Smaller households looking to keep worktop space free
If you mainly cook small portions, a single-drawer appliance is a good place to start. You’ll still need somewhere to store it and enough clearance to use it as instructed in the manual.
Who are these options for?
People who cook two separate parts of a meal
If you regularly need different settings for a main and a side, two baskets may suit your needs. Check the capacity of each basket and how much space the whole appliance takes up.
Households whose oven already handles everyday meals
If you often cook pizzas, bake or use oven dishes, compare the appliance you’re considering with your oven first. Que Choisir points out that air fryers and ovens have overlapping functions, so buying one should meet a distinct need.
How do the different formats compare?
If your small kitchen already has an oven, start with the dishes you actually cook, then measure the space available for using and storing the appliance.
Single-drawer air fryer
Consider it: for small batches when you don’t need to cook two dishes separately.
Bear in mind: even a compact appliance needs space to operate and be stored.
Air fryer with two compartments
Consider it: if you often cook two items that need different settings.
Bear in mind: its capacity may be more than you usually need; a vertical design doesn’t guarantee it will fit in the space you have in mind.
Your existing oven or a mini oven
Consider it: for oven dishes, pizzas or batches your oven already handles.
Bear in mind: a countertop mini oven also adds another appliance to set up and store.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space and a distinct use | Measure the space, drawer opening and clearances specified in the manual; compare the dishes you’d cook with those you already make in the oven. | When my worktop is already full, I want to avoid an appliance that ends up in storage because my oven does the same job. Around 36% of consumers put space and avoiding duplication at the top of their list. |
| Usable capacity | Compare each basket separately with your usual portions and the size of the dishes or tins you use. | If I often cook a main and a side, I want to know whether two separate cooking zones will save me from making back-to-back batches. Capacity and cooking food separately come first for around 29% of consumers. |
| Cleaning and noise | Check which parts are actually dishwasher-safe and look up model-specific information about noise. | In a small living space, cleaning the basket after a meal and hearing the appliance run can influence my choice. Around 21% of consumers prioritise easy cleaning and quieter operation. |
| Condition of a second-hand appliance | Identify the model, inspect the cable and basket, then ask for the manual and a demonstration if possible. | If I choose a second-hand appliance, I need to be able to identify the model and check its condition before using it. Around 14% of consumers prioritise these second-hand checks. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming an air fryer does something your oven can’t
Que Choisir highlights the overlap between their functions. If your usual dishes already fit in the oven, a new appliance could simply take up space.
Make a note of the meals you cook most often and work out which ones would genuinely benefit from an extra drawer.
An appliance you rarely use still needs to be stored and cleaned.
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Comparing appliances by overall volume alone
Two separate baskets, a single cooking chamber and a mini oven’s cavity won’t fit the same dishes. Overall volume doesn’t tell you whether your tin will fit or whether you can cook two foods separately.
Check the size of each cooking area and the dimensions of the dishes you use.
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Assuming “compact” means it will fit anywhere
The appliance also needs to open and operate in line with the instructions for that specific model. A small advertised footprint doesn’t guarantee it will fit your set-up.
Check the manual for the exact model, then measure the space, allowing for the opening and required clearances.
If the space isn’t suitable, you may have to move the appliance every time you use it.
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Buying second-hand without identifying the model
Without the exact model details or a chance to inspect the appliance, it’s difficult to check its condition and find the right operating instructions.
Ask for the full model number, inspect the cable, basket and accessories, and try the appliance if possible. Don’t buy it if you can’t check its condition or safety instructions.
Brands to consider
Philips
The range includes the single-drawer HD9252/90 air fryer and the NA462/70, which has two stacked baskets.
- Philips says the removable parts of the HD9252/90 are dishwasher-safe; the NA462/70 has two 5 L baskets and a synchronisation function.
- These features apply to these specific models. Check the dimensions and installation instructions for the one you’re considering.
Moulinex
Moulinex offers Easy Fry air fryers as well as mini ovens, including the 19 L Optimo. Compare the two formats based on the dishes you usually cook.
- Moulinex says one Easy Fry Compact model has a removable front panel; the Optimo mentioned here has a 19 L cavity.
- Ease of cleaning and the space required vary by model, so check the product details and manual for your chosen appliance.
Ninja
Que Choisir lists Ninja among the air fryer manufacturers featured in its review of the French market.
- The brand is worth including when comparing different air fryer formats.
- For a small kitchen, assess each model on its own dimensions, clearance requirements and cleaning needs, rather than choosing on brand name alone.
Air fryers available on Joybuy
These appliances suit air-fried meals, from small batches to larger portions. Their inclusion here doesn’t replace comparing them with the oven you already own; also check how much space each model needs.
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Midea 2 L air fryer, 1 150 W, black
For small batches, check that the 2 L cooking chamber suits your portions and that you can set up the appliance in line with its manual.
The product description lists a 60-minute timer and a dishwasher-safe basket. Measure the space before choosing this format.
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NINJA FN101EUGY Crispi Air Fryer
If you’d like to use different containers for different dishes, check the configuration and dimensions of this model before deciding where to put it.
Check separately whether its configuration allows you to cook the dishes you need at the same time: different-sized containers alone don’t guarantee this.
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Cuisinart Compact Max AFS8OBLE, 7,6 L
Before making room for this appliance in a small kitchen, compare its stated 7,6 L capacity with the size of the batches you usually cook.
The word “Compact” in the name doesn’t tell you how much worktop space the appliance needs or how much clearance to leave around it.
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Midea 4 L air fryer, 1 500 W
For everyday cooking, compare its 4 L capacity with your portion sizes and what your oven can do.
The product description lists eight programmes, a temperature range of 35 to 200 °C and a 60-minute timer. Check the cleaning and installation instructions for this model.
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KITCHENCOOK AIRMED7W 7 L
If you cook several portions, compare its 7 L capacity with your needs; it may be more than you need for small batches.
The product description mentions a digital display and a viewing window. Check the dimensions, basket-cleaning instructions and clearances required in the manual.
Frequently asked questions
Can an air fryer replace my oven?
Not for every meal. Que Choisir points out that the two have overlapping functions: an air fryer may be useful for small batches, while you may still need your oven for oven dishes, pizzas or the larger quantities you already cook in it.
Does a dishwasher-safe basket make an air fryer easy to clean?
It makes washing the relevant parts easier, but doesn’t tell you everything you need to know about cleaning the appliance. Philips says the removable parts of the HD9252/90 are dishwasher-safe. For each model, check exactly which parts this applies to and how to clean the rest.
What should I check before using a second-hand air fryer?
Find the full model number and check the appliance’s condition before using it. Inspect the cable, basket and accessories, ask for a demonstration if possible, and find the safety instructions for that exact model.