For a small portion that fits in the basket without being crammed in, a single-drawer air fryer is the first format to consider. A dual-drawer model is better suited to regularly cooking two different foods at the same time. Before adding another appliance to your kitchen, compare its usable cooking area, footprint, noise and cleaning requirements with those of your current oven. Tests by Que Choisir show that differences in energy consumption depend on the recipe, quantity and appliances being compared.
If you often prepare a main or side dish for one or two people, check that the food fits in a single batch and that the basket is easy to clean. Que Choisir reminds shoppers that usable capacity matters more than the stated capacity alone.
Two drawers may suit you if you regularly cook two foods that need different settings. Que Choisir notes that some models can also synchronise the end of cooking times.
If your oven already meets your needs, weigh up the convenience of an extra appliance for small batches against the space it will take up. Que Choisir points out that the functions can overlap, and that the appliance’s footprint is worth considering.
Start by checking whether your usual portion really fits in a single basket. Consider two drawers mainly if you often cook different foods for the same meal, then weigh up the benefits of the appliance against your oven.
| Criterion | What to check before buying | Who should consider it ? |
|---|---|---|
| One portion in a single batch | Compare the basket’s shape and internal dimensions with the foods you usually cook. The 3 to 4 l suggested by Que Choisir for one or two people is a guide, not a guarantee that every recipe will fit. | If I want to spread out my usual portion without cramming it in, I look at the usable cooking area before the stated capacity in litres. Around 33% of consumers prioritise cooking a batch in one go. |
| How it compares with an oven | Compare the same recipe and quantity, and take into account how often you cook small batches and the capacity of your oven. | If my oven already meets my needs, I want to know whether another appliance will really be useful. Around 27% of consumers first want to justify adding one alongside their oven. |
| Space and noise | Check the external dimensions and where you plan to put it. Que Choisir measures operating noise from 50 cm away; compare the results for the model you’re considering rather than assuming an air fryer will be quiet. | In a small kitchen or open-plan space, I want to keep my worktop clear and limit noise while cooking. Around 20% of consumers prioritise footprint and noise. |
| Cleaning and odours | Check which parts are stated to be dishwasher-safe and consult the manual for care instructions. Reduced unpleasant odours do not guarantee that there will be no smell or smoke. | If I want to avoid repeated cleaning jobs, I check the care instructions and removable parts. Around 13% of consumers prioritise ease of cleaning. |
| Cooking two dishes at once | Compare the capacity of each drawer and check whether the model has a synchronisation function for different cooking times. | When I’m preparing two foods that need different settings, two separate compartments can be useful. Around 7% of consumers prioritise cooking two dishes at once. |
The stated capacity doesn’t guarantee that your food can be spread out as the recipe requires; if the basket is too full, you may need to cook in several batches.
Compare the shape of the basket with the food you cook and the dishes you actually use.
Extra batches can add to the preparation time if the food doesn’t fit properly in one go.
Que Choisir’s tests, published in 2024, show that results vary by recