One- or two-person household
You mainly cook small portions and want to avoid using the oven, without taking up unnecessary worktop space. UFC-Que Choisir lists capacity and ease of handling among the factors to consider.
Who might an air fryer suit?
Household cooking two dishes
You want to cook a main and a side separately, or cut down on batches. Compare the overall capacity and the size of each cooking zone. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the importance of matching capacity to the portions you plan to make.
Well-equipped household
You already have an oven that suits your recipes and are wondering whether an air fryer would offer something different, given the space, noise and cleaning involved. UFC-Que Choisir recommends taking ease of handling and maintenance into account.
What should you check before buying?
Single-drawer air fryer
Worth considering: if you mainly cook one dish or a small batch at a time.
Bear in mind: cooking several dishes may mean preparing them in successive batches. Noise and cooking performance depend on the model.
Two-drawer air fryer
Worth considering: if you often cook a main and a side in separate zones.
Bear in mind: the total capacity is split between the drawers. Check how much space each one offers and which settings are available.
Large-capacity air fryer
Worth considering: if you regularly cook several portions and the food fits in the cooking compartment.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir suggests 6 l for four people and 9 l or more for five or more. Capacity alone doesn’t guarantee that you can cook a whole meal in one go.
Conventional oven or mini oven
Worth considering: if your current oven already accommodates your usual portions and dishes.
Bear in mind: energy results vary depending on the food and the appliances being compared. Testing one recipe won’t predict the results for every other dish.
Start with the amount you usually cook, then check how much space the appliance needs, its usable cooking area, and any cleaning or noise considerations.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Small portions | Compare the quantity in your usual recipe with the drawer’s cooking area and capacity. | When I mainly cook small portions, I want to avoid heating the oven without cluttering my kitchen. Around 31% of consumers prioritise cooking small batches. |
| Avoiding a duplicate appliance | Check whether your everyday dishes justify another appliance, and whether you have room to install and use it. | If my oven already meets my needs, I want to know what an air fryer would offer before adding another appliance. Around 25% of consumers prioritise avoiding duplication. |
| Cooking a meal in one batch | Check the quantity and dimensions for each drawer, the independent settings and how many batches you’re happy to cook. | To serve a main and a side together, I check that each dish fits in its own zone. Around 19% of consumers prioritise cooking a meal in one batch. |
| Cleaning | Check which parts are removable and follow the cleaning instructions for the model and its accessories. | After meals, I want to keep the number of parts to wash and the amount of hand-cleaning to a minimum. Around 13% of consumers put easy maintenance first. |
| Noise | Compare measurements or reviews based on tests carried out in similar conditions. | In an open-plan kitchen or a small home, I want to minimise disruption while cooking. Around 12% of consumers prioritise a quieter environment. |
Buying mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based only on the stated total capacity
Two small drawers don’t make one large cooking compartment, and a stated capacity doesn’t guarantee your food will fit in the space you want to use.
Compare your usual dishes with the dimensions and limits of each drawer.
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Assuming it will save energy for every meal
Energy use varies depending on the food, the quantity and the oven used for comparison.
When assessing potential savings, stick to test conditions that match your recipe and appliances.
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Assuming the appliance will be quiet
UFC-Que Choisir found differences in noise levels between models. A quick listen won’t necessarily reflect how it will sound in your kitchen.
Look for measurements taken using a comparable testing method, and consider other appliances running at the same time.
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Confusing a range name with a specific model
A name such as “Ninja Crispi” doesn’t identify the exact version or the accessories included.
Check the full model reference, included containers and relevant features before comparing product listings.
Brands and ranges to consider
These examples illustrate formats and features you can compare. Their inclusion isn’t a recommendation of an entire brand or an indication of availability.
Philips
The NA352/00 is an example of a two-drawer model with drawers of different sizes.
- Philips lists two cooking zones of 6 l and 3 l, along with a synchronisation function, for this model.
- Check that your food and portions fit in each drawer. These features don’t prove that every recipe will cook evenly.
