Those cooking small portions
You often prepare a small meal and want your usual amount to cook in one batch, rather than relying on the litre capacity alone. UFC-Que Choisir lists capacity and ease of use among the criteria to consider.
Who is this choice for?
Households short on space
You already have an oven or a cluttered kitchen, and want to know whether another appliance would genuinely be useful. UFC-Que Choisir warns that buying an air fryer can mean doubling up if your oven already does the job.
Those who cook in oven dishes
You make quiches, gratins or cakes, and need to check that your dishes fit the appliance and suit its cooking modes. UFC-Que Choisir’s criteria for maintenance and capacity, along with the specifications provided by manufacturers, can help you make this assessment.
Which criteria should you compare?
First check whether your current oven can already handle the dishes you want to make. If not, the shape of your dishes and the number of portions can help you decide between a basket and an oven cavity.
Air fryer
Choose this if: you often cook small portions that fit in the basket.
Bear in mind: the basket limits the size of the dishes you can use and may mean cooking in several batches. In UFC-Que Choisir’s test of 4 October 2024, the air fryers tested used an average of 36% less electricity than the Optimo 19 l when cooking a small quiche of the same size. This result does not apply to other recipes or appliances.
Mini oven
Choose this if: you don’t have a usable oven, or your dishes and tins need an oven cavity with a shelf.
Bear in mind: it also takes up worktop space, and the energy result measured for the Optimo OX444810 cannot be used to draw conclusions about other mini ovens.
Your existing oven
Choose this if: it already meets your needs and another appliance would mainly take up space.
Bear in mind: you’ll still have to work around the limitations of your oven when cooking small portions.
Microwave with grill
Choose this if: you mainly need to reheat or defrost food, with occasional grilling.
Bear in mind: the Severin MW 7762 combines a microwave and grill, but the manufacturer’s specifications do not mention a fan-assisted setting.
For small-scale home cooking, compare usable capacity, space taken up, cleaning, noise and electricity use based on the meals you usually make.
| What matters to you | What to check before buying | Who this matters to most |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and shape of dishes | Compare the usable dimensions with your dishes and tins, as well as the quantities you plan to cook. Check which accessories come with the exact model. | I want to cook my portion in the dish I choose in one go, rather than relying on the advertised capacity alone. Around 29% of consumers prioritise capacity and the shape of the food they prepare. |
| Duplication and space taken up | List the recipes your current oven doesn’t handle conveniently and measure the space available. | If my oven already covers the recipes I make, I’d rather keep my worktop clear than add an appliance I’ll rarely use. Around 23% of consumers prioritise avoiding duplication and saving space. |
| Cleaning and accessories | Check the instruction manual to see which parts are dishwasher-safe and whether the accessories you’re considering are compatible. | After cooking regular meals, I want to know which parts need washing and whether my accessories will fit the model. Around 18% of consumers put ease of cleaning first. |
| Electricity use per meal | Compare the kWh used over a complete cycle for the same recipe and quantity, including all batches. To estimate the cost, multiply the measured kWh by your rate in €/kWh. | For regular small meals, I want to compare equivalent cooking cycles rather than appliances based on their rated power alone. Around 18% of consumers prioritise electricity costs. |
| Noise in an open-plan kitchen | Look for a measurement taken while the appliance is running, and check the distance at which it was recorded. | I cook close to my living space and want to take the noise during operation into account. Around 12% of consumers prioritise reducing noise disturbance. |
Pitfalls to avoid
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Buying a second appliance without a distinct use for it
An air fryer can perform functions already covered by your oven, so it may take up space without being used often enough.
Make a note of the small meals you actually cook regularly and check whether your current oven can handle them before adding another appliance.
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Assuming energy results apply to every meal
Measurements depend on the appliances, recipe and quantity. Cooking in several batches can also change the comparison.
Compare the kWh used over a complete cycle for the same recipe and quantity. Only use a test result in the context of the conditions under which it was measured.
