Choose an air fryer based on the portions you actually cook and whether you need to prepare two foods at once. A single drawer works well for smaller batches, while two cooking zones let you keep foods separate. If your oven already covers these needs, weigh up the benefits of an additional appliance against the space it will take up, the fan noise and the cleaning after each meal. UFC-Que Choisir points out that the functions of the two appliances overlap and that results vary between models.
How useful the appliance is depends less on the number of programmes it offers than on the meals you prepare and how much space your oven already takes up.
If you usually cook one or two portions, a single basket can complement your oven without requiring a large capacity you won’t use. Still, check the size of the food you plan to put in the basket and the space available for the appliance.
Two cooking zones could be useful if your main dish and side need different settings. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the option of cooking two foods at the same time. When choosing a model, check the size of each zone and whether it has a synchronisation function.
In an open-plan kitchen or on a crowded worktop, consider which cooking tasks the appliance would genuinely make easier. Fan noise, the space needed to open the basket and cleaning are just as important as its stated capacity.
Start by comparing your usual portions and dishes with what your oven can already do, then consider the practicalities of everyday use. If you specifically want to deep-fry food in oil, a deep-fat fryer meets a different need from hot-air cooking. It also means handling the oil and cleaning the fryer.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the internal dimensions of the baskets and the volume of each zone, not just the total capacity. UFC-Que Choisir gives 6 l as a minimum guide for four people. | If you need to cook a whole meal in one batch, a total capacity split between two small drawers may not be enough. Around 31% of consumers prioritise being able to cook everything at once. |
| Space and a distinct use from the oven | Measure the space available, check that the basket can open fully and note the clearance beneath cupboards. Think about which small dishes you would cook in the appliance instead of the oven. | When my oven already works well, I want to know whether another appliance will genuinely be useful without cluttering up the kitchen. For around 31% of consumers, avoiding this kind of duplication comes before other considerations. |
| Fan noise | Look for measurements taken using a comparable testing method across models, rather than relying on their size or a brief demonstration. | In an open-plan kitchen, I need to be able to leave a meal cooking without the fan disturbing nearby activities. Low noise would be the top priority for around 23% of consumers. |
| Cleaning and product lifespan | Check the cleaning instructions for removable parts, then look up model-specific information about spare parts and repairs. | If I cook often, I want to be able to clean the baskets without the chore putting me off using the appliance. Around 15% of consumers put ease of cleaning and product support first. |
The number of batches you can cook depends on the space that is actually usable. Two drawers whose capacities add up may not provide a large enough cooking area for a bulky item.
Compare the internal dimensions and capacity of each drawer with the food you usually prepare. For a household of four, also consider how the capacity is divided when using UFC-Que Choisir’s minimum guide of 6 l.
Air frying uses a fan to circulate hot air. UFC-Que Choisir draws attention to differences in noise levels between models, which can be particularly noticeable in an open-plan living space.
If you’ll use the appliance near a place where people work or relax, look for sound measurements with clearly stated testing conditions and compare results obtained in the same way.
A result achieved with a particular recipe and quantity does not apply to every cooking task. Moulinex’s claims about the speed and energy use of some models relate, in particular, to a test using frozen chips.
To compare an oven with an air fryer, look for tests using quantities, foods and methods similar to your own, rather than assuming that a promotional figure applies to every meal.
In France, the Ministry of the Economy says that the statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods bought from a business. It is separate from an optional commercial warranty.
Before taking out an extended warranty, check exactly what extra cover it provides, including the situations covered and how claims are handled. Keep your receipt and the terms and conditions you were given.
These examples help you compare different appliance designs; the features of one model do not apply to every product in a brand’s range.
The range includes compact designs and models with adjustable baskets. According to Philips France, the NA154/00 can switch from two zones to a single 7,1 l compartment thanks to a removable divider.
The Easy Fry range includes models with two drawers of different sizes. Moulinex France lists a 6,5 l drawer and a 4,5 l drawer for the Easy Fry Dual XXL.
Les Numériques describes the Ninja Combi SFP700 as a large appliance designed to take on some of the jobs usually done by an oven.
The models below include single-basket options for smaller batches and two-zone appliances for cooking different foods at the same time. Before choosing, compare their size with your usual portions and the space available next to your oven.
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Worth considering for smaller portions when you don’t need to cook two foods separately. Its single basket has a stated capacity of 3,2 l. Also check how much space the appliance will need in its intended location.
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This two-drawer model is designed for meals where different foods need to cook separately. Its stated total capacity is 7,6 l and the title lists six functions. Check the available space and the size of each drawer if you also cook larger items.
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This single-basket model is suited to cooking smaller batches. The title lists a 4 l capacity, a temperature range of 35 to 200 °C and a 60-minute timer. Check the cleaning instructions if you plan to use it often.
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The two baskets let you keep different parts of a meal separate. The title lists a total capacity of 9 l, a power rating of 2 400 W and eight programmes. Make sure the foods you have in mind will fit in each basket and that the appliance will fit on your worktop.
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The two-compartment design can be used to cook two foods separately. Its stated total capacity is 9 l and the title lists ten functions. Check the usable volume of each compartment, the overall size and the care instructions before choosing this style.
Not necessarily. As UFC-Que Choisir points out, air fryers and fan ovens have some overlapping uses. To decide whether an air fryer could replace your oven, compare your usual dishes with the available cooking space. You may still need your oven for larger meals.
Start with what needs to fit in one batch, rather than choosing based only on the number of people at the table. UFC-Que Choisir gives 6 l as a minimum guide for four people. If the appliance has two drawers, check whether the space you need is available in one zone.
Compare tests carried out under similar conditions, using foods and quantities close to what you cook. UFC-Que Choisir and Les Numériques consider several aspects of use, including noise. Neither the stated power rating nor the presence of an automatic programme is enough to predict the cooking result.
No. The Ministry of the Economy explains that the statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods bought from a business in France. A commercial warranty can provide extra cover. Check what additional protection it offers and the terms and conditions before taking it out.