Moulinex
The Easy Fry Essential EZ130810 is an example of a single-basket model listed with a 3.5 l capacity.
- Moulinex says the basket is dishwasher-safe and that this model is covered by a repairability commitment.
- Compare the capacity with your portions. Claims about speed or energy savings may not apply to every recipe.
Ninja
The CRISPi range is an example of cooking in interchangeable glass containers, which you can compare with a conventional basket.
- A French product listing identifies model FN101EUGY. The CRISPi name alone doesn’t specify the version or its accessories.
- UFC-Que Choisir reports a high noise level for the FN101. This finding shouldn’t be generalised to the entire range.
Tefal
The Easy Fry XL Surface&Pizza FW4018E0 lets you compare a drawer’s cooking area with its volume.
- Tefal lists a 4 l drawer that can fit a 27 cm pizza for this model.
- This stated capacity doesn’t prove that every recipe will cook evenly or that the appliance will take up little space in every kitchen.
Cosori
The Turbo Tower Pro Smart features in Capital’s editorial selection of connected models, published on 2 September 2026.
- This model can be a useful point of comparison if connectivity matters to you.
- Capital’s selection isn’t an independent measure of cooking results for every food you might prepare. The Turbo Tower Pro Smart is a different model from the TurboBlaze.
Joybuy air fryers for small portions and cooking several dishes
The models below include single-basket air fryers, as well as larger-capacity and dual-basket options. Compare them with your portions and cooking routine, without assuming they’ll replace your oven.
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Ninja AF110EU, 3-in-1 air fryer, 4.7 l
Worth comparing for small batches. Check that the basket suits the shape and quantity of the food you want to cook.
The product description lists a 4.7 l capacity, 2 000 W, a non-stick basket and 1 to 2 portions.
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COSORI TF101S Dual Blaze Twinfry™, 10 l
Worth comparing if you cook larger quantities or several dishes. Check the layout of the cooking zones and how they synchronise on this model.
The product description lists a capacity of 10 l.
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Philips NA210/00 Airfryer 2000 Series, 3.2 l
Compare its single drawer with the small portions you cook most often.
Stated capacity: 3.2 l. Allow at least 100 mm of clearance on each side, as specified for this model.
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Midea air fryer, 2 l
Worth considering for a small portion and a compact kitchen. Check the capacity against the food you want to cook.
The product description lists a 2 l capacity, 1 150 W, a dishwasher-safe non-stick basket and a 60 min timer.
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Philips NA351/00 dual-basket Airfryer, 9 l
Worth comparing if you want to cook two dishes separately. Check the usable capacity of each basket and how you’ll coordinate the end of cooking.
The product description lists two baskets and a total capacity of 9 l.
Frequently asked questions about choosing an air fryer
Does a 9 l air fryer always let you cook a whole meal?
No. Check the shape of the food and the space available in each compartment. Philips lists the Philips NA352/00 as having a 6 l and a 3 l compartment, so the total capacity alone doesn’t guarantee that a whole meal will fit in one drawer.
Does an air fryer always use less electricity than an oven?
No. It depends on the appliances, recipe and quantity. In its tests, UFC-Que Choisir found an average advantage over the mini oven tested for small quiches, while some air fryers used more energy for chicken drumsticks.
How can you install and use an air fryer safely?
Read the instructions for your chosen model and follow the guidance on positioning, handling hot parts and cleaning. The DGCCRF checks safety instructions in French, as well as electrical and burn risks. The required clearances depend on the model’s instructions.
What are your rights if a product is faulty or you change your mind after buying online?
If a business sells goods to a private consumer, the legal guarantee of conformity applies if the goods are not as described or otherwise fail to conform. The Ministry of the Economy says that distance purchases generally come with a right to cancel of at least 14 days, subject to legal exceptions. Check the terms provided by the seller.
Does the CE marking prove that an air fryer cooks well?
No. The CE marking says nothing about cooking quality or noise. The DGCCRF explains that it isn’t a certification mark.