To serve two foods together when they need different settings, start by comparing air fryers with two synchronisable cooking zones. A flexible drawer is a better fit if you switch between cooking two dishes and one larger dish, while a single drawer may be enough if the other item can cook on a tray. Consider an oven-style model if you use oven dishes or want several levels. In every case, check the usable dimensions, installation requirements and cleaning, not just the stated capacity.
If your main and side dish need different cooking times or settings, separate zones and a coordinated finish can make a difference. Philips product information describes these features on some models, while UFC-Que Choisir notes that results can vary from one zone to another.
If you switch between cooking two separate dishes and a larger one, check the space available with and without the divider. The total capacity alone doesn’t tell you how much usable room there is in each zone. Philips and Moulinex configurations are examples of this flexible drawer design.
If your oven or hob already takes up part of your kitchen, compare the appliance’s footprint, how its drawers or door open, and the installation instructions. UFC-Que Choisir includes size and ease of handling among the points to consider.
First, check that each food fits in its space and can cook at the settings it needs. Then look at the appliance’s installation and cleaning requirements.
| What matters | What to check | Who prioritises it most |
|---|---|---|
| Coordinated cooking | Check the settings available for each zone and whether there’s a finish synchronisation function. | If I want my main and side dish to finish cooking at the same time despite needing different cooking times, I look at the settings for each zone. Around 31% of consumers prioritise this coordination. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the dimensions of each zone and the stated load for the exact model, rather than looking at the total capacity alone. | When portion sizes or the shape of the food vary, I check that each dish fits without overcrowding its space. Around 25% of consumers prioritise having enough usable room for their portions. |
| Size and installation | Measure the available width, depth and height; check the opening and clearances specified in the instruction manual. | If my worktop is already occupied, I need to be able to install and use the appliance without blocking access around it. Around 19% of consumers put ease of installation in a restricted kitchen first. |
| Cleaning | Check how many parts need washing, how easy they are to reach and the model’s care instructions. | If I cook regularly, I prefer to know how many baskets, racks or dividers I’ll need to clean after a meal. Around 13% of consumers prioritise easy cleaning. |
| Noise and electricity use | Compare noise measurements and energy tests carried out under similar conditions and using comparable quantities. | In an open-plan kitchen, cooking noise can affect my choice; electricity use should also be compared with the oven I’d actually use. Around 12% of consumers prioritise these aspects of comfort and everyday use. |
Two zones share the total capacity. For example, the Philips NA352/00 has stated capacities of 6 l and 3 l. If a dish is too large for one basket, you may need to arrange your cooking differently.
Start with the dimensions of your food and check the space in each zone in the product information for the exact model.
If an item doesn’t fit in the intended zone, you may need to cook it in several batches.
Synchronisation coordinates when the programmes finish, but results can vary between zones, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
Check tests of the exact model if available, and keep an eye on or turn the food if the recipe calls for it.
An air fryer may duplicate functions already performed by an oven, and electricity comparisons depend on the recipe, quantity and appliance used as a benchmark.
Compare the meals you usually make, the space available for installation and tests using similar dishes.
An extra appliance takes up space and adds more parts to clean.
The NA352/00 and NA154/00 demonstrate two different approaches: two differently sized baskets on the first, and a removable divider on the second.
The Dual Easy Fry Flex EZ9228F0 is an example of a drawer designed to be used for two dishes or one larger dish.
The Vortex ClearCook 13 L is an example of an oven-style format, with trays arranged across several levels.
The S-Fry Duo Stack FR 2468 is an example of a model with two stacked baskets.
The Turbo Tower Pro Smart KOSP0040EUN is an example of a model with two stacked baskets, listed at 4,3 l and 6,5 l.
The options featured here are mainly air fryers with two zones, alongside one model with a flexible basket, for cooking two items at the same time.
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The listed two-zone design and Sync Finish function are suited to cooking two items at the same time.
The product title lists two 5L + 5L zones, a viewing window, a touchscreen and 10 automatic programmes.
Synchronisation coordinates when the programmes finish, but doesn’t guarantee identical cooking in both zones.
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The listed two baskets and Sync-Finish function are suited to cooking two dishes that need to finish at the same time.
The product title lists a 12 L capacity, two separate baskets, a viewing window, digital controls and a power rating of 2600W.
Synchronisation coordinates when the programmes finish, but doesn’t guarantee identical cooking in both zones.
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The listed Flex basket and Sync and Dual functions are suited to switching between cooking a larger dish and two separate dishes.
The product title mentions a viewing window and 50 cooking sheets included.
Synchronisation coordinates when the programmes finish, but doesn’t guarantee identical cooking in both zones.
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The listed two compartments and Sync Finish function are suited to cooking two foods at the same time.
The product title lists a viewing window, a colour touchscreen and 10 preset programmes.
Synchronisation coordinates when the programmes finish, but doesn’t guarantee identical cooking in both zones.
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The description lists two zones with independent settings and finish synchronisation, allowing you to coordinate two dishes.
It lists a total capacity of 10,4 L, split between two 5,2 L zones, illuminated viewing windows and dishwasher-safe baskets.
Synchronisation coordinates when the programmes finish, but doesn’t guarantee identical cooking in both zones.
No. It coordinates when the programmes finish, but doesn’t guarantee the same cooking result in each zone. UFC-Que Choisir notes that results can vary between zones; you should also consider the quantity of food and how the air circulates.
Follow the clearance and care instructions in the manual for the model you buy, as these can vary between appliances. Place it on a stable, heat-resistant surface. Wash removable parts by hand or in the dishwasher only if the manual says it’s safe to do so.
It depends on the recipe, quantity and oven you’re comparing it with. In tests published by UFC-Que Choisir, the air fryers tested used an average of 36% less electricity than a 19 l mini oven to cook a small quiche, when cooking the same quantity. This result doesn’t automatically apply to a full meal or to every oven.
The legal guarantee of conformity covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual, and claims are made through the seller. The French Ministry of the Economy states that you have two years from delivery of the goods to take action. This legal guarantee is separate from any optional commercial warranty.
No. According to the DGCCRF, the CE marking represents the manufacturer’s commitment to meet the applicable European requirements; it isn’t a certification mark. For a specific appliance, check its reference and look for any relevant recall information rather than relying on the logo alone.