Someone living alone or a couple
If you regularly cook one or two portions, check that your usual ingredients fit in the basket without having to cook in multiple batches. Also think about where the appliance will stay on the worktop or be stored.
Who is each option for?
How often you cook small batches and how much space you have matter more than the advertised number of portions when choosing an appliance for occasional use.
Small household cooking two items at once
A dual-drawer model is worth considering if your main dish and side often need different settings. Make sure you compare the size of each drawer, not just the total capacity.
Someone with a small or open-plan kitchen
Measure the space needed to position and open the appliance. If the fan noise could be a nuisance, look for a sound test that specifies the measurement distance too.
What should you check before choosing?
Single drawer
Worth considering: for a small, frequent meal that fits in one basket.
Limitation: you’ll need another way to prepare two items that require different settings.
Dual drawer
Worth considering: if you regularly cook two separate foods for the same meal; UFC-Que Choisir describes this use of two-drawer models.
Limitation: the capacity is split between the drawers, while the appliance still takes up space even when you only use one.
Mini-oven style
Worth considering: if you tend to cook food on racks or trays, as with the styles described by UFC-Que Choisir.
Limitation: check its depth and the space needed to open it before deciding where to put it.
Existing oven or mini-oven
Stick with it: if you only cook small batches occasionally and your current appliance works well for the recipes you make.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir points out that an air fryer does much the same as an oven, so buying another appliance could simply be doubling up.
Once you’ve settled on a style, compare each appliance with your recipes, worktop space and cleaning routine.
| Criteria | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the shape of the basket with the food and dishes you usually cook. For a dual-drawer model, check each compartment separately rather than looking only at the total capacity. | My portions should fit without needing multiple batches, but I don’t need a large cavity just for one small plate. |
| Space and duplication | Measure the width, depth and height, as well as the space needed to open the appliance. Compare what you plan to cook with what your oven already handles; UFC-Que Choisir warns against buying more appliances than you need. | I want to keep the appliance within easy reach without cluttering the worktop, for frequent enough use that’s different from how I use my oven. |
| Noise | Look for a test that states the measurement distance and compare models tested under similar conditions. UFC-Que Choisir takes noise into account in its air fryer tests. | In an open-plan kitchen, fan noise matters just as much as being able to cook a small portion. |
| Cleaning | Check the instructions for the exact model variant. Find out which parts are removable, whether they’re dishwasher-safe and how easy it is to reach the surfaces that need cleaning. | If I cook small quantities often, I want cleaning up after each use to be manageable. |
| Recipes | Look for tests covering the food you actually cook. If you want to cook two foods separately, check the settings for each compartment and whether the model has a synchronisation function. | I sometimes cook things other than chips, so the style needs to suit my dishes. I’m only interested in two compartments if I’ll use them. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Buying a second appliance for the same recipes
An air fryer can be used for things your oven already handles. UFC-Que Choisir advises against doubling up, especially if you only cook small batches occasionally.
Think back to the meals you’ve made recently. If your oven works well for those recipes, ask yourself what you’d cook often enough to justify giving another appliance a permanent place in your kitchen.
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Looking only at the total capacity
In a dual-drawer model, the capacity is split between two compartments. A high total capacity doesn’t guarantee that a large dish will fit in either one.
Compare the internal dimensions of each drawer with the dishes and ingredients you usually use.
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Overlooking noise
The fan can become a nuisance in everyday use, especially in an open-plan kitchen. UFC-Que Choisir points out that noise levels vary between appliances and are difficult to judge in a shop.
Choose a test that explains how the noise was measured, and picture the appliance running at the times you’re already using your kitchen.
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Assuming dishwasher-safe parts make cleaning effortless
Dishwasher compatibility may apply to only some parts; other surfaces still need to be cleaned according to the instructions for that model.
Check the instructions to see which parts are removable and how they can be cleaned. Moulinex recommends letting the appliance cool down completely before you start cleaning it.
What do the brands offer?
These ranges show the different styles available, but their features don’t tell you how noisy a particular model is or how well it cooks.
Philips
The range includes single-drawer and dual-drawer models, as well as models with stacked baskets.
- Philips describes its 4.1 L HD9252/90 as suitable for two people and able to prepare up to four portions. Check that the basket works for the food you cook.
- The basket layout alone won’t tell you how much space you’ll need at home. Check the dimensions and clearances for the model you’re considering.
Moulinex
The Easy Fry range includes single-drawer appliances and dual-drawer models.
- Moulinex describes the 4.2 L Easy Fry Deluxe as suitable for small spaces. The Easy Fry Dual instructions specify two drawers, with capacities of 5.2 L and 3.1 L.
- If you almost always cook just one small portion, consider whether you’ll use both drawers enough to justify the space they take up.
Ninja
The brand also features among the larger models that are similar in style to mini-ovens.
- UFC-Que Choisir lists the Ninja SFP700CAS in its ‘Air fryer > 6 l / Mini-oven’ category, which may be helpful if you’re looking for this type of cavity.
- If you’re cooking one small portion or have limited worktop space, measure the appliance and consider whether its size suits your recipes before you choose.
Which air fryers should you consider on Joybuy?
These Joybuy options are mainly for cooking small batches in a basket or container, with a dual-drawer model for preparing two items separately. Their inclusion here doesn’t change the case for keeping your oven if your needs don’t warrant another appliance.
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Ninja FN101EUGY Crispi
If you cook different quantities, compare the usable surface area of its containers with your usual portions and dishes. Also check how much space you’ll need to place them and the cleaning instructions for this variant.
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Philips 2000 Series NA210/00, 3.2 L
For a small batch in a single drawer, compare its advertised 3.2 L capacity with the shape and quantity of the food you cook. Measure the space you have too, and check the instructions for the clearance needed around the appliance.
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Midea Air Fryer, 2 L, 1150 W, black
This 2 L basket model may suit small quantities if your food fits in the usable space. Check its installation dimensions and cleaning instructions before deciding where to put it.
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Ninja DZ300EU Dual Zone, 2 drawers, 7.6 L
Its two drawers are worth considering if you regularly prepare two separate items. The advertised total capacity is 7.6 L: check the usable dimensions of each drawer and how much worktop space it takes up, especially if you sometimes cook just one portion.
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Midea Air Fryer, 4 L, 1500 W
For small batches, compare its advertised 4 L capacity with the basket’s usable size rather than an assumed number of portions. The product name lists eight pre-set modes and a temperature range of 35 to 200 °C; check the instructions for cleaning advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can an air fryer replace my oven for small batches?
Not necessarily: UFC-Que Choisir points out that an air fryer does much the same as an oven. If you rarely cook small quantities and your oven works well for you, stick with it. If you cook small batches often, first compare a drawer-style model with your recipes and the space you have available.
What capacity should I choose for one or two people?
Start with the food you cook, then check the basket’s usable dimensions rather than relying solely on its stated capacity or number of portions. For example, Philips describes its 4.1 L HD9252/90 as suitable for two people and able to make up to four portions, but that doesn’t guarantee your widest dishes will fit.
When are two drawers useful for a small household?
Two drawers are particularly useful for cooking different foods at the same time, as UFC-Que Choisir describes. If that suits the way you cook, check the size of each compartment and the model’s settings. If you usually make just one small batch, consider a single-drawer model too.
How can I check how easy an appliance is to clean before buying?
Check the instructions for the exact variant to find out which parts can be removed and which are dishwasher-safe. Moulinex recommends letting the appliance cool down completely before cleaning; then follow the guidance for its surfaces and coating.