Who is this choice for?

Regular, smaller portions

You mainly prepare one dish at a time and want a worktop appliance suited to your portion sizes, rather than choosing a larger model based only on its advertised capacity. Que Choisir’s buying guide lists capacity and dimensions among the points to consider.

A main and a side, cooked together

You want to cook two dishes separately and serve them at the same time. The size of each basket and synchronised cooking then become important considerations, as shown by the Philips 3000 Series specifications.

You already have a well-equipped kitchen

You already own an oven and want to know what extra benefit would justify installing and cleaning a worktop appliance. As their cooking functions overlap, start by thinking about the dishes you usually make.

What to look for

One drawer

Choose this if: you mainly prepare one recipe at a time. Look for a capacity and size that suit your portions.

Bear in mind: one drawer cannot keep two dishes separate and cook them independently.

Two compartments

Choose this if: you want to coordinate cooking a main and a side. Check the synchronisation function and the size of each basket.

Bear in mind: two baskets of different sizes do not necessarily combine to make one large cooking space.

You already have an oven or mini oven

Keep what you have if: your dishes and recipes already fit in your existing appliance. Before making room for another one, decide what specific need an air fryer would meet.

Bear in mind: cooking, roasting or grilling may duplicate functions your oven already offers.

Traditional deep-fat fryer

Consider this if: you specifically want this style of cooking. Compare appliances designed for traditional deep-fat frying.

Bear in mind: the word ‘fryer’ does not mean the results or energy use will be the same as with an air fryer.

Consideration What to check before buying Who it matters most to
Portion sizes and cooking together Compare the capacity of each basket and the synchronisation function. A combined capacity across several baskets does not necessarily mean they form one large cooking space. If I want to cook the right amount for my meal without confusing total capacity with usable space, this is a priority for around 31% of consumers.
Fitting it in and ease of use Measure the available space and follow the installation instructions for the specific model. Describing a technology as quiet does not, by itself, provide a comparable noise measurement in decibels. If worktop space is limited or the appliance will be used in an open-plan kitchen, I check where it can go and the conditions for using it; fitting and ease of use are a priority for around 25% of consumers.
Cleaning and maintenance Check which parts need cleaning and any precautions for their coatings. The manufacturer’s advice can vary by model. If I plan to use the appliance regularly, I want to know how to clean and handle its parts after a meal; cleaning and maintenance are a priority for around 25% of consumers.
How useful it is alongside an oven, and energy use Decide what extra use you want from it. To compare energy use, look at equivalent meals, quantities, preheating and the number of batches needed. If my oven already handles the recipes I have in mind, I want a clear reason to add another appliance and do not want to assume it will save energy; this is a priority for around 19% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming the total capacity is one large cooking space

    The Philips NA352/00 splits its 9 L capacity between two baskets of 6 L and 3 L, while the Ninja AF500EU has a divider that can be removed to create one larger cooking space. These designs suit different needs.

    Choose according to the shape and quantity of the food you prepare, and whether you need to cook dishes separately or together.

  • Assuming advertised energy savings apply to every meal

    For the EZ5728F0, Moulinex’s claim is an advertised maximum based on tests in 2023 using frozen chips; it does not automatically reflect the energy use of your usual meals.

    Compare energy use for meals made with similar ingredients and quantities, and cooked to comparable results.

  • Assuming easy cleaning means no special care is needed

    For the relevant coatings, Philips Support advises against metal utensils and abrasive cleaners, and recommends waiting around 30 minutes before cleaning.

    Check the instructions for your specific model to find out which parts and cleaning methods are suitable.

  • Confusing repairability with a commercial warranty

    Moulinex’s 15-year repairability commitment is described as being ‘at a fair price’; it does not mean repairs are free for 15 years.

    Distinguish between the availability of a repair service, your statutory rights and any commercial warranty on offer.

