One person or a couple with limited space
If you mainly cook or reheat small quantities, a drawer that’s easy to remove and clean may matter more than a large stated capacity. Also check how much room you’ll need when the drawer is open.
Which format is right for you?
Households cooking two parts of a meal
If your main and side dishes need different cooking times, two zones can save you having to cook them one after the other. It’s more useful to check the size of each compartment than their combined capacity.
Anyone who already uses their oven a lot
If you mainly cook large dishes, bakes or batches, keep your oven as your go-to appliance. An air fryer is a useful addition only if small portions or reheating are a regular part of your routine.
What should you consider when comparing your options?
If you often cook small portions, start by thinking about the food you make and how many items you want to cook at once. Then consider the space available, cleaning and noise. If you specifically need to deep-fry food, assess a traditional oil fryer separately: it isn’t designed for the same purpose as cooking with circulating hot air.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and layout | Compare the usable space in each drawer, not just the total capacity in litres. If you’ll be cooking two things, check the zones and whether their cooking times can be synchronised. | Preparing a main and a side without waiting for a second batch is the top priority for around 40% of consumers. |
| Space and cleaning | Measure the space needed with the drawer open and check which parts of the model are dishwasher-safe. | When there’s little room for storage and washing up after each meal, around 30% of consumers prioritise footprint and cleaning above all else. |
| Cooking the food you usually make | Check the loading instructions and useful settings for the food you actually prepare. | For around 20% of consumers, how well an appliance cooks the vegetables, frozen food or leftovers they prepare regularly comes first. |
| Noise | Look for a noise measurement taken during cooking, with the testing conditions clearly stated. UFC-Que Choisir says it measures noise from a distance of 0.50 m in its test protocol. | In an open-plan kitchen or a small home, reducing disturbance from the fan is the main concern for around 10% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming an air fryer will replace your oven
The two appliances can be used for some of the same types of cooking. If you rarely cook small portions, an air fryer may simply take up extra space.
Before choosing a format, think about the meals you usually make, their size and how often you reheat food.
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Choosing a dual-drawer model based only on its total capacity
A large drawer and a small drawer may not both fit main dishes of the same size. Moulinex, for example, describes this layout for the Easy Fry Dual EZ901N20.
Compare the capacity and usable dimensions of each drawer with your usual portions.
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Assuming a removable basket means effortless cleaning
Racks and accessories mean more parts to handle after frequent cooking. Check which parts of your chosen model are dishwasher-safe.
Check the care instructions for each part and, if it matters to you, make sure spare parts are available.
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Overlooking noise when making your decision
The fan can be disruptive in an open-plan living space. UFC-Que Choisir includes noise in its air fryer testing criteria.
If you’re sensitive to noise, look for a measurement taken while the appliance is running rather than relying on a brief demonstration.
Brands to consider
Philips
The range includes the single-drawer HD9252/90 with a 4.1 L capacity and the dual-basket NA352/24. These are different models from the NA351/00 featured below.
- Philips says the removable parts of the HD9252/90 are dishwasher-safe, while the NA352/24 lets you synchronise the end times of both cooking programmes.
- These features apply to the specific models mentioned and don’t tell you about the noise or usable space of every Philips appliance.
Moulinex
The Easy Fry Compact EZ145A20 has a stated capacity of 3 L. According to Moulinex, the Easy Fry Dual EZ901N20 has a total capacity of 8.3 L, split between 5.2 L and 3.1 L drawers.
- These two configurations let you compare a compact model that’s easier to put away with an appliance designed to organise two separate dishes.
- The total capacity of a dual-drawer model doesn’t tell you how much space is available in each compartment. Check that they’ll fit the food you want to cook.
Ninja
The Ninja AF160EU is an example of a single-drawer model with a 5.2 L capacity, featured by Darty. It’s different from the Ninja models in the Joybuy selection below.
- Darty’s product details list several cooking modes, a temperature range of 40 °C to 230 °C and dishwasher-safe accessories for the AF160EU.
- This information doesn’t tell you about the noise, cooking results or cleaning requirements of other Ninja models.
Air fryers for these needs on Joybuy
These models are mainly suited to cooking small portions in a single basket, with one dual-basket option for preparing two parts of a meal. Choose based on your portions and the space available, rather than total capacity alone.
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Midea Air Fryer 2 L, black
Worth considering if you mainly cook small portions in a single basket. The model name indicates 1,150 W, a 60-minute timer and a dishwasher-safe non-stick basket. Check that the basket shape and appliance dimensions suit your needs.
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Ninja Crispi FN101EUGY
Consider this if you’d like to choose a container to suit the amount you’re cooking. Before selecting it to prepare a main and a side, check whether its containers really allow you to cook two things at once: having two different sizes doesn’t necessarily mean they can be used simultaneously.
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Philips 3000 Series NA351/00, dual basket, 9 L
Worth considering if you regularly prepare two parts of a meal. The 9 L refers to the stated total capacity: check how much room each basket offers for your portions, as well as how much worktop space the appliance needs.
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Midea Air Fryer 4 L, 1,500 W
This single-basket model is worth comparing with your usual portions if you want more capacity than the Midea 2 L. Its name indicates eight preset modes, a temperature range of 35 to 200 °C and a 60-minute timer. Check its dimensions and care instructions before buying.
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Ninja MAX PRO AF180EU, 6.2 L
Worth considering if you prefer a single basket and would make use of a 6.2 L capacity. If you mainly cook small portions every day, check that this capacity and the appliance’s footprint suit the space you have available.
Frequently asked questions
Can an air fryer replace my oven for everyday cooking?
Not necessarily. Cooking with circulating hot air overlaps with some of the ways you use an oven. An air fryer can complement your oven for small portions or frequent reheating, while large dishes, bakes and batches are good reasons to keep your oven.
When should you choose two drawers instead of one?
Two drawers are best suited to regularly cooking a main and a side that need different cooking times. Check the size of each compartment: for example, Moulinex lists capacities of 5.2 L and 3.1 L for the Easy Fry Dual EZ901N20, rather than two identical compartments.
Are all air fryer baskets dishwasher-safe?
Dishwasher compatibility varies by part and model. Philips lists it for removable parts of the HD9252/90, and Moulinex for parts of the Easy Fry Dual EZ901N20. This doesn’t automatically apply to other appliances or accessories.
How can I check how noisy an air fryer is before buying?
Look for a measurement taken while the appliance is cooking, and consider the room where you’ll use it. UFC-Que Choisir says its test protocol measures air fryer noise from a distance of 0.50 m. A quick listen in a shop may not reflect the conditions in your kitchen.
What statutory guarantee applies to an air fryer bought from a trader in France?
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies in France to new, second-hand or refurbished goods sold by a trader to an individual. Keep your proof of purchase, the exact model reference and the offer description if the appliance you receive doesn’t conform to the contract.