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Confusing similar model numbers
Similar names don’t guarantee the same dimensions or functions. A difference in model could make an appliance unsuitable for your dishes.
Check the full model number and the key specifications in the manufacturer’s instructions before choosing.
A guide to some brands and ranges
Moulinex
Compare the different sizes of basket air fryers and mini ovens based on the dishes you plan to cook.
- Moulinex specifications state that the basket of the 3 l Easy Fry Compact EZ145820 is dishwasher-safe. The 19 l Optimo OX444810 has six cooking modes, including fan-assisted cooking.
- These specifications apply to these specific models. The stated capacity alone won’t confirm whether a particular tin will fit. Check the usable dimensions and cooking modes of the model you’re considering.
Philips
The range includes single-basket air fryers and models with two drawers; configurations vary between models.
- The Philips specifications for the 4.2 l NA229/00 list manual settings and presets. The NA352/00 has two drawers, with capacities of 6 l and 3 l.
- The NA352/00’s two different-sized drawers are not representative of the whole range. Check the exact model and the manufacturer’s guidance on accessories.
Severin
The range includes mini ovens with different capacities and cooking modes, as well as a microwave with grill.
- Severin specifications state that the TO 2052 has a 9 l capacity, 800 W power and no fan-assisted cooking. The TO 2068 has a capacity of around 20 l and offers fan-assisted cooking.
- The MW 7762 combines a microwave and grill, with no fan-assisted cooking listed. These functions are not interchangeable, so check that they suit the food you want to cook.
Appliances available on Joybuy
This selection includes air fryers and a mini oven to help you compare compact cooking options for small quantities. It doesn’t replace checking what your current oven can do.
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HOMCOM 10 L Electric Mini Oven
Worth considering if you’re looking for a mini oven cavity for small meals and have a suitable space for it.
Adjustable temperature from 100 to 230 °C; 60-minute timer; dimensions of 36,5 × 26 × 22 cm; wire rack and baking tray included.
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Ninja AF110EU 4,7 L Digital Air Fryer
Worth considering if the stated capacity for one or two portions suits the meals you usually make.
The title lists 2 000 W of power and a non-stick basket.
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YASHE LQ-3505B 4,5 L Air Fryer
Worth considering if you’re looking for a 4,5 L air fryer with automatic programmes.
The title states that the basket is dishwasher-safe.
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KITCHENCOOK AIRMED7W 7 L Air Fryer
Worth considering if the 7 L capacity and cooking window suit the meals you prepare.
The title lists a digital display and a transparent window.
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ROUNY T3 5 L Air Fryer
Worth considering if you’re looking for a 5 L basket and want to check on your food through a window.
The title lists a steam box, a handle with a child lock, touch controls and a non-stick basket.
Frequently asked questions
Can an air fryer cook more than just chips?
Yes. UFC-Que Choisir mentions gratins, fish and cakes, among other dishes, but points out that cooking space can limit the quantities you can make. Check that the dish and portion you have in mind will fit the basket of your chosen model.
Can I put baking paper in an air fryer to make cleaning easier?
For the Airfryer models covered by its guidance, Philips warns that baking paper or foil not weighed down by food can be sucked towards the heating element and catch fire. Check the instructions for your exact model before using this type of accessory.
How can I compare the electricity used by two appliances?
Compare the kWh used for the same recipe and quantity, including all the batches needed. To estimate the cost, multiply the kWh for the complete cycle by the rate in €/kWh on your tariff.
What statutory guarantee applies to an appliance bought from a trader in France?
The statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to a private individual. The Ministry of the Economy and Finance reiterates this in its information sheet dated 9 September 2026. This guarantee is separate from any optional commercial guarantee.
Do air fryers and mini ovens have to display a repairability index in France?
Air fryers and mini ovens are not among the product categories subject to a repairability index listed by the DGCCRF on 26 June 2025. The absence of an index does not, on its own, tell you whether spare parts are available. Check the manufacturer’s commitments for the model you’re considering.