If you regularly cook a small portion in one basket, start by comparing the amount it can handle for the foods you eat, how easy it is to clean and how much space you have. UFC-Que Choisir highlights these factors, while the quantities Philips gives for its NA211/00 model won’t necessarily apply to other models. A dual-drawer air fryer makes most sense if you often cook two separate items. If your oven already suits your meals, keeping it avoids buying an appliance that duplicates what you have, and you shouldn’t assume an air fryer will save energy.
You often cook one item at a time and want a capacity that suits your usual meals. UFC-Que Choisir recommends considering capacity and ease of cleaning, among other things. Philips gives example quantities for a specific model, but these won’t apply to every food or appliance.
You want to cook two parts of a meal separately, so you need to weigh up this benefit against the space taken up by two cooking zones. UFC-Que Choisir notes that results can vary depending on the zone used.
You’re wondering whether another appliance would meet a genuine need or simply repeat jobs your oven already handles well.
UFC-Que Choisir lists capacity, ease of use and ease of cleaning among the factors to consider when buying. However, the amount you can actually cook and the results depend on the model and the food you’re preparing.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Suitable capacity | Compare the quantities listed for the exact model with the foods and recipes you usually prepare. | I want to make my usual portion without cooking several batches: around 34% of consumers prioritise a capacity that suits their meals. |
| Avoiding duplication | Check whether your oven already handles the dishes, quantities and cooking methods you use most often. | If my oven already meets my needs, I’d rather avoid an appliance that does the same jobs: around 25% of consumers put avoiding duplication first. |
| Space and cleaning | Check the dimensions and installation instructions. For removable parts, confirm that they’re dishwasher-safe for the exact model number. | In a kitchen where storage space or everyday cleaning is a consideration, these practicalities can influence your choice: around 25% of consumers consider them a priority. |
| Cooking two items separately | Check the capacity of each zone and, if the model has it, how the synchronisation function works. | I often cook two foods that need different cooking times and want to serve them together: around 8% of consumers prioritise this use. |
| Cooking results and noise | Look for tests using comparable foods. If noise matters, check for a measurement taken using a clearly defined method. | In an open-plan kitchen, or when the cooking result really matters, I want to check both before choosing: around 8% of consumers put them first. |
The quantities you can cook and the results vary depending on the model and the food. UFC-Que Choisir also notes that cooking can be uneven.
Compare your usual recipe with the quantities listed for the exact model number, and look for tests using similar foods.
Two zones can be useful for cooking different foods at the same time, but they take up space. Results can also vary from one zone to another, as UFC-Que Choisir notes.
Choose this format if you often cook separate items as part of your meals, rather than just to make one small portion.
The functions overlap, and a manufacturer’s energy comparisons are based on specific foods and conditions. They don’t prove that an air fryer will use less energy for every meal.
Consider the meals you cook and the oven you already have. Compare equivalent quantities and cooking methods before drawing conclusions.
The Easy Fry Compact EZ145A20 is an example of a straightforward 3 l drawer model to consider if you’re comparing suitability for smaller portions and ease of cleaning.
The 2000 Series NA211/00 is an example of a 3.2 l drawer model. The NA150/00, featured by UFC-Que Choisir, is an example of a model with an adjustable cooking space.
The brand offers a range of formats beyond conventional drawers, including the Crispi FN101.
The Air Fry Mini Oven 26680-56 is an oven-style option for anyone looking for several cooking modes.
Compare these basket-style and compact models based on the size of your portions, the space you have and how easy you want them to be to clean.
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The title describes a model designed for 1 to 2 portions. Compare this with the amount you usually prepare.
Listed capacity: 4.7 L. Listed power: 2,000 W. The title mentions three functions, a non-stick basket and dishwasher compatibility.
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This model may be worth considering if you’d like to choose a container to suit the amount you’re cooking. Check the listed capacities for the exact variant.
For cleaning guidance, check the product information to see which containers and accessories are dishwasher-safe.
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Compare the 3.2 L drawer with the portions you usually cook. Capacity alone doesn’t tell you how much of every food will fit.
Listed capacity: 3.2 L. Check the example quantities and cleaning instructions for this model number.
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Compare its stated capacity with your actual portion sizes and the space you can set aside for it.
The title lists 1,500 W, eight cooking functions, a temperature range of 35 to 200 °C and a dishwasher-safe basket.
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Compare the stated 2 L capacity with the amount you prepare for one or two people.
The title lists 1,150 W, a non-stick basket and dishwasher compatibility.
Start with the food and quantity you usually cook, then look for guidance for the exact model number. For example, Philips says its 3.2 l NA211/00 can cook up to 400 g of chips or vegetables. A capacity in litres or a recommended number of people doesn’t guarantee the same results for every dish.
Follow the instructions for your model. For the Airfryer models covered by its support guide, Philips recommends letting the appliance cool, using a non-abrasive sponge and avoiding metal utensils. Moulinex says the EZ145A20 basket is dishwasher-safe.
For a purchase made by an individual from a professional seller, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods. The DGCCRF states that a claim must be brought within two years of delivery. An optional commercial guarantee does not replace it.
No. The DGCCRF explains that the CE marking shows the manufacturer’s commitment to meeting the applicable requirements; it is not a certification mark. For a specific appliance, check the regulatory information and instructions rather than judging its safety by the logo alone.
No, it hasn’t been established that it will save energy for every meal. Russell Hobbs bases its energy comparison for the 26680-56, among other things, on cooking 400 g of frozen chips under defined conditions. Compare equivalent quantities and cooking methods before applying that result to how you cook.