People living alone or couples short on space
If you mainly cook small portions, start by comparing single-drawer models. Check how much worktop space the appliance takes up, as well as the room needed in front to remove the basket.
Who is each option suited to?
Households that cook two items at once
A dual-drawer model lets you cook two different foods at the same time, as described by UFC-Que Choisir. It’s most worth considering if you’ll use this feature regularly and can open both baskets in your kitchen.
People who already own an oven
Compare the meals you’d genuinely cook in each appliance. If your oven handles your usual quantities, keeping your worktop clear may matter more than adding an air fryer. UFC-Que Choisir highlights how much space an appliance can take up if it’s left out for everyday use.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with your portion sizes and available space, then decide whether you need to cook one item, prepare two things at once or use trays on multiple levels.
| What to consider | What to check | Depending on your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Portions and batches | Compare the manufacturer’s example quantities with your meals, rather than looking at capacity in litres alone. In its testing, UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between the recommended quantity of chips in the instructions and a basket filled to two-thirds. | I mainly cook small portions: one drawer may be enough if my food fits in a single batch. For larger meals, I’ll check how many cooking cycles I’d need. |
| Space and positioning | Measure the exact model’s width, depth and height, then check there’s room to open its drawers or door. Consult the instructions for clearance and ventilation requirements. | My worktop is already full: I need to be able to leave the appliance in place or put it away without making every use a hassle. Keeping my oven is still an option. |
| Cooking two things | For a dual-drawer model, compare the size of each compartment with your portions and check whether the settings can be adjusted independently. A synchronisation function is only useful if you want to coordinate the cooking times. | I often need my main and side dish to be ready at the same time: two compartments could save me from cooking in separate batches. If I mainly cook one item, they may not get much use. |
| Trays and shelves | Check the tray surface area, number of levels and overall size of the mini-oven air fryer. Compare what it can do with your current oven before adding another appliance. | I want to cook on trays rather than in a basket: a mini-oven style is worth considering if it can replace equipment I already use. |
| Noise and cleaning | If noise matters, look for measurements taken under comparable conditions: UFC-Que Choisir notes that the fan can be audible. Also check how easy it is to reach the basket, tray and bottom of the drawer for cleaning. | In an open-plan kitchen, the fan could make it harder to chat. I also want to be able to remove the parts that need cleaning after meals. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Choosing based on capacity in litres alone
The stated capacity doesn’t tell you by itself whether your food will fit in a suitable batch. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing looks at both a quantity recommended in the instructions and a larger load.
Compare the manufacturer’s example portions with your usual meals and check the filling instructions.
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Choosing two drawers without measuring the space
Being able to cook two things at once is no advantage if the appliance gets in the way of everyday use of your worktop. You’ll also need room to pull out both baskets.
Check the dimensions of the exact model and measure the clear space in front of it. For example, Philips gives the dimensions of its NA154/00 as 43,8 × 30,1 × 29,5 cm.
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Assuming every batch cooks without any intervention
The quantity and arrangement of food affect how it cooks, so a large basket doesn’t mean you can ignore the instructions for each preparation.
Check whether the instructions say to shake or stir the food, and don’t exceed the recommended quantity for the recipe.
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Forgetting about noise and cleaning
UFC-Que Choisir recommends considering fan noise before you buy. In a small kitchen, easy access to the parts that need washing also matters if you’ll use the appliance regularly.
If quiet operation is important, compare sound tests carried out under similar conditions. Check how to remove and clean the basket, tray and bottom of the drawer.
A few brands to consider
Philips
Two formats to compare depending on your meal sizes: the single-basket NA211/00 and the flexible-basket NA154/00.
- For the 3,2 L NA211/00, Philips gives example quantities of up to 400 g of chips, 4 drumsticks or 400 g of vegetables. Compare these with your own portions.
- According to Philips, the NA154/00 measures 43,8 × 30,1 × 29,5 cm. Check where it will fit and whether you can pull out the baskets before choosing this style.
Moulinex
The models covered include a single-drawer air fryer, a dual-drawer model and a mini-oven air fryer.
- Moulinex describes its 8 L Dual Easy Fry as having one 5 L drawer and one 3 L drawer. Its 20 L AL605820 mini-oven has three levels and two trays.
- These layouts suit different types of meals. Check which one could replace something you already use and how much space it would take up in your home.
Tefal
Tefal’s range includes the single-drawer Easy Fry Compact and the dual-drawer Dual Easy Fry & Grill.
- The brand lists the Easy Fry Compact at 1,6 L; the Dual Easy Fry & Grill EY905B10 has two drawers, with capacities of 5,2 L and 3,1 L.
- The number of people suggested by the manufacturer should be considered alongside your portion sizes. Basket capacity doesn’t remove the need to measure your available space.
Air fryers to consider on Joybuy
These models show a range of single-compartment and dual-zone formats, from small portions to larger batches. Compare their dimensions and baskets with your kitchen, and remember that keeping your oven is still an option.
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Midea Air Fryer 2 L, 1150 W, black
If you’re looking for an appliance for small portions, compare its 2 L capacity with your usual meals. The product name lists a 60-minute timer and a non-stick basket; also measure the space needed to position it.
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Ninja FN101EUGY Crispi Air Fryer
If you switch between small and larger portions, compare the containers supplied with this model with the meals you usually cook. Also check the instructions for the space needed around the appliance.
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Ninja Dual Zone DZ300EU, two drawers, 7,6 L
The two drawers are worth considering if you regularly prepare two parts of a meal. The stated total capacity is 7,6 L; compare the appliance’s footprint and the space needed to pull out the drawers with your worktop.
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Cuisinart Compact Max AFS8OBLE, 7,6 L
This single-basket model is worth comparing with your meals if you want to cook larger batches. Its stated capacity is 7,6 L; check its external dimensions before making room for it in a small kitchen.
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12QT dual-basket air fryer with window and 50 liners
The dual basket and advertised Sync and Dual modes are designed for people who often cook two parts of a meal at once. With this 12QT model, check whether you need the full capacity, as well as its dimensions and the space required to remove the baskets.
Frequently asked questions
Can a small air fryer replace my oven?
It can replace some uses if you mainly cook portions that fit its basket, but it may not suit dishes that need a large cooking surface or trays. UFC-Que Choisir points out that the size of the cooking cavity limits how much you can prepare. Compare it with your usual meals before getting rid of an oven you use.
How can I estimate how much I’ll be able to cook?
Compare the quantities given by the manufacturer with your own portions, rather than relying on capacity in litres alone. For its 3,2 L NA211/00, Philips gives example quantities of up to 400 g of chips, 4 drumsticks or 400 g of vegetables. Also check the filling instructions in the manual.
Are two drawers worth the space they take up?
They can be useful if you often cook two different foods at once, as UFC-Que Choisir explains. But measure the appliance and the space in front of the baskets: Philips gives the dimensions of its NA154/00 as 43,8 × 30,1 × 29,5 cm, not including the space needed to open it.
Does air fryer noise matter in an open-plan kitchen?
Yes, if the fan noise could disrupt what you’re doing nearby. UFC-Que Choisir highlights it as something to consider when buying. To compare models, look for measurements taken under similar conditions rather than relying on a quick impression.
What should I check for installation and cleaning?
Make sure there’s room to open the basket and remove the parts that need cleaning after use. Check the instructions for the exact model you’re considering to find out about ventilation and required clearances, then make sure the tray and bottom of the drawer are easy to reach.