Everyday smaller batches
You often cook for one or two people, or prepare a side dish without switching on the main oven. A single-basket model is worth considering, as long as its usable cooking area suits the food you plan to make.
Who are these formats suited to?
Meals with two dishes to cook
You want to cook two parts of a meal separately and serve them at the same time. A dual-drawer model could suit you if the one you choose can synchronise the cooking finish times and fits in your kitchen.
Family meals without cooking in batches
You want to cook more food in one go. Compare the usable area and capacity of a large basket, the compartments in a dual-drawer model and the cooking space in a mini oven, bearing in mind the dishes you usually make.
How do the different formats compare?
If you already have an oven, start by thinking about the dishes you’d rather not use it for. Then choose a format based on your portion sizes and how many things you need to cook at once. Finally, check the space it needs, how easy it is to clean and how noisy the model is.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Portions and usable capacity | Compare the stated capacity in litres, the basket’s surface area and how much food you can fit without piling it up. UFC-Que Choisir suggests at least 6 L as a starting point for four people. | If I want to cook a family meal without making batch after batch, the amount I can actually cook matters more than the format’s name; around 31% of consumers prioritise portion size. |
| Space and cleaning | Measure the space available, including room to open the appliance and any clearances specified in the manual. Check which parts are actually dishwasher-safe. | If my oven already handles larger meals, I don’t want to add an appliance that’s awkward to fit or clean; around 25% of consumers put space and cleaning first. |
| Cooking two dishes | For two drawers, check the size of each drawer and whether there’s a synchronisation function. For a mini oven, look at the shelf positions and included accessories. | I need to cook two parts of a meal with different settings without running multiple cycles; around 25% of consumers prioritise cooking dishes at the same time. |
| Fan noise | Look for a measurement or test of the specific model, including details of how it was carried out. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to cook without the fan disturbing the living space; noise is the top priority for around 19% of consumers. |
Things to bear in mind
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Assuming an air fryer will always replace your oven
Both appliances can handle similar types of cooking. If you rarely use your new air fryer, it’ll take up space without meeting a regular need.
Think about the smaller dishes you make each week and whether a single basket, two cooking zones or a smaller cavity would genuinely change the way you cook.
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Choosing based on the word “XXL” alone
The stated capacity doesn’t tell you everything about the shape of the basket or how much food you can spread out inside it. UFC-Que Choisir recommends considering the portions you’ll actually be cooking.
Compare the usable area and the appliance’s dimensions with the dishes you have in mind, especially if you want to avoid cooking in several batches.
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Ignoring noise after a quick listen in store
The fan can remain audible while the appliance is cooking, particularly in an open-plan kitchen. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a brief listen in store may not reflect what it’s like to use the appliance at home.
If noise is a deciding factor for you, look for a test or measurement that applies to the exact model you’re considering.
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Assuming dishwasher-safe parts mean no cleaning is needed
Some parts may be dishwasher-safe, but you’ll still need to follow the instructions for cleaning the appliance’s interior and coatings.
Check the manual for separate guidance on the basket, drawer and accessories, then read the cleaning instructions for the model you’ve chosen.
Brands to compare
These brands offer formats worth comparing, but features and instructions vary by model.
Moulinex
The range includes basket-style appliances as well as formats similar to a countertop oven.
- Moulinex offers, among other options, a 3.5 L Easy Fry Essential basket model and a 20 L Easy Fry air fryer oven with three shelf positions. These are two different configurations to consider, depending on your portions and the dishes you cook.
- The brand’s dishwasher-safety and cleaning information applies to certain models. Check the manual for the specific model you choose.
Philips
Its basket-style air fryers make it easy to compare the capacities and features available across different models.
- Philips lists a 7.2 L capacity and 16 functions for its NA341/10 model.
- Follow the cleaning instructions Philips provides for the model in question. The advertised features don’t guarantee the same results with every dish.
Ninja
The brand is worth considering if you’re deciding between a single basket and two drawers.
- UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol assesses features specific to dual-drawer appliances, including cooking synchronisation.
- Check these features, along with the capacity, noise level and overall size, for the specific Ninja model you’re interested in.
Air fryers for different needs
These single- and dual-basket models are designed for cooking without using your main oven. Compare their stated capacity with your usual portion sizes. Models with two compartments can also keep separate dishes apart, although not all of them necessarily offer a synchronisation function.
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Bear QZG-F24F1, dual-basket air fryer, 9 L
Worth considering if you want to cook two parts of a meal separately, rather than making several batches in a single basket.
Stated total capacity of 9 L, power of 2,400 W and eight preset programmes. The product name indicates independent temperature control. Check its dimensions, noise level and cleaning instructions if these are important to you.
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KITCHENCOOK AIRMED6W, 6.5 L air fryer with viewing window
Worth considering if you’re looking for a single-basket model for cooking meals without using your main oven.
Stated capacity of 6.5 L and a viewing window. Before setting aside a space for it, check the ventilation clearances required and the basket’s cleaning instructions.
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KITCHENCOOK AIRMED7W, 7 L air fryer with viewing window
Compare it with smaller baskets if your usual portions need more room, but don’t assume the stated capacity will eliminate the need to cook in batches.
Stated capacity of 7 L, digital display and cooking window. Check the basket’s surface area, the external dimensions and the cleaning instructions before choosing this format.
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ochama, air fryer with two compartments, 9 L
Worth considering if you want to cook two dishes in separate compartments and have enough space for the appliance.
Stated total capacity of 9 L and ten functions, as listed in the product name. If you want both dishes to finish cooking at the same time, check specifically for a synchronisation function. Also check the dimensions and cleaning instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Is an air fryer useful if I already have an oven?
It can be useful if you regularly make smaller dishes and would rather not switch on your main oven. However, UFC-Que Choisir points out that the two appliances have overlapping functions. Think about the dishes you usually cook and the space you have, rather than assuming each appliance will have a separate purpose.
What capacity should I consider for four people?
UFC-Que Choisir recommends at least 6 L as a starting point for a household of four. Also check the basket’s usable area and how much you want to cook in one go: the stated capacity in litres alone won’t tell you how many batches you’ll need.
How can I tell if it’ll be easy to clean?
Check the manual for the model you’ve chosen to see which parts are dishwasher-safe and which need to be washed by hand. Philips’ support guidance for relevant models includes letting the appliance cool down and avoiding metal utensils or abrasive products on the coatings. Always follow the instructions for your specific model.
Is an air fryer quieter than an oven?
You can’t compare these two types of appliance based on their format alone. UFC-Que Choisir has found differences in noise levels between air fryers. If your kitchen opens onto a living area, look for a measurement of the model you’re interested in and check how it was carried out.