Households that already have an oven
They want to know whether frequent small-scale cooking justifies the space and upkeep of a second appliance. Que Choisir highlights the risk of duplicating what an existing oven already does.
Who is this choice for ?
People who cook small portions
They’re looking for a basket that suits the meals they regularly prepare, without having to cook in multiple batches or leave a large appliance on the worktop.
Households that cook two parts of a meal at once
They compare having two cooking zones with using their oven, and need to consider the size of each drawer and how easy it is to clean.
What should you look for before buying ?
Que Choisir points out that an air fryer can duplicate what an oven already does and take up permanent worktop space. To decide whether you’ll find one useful, start with the meals you usually cook and the space you have available.
| Consideration | What to check | Who cares most about it |
|---|---|---|
| How useful it is alongside an oven | Compare the small dishes you cook regularly with the jobs your oven already handles, then measure the space you have available. | If my oven already cooks these dishes without any problems, I want to know what an air fryer would do differently. Around 33 % of consumers want to avoid buying an appliance that duplicates what they already have. |
| Usable capacity | Check the size of the foods or dishes you usually cook and the capacity of each basket, not just the advertised total volume. | If I want to cook all my portions in one go, I check that they’ll actually fit in the basket. Around 33 % of consumers prioritise a capacity that suits their portions. |
| Cooking two foods at once | Check whether the zones have separate settings and whether each drawer can hold the food you plan to cook in it. | When I cook two parts of a meal together, I look for zones that let me cook them at the same time. Around 17 % of consumers prioritise this feature. |
| Cleaning | Check the instructions to find out which parts are removable and dishwasher-safe. | If I plan to use the appliance often, I want to keep cleaning to a minimum after meals and know which parts can go in the dishwasher. Around 17 % of consumers prioritise easy cleaning. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Buying an air fryer for jobs your oven already does
Que Choisir points out that the two appliances can overlap in what they do, and that an extra appliance can clutter your worktop.
Before you choose, think of a few small dishes you cook regularly and ask yourself whether your oven already prepares them the way you like.
You’ll need to make permanent space for an extra appliance and keep it clean.
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Assuming the advertised capacity is what you can cook in one batch
The usable volume and how it’s divided between the drawers determine whether your usual foods or dishes can cook together.
Compare the dimensions of each basket with the portions and dishes you use, rather than relying only on the number of litres.
If the basket is too small for your meals, you may have to cook in multiple batches.
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Assuming one electricity-use result applies to everyone
The results of a test using one recipe and specific appliances can’t tell you how much you’ll save on electricity over a year across all your household meals.
If electricity use matters to you, compare similar dishes and quantities, and don’t confuse energy use per cooking session with your annual bill.
Brands and formats to consider
Philips
The 2000 Series includes the NA211/00, a drawer-style air fryer with a stated capacity of 3,2 L, according to Philips. It’s worth considering for smaller meals.
- Philips says the removable tray is dishwasher-safe and gives examples of up to 400 g of chips or vegetables in the NA211/00 basket.
- These stated quantities don’t guarantee that all your recipes will fit in the basket. Claims about taste or health aren’t enough on their own to prove a benefit.
Moulinex
The models mentioned include a single-drawer air fryer, a two-drawer model and a mini oven. Compare the format with the meals you cook before choosing.
- Moulinex lists the EZ505D10 as having a 4,6 L capacity and a grill rack. The manufacturer lists the EZ905D20 as having two drawers, with capacities of 5,2 L and 3,1 L.
- These capacities apply to specific models and don’t guarantee how much of every recipe you can cook. The Optimo OX441110 mini oven is listed as having a 19 L capacity and a grill; it’s a different format from a drawer-style air fryer.
Ninja
The DoubleStack SL300EU is an example of a model with two stacked drawers. Compare it with a side-by-side model, depending on the space you have available.
- SharkNinja France lists the SL300EU as having a total capacity of 7,6 L.
- The vertical layout is specific to this model. It doesn’t, on its own, prove that food cooks better or that the appliance uses less electricity.
Air fryers available on Joybuy
The models below include single-drawer and dual-zone air fryers, so you can compare them for small portions, cooking two foods at once and ease of cleaning.
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Ninja AF110EU 3-in-1 Digital Air Fryer, 4,7 L
Designed for 1 to 2 people, its single basket may suit smaller everyday meals.
The title lists a power rating of 2 000 W. The description gives a basket capacity of 4,7 L, a temperature range of 30 to 210 °C, and cooking, reheating and dehydrating functions.
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Ninja DZ300EU Dual Zone Air Fryer, 7,6 L
Its two independent drawers are designed to cook two dishes at once, with separate settings for each.
The stated total capacity is 7,6 L, divided between two 3,8 L drawers. The description says the drawers and crisper plates are dishwasher-safe.
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Midea Air Fryer, 2 L, 1 150 W
The 2 L capacity is presented as suitable for one or two people, making it a possible option for households that cook small portions.
The title lists a power rating of 1 150 W and a 60-minute timer. The description states that the non-stick basket and removable parts are dishwasher-safe.
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Cuisinart AFD10XBLE XXL Air Fryer Dual-Zone
This dual-zone model is designed to cook several dishes at once and is aimed at larger quantities.
The description lists a total capacity of 10,4 L, divided between two 5,2 L zones, and says it can serve 6 to 8 people. It also mentions viewing windows and an interior light.
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OYAJIA Double-Basket Air Fryer
The two baskets are designed to cook different dishes at the same time, with independent temperature settings.
The description mentions a touchscreen, eight preset programmes, and Sync and Dual Cook modes. Bear in mind that both removable baskets will need cleaning.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if an air fryer has enough capacity for my household ?
Start with the foods you want to cook at the same time, then check the usable surface area and dimensions of the basket or each drawer. Que Choisir points out that usable capacity, rather than just the product’s marketing description, determines how much you can actually cook. The result also depends on the recipe and the shape of the food.
Will an air fryer always use less electricity than an oven ?
No. It depends on the recipe and the appliances being compared. In a Que Choisir test involving a small quiche cooked in equal quantities, the air fryers tested used an average of 36 % less electricity than the Optimo mini oven. This result doesn’t guarantee annual savings for your household, or apply to every oven and type of cooking.
What should I check before installing and cleaning an air fryer ?
Measure the space you have in mind and check the clearance required in the instructions for your model. For cleaning, check which parts are actually dishwasher-safe: Philips confirms this for the NA211/00 plate, while Moulinex says the EZ905D20 drawers and plates are dishwasher-safe.
What warranty applies to an air fryer bought from a trader in France ?
The statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to a private individual, and you have two years to make a claim. The seller is your point of contact. According to the Ministry of the Economy and Finance, this statutory guarantee is separate from any optional commercial warranty.
What does the CE marking on an air fryer sold in France mean ?
For a product covered by European rules that require it, the CE marking indicates that the manufacturer declares the product conforms to those rules; it isn’t an independent certification. The DGCCRF advises consumers not to treat the marking as a quality rating.