For frequent small portions, a single-basket air fryer could save you from switching on the oven, provided its usable space suits the portions you cook and you have room for it. In a test published on 4 October 2024, Que Choisir measured an average of 36% less electricity with the air fryers tested than with the mini oven tested when cooking a small quiche of the same size. This result won’t necessarily apply to other recipes or your oven. If you want to cook two dishes at once, consider dual-zone models; for a large quantity of one dish, check the usable cooking area before deciding whether your oven will do the job.
You regularly cook for one or two people and are wondering whether a small basket could save you from switching on the oven for a modest meal. Que Choisir lists small-quantity cooking among the factors to consider when choosing an air fryer.
You want to serve several portions or prepare two parts of a meal without having to cook in successive batches. Que Choisir points out that usable capacity determines how much you can actually cook.
You need to work around limited worktop space, acceptable noise levels and frequent cleaning. Que Choisir assesses factors including noise, cleaning and storage.
Worth considering: if you mainly cook a small portion or one part of a meal and have limited space.
Bear in mind: the basket may mean cooking in batches if the food won’t fit without being piled up. Check its shape and usable space.
Worth considering: if you want to cook a main dish and a side at the same time, with different settings for each.
Bear in mind: each drawer has its own capacity, and results can vary between zones, notes Que Choisir.
Worth considering: if you want to fit a large dish in a single batch.
Bear in mind: the stated capacity doesn’t guarantee that your food will fit or cook evenly, and the appliance takes up more space.
Worth considering: if your dishes already fit in the oven, you cook large quantities or you’re short on worktop space.
Bear in mind: Que Choisir’s measurements for a small quiche don’t predict how much electricity your oven will use for other recipes.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who cares most about it |
|---|---|---|
| Small batches compared with using the oven | How often you make small meals; usable capacity per batch. | I mainly cook for one or two people and want to avoid heating the oven for a small portion. Around 29% of consumers prioritise convenience for small batches compared with using the oven. |
| Portions per batch | The basket’s usable capacity and shape; the size of the food you usually cook. | When I’m cooking for several people, I want to know whether the portions will fit without overcrowding. Around 23% of consumers prioritise how much food can actually be served in one batch. |
| Cooking two dishes at once | Each zone’s capacity; separate settings and synchronisation on the model you choose. | If my main dish and side need different settings, I want to cook them at the same time. Around 18% of consumers put this feature first. |
| Space and noise | The appliance’s dimensions and the ventilation clearance specified in the instructions; comparable noise measurements. | In a small or open-plan kitchen, I want to keep my worktop clear and minimise disruption while cooking. Around 18% of consumers prioritise the appliance’s footprint and noise. |
| Cleaning | Removable parts; whether each part is dishwasher-safe, as stated in the instructions. | After meals, I want to be able to clean the parts I use regularly with ease. Around 12% of consumers prioritise easy cleaning. |
Both appliances cook with hot air, but comparisons depend on the recipe, quantity and appliances tested. A result for a small dish won’t predict how your own oven will perform.
Make a note of the meals you’d genuinely use an air fryer for, then compare the quantities and available space with what your oven can handle.
An extra appliance also needs a place to live and space for storage.
The stated capacity alone doesn’t tell you the shape of the cooking space or how much room there is to arrange the food. A cramped basket may mean cooking in several batches.
Check the usable space against the food you usually cook. For a dual-zone model, check the capacity of each drawer separately.
Que Choisir’s tests show that noise levels vary between appliances. A manufacturer’s claim isn’t the same as a noise comparison carried out under identical conditions across all models.
Look for measurements taken from a comparable distance, and check the instructions to see which parts are actually dishwasher-safe.
Frequent cleaning adds time after cooking.
The models mentioned include the 3.2 L Series 2000 NA210/00 single-basket air fryer and the dual-basket Series 3000 NA352/24.
The Easy Fry Silence EZ552DF0 is a basket-style model with a stated capacity of 5 L.
Que Choisir describes the Crispi FN101 as a different take on the traditional drawer-style air fryer.
This selection includes single-basket and dual-zone models, so you can compare options for small portions, cooking two dishes at once and different stated capacities. Check the usable space in each basket and the appliance’s dimensions to make sure it suits your kitchen.
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Cook two dishes in separate zones, or combine the zones into one compartment.
Stated capacity: 10 L, convertible into two 5 L zones. Stated dimensions: 33,8 × 51,8 × 31,3 cm.
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A 3,2 L single basket to consider for everyday small batches.
The drawer and basket are stated to be dishwasher-safe. The minimum clearance specified is 100 mm on each side.
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Its 4 L basket is designed for preparing meals for 1 to 4 people.
It has eight stated programmes and a temperature range of 35 to 200 °C. The basket is stated to be dishwasher-safe.
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The 2 L size is designed for one or two people and smaller kitchens.
The non-stick basket and removable parts are stated to be dishwasher-safe. Timer: 60 minutes.
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Two independently controlled zones with synchronisation are designed for cooking two dishes at once.
Stated total capacity: 10,4 L, split between two 5,2 L baskets. The baskets are stated to be dishwasher-safe.
No. Consumption depends on the recipe, quantity and appliances being compared. In a test published on 4 October 2024, Que Choisir measured an average of 36% less electricity with the air fryers tested than with the mini oven tested when cooking a small quiche of the same size. For chicken drumsticks, some models used more energy. These results don’t predict how much electricity your own oven will use.
Not necessarily. Two zones are mainly for cooking different dishes at the same time, while a large single dish needs to fit in the usable space. Check each drawer’s capacity separately. Que Choisir also notes that results can vary between zones.
Measure the available space and follow the clearances specified in the instructions for the model you choose. Also check which parts are dishwasher-safe, one by one. Philips states that the removable plate on the NA210/00 is dishwasher-safe, but this doesn’t automatically apply to every part or model.
No. For goods sold by a business to an individual, the legal guarantee of conformity is mandatory; any commercial guarantee is separate. The French Ministry of the Economy and Finance explains these rules in its information about the legal guarantee of conformity. Check what an extended guarantee adds before taking one out.
In principle, the statutory right to cancel gives you at least 14 days to withdraw from a distance purchase from a business, subject to applicable exceptions. The French Ministry of the Economy and Finance explains the rules on this right. Check the information provided by the seller before ordering, and remember that this right is separate from any longer returns policy offered by the retailer.