Choose a single-drawer air fryer if you mainly cook one preparation at a time and can put it away between uses. Two drawers are worthwhile if you regularly prepare a main dish and a side with separate settings; keep the oven if it already handles your usual recipes. Before buying, measure the space, the clearance needed to open the drawers and the clearances specified in the manual.
If you mainly prepare one dish or side at a time and need to put the appliance away, start by comparing compact, single-drawer models with a smaller capacity. Tefal describes its 1.6 L Easy Fry Compact as suitable for up to two people, which applies specifically to this model.
Two independent zones can be useful when two preparations require different temperatures or cooking times. However, measure your worktop and the space needed to open the drawers before choosing this configuration.
To avoid buying a redundant appliance, compare your most frequently cooked recipes with those you already make in the oven. Que Choisir states that an air fryer also covers cooking, roasting and grilling functions similar to those of an oven.
First choose the configuration that suits your meals, then check the size and how easy the specific model is to clean and maintain.
Consider it: for one or two people, one preparation at a time and an appliance that can be put away after use.
Good to know: one drawer cannot separate the settings for two preparations; also check the usable capacity and the clearance needed to pull out the basket.
Consider it: if you often cook two elements at the same time with different temperatures or cooking times.
Good to know: two side-by-side drawers can take up more width; stacked or modular formats should still be compared with the space you actually have.
Keep it: if your gratins, dishes in ovenproof cookware and batches are already well catered for by the oven.
Good to know: Que Choisir notes that an air fryer may duplicate the oven for cooking, roasting and grilling.
| Priority | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Size and storage | External dimensions, depth with the drawer open and the ventilation clearances specified in the manual. A vertical or modular format does not replace these measurements. | I want to be able to place or store the appliance without blocking the worktop or the way through the kitchen. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the shape of the basket, your usual quantities and the dimensions of your dishes. With two zones, check the size of each compartment rather than just the total capacity. | I sometimes prepare a small portion, but I also want to know whether a complete meal or a larger dish will fit. |
| Cleaning and maintenance | Check which removable parts are dishwasher-safe and follow the instructions for the drawer and interior. Philips recommends letting the appliance cool for around 30 minutes before cleaning. | After frequent use, I want a cleaning routine that fits the time I have available, without neglecting the inside of the appliance. |
| Risk of duplication | List the recipes you would genuinely transfer. Compare them with the oven functions you already use and the value of two independent zones for your meals. | I want a regular use that is distinct from my oven, not a second machine for the same cooking jobs. |
Two drawers can be convenient for two recipes, but they may not provide one large space for a tin, dish or bulky piece of food.
List two or three meals you regularly prepare, their quantities and the containers you use. Then compare them with the internal dimensions of each zone rather than the combined litres.
The space-saving comparisons made by manufacturers apply to specific models, while everyday use also requires the drawers to open fully and safety clearances to be respected.
Measure the available width, depth and height, add the drawer clearance and check the ventilation distances in the exact model’s manual before ordering.
Que Choisir states that an air fryer uses circulating hot air and can cook, roast or grill, which may duplicate the functions of your oven.
For one week, note down the recipes you would like to transfer. If they are already easy to make in the oven and the practical benefit would be rare, keep the oven.
Dishwasher-safe parts do not eliminate the need to clean the drawer and interior. Metal utensils and abrasive products can damage the coating, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.
Choose a model whose removable parts and care instructions suit you, let it cool down, then use a sponge and non-abrasive tools.
The range includes compact single-drawer air fryers and two-drawer models, with stated capacities ranging from 1.6 L to 8.3 L across the references mentioned.
Philips offers modular dual baskets and stacked baskets, allowing you to switch between two zones and a larger cooking space, depending on the model.
The brand focuses on dual-compartment air fryers with independent programmes for meals made up of two preparations.
Joybuy options covering single-drawer and two-drawer air fryers for frequent meals in a small kitchen.
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Suitable for one preparation at a time when alternating between small and medium quantities.
Two glass containers of 1.4 L and 3.8 L; accessories stated to be dishwasher-safe. Stated dimensions: 30 × 34.5 × 34 cm.
Check the ventilation clearances and operating space in the manual; the two containers do not provide two independent cooking zones simultaneously.
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Designed for small quantities for one or two people and cooking one item at a time.
2 L basket, 60-minute timer, non-stick basket and removable parts stated to be dishwasher-safe.
Check the external dimensions, basket clearance and ventilation clearances in the manual before deciding where to place it.
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Worth considering if you often prepare a main dish and a side at the same time with separate settings.
Two independent 4.75 L drawers, six modes and components stated to be dishwasher-safe. Stated dimensions: 32.5 × 41.5 × 27 cm.
Its 41.5 cm width and two opening drawers mean you need to measure your worktop and follow the model’s safety instructions.
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Suitable for households that regularly prepare two elements using separate programmes.
Two independent 4.25 L baskets, a stated range of 30 to 230 °C, Sync Cook and Sync Finish modes, and baskets stated to be dishwasher-safe.
Its approximate dimensions of 44 × 39.1 × 30.3 cm require careful checking of the available space and ventilation clearances.
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May suit larger meals prepared in one cooking cycle, rather than just small portions.
Stated 7.6 L capacity, Air Fry, Roast, Grill, Bake, Dehydrate, Max Crisp and Keep Warm modes; baskets and trays stated to be dishwasher-safe.
A single basket cannot set separate controls for a main dish and a side; also check the dimensions, opening clearance and ventilation in the manual.
A single drawer is best suited to one preparation at a time and small quantities. Stated serving sizes are a guide for a specific model: for example, Tefal states 1.6 L and up to two people for the EY101815. Also check the actual shape and size of the basket for the foods you usually cook.
Two drawers are useful if you regularly prepare two elements of a meal at the same time with different cooking times or temperatures. If this is only occasional, a large single drawer or your existing oven may be more practical for the space available.
First let the appliance cool for around 30 minutes. Philips recommends cleaning the drawer and basket with hot water, washing-up liquid and a non-abrasive sponge; avoid metal utensils and abrasive products. Check dishwasher compatibility for the exact model.
The statutory legal guarantee of conformity is mandatory for new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual. The Ministry of the Economy reiterated this in information updated on 9 September 2026; check the conditions applicable to your situation with the seller or the relevant services.
An air fryer is electrical and electronic equipment. In France, the collection and treatment system for household WEEE has been operating since 2006, according to the Ministry for Ecological Transition; use a suitable collection point rather than putting it in household waste.