For simple meals in a small kitchen, start by thinking about your usual portions, the space available while cooking and what your oven can already do. A single-drawer air fryer suits smaller quantities; two cooking zones are really only worthwhile if you’ll use them regularly, while a mini oven or your existing oven is better for dishes that won’t fit in a basket. Before adding another appliance, measure the space it will occupy, allowing for the clearances specified in its instruction manual.
A single basket may suit your everyday portions, as long as the food fits without being packed in too tightly. Check the quantities given for the foods you cook rather than relying on the stated capacity in litres alone.
Two cooking zones are useful if you regularly cook a side dish and another food separately. Weigh up this convenience against the extra worktop space the appliance will take up.
Before adding another appliance, think about which different cooking tasks you’d use it for often enough to justify the space, storage and cleaning it requires. UFC-Que Choisir points out that an air fryer can duplicate some of an oven’s functions.
In a small kitchen, the question isn’t just ‘how many litres?’ It’s also ‘what will I cook, where will the appliance go while it’s running, and will I use it often enough?’
Worth considering: if you mainly cook a small portion or a side dish.
The trade-off: one basket can’t run two cooking programmes independently.
Worth considering: if you often cook two separate parts of a meal.
The trade-off: two cooking zones take up more space and may not replace your oven for larger dishes.
Worth considering: if the shape of your tins and oven dishes matters more than cooking in a basket.
The trade-off: you’ll need to make room for it and check that your existing oven doesn’t already offer the same functions.
Best if: it can handle the dishes you usually cook and there’s no room for another appliance.
The trade-off: for some small recipes, UFC-Que Choisir’s tests suggest an air fryer may use less electricity. Results depend on the recipe and the appliances being compared.
| Factor | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space and ventilation | Measure the appliance and the drawer when open, and allow for the clearances specified in the manual while it’s cooking. | If my worktop is already used for meal prep, I need to be able to use the appliance and put it away without getting in the way in the kitchen. Space is a priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Capacity and how useful it really is | Compare your portions and dishes with the quantities and dimensions given for each model. Consider which cooking tasks your oven already handles. | I want to cook the right amount without buying another appliance for dishes my oven can already accommodate. Around 31% of consumers prioritise this match between portion sizes and how they’ll use the appliance. |
| Everyday cleaning | Check which parts need washing after cooking and whether the manufacturer says they’re dishwasher-safe. | After a simple meal, I want to be able to clean the appliance and put it away without too much effort. Easy cleaning is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Noise | Look for a noise measurement or a comparable test of the model, especially if your kitchen opens onto your living space. | In a small shared space, I don’t want the fan to disturb anyone while I’m cooking regularly. Noise is the main concern for around 13% of consumers. |
If a basket is overfilled, there’s less room for air to circulate. Its stated capacity doesn’t necessarily tell you how much you can cook in one go.
Compare the quantities given for the foods you usually cook. For chips, Philips recommends filling its baskets no more than two-thirds full.
An air fryer needs the clearances specified in its manual to release heat and steam. The instructions for one Medek model require at least 10 cm of space on each side; this isn’t a rule that applies to every appliance.
Measure the space as it will be when you use the appliance, and follow the instructions for your chosen model, particularly when placing it near an overhead cupboard.
If the space isn’t suitable, you’ll need to move the appliance before each use or find somewhere else to put it.
A dual-drawer model takes up space even when you only use one zone. UFC-Que Choisir advises against buying more equipment than you need when its functions overlap with those of your oven.
Think back to your recent meals: if you rarely cook two separate dishes, compare a single basket with using your existing oven instead.
Two compartments can also mean more parts to clean and store.
UFC-Que Choisir’s comparisons vary according to the recipe, quantity and appliances tested. They don’t guarantee the same result for every meal.
For smaller dishes, compare the cooking time and number of batches needed. Cooking a large dish in several batches can change which option makes more sense.
The range includes single-basket models and appliances with two cooking zones. Philips says the NA211/00 has a 3.2 L bowl, while the NA154/00 has two 3.55 L zones that combine, using a removable divider, to form a 7.1 L compartment.
The Uno OX130230 mini oven offers another way to cook when space is limited, with conventional oven and grill settings.
The brand offers air fryers in different sizes, so you can compare models based on how many cooking zones you really need.
Consider these air fryers if you’d like an extra appliance for cooking smaller dishes. Compare their size with your portions and the space you have available. If your dishes need a larger tin or your oven already meets your needs, keep those options in mind too.
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Consider it for an extra cooking option if its size suits your usual portions. Before making room for it, check its dimensions, the ventilation clearances specified in the manual and how noisy the model is if you cook in an open-plan room.
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Compare it with your everyday smaller portions rather than a large family meal. Stated capacity: 2 L; power: 1,150 W. It has a non-stick basket listed as dishwasher-safe and a 60 min timer. Measure the space and check the manual for the required clearances. Also check which quantities are suitable for your recipes.
Don’t plan to put it there without checking the appliance manual. The instructions for one Medek model require at least 10 cm of clear space on the sides. Check the clearances and restrictions for your specific model before setting it up.
It depends on how much room you leave around the food in the basket, not just its capacity in litres. Philips advises limiting how full its baskets are for chips and leaving space around meat so the air can circulate. Compare the quantities recommended for your model with the meals you usually cook.
No. The recipe, quantity and appliances being compared all affect the result. UFC-Que Choisir’s tests found that air fryers can use less electricity for some smaller dishes, but this saving isn’t guaranteed for every model or meal. If you need to cook in several batches, take the total cooking time into account too.
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, a new or refurbished air fryer sold by a business to an individual is covered by the statutory legal guarantee of conformity. If the appliance doesn’t match its description or the features advertised, keep your proof of purchase and the product listing so you can make a claim with the seller. This is different from a standard returns policy for change of mind.