An air fryer can be a practical choice for small or medium quantities prepared regularly, provided you have a suitable place for it and it genuinely suits the dishes you usually make. A single basket is ideal for everyday portions, while two compartments make it easier to cook two elements at the same time. Larger models should be compared with the oven you already own to avoid buying an appliance that ends up rarely being used.
If you often prepare one or two portions and have limited worktop space, start by considering a compact single-basket model after measuring the available area. UFC-Que Choisir associates 3 to 4 L baskets with this type of portion.
Two independent zones can be useful when the side dish and main course need different settings but must be served together. However, check the usable size of each drawer rather than just the advertised total capacity.
For four or more people, large dishes or batch cooking, compare the usable capacity, the shape of the cooking cavity and the space it takes up with your oven. UFC-Que Choisir recommends at least 6 L for a household of four, and preferably 9 L or more for more than five people.
Start with your portions and the dishes you usually prepare, then consider the available space, cleaning and the appliance’s real advantages over an oven. UFC-Que Choisir particularly highlights capacity, ease of handling and cleaning.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the usable volume with the number of people you are serving, then check the basket’s height, width and shape against the dishes you prepare regularly. A large nominal capacity does not guarantee that a quiche or large dish will fit. | I want to avoid cooking successive batches without buying a drawer that is too large for my needs. Two zones are only worthwhile if I regularly cook two preparations at the same time. |
| Space and noise | Measure the external dimensions and the clearances specified in the instructions. Look for a test that includes noise measurements if the appliance will be used in an open-plan kitchen. | My appliance must remain accessible without getting in the way on the worktop. The fan can be particularly noticeable in a small home or open-plan room. |
| Cleaning | Check which parts are dishwasher-safe for the exact model. Also check access to the inside and heating element, then follow the guidance for non-stick coatings. | I want to clean it quickly after meals without damaging the basket with abrasives or metal utensils. |
| Use compared with an oven | Compare the recipe, number of portions, cooking time, preheating and number of cycles required. Measurements taken using comparable preparations are more useful than general claims. | For a small quiche of the same quantity, UFC-Que Choisir’s tests recorded an average of 36% less electricity used with air fryers than with a mini oven. This result depends on the recipe and model, so I compare it with the dishes I usually prepare. |
Usable volume and the shape of the cavity determine which foods and dishes can actually be cooked. UFC-Que Choisir reports that some models described as « XXL » have a real capacity of less than 5 L.
Measure the diameter and height of the dishes you use most often, then compare them with the internal dimensions and usable volume stated in the instructions or technical specifications.
An air fryer can be more efficient for some smaller preparations, but the difference depends on the recipe, model and number of cycles. A large batch or several successive cooking sessions can change the comparison.
Compare the number of portions, cooking time, preheating and frequency of use before relying on an energy-saving claim for your own meals.
The fan is part of convection cooking and can be intrusive in an open-plan kitchen. An appliance used every day often remains on the worktop, which may be unnecessary if your oven already performs the same functions.
Measure the space, allow for the clearances required in the instructions and look for a noise test when this is an important consideration in your home.
The basket may be easy to wash, but grease deposits can also reach the inside and heating element. Abrasives and metal utensils can damage non-stick surfaces.
Allow the appliance to cool and unplug it before cleaning, then follow the instructions for the removable parts, interior and heating element.
The range runs from the Easy Fry Essential 3.5 L to the Easy Fry 20 L air fryer oven, making it possible to compare a compact countertop appliance with a larger cooking cavity.
The range includes 6.2 L single-basket models, dual-basket models and larger formats, making it useful for comparing one cooking zone with two synchronised preparations.
Ninja is among the brands assessed in UFC-Que Choisir’s French air fryer comparison, alongside Philips and Moulinex.
These Joybuy options include single-basket models, dual-compartment appliances and larger capacities, allowing you to compare meal organisation, available space and your usual portions.
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Two independent 4.75 L drawers let you prepare two elements with separate settings.
Advertised total capacity of 9.5 L, six functions, with non-stick baskets and crisper plates advertised as dishwasher-safe. Advertised dimensions: 32.5 × 41.5 × 27 cm; weight: 8.8 kg.
Check the worktop space, safety clearances and noise level in the instructions applicable to the DZ400EU.
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This single 6.2 L basket is a medium-sized option to compare with your household’s actual portions.
Adjustable temperature from 75 to 205 °C, timer from 1 to 60 minutes, 12 programmes and a removable basket advertised as dishwasher-safe. Advertised dimensions: 30 × 37.2 × 32.1 cm.
A single zone means separate cycles are needed for two preparations requiring different temperatures or cooking times.
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Its 6.5 L single-drawer format is designed for everyday and family portions prepared in one cooking zone.
Viewing window, interior light, eight programmes, cool-touch handle and removable non-stick basket. Advertised dimensions: 287 × 386 × 323 mm.
Follow the specified clearances: at least 15 cm at the back and 10 cm at the sides and above.
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This advertised 7.6 L capacity provides more room for several portions in a single drawer.
Air fry, roast, grill, bake, dehydrate and keep-warm functions; baskets and trays advertised as dishwasher-safe.
Before giving it a permanent place, check the external dimensions, required clearances, noise level and useful internal dimensions.
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Two independent 4.5 L baskets are designed for meals made up of two elements requiring different settings.
The specifications state that it can be used as a large 10 L drawer or with two baskets, with temperatures from 40 to 200 °C, a timer and ten programmes.
Check the instructions for the accessories and conditions for changing the configuration, as well as the space, clearances and basket cleaning requirements.
No. Both appliances cover some of the same hot-air cooking functions, and UFC-Que Choisir recommends avoiding unnecessary extra appliances if your oven already meets your needs. An air fryer is mainly worth considering for frequent small or medium quantities; an oven is often more practical for large dishes and bigger batches.
As a general guide, UFC-Que Choisir associates 3 to 4 L with one or two people, 5 to 6 L with three or four people, and 7 to 9 L or more with five or more people. Always compare these volumes with the internal dimensions and the dishes you actually cook.
This depends on the model and the parts concerned. Moulinex states that some baskets are dishwasher-safe, but you should check the instructions for the exact model. To protect a non-stick coating, avoid metal utensils and abrasive cleaning products.
Follow the installation distances and conditions specified by the manufacturer, particularly around the hot-air outlets. The DGCCRF reminds consumers that electrical equipment can pose risks of burns, electric shock and fire; use the instructions and make sure accessible safety information is available.
An air fryer at the end of its life is classed as electrical and electronic equipment. The public authorities state that it must be handled through the WEEE collection and recycling system; ask the retailer, a collection point or your local recycling centre for information.