Brands to know when comparing designs

Moulinex

The Easy Fry Smart & Silence EZ5728F0 is an example of a 5 L drawer-style model with features designed to make cleaning and storage easier.

  • The manufacturer advertises an Easy Clean & Store system and a 15-year repairability commitment at a fair price.
  • ‘Silence’ is the manufacturer’s description; no noise level is provided here for comparison with other appliances.

Philips

The 3000 Series NA352/00 is an example of a model with two baskets of different sizes.

  • Philips specifies two baskets of 6 L and 3 L, with synchronised cooking.
  • The two baskets remain separate: their combined capacity does not make one 9 L cooking space.

Ninja

The Foodi Flex AF500EU has a divider that lets you switch from two cooking zones to one combined space.

  • Les Numériques reports that this model has a total capacity of 10.4 L, which can be divided into two 5.2 L zones.
  • This larger format may not be the best choice for the smaller portions you prepare every day.

Air fryers available on Joybuy

A selection of Joybuy models for home air frying, with different sizes and configurations.

Heinrich’s HFR 8216, 5 L pink air fryer

Heinrich’s HFR 8216, 5 L, 1 450 W, pink

Its single-basket design is suited to cooking one dish at a time. The title specifies a capacity of 5 L and a power rating of 1 450 W. As instructed, leave at least 30 cm between the appliance and any flammable objects, and avoid placing it beneath a wall unit.

View on Joybuy
Ninja Crispi FN101EUGY air fryer

Ninja Crispi FN101EUGY

To compare container sizes, check the capacities and accessories included with the version on offer. The containers and tray may be hot after cooking, so use heat-resistant gloves or oven gloves. Let the containers cool before cleaning them.

View on Joybuy
Ninja DZ400EU, 9.5 L air fryer with two drawers

Ninja DZ400EU, two drawers, 9.5 L, 6-in-1

The two-drawer design lets you prepare two dishes separately. Check that the drawer dimensions and settings suit your portion sizes. The title specifies a capacity of 9.5 L. The drawers and surfaces may be hot after cooking, so use oven gloves when handling them.

View on Joybuy
Ninja DZ300EU, 7.6 L air fryer with two drawers

Ninja DZ300EU, two drawers, 7.6 L, 6-in-1

This two-drawer design could suit you if you want to cook two foods separately. Check that each zone has enough capacity for your portions. The title specifies a total capacity of 7.6 L. The drawers may be hot after cooking, so handle them with oven gloves.

View on Joybuy
ROUNY T3, 5 L air fryer

ROUNY T3, 5 L

A single-basket design may suit you if you want to prepare one recipe at a time. The title specifies a capacity of 5 L; check the dimensions and installation instructions for the version you’re considering before making space for it on your worktop.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Do two baskets give you one large cooking space?

Not necessarily: the Philips NA352/00 has separate 6 L and 3 L baskets. An appliance with a removable divider, such as the Ninja AF500EU, meets a different need, as it lets you combine the two zones.

Can I use my oven settings as they are?

Don’t assume the settings will be the same. Follow the instructions for your model and the food you’re preparing, then adjust them based on the results. Que Choisir notes that chips cook unevenly in some appliances.

How can I clean an air fryer without damaging its coating?

For appliances covered by Philips’ advice, let the appliance cool for around 30 minutes and avoid metal utensils and abrasive cleaning products. Check your model’s instructions to see which parts and cleaning methods are suitable.

Does an air fryer always use less energy than an oven?

Don’t assume it will for every meal. Moulinex claims up to 70% less energy use for the EZ5728F0, based on tests in 2023 using frozen chips. To compare with how you cook, consider the food, quantities, preheating and the number of batches needed.

Does a 15-year repairability claim mean 15 years of free repairs?

No. Moulinex describes its commitment as being ‘at a fair price’, which is different from a free warranty. In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity covers a fault that existed when the goods were delivered and appears within the legal two-year period, according to Service Public.