand and model. If it’s listed in a recall, follow the instructions published for that product.
Brand references
There are no brand references to feature in this section.
Air fryers available on Joybuy
These models show a few different ways to prepare small portions or cook two things at once: a single basket, containers in different sizes and a double drawer. First, choose the format that suits your meals and available space. This selection does not include mini ovens.
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BRAUN MultiFry 3 FH1333.B, 4,3 L
Its 4,3 L basket is worth considering for everyday portions, but check how much food it can actually hold. Stated power: 1 500 W; stated dimensions: 262 × 362 × 301 mm. The bowl and rack are listed as dishwasher-safe. Check the required clearances and noise level if you have an open-plan kitchen.
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NINJA Crispi FN101EUGY
Its glass containers have stated capacities of 1,4 L and 3,8 L, letting you choose a size to suit what you’re cooking, but they don’t provide two cooking zones for preparing food simultaneously. Stated dimensions: 30 × 34,5 × 34 cm. The containers and accessories are listed as dishwasher-safe. Check that their sizes suit your portions and allow for the required clearances.
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Midea Air Fryer 2 L, 1 150 W
This 2 L model is designed for preparing small portions, provided its usable capacity is enough for your meals. It has a stated 60-minute timer; the basket and removable parts are listed as dishwasher-safe. Measure the space available and check the dimensions and required clearances.
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Ninja Dual Zone DZ300EU, 7,6 L
Its two drawers have a stated capacity of 3,8 L each and independent settings, making it worth considering if you regularly prepare two parts of a meal at the same time. Stated dimensions: 31,5 × 38 × 26,5 cm. The drawers and crisper plates are listed as dishwasher-safe. Check the usable capacity of each drawer and the space required around the appliance.
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Ninja Dual Zone DZ400EU, 9,5 L
Its two independent drawers have a stated capacity of 4,75 L each, making this a good fit if you regularly need to cook two things at once using different settings. Stated dimensions: 32,5 × 41,5 × 27 cm. The drawers and crisper plates are listed as dishwasher-safe. Before choosing this format, check the space available, the required clearances and the usable capacity of each drawer.
Frequently asked questions
Will an air fryer always replace my oven?
No. Que Choisir notes that an air fryer performs some of the same functions as an oven. If you already have an oven, consider which meals would benefit from a basket or two cooking zones often enough to justify taking up extra space.
How do I choose a capacity that suits a small kitchen?
Start with the portions and foods you want to cook in one go, then check the usable space in the basket, each drawer or on the tray. Que Choisir points out that usable capacity determines how much you can cook. Also check the external dimensions and required clearances.
Should I consider noise before buying?
Yes, particularly in an open-plan or small kitchen, as Que Choisir points out. To assess a model, look for a test or noise measurement that explains the method used.
What should I check when it comes to cleaning?
For an air fryer, check which parts can be removed and follow the model’s cleaning instructions, including guidance on dishwasher use. For a mini oven, also consider access to the cavity, sides, shelves and trays. Que Choisir’s advice on mini ovens recommends unplugging the appliance before cleaning.
How can I find out if my appliance has been recalled?
Search for its exact brand and model on RappelConso, then follow the instructions on the notice if it matches your appliance. A recall applies to the products identified in that notice: the one issued for the SYM 6766 model does not apply to all air fryers.