For small portions
You regularly roast or reheat a portion and want to know whether a basket would offer a practical alternative to your oven.
Who is this choice for?
For an already cluttered kitchen
You have an oven and need to weigh up preparation space, storage and the addition of another appliance.
For cooking two dishes at once
You often cook two parts of a meal separately and want to check that each compartment will suit the portions you have in mind.
What should you consider before buying?
Single-drawer air fryer
Consider it if: you often cook small portions and your ingredients fit in the basket without restricting airflow.
Bear in mind: a single drawer limits how many dishes you can prepare at once. You’ll also need to allow space for ventilation and cleaning the basket.
Two-compartment air fryer
Consider it if: you regularly cook two separate dishes for the same meal and each will fit in its own compartment.
Bear in mind: two compartments may take up more space. Check the appliance’s actual dimensions rather than relying on its total capacity alone.
Oven you already own
Choose this if: your oven already fits the dishes and quantities you cook, and you don’t have room for another appliance.
One thing to consider: UFC-Que Choisir’s tests of some appliances and recipes don’t prove that an air fryer will always use less energy than your oven.
Mini fan oven
Consider it if: you don’t have a suitable oven and mainly use oven dishes or a rack rather than a basket.
Bear in mind: “compact” doesn’t guarantee a small footprint. Compare the appliance’s dimensions with your worktop space.
| Factor | What to check | Who should consider it? |
|---|---|---|
| Small portions | Make a note of your usual portions and recipes. Check they fit in the basket without blocking airflow. | If I often cook a small portion, I want it to fit in the basket without being crammed in. Around 33% of consumers prioritise the convenience of cooking small batches. |
| Space and duplication | Measure the appliance, the space needed to open the drawer, the specified clearances and where you’ll store it. | When my worktop is already busy, I want to avoid an appliance that duplicates what my oven can do. Around 27% of consumers put available space and avoiding duplication first. |
| Capacity and cooking at the same time | Compare the usable dimensions of each compartment with the ingredients, portions and dishes you plan to cook. | If I cook two separate dishes or a larger portion, I want to check the usable dimensions rather than relying on the advertised total capacity. Around 20% of consumers prioritise capacity or cooking multiple dishes at once. |
| Noise and cleaning | Check any available noise measurements and the care instructions for the exact model, especially for removable parts. | If my kitchen is close to a living area, or I use the appliance often, I want to keep noise and cleaning time to a minimum. Around 20% of consumers prioritise quiet operation and easy cleaning. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Buying a second oven without deciding what you’ll cook in it
An air fryer can cook, roast or grill, just like an oven. The result for one recipe isn’t enough to show that an extra appliance will be useful in your routine.
Over a typical week, identify the small batches you’d genuinely cook in a basket rather than in the oven.
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Assuming the advertised capacity guarantees a certain portion size
The right quantity depends on the food and the model. Ingredients need enough space for air to circulate as they cook.
Check the manual for the quantities and usable dimensions that suit your recipes, especially if you’re considering a two-compartment appliance.
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Measuring only the base of the appliance
You’ll need room to open the drawer, and the specified ventilation clearances must remain unobstructed.
Before buying, check the external dimensions, the clearances in the manual, the space needed to open the drawer and where you’ll store the appliance.
Brands to know
Moulinex
The Easy Fry range includes single-drawer and two-compartment appliances, with different capacities depending on the model.
- Moulinex says replacement parts are available for the Easy Fry Compact EZ145820, which is listed with a capacity of 3 L.
- Cooking two dishes separately is a feature of specific models such as the Dual Easy Fry XXL. It doesn’t mean that the whole range is compact or suited to every kitchen.
Philips
The models mentioned include a 4,2 L Airfryer 2000 Series NA229/00 and a 7,1 L NA154/00 with a flexible basket.
- Philips provides filling guidance for different foods and models, as well as care instructions for the basket.
- Energy-saving claims in marketing materials don’t, on their own, compare the appliance with your oven or apply to every recipe.
Severin
The TO 2068 mini oven is worth considering if you’re looking for a fan oven rather than a basket-style appliance.
- Severin says the model has a grill and a cavity of around 20 L.
- Its stated dimensions are 29,5 × 44 × 39 cm (H × W × D). Compare them with your available space. These specifications don’t demonstrate lower energy use than an air fryer.
Air fryers available on Joybuy
This selection brings together air fryers in different capacities and formats. Compare them with your usual portions and the space you have available.
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Heinrichs HFR 8216, pink, 5 L, 1450 W
Worth a look if you want a single basket for cooking chips or vegetables.
The product description lists 6 automatic programmes, an adjustable temperature of 80 to 200 °C and a non-stick basket that’s dishwasher-safe.
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Ninja CRISPi PRO XL AS090EUWH, 5,7 L and 2,3 L containers
The two different-sized containers let you prepare separate portions to suit your needs.
The product description lists Air Fry and Bake functions, five preset modes and storage lids. The glass containers must not be used over an open flame or on a hob.
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Midea air fryer, 4 L, 1500 W, 8 programmes
Compare it if you’re looking for a basket for roasting, grilling, cooking or reheating.
The product name lists a temperature range of 35 to 200 °C and a 60-minute timer. The description mentions an alert to remind you to shake the food.
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Midea air fryer, 2 L, 1150 W
The product description presents it as suitable for individual portions or for one to two people.
The removable basket is described as non-stick. The description says some parts are dishwasher-safe and mentions a 60-minute timer.
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Philips HD9252/70, black
Worth considering if you’re looking for an air fryer to roast or reheat food.
The product description lists a capacity of 4,1 L, an adjustable temperature and a keep-warm function. It also mentions hot-air frying and reheating modes.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if the basket will be big enough for my recipes?
Compare your portions and the size of your dishes with the guidance in the manual for the exact model, rather than relying on its capacity in litres alone. Philips explains that the maximum quantity depends on the food and the model, and that air needs to circulate around the ingredients.
Can you put an air fryer under a wall cupboard?
Check the height, drawer clearance and ventilation gaps specified in the model’s manual. In its general guide, Moulinex recommends leaving 10 to 15 cm clear at the back and sides. This guidance doesn’t replace the instructions for the model you’re buying.
How should I clean the appliance after cooking?
Unplug the appliance, let it cool down and follow the instructions in its manual. For its Airfryers, Philips recommends cleaning the basket with hot water and a non-abrasive sponge, and advises against using metal utensils on the coating.
Will the savings on electricity always pay back the purchase price?
No. Test results don’t show that buying one will pay for itself in every household. In 2024, UFC-Que Choisir reported that the air fryers it tested used an average of 36% less energy than the mini oven in its test, for the same quantity. This result doesn’t calculate your annual savings or how long it would take to recoup the purchase price.
What are my rights in France if an appliance bought from a trader isn’t as described?
In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to a consumer. You have two years to claim under this guarantee. Any commercial guarantee is separate.
Does the CE marking certify cooking quality?
No. The DGCCRF explains that the CE marking isn’t a certification mark. It indicates conformity with the applicable European requirements, but doesn’t guarantee how your recipes will turn out. Check the model’s compliance information and manual, but don’t treat them as proof of its cooking performance.