Small everyday portions
If you mainly cook for one or two people, a single-drawer air fryer is worth considering for small roasted, grilled or crispy dishes. Just make sure your usual portion fits in the drawer without being crammed in.
Which option suits each use?
Family meals served together
If you often cook a main course and a side dish at the same time, two cooking zones can help you coordinate them. For larger portions, Que Choisir points out that usable capacity—not just the stated number of litres—determines how much you can actually cook.
A kitchen that already has an oven
If your oven is suitable for larger dishes, consider how often you’d use an air fryer for smaller amounts. Que Choisir also highlights the space an appliance takes up and the noise it makes: having somewhere to put it and being comfortable with its operating noise both matter.
What sets these appliances apart?
Air fryer
Worth considering: for everyday dishes that fit in the basket, with one or two compartments depending on what you’re cooking.
Bear in mind: you’ll need extra space in the kitchen and, for some foods, you may need to shake or turn them during cooking.
Oven or mini oven
Keep your oven if: you often cook large dishes, use wide tins or need several cooking levels.
Worth considering: your existing oven may be able to handle some smaller dishes without adding another appliance, although it may not be the most convenient option for a single portion.
Deep-fat fryer
Choose one if: you specifically want to deep-fry food in oil, particularly doughnuts or battered and breaded foods.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to handle hot oil and clean the appliance afterwards. Don’t expect it to offer the same roasting uses as an air fryer.
For everyday small dishes, start with the portion size and the food you actually cook, then check how much space the appliance needs and what you’ll have to do while it’s cooking.
| Criterion | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare your usual portion with the shape of the basket and the maximum quantity stated in the manual. | I want to cook the amount I need without starting another batch because it won’t all fit in the basket; around 40% of consumers would make capacity their top priority. |
| Space and cleaning | Measure the space available and the clearance needed to open the drawer; check how to clean the parts of the specific model. | In a kitchen that already has an oven, I want to be able to use, store and clean the appliance without making everyday life more complicated; space and cleaning would be priorities for around 30% of consumers. |
| What you can cook | Look for test results covering your recipes and check the internal dimensions if you use a tin. | I’d like to use the air fryer for several small dishes without compromising on the result I expect from each one; nearly 20% of consumers would put versatility first. |
| Noise and handling | Look for a sound measurement taken using a comparable method and read the instructions on shaking or turning food. | When the appliance is running near the living area, I’d prefer to keep noise and intervention during cooking to a minimum; this convenience would come first for around 10% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Going by the stated capacity alone
Que Choisir points out that usable capacity determines how much you can actually cook. A basket described as large doesn’t guarantee that your food or tin will fit properly.
Compare the internal dimensions and maximum quantity stated in the manual with the food you usually cook. If possible, look for a test using a similar ingredient.
Cooking portions in several batches also takes more time.
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Forgetting the space needed to open the drawer
An appliance may fit on your worktop but still be awkward to use under a wall unit or if there isn’t enough room to pull the basket all the way out. Que Choisir also warns against adding an appliance that duplicates what your oven can do.
Before choosing a size, measure the worktop space, available height, clearance in front of the appliance and the space you have to store it.
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Assuming one cooking claim applies to every recipe
Que Choisir’s tests show that results vary between models and types of food. A claim about speed or energy use based on a particular food and test method won’t necessarily reflect your everyday cooking.
Give priority to tests covering the foods you cook, and check the exact conditions behind comparisons made by brands.
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Overlooking noise and the need to handle food during cooking
Que Choisir includes noise in its testing process. Some foods also need to be shaken or turned, which matters if you expect to be able to leave them to cook without intervening.
If you have an open-plan kitchen, look for a sound measurement taken using a comparable method and check the manual to see what you’ll need to do while your recipes cook.
Brands to consider
These ranges illustrate the formats and features to check for on each model. A brand name alone doesn’t tell you how well a model will cook or how easy it is to clean.
Moulinex
The Easy Fry range includes compact, XXL and dual-drawer models.
- Moulinex says the Easy Fry Dual XXL EZ9428F0 has two drawers of 6,5 L and 4,5 L, as well as a synchronisation function.
- These features don’t guarantee that the usable capacity will suit your dishes or that every recipe will cook in the same way. Check the dimensions and test results for the specific model.
Philips
The range includes single-basket and dual-compartment models, which are worth comparing based on how many dishes you want to serve together.
- According to Philips, the NA154/00 combines two 3,55 L baskets into a single 7,1 L compartment when the divider is removed.
- Check the shape of the food, the external dimensions and cleaning instructions for this model. The stated configuration alone isn’t enough to judge how well it cooks.
Electrolux
The range may appeal if cleaning removable parts is a deciding factor for you.
- Electrolux says some removable parts of the EAF7B can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher.
- Check the manual to see which parts this applies to. This information for the EAF7B doesn’t automatically apply to other models or accessories.
Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
What capacity should I choose to avoid cooking in several batches?
The usable capacity should first be large enough for your usual portion, without forcing you to cram the food in. Que Choisir suggests 3 to 4 L for one or two people, 5 to 6 L for three or four, and 7 to 9 L for five or six. Then compare the shape of the basket, the dimensions of your dishes and the maximum load stated in the manual.
Can an air fryer completely replace an oven?
Not if you regularly cook dishes or use tins that won’t fit in its basket. An air fryer can handle some small oven-cooked dishes, but Que Choisir advises considering whether it would duplicate your oven. How often you’d use it and how much space you have will determine whether adding one is worthwhile.
How can I assess the noise before buying?
Look for a measurement for the specific model that states the distance and method used. Que Choisir measures noise from 0,50 m as part of its testing process; a measurement taken in a different way can’t be compared directly with this result.
What should I check to make sure an air fryer is safe?
Read the manual and warnings for the exact model before using it. The French Directorate-General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control points out that CE marking is not a certification mark. It doesn’t replace the manufacturer’s instructions or checking the features of the appliance you choose.
Are the basket and accessories always dishwasher-safe?
No, this depends on the model and the part in question. Electrolux says that some parts of the EAF7B are dishwasher-safe, but check the instructions separately for the basket, rack and other accessories on the model you’re considering.