A single-drawer air fryer could be a good choice if you often cook small portions that you want to brown or reheat, and you have a suitable place for it. If your oven already does the job, another appliance may simply take up valuable worktop space. A two-drawer model makes more sense if you regularly cook two dishes at once. Also check how much room it needs for ventilation and how much food you can actually cook in one batch.
If you regularly cook a small amount, compare the basket’s usable surface area with the meals you usually make. The stated capacity alone won’t tell you how much food will fit. Philips notes that the maximum quantity depends, among other things, on the food.
If you already have an oven and a microwave, think about how often an air fryer would do something useful that these appliances can’t already do. UFC-Que Choisir points out that an extra appliance can take up space and duplicate what you already have.
If you regularly want to cook two different foods separately at the same time, weigh the convenience against the space the appliance takes up and the extra cleaning involved with two drawers. Philips describes this configuration for the NA460/00.
First, check whether hot-air cooking meets a need your current appliances don’t cover. Then consider portion size, where you’ll put it and how it will fit into your daily routine. UFC-Que Choisir notes that adding an air fryer to an oven or microwave can take up worktop space.
| What matters | What to check before you buy | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Avoiding a duplicate appliance | Measure the space and check the model’s instructions for ventilation clearances and room to open the drawer. | If I already own an oven and microwave, I want to know what distinct use would justify making room on the worktop. Around 36 % of consumers prioritise avoiding duplication and clutter. |
| Cooking a portion in one batch | Compare your portions and dishes with the basket’s surface area and the food-specific quantity guidance. | When I’m making a small meal, I want to avoid cooking several batches because there isn’t enough room to arrange the food. Around 29 % of consumers prioritise how much they can cook in one batch. |
| Choosing how to reheat food | Work out whether your existing oven or microwave gives leftovers the texture you want. | If I often reheat leftovers, I want to know whether a browned finish matters enough to justify a separate appliance. Around 21 % of consumers prioritise the texture of reheated food. |
| Noise and cleaning | Look for a noise test of the exact model and check which parts are actually dishwasher-safe. | In a small or open-plan kitchen, I want to use the appliance without being bothered by its fan or making cleaning more complicated. Around 14 % of consumers put everyday ease of use first. |
Whether it saves space depends on whether it genuinely replaces another appliance. If you add it alongside your oven and microwave, it could make your worktop more cluttered instead.
Decide which use or appliance it would replace, then measure the space, allowing for ventilation and the drawer when open.
How much you can cook properly depends on the food and how you arrange it in the basket. Philips says the maximum quantity varies depending on the food.
Compare your portions and dishes with the space available, then check the model’s guidance rather than estimating how many people it will serve from the stated capacity alone.
If a portion is too large to cook in one batch, you may need to cook it in several batches.
UFC-Que Choisir’s tests show different results depending on the model and the food being cooked. The results observed don’t guarantee savings in every household.
Think about how often you cook small portions and whether another appliance would be useful. Don’t assume an advertised percentage will apply to the way you use it.
An optional paid commercial guarantee is separate from your statutory rights. The Ministry of the Economy notes that a commercial guarantee is optional.
Before accepting a paid offer, read the cover and exclusions set out in the guarantee.
The Easy Fry Compact EZ145A20 is an example of a single-drawer air fryer, while the Optimo OX444810 is a mini oven.
The NA210/00 and NA460/00 models are examples of a 3.2 L drawer and two stacked 5 L drawers, respectively.
UFC-Que Choisir includes Ninja models in its air fryer tests.
The NN-GT21Q microwave with grill is an example of an option designed for reheating and defrosting.
The models below have one or two drawers and are designed for small portions or meals with two separate dishes. They don’t remove the need to weigh up an air fryer against the oven and microwave you may already own.
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The stated capacity for 1 to 2 portions may suit a small household. Check how much of the food you cook will fit.
Stated capacity : 4.7 L. Power : 2 000 W. Listed modes : Air Fry and Reheat. Stated temperature range : 30 to 210 °C. Basket stated to be dishwasher-safe.
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This model can be a useful reference if you’re looking for a 3 L single-drawer air fryer. Compare the capacity with your portions and the space available.
Stated nominal capacity : 3 L. Stainless steel construction, as stated in the product name.
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The 2 L capacity is stated to suit one or two people. Check the actual portion size and how the food will fit before choosing.
Stated capacity : 2 L. Power : 1 150 W. The product details list a reheat function and a non-stick, dishwasher-safe basket.
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The two independent cooking zones may suit you if you regularly cook two different foods separately. This model is less suited to very small quantities.
Stated total capacity : 9.5 L, split between two 4.75 L drawers. Six listed functions. Drawers stated to be dishwasher-safe.
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The independent settings let you cook two different foods at the same time. Compare this flexibility with the space the appliance will take up.
Stated total capacity : 7.6 L, split between two 3.8 L drawers. Six listed functions. Baskets stated to be dishwasher-safe.
Compare your food and dish with the basket’s surface area and the model’s guidance. Philips notes that the maximum quantity depends on the food. For some foods, arranging them in a single layer helps air circulate.
Check the instructions for the exact model before choosing this location. Check its external dimensions, ventilation clearances and the room needed when the drawer is open. The stated capacity alone can’t confirm whether an appliance will fit there.
Bear in mind the fan noise reported by UFC-Que Choisir, particularly if your kitchen opens onto your living area. Moulinex says the Easy Fry Compact EZ145A20 basket is dishwasher-safe; that doesn’t mean you can put the whole appliance in the dishwasher.
No. According to the Ministry of the Economy, a commercial guarantee is optional and comes in addition to your statutory rights. If you’re buying from a retailer, check the terms of the offer before taking out an additional guarantee.