An air fryer is worth adding to your oven setup mainly if you regularly need something your current appliance can’t do, such as cooking a portion separately or preparing two dishes at the same time. Before choosing one, check that the baskets suit the quantities you cook, that you have room for the appliance and that its features do more than simply duplicate what your oven can already do. Energy-use results vary by model and recipe, so they don’t guarantee savings in your home.
You use your oven for small portions and want a handy extra appliance suited to the food you cook, without having to cook in multiple batches. Capacity and portion size are among the criteria discussed by Boulanger and UFC-Que Choisir.
You want to prepare a meal with two dishes that have coordinated settings and finish cooking at the same time. Philips describes dual-basket models and their synchronisation features.
You want to avoid buying an appliance that duplicates what you already have, and are taking into account available space, noise and the extra cleaning involved. UFC-Que Choisir notes that an air fryer’s functions may overlap with those of an oven, and that noise is worth considering.
Start with the dishes you make most often, then check the usable capacity, what the appliance offers beyond your oven and any extra demands it will place on your kitchen.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who prioritises it |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare your portions and dishes with the dimensions of each basket; don’t treat the combined capacity of two baskets as one large cooking compartment. | If I mostly cook small quantities, I want everything to fit in the basket without having to cook in several batches. Around 31% of consumers put usable capacity first. |
| A distinct use | Identify a dish you make regularly that your oven doesn’t handle as you’d like; check which features you already have at home. | If my oven already meets most of my needs, I’m looking for an additional task that justifies buying another appliance. Around 25% of consumers make a distinct use their top priority. |
| Space and noise | Check how much space the appliance takes up and the clearances specified in its manual; bear in mind that UFC-Que Choisir identifies fan noise as a factor to consider. | In a kitchen where every surface matters, I want to know where I’ll put the appliance and whether its operating noise will suit my surroundings. Around 19% of consumers prioritise how well an appliance fits into their kitchen. |
| Cleaning and maintenance | Check the cleaning instructions for the parts you’ll use and how many accessories your recipes will require. | After a meal, I prefer a routine that doesn’t leave me with lots of parts to handle and wash. Around 13% of consumers prioritise easy cleaning. |
| Comparable energy use | Compare the same quantity of food and a similar cooking result, taking into account the steps and batches required; UFC-Que Choisir reports that results vary by recipe and model. | If my decision depends on electricity use, I want a comparison that reflects my portions and my oven. Around 12% of consumers prioritise energy use measured under comparable conditions. |
Extra features don’t prove that the appliance meets a need your oven can’t already cover.
Make a note of the dishes you cook often and the specific problem you want to solve before comparing programmes.
An appliance and its accessories mean more items to store and clean.
The Philips NA352/00 has a stated capacity of 9 L, divided between two baskets of 6 L and 3 L: how that capacity is split matters just as much as the total.
Check each dish against the compartment you plan to use and make sure your cookware will fit.
If the food won’t fit in the appropriate basket, you may need to cook it in several batches.
UFC-Que Choisir’s tests show that results vary by model and recipe; some appliances use more energy for certain dishes.
Don’t apply a percentage to your own use without comparing similar quantities and cooking results with your oven.
Examples from the brand include both a single-basket model and a dual-basket model.
The Foodi MAX Dual Zone AF400EU is an example of a dual-drawer model.
The Easy Fry Multifonction 9-en-1 et Grill AL501810 is an example of a mini-oven format with accessories.
The models below offer a single basket, containers in different sizes or separate cooking zones. Compare their configuration with the portions you prepare and the space you have available.
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Its single basket is designed for portions stated as suitable for 1 to 2 people.
4.7 L basket; temperature range of 30 to 210 °C; Air Fry, Reheat and Dehydrate functions. The basket is stated to be dishwasher-safe.
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The two different-sized containers let you choose the configuration that suits the dish you’re preparing.
1.4 L and 3.8 L glass containers; Air Fry, Roast, Keep Warm and Recrisp functions. The containers and accessories are stated to be dishwasher-safe.
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Its two independently controlled drawers are designed to help you prepare two separate dishes.
9.5 L total capacity, divided between two 4.75 L drawers; six functions, including Air Fry, Roast, Bake and Reheat. The drawers are stated to be dishwasher-safe.
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Its two independent drawers let you divide your food between separate compartments.
7.6 L total capacity, divided between two 3.8 L drawers; six functions, including Air Fry, Roast, Bake and Reheat. The drawers are stated to be dishwasher-safe.
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The configuration described lets you switch between one large compartment and two zones for separate dishes.
Basket can be used as one 10 L compartment or split into two 5 L zones; stated temperature range of 35 to 240 °C and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Compare the energy used to cook the same food in the same quantity to a similar result, including any steps and batches required. In tests published in October 2024, UFC-Que Choisir found that the air fryers tested used an average of 36% less electricity than the Moulinex Optimo 19 L mini-oven when cooking a small quiche. However, some models used more energy for chicken drumsticks. These results apply to the appliances and dishes tested and don’t predict how much energy your oven will use.
Philips recommends cleaning the bowl and basket in hot water with washing-up liquid and a non-abrasive sponge. For other parts, follow the instructions for your model; this method isn’t an instruction to wash the electrical unit.
No. The legal guarantee of conformity is separate from a commercial extended warranty when a consumer buys from a professional seller. According to Service-Public, the fault must appear within two years of the goods being delivered. Keep your proof of purchase and identify the seller.
According to the European Union’s official Your Europe portal, the marking indicates that the manufacturer declares the product complies with the applicable European requirements. It isn’t the result of a comparative cooking test.
No. For the AL501810, Moulinex states that the product is repairable for 15 years “at a fair price”; this isn’t a promise of free repairs or a 15-year warranty. Remember that the manufacturer’s commitment is separate from legal and commercial warranties.