Choose a size based on what you want to cook at once: small portions, two separate dishes or a family meal. Check the usable space and cooking results with the foods you normally prepare. If your oven already meets your needs, an air fryer could be an unnecessary extra.
If you want to cook your usual quantity all at once, look at the usable surface area and capacity rather than relying on the word “XXL”. Que Choisir Ensemble points out that usable capacity determines how much you can actually cook.
If you want to cook two parts of a meal separately, check the space available in each compartment and how well food cooks in the different zones. Que Choisir Ensemble notes that cooking results can vary from one drawer to another.
For small portions or a kitchen where every bit of surface space matters, compare the appliance’s footprint and ease of handling with how you expect to use it. If your oven already suits the dishes you usually cook, another appliance may be redundant. Que Choisir Ensemble lists ease of handling and cleaning among the features to consider.
Choose this if: you mainly prepare small portions and are short on space.
Bear in mind: there’s just one cooking zone and you can only cook a limited amount at a time.
Choose this if: you want to cook two different parts of a meal at the same time.
Bear in mind: the total capacity is split between the zones, and cooking results may vary from one compartment to another.
Choose this if: your portions or dishes regularly need a large cooking surface.
Bear in mind: the stated capacity doesn’t guarantee that a particular dish will fit or cook evenly. The appliance will also take up more space.
Choose this if: your oven already fits the dishes you usually cook and works at a pace that suits you.
Bear in mind: you won’t have a separate small cooking zone, but you’ll avoid an extra appliance and the space it takes up.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who this matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the basket’s internal dimensions and shape with the foods and dishes you usually cook. Look for relevant cooking tests for the model you’re considering. | When I cook family-sized portions, I want to avoid cooking in several batches and check that a dish I use regularly will actually fit in the basket. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this capacity. |
| Cooking two things at once | Check the capacity of each compartment, whether the settings are independent and how the appliance performs when both zones are in use. | If I want to cook two parts of a meal separately, I check that each one fits in its zone and that the settings suit the food. Around 22% of consumers prioritise cooking two separate dishes. |
| Small portions and footprint | Measure the space available and the clearance needed to pull out the drawer, then compare this with the amount you cook. | In a small kitchen, I want to be able to position and use the appliance without getting in the way on the worktop, even if that means cooking less at a time. Around 21% of consumers prioritise small portions and a compact size. |
| Frequent cleaning | Check the manual to see which parts are removable, how to wash them and whether they’re dishwasher-safe. | If I plan to use the appliance often, I want to know how it can be cleaned and how many parts need washing after a meal. Around 14% of consumers prioritise easy cleaning. |
| How it complements your oven | Make a list of the dishes and quantities you cook each week, then identify what your current oven can’t do conveniently. | If my oven already suits the dishes I usually cook, I want to identify a specific need before adding another appliance and taking up more space. Around 14% of consumers are primarily looking to avoid redundant equipment. |
The stated capacity alone won’t tell you whether a dish or your usual portions will fit in one go. Que Choisir Ensemble highlights the importance of usable capacity.
Compare the basket’s dimensions with a typical dish and portion for your household.
If the dish or portions don’t fit as expected, you may have to cook in several batches.
The total capacity of a model with two compartments is split between the zones, so a large dish won’t necessarily fit in either drawer.
Check the dimensions of each compartment separately and see whether a flexible configuration is specified.
Performance varies between appliances, and some functions may overlap with those of your oven. Que Choisir Ensemble found that cooking results varied between models.
Look for relevant tests using the foods and dish sizes you prepare, then compare the results with what your current oven already does well.
If the ways you’d use them overlap, the new appliance could take up space without meeting a separate need.
These products include compact, large-capacity and dual-compartment options, making it easier to compare models based on your portions and the dishes you plan to cook.
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For generous portions, check that the basket shape suits the foods and dishes you usually cook.
Stated capacity: 8.5 L; 12 programmes; viewing window; non-stick basket; silver stainless steel finish.
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Its stated 3.5 L capacity may be worth considering if you cook small portions. Check that it suits the amount you actually prepare.
Stated capacity: 3.5 L.
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Worth considering for smaller portions than you’d expect to cook in a high-capacity family-sized model. Compare the stated capacity with the meals you usually prepare.
Stated capacity: 4.5 L.
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For cooking two dishes separately, check that each basket can hold the food you have in mind: the stated 9 L capacity is split between two baskets.
Two 4.5 L baskets; stated power: 2,000 W; LED touchscreen; synchronisation and timer; 10 automatic programmes.
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If you’re choosing between one large cooking zone and separate cooking zones, check the product details for the available configuration and usable dimensions for your dishes.
Capacity stated in the model name: 10 L.
Look for tests using the foods and sizes of dishes you prepare. Que Choisir Ensemble found that results varied between appliances, so a programme or stated capacity alone won’t tell you how a particular model will perform.
Follow the model’s instructions on where to position it, how full to fill it and how to clean it. Electrical Safety First advises against leaving the appliance unattended while it’s running, recommends keeping the cable away from hot surfaces and says to wash only the parts approved by the manufacturer.
The legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to an individual. The Ministry of the Economy explains that this is separate from any commercial warranty. Raise any conformity claim with the seller.
For an electrical appliance covered by the European directive on equipment rated from 50 to 1,000 V AC, the applicable requirements must be met and CE marking must be in place before it is placed on the market. The Directorate-General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control points out that CE marking is not an independent certification. For a specific model, also check for any recalls listed on RappelConso.