Small households that cook in small quantities
If you often prepare modest portions, compare the basket’s usable capacity with the meals you usually make. As Que Choisir points out, usable capacity matters more than the stated capacity alone.
Who are these options for?
Households that cook two parts of a meal at once
Two zones can be useful if the foods need different settings and have to cook at the same time. Que Choisir describes this use for dual-drawer models; also check how much space the appliance will take up in your kitchen.
Households whose oven already meets their needs
Before adding an air fryer, work out what everyday task it would genuinely make easier. Que Choisir notes that its cooking functions can overlap with those of an oven.
How do the options compare?
One drawer
Worth considering: if you mostly cook one dish at a time, in modest portions.
Bear in mind: a large quantity may need several batches if it doesn’t fit properly in the basket.
Two zones
Worth considering: if you regularly cook two foods with different settings at the same time.
Bear in mind: this format usually takes up more space, and the total capacity doesn’t tell you how much each zone holds.
Your existing oven
Keep using it: if it handles your usual recipes and quantities without difficulty.
Consider: sticking with your oven means you won’t need another appliance, but it may not meet your need to prepare small portions differently.
To choose between these three options, start with what matters most to you: getting a use that’s different from your oven, matching the number of dishes you prepare, or avoiding the extra demands of another appliance.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| A use that’s different from your oven | Identify the recipes and small quantities you prepare often, then compare the cooking steps with those you use in your oven. | I regularly prepare a small portion and want to know whether a worktop appliance would genuinely be useful, rather than simply duplicating my oven. Around 40% of consumers might prioritise this distinct use. |
| Capacity and cooking at the same time | Compare the usable surface area and capacity with your portions; for two zones, check the capacity of each one. | When two parts of a meal need to cook together, I want them to fit in the appliance without having to cook multiple batches. Capacity or cooking food in parallel might be a priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Space, noise and cleaning | Measure the space and clearance you’ll need; check the cleaning instructions and the model’s noise information. | In my kitchen, taking out, using and cleaning another appliance needs to be manageable. These practical considerations might come first for around 30% of consumers. |
What should you avoid before buying?
-
Assuming the stated capacity equals a meal-sized portion
A high litre capacity doesn’t guarantee that your portions will fit in the basket in one batch. Que Choisir highlights the importance of usable capacity.
Compare the basket’s surface area and the quantities listed in the instructions with your usual portions, rather than relying on an “XXL” label.
-
Choosing two zones when you only cook one dish at a time
According to Que Choisir, separate drawers are for cooking different foods at the same time. If you rarely use this option, the space the appliance takes up may matter more to you.
Think about the meals you usually make: would separate settings be useful to you regularly, or would one basket be enough?
-
Taking electricity savings for granted
Actual energy use varies with the appliance’s size and how you use it, the ADEME points out. A stated wattage alone won’t tell you whether an air fryer or an oven is better for cooking a meal.
If saving electricity is one of your reasons for buying, compare cooking the same recipe and quantity using similar programmes.
-
Thinking only about cooking performance
Space, noise and cleaning are all part of everyday use too. Que Choisir includes them among the factors to consider when choosing an air fryer.
Check the dimensions, how the drawers open and the cleaning instructions before making space for it in your kitchen.
Brands to know
There are no brands to feature in this section.
Air fryers available on Joybuy
These single-drawer and dual-zone models let you compare the formats covered above with your portions and available space. If your oven already meets these needs, you can choose to stick with it.
Image unavailable
PHILIPS NA210/00 AirFryer 2000 Series, 3.2 L
A single-drawer model to consider for small portions cooked separately from your oven.
Stated capacity: 3.2 L. Compare the amount the basket actually holds with your usual meals.
Image unavailable
Bear QZG-F24F1, dual-basket air fryer, 9 L
Worth considering if you want to cook two parts of a meal at the same time rather than preparing one dish.
Stated total capacity: 9 L; stated power: 2,400 W. The model name mentions independent temperature control. Check how much each basket can hold and how much space the appliance needs.
Image unavailable
Midea Air Fryer, 4 L, 1,500 W
A single-basket model to consider if you usually cook one batch at a time.
The product name lists a 4 L capacity, eight pre-set modes and a temperature range of 35 to 200 °C. Check that it suits your portion sizes and review the cleaning instructions.
Image unavailable
ochama Dual-Chamber Air Fryer, 9 L
This two-compartment format is designed for meals where two dishes need to cook at the same time.
The stated 9 L capacity is for the appliance as a whole. Check the space it needs and how much each compartment can hold before choosing this format.
Image unavailable
KITCHENCOOK AIRMED7W, 7 L air fryer
A single-basket model to compare with your portion sizes if you’re considering a larger stated capacity.
The product name mentions a digital display and viewing window. The 7 L capacity alone doesn’t tell you how much you can cook in one batch, so check the appliance’s dimensions too.
Frequently asked questions
Does an air fryer always use less electricity than an oven?
No. You can’t assume it will save energy simply because it’s a different type of appliance. The ADEME points out that actual energy use depends on the appliance’s size and how you use it. To help you choose, compare the same recipe and quantity cooked using similar programmes.
Are two drawers more useful than one large basket?
Two drawers are most useful if you regularly cook different foods at the same time. If you cook one recipe at a time, compare a single basket’s usable surface area with your portions instead; a large stated capacity doesn’t guarantee that one batch will be enough.
What should I check about noise and cleaning?
Check which parts need washing, how to care for them and the noise information for the model you’re considering. Que Choisir considers these factors in its criteria and tests, but results for one appliance don’t apply to every other model.
What are my rights if the appliance is faulty or doesn’t match its description?
In France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies in particular when a business sells an appliance to an individual and the product has a conformity defect. The Ministry of the Economy explains that it covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods. Contact the seller and describe the fault or difference you’ve found.