Small households often cooking one or two portions
A single-basket model is worth considering if your meals or side dishes fit into a small batch. However, compare the amount you can actually cook with the space the appliance takes up.
Who are these options for?
Households cooking a main and a side
A dual-drawer model lets you cook two separate dishes. Check the size of each compartment: the total capacity won’t tell you whether your bulkiest dish will fit.
People who already have an oven
Before adding another appliance, compare your usual recipes with what your oven can already do. UFC-Que Choisir notes that air fryers and ovens can perform the same functions.
What should you compare before buying?
Start with the size of your dishes and your current oven, then consider where each appliance will go and how easy it is to clean.
| Criterion | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Portions | Compare the usable capacity, basket surface area and amount you can cook in one batch. For four people, UFC-Que Choisir recommends at least 6 L as a starting point. | Do I mainly cook small portions, or do I need to serve everyone without cooking multiple batches? |
| Existing oven | List the dishes, tins and multi-shelf cooking options you already use. UFC-Que Choisir points out that an air fryer can perform some of the same functions as an oven. | Does my oven already meet my everyday cooking needs, or would a separate, smaller cooking space be useful often enough? |
| Cooking two dishes | With a dual-drawer model, check the capacity and settings of each compartment, not just the total volume. See if the model offers the synchronisation feature you want. | I sometimes need to cook a main and a side separately, so the size of the larger drawer matters for my recipes. |
| Cooking options | If you’re considering a mini oven, compare the dimensions it can accommodate and the cooking modes you need. Moulinex, for example, lists fan-assisted cooking and a grill among the features of its Optimo 19 L. | If I don’t have a usable oven, I want to be able to use dishes or tins suitable for a compact oven. |
| Space and cleaning | Measure the space and follow the clearances set out in the instruction manual. Check which removable parts are listed as dishwasher-safe for the specific model. | My worktop space is limited, and I want to be able to clean the appliance after frequent use. |
| Noise and electricity | Look for comparable tests measuring noise and energy use with recipes similar to yours. UFC-Que Choisir measures noise from 50 cm away in its testing protocol; the stated power alone doesn’t tell you how much electricity a meal will use. | I need to consider ventilation in an open-plan kitchen, and I don’t want to assume every cooking session will save electricity. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Adding an air fryer without considering what you use your oven for
The two appliances can be used for similar types of cooking. If your oven already suits the portions you usually make, you may not use the new appliance very often.
Make a note of your most common recipes and portion sizes before deciding whether a separate, smaller cooking space would be useful.
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Choosing a dual-drawer model based on its total capacity alone
The capacity is split between the compartments, so a large total doesn’t guarantee that a tin or bulky item will fit in either one.
Compare the dimensions of each drawer with your dishes and the amount you want to cook at once.
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Treating a promise of energy savings as a general rule
The energy-use comparisons published by UFC-Que Choisir are based on specific recipes and appliances; their results don’t automatically apply to your meals.
Look for tests using quantities and recipes similar to yours, rather than drawing conclusions from the stated power alone.
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Focusing on the programmes and forgetting about everyday use
Ventilation can be disruptive in an open-plan kitchen, while cleaning and heat safety depend on the specific model. UFC-Que Choisir includes noise and safety in its testing protocol.
Check the instruction manual, handling guidance, dishwasher-safe parts and any test results available for the model you’re considering.
Brands and ranges to compare
Philips
The range includes single-basket and dual-basket air fryers. The Series 1000 NA120/00 is an example of a single-basket model with a 4.2 L capacity, as presented by Philips France.
- Philips states that the NA120/00 can cook up to 500 g of chips, 6 drumsticks or 500 g of vegetables.
- These details apply specifically to the NA120/00 and don’t describe the noise levels or cooking results of other Philips models.
Moulinex
Moulinex offers the Easy Fry Dual EZ901N20 with two drawers and the Optimo OX444810 mini oven, two formats designed for different cooking needs.
- According to Moulinex France, the Easy Fry Dual’s 8.3 L capacity is split between 5.2 L and 3.1 L drawers; the Optimo 19 L includes features such as fan-assisted cooking and a grill.
- Compare the size of each compartment and the modes available on your chosen model with the dishes you cook: these features don’t apply to the entire range.
Ninja
When choosing a Ninja air fryer, the format and exact model reference are more useful than the brand name alone.
- Compare models based on the number of cooking compartments and the portions you actually prepare.
- For the model you’re considering, check the usable capacity, cleaning requirements, noise levels and safety guidance.
Air fryers for different portion sizes
These Joybuy models include single-basket or single-container air fryers, as well as designs with two drawers. To decide whether you need one, compare them with the oven you already have.
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Philips NA210/00 Series 2000 Airfryer, 3.2 L
For small batches, compare the stated 3.2 L capacity with your portion sizes. Also check how much worktop space you’ll need and the required clearances.
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Ninja Dual Zone DZ300EU, two drawers, 7.6 L
The two drawers may suit you if you want to cook a main and a side separately. The stated 7.6 L is the total capacity, so check the space in each drawer for your recipes and the power supply requirements in the instruction manual.
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Philips NA351/00 Series 3000 Airfryer, dual basket, 9 L
The dual-basket design may suit you if you want to cook two separate dishes. Compare the size of each basket and the appliance’s dimensions with your dishes and worktop space; also check the power supply requirements in the instruction manual.
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Ninja FN101EUGY Crispi Air Fryer
If you switch between smaller and larger portions, check which containers come with this model and their usable capacity. Different-sized containers don’t mean you can cook two dishes at once; handle hot parts in line with the instruction manual.
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Midea Air Fryer, 2 L, 1150 W
The stated 2 L capacity makes this model suitable for small batches, so check that your usual portion will fit in the basket. Its stated power of 1150 W alone won’t tell you how much electricity a meal will use; check the dimensions and power supply requirements before setting it up, too.
Frequently asked questions
Is an air fryer useful if I already have an oven?
It can be useful for cooking small portions regularly, as long as you have a dedicated space for it. If your oven already suits your recipes, buying an air fryer may duplicate what you have: UFC-Que Choisir points out that the two appliances perform similar functions. Don’t assume it will save electricity for every type of cooking.
What capacity should I choose for everyday meals?
Start with the number of portions you need to cook at once: UFC-Que Choisir recommends at least 6 L as a guide for four people. Then check the usable size of the basket or each drawer against the dishes you usually make, as the total capacity alone doesn’t show how much space is available.
How can I check noise levels before buying?
Look for a test that specifies the method and measuring distance for the model you’re considering. UFC-Que Choisir measures noise from 50 cm away and notes that ventilation can be especially important in an open-plan kitchen or small space.
What should I check to make cleaning easier?
Check the instruction manual to see which parts are removable, which are listed as dishwasher-safe and how to clean the other surfaces. UFC-Que Choisir assesses cleaning as part of ease of use, so don’t assume all air fryers are maintained in the same way.