Frequent small meals
If you regularly cook or roast small quantities, compare the basket size with your portions and check how much worktop space the appliance will take up.
What is each format best suited to?
Two dishes to serve together
If you want to cook a main and a side with different settings, a dual-zone model or adjustable cooking compartment can save you from cooking in successive batches. Do check the capacity available in each zone.
A less-equipped kitchen or a varied menu
If you also want to reheat, brown or use your oven dishes, compare an air fryer with a compact oven or combination microwave. Their functions and cavity shapes suit different needs.
What criteria set these appliances apart?
Start with the meals you usually make: the quantity, the cookware and how often you already use your oven can all help you choose the right format.
| Criteria | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Whether it duplicates your oven | Compare three meals you make often, including their quantities and cookware, with what your oven can already do. | If your oven already handles these smaller meals, you may want to know what an additional appliance would offer. Around 33% of consumers make this their top priority. |
| Portions and space | Measure the space available, allow room to open the drawer and check that the interior shape suits your dishes. | In a kitchen short on space, or when portion sizes vary, usable dimensions matter more than the stated capacity alone. This is the top consideration for around 25% of consumers. |
| Cooking two things at once | Check the capacity of each zone and whether it has a synchronisation function, if you need one. | If your main and side need different settings, you may want to serve them together without cooking in successive batches. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this way of organising a meal. |
| Cleaning | Check which parts are dishwasher-safe and read the care instructions for the coating and heating element. | If you plan to use the appliance regularly, cleaning the basket and other parts can affect how practical it is day to day. Easy cleaning is the main consideration for around 17% of consumers. |
What should you look out for before buying?
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Assuming an air fryer makes your oven redundant
UFC-Que Choisir points out that their cooking functions overlap. If you already cook certain dishes in your oven, an additional basket may simply take up space.
Before deciding whether you’d use one regularly, compare the cookware and quantities for the meals you make most often with the cooking compartment you’re considering.
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Choosing by capacity in litres alone
The capacity doesn’t tell you whether your baking tin, pizza or usual dish will fit in the basket or cavity. The interior shape matters just as much as the stated capacity.
Measure your dishes and check the internal dimensions and included accessories for the exact model.
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Confusing dishwasher-safe parts with no maintenance
Philips’ care instructions for its Airfryer models say not to clean non-stick surfaces with abrasive products or metal utensils. Which parts are dishwasher-safe depends on the model.
Check the instructions for the basket, cooking compartment and accessories separately, then follow the guidance for cleaning the interior.
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Planning where to put it without checking the manual
The space an appliance takes up doesn’t tell you where it can be installed: positioning, ventilation and connection requirements depend on the exact model.
Before installing it, read the manual and check the required clearances, the surface it will sit on and the connection instructions.
Brands to consider by format
Moulinex
The Easy Fry range includes models designed for smaller meals and options with adjustable cooking compartments. Moulinex also offers compact countertop ovens.
- Moulinex describes the Easy Fry Compacte Precision as suitable for 1 to 2 people, and its Easy Fry & Grill XXL has a cooking compartment that can be divided into two zones.
- These features apply to specific models: check the dimensions, cleaning requirements and functions of the model you’re considering.
Philips
The Airfryer range includes both single-basket appliances and models with two baskets.
- Philips offers a synchronisation function on some two-basket models, as well as removable, dishwasher-safe parts on certain appliances.
- Synchronisation and cleaning requirements vary by model, so check the details for the one you choose.
Whirlpool
A Whirlpool combination microwave is worth comparing if reheating and having several cooking modes matter as much to you as roasting small batches.
- Whirlpool’s MCP349WH has a 25 L cavity, a grill, fan-assisted heat and an AutoClean function.
- This isn’t a basket-style air fryer: compare its cavity, accessories and installation requirements with your needs.
Appliances to compare across formats
This Joybuy selection includes air fryers for small portions, larger batches or cooking two different dishes, as well as a combination microwave to consider if you also want to reheat food and cook in a cavity.
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Ninja Dual Zone DZ300EU, 7,6 L, two drawers
Worth considering if you’re preparing two parts of a meal and want to cook them in separate drawers. The title lists a total capacity of 7,6 L and six functions. Check that each drawer suits your portions, then consult the manual for installation guidance.
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Ninja Crispi FN101EUGY air fryer
Worth a look if you want to adapt the container to the quantity you’re making. Check which containers are included and their dimensions before choosing. Don’t assume that this appliance can cook in two independent zones at the same time.
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Cuisinart Compact Max AFS8OBLE, 7,6 L
Its stated capacity is worth comparing with your usual meals if a small basket would mean cooking in several batches. A 7,6 L capacity doesn’t guarantee that your dishes will fit: check the interior shape and external dimensions.
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Midea Air Fryer, 2 L, 1 150 W
Compare the 2 L basket with your usual small portions rather than with a large dish. The title lists a 60-minute timer and a non-stick basket. Check the usable dimensions and care instructions for this model.
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Sharp YC-MC422AE-SB, 42 L combination microwave
Compare this with an air fryer if you also want a microwave function and a cavity that can fit your dishes. This combination model has a stated capacity of 42 L and isn’t a basket-style air fryer. Check its cooking modes, the dimensions of your cookware and the installation requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Can an air fryer replace my oven?
Not for every dish. UFC-Que Choisir says their functions overlap, while Les Numériques likens an air fryer to a fan oven. A basket may suit the smaller batches you cook often, but compare its shape and capacity with the dishes you already make in your oven.
How can I clean an air fryer without damaging its coating?
Let it cool down and follow the instructions for your model. For its Airfryer models, Philips recommends letting the appliance cool for around 30 minutes before cleaning, and advises against using metal utensils or abrasive products on non-stick parts. Check separately which parts are dishwasher-safe.
Do you need a dual-zone air fryer for family meals?
A dual-zone model is mainly useful for cooking two different dishes at the same time, rather than simply for serving more people. On the Easy Fry & Grill XXL documented by Moulinex, a divider splits a cooking compartment with a stated capacity of 1,5 kg into two zones of 0,75 kg each. Check that the zones on the model you choose can accommodate your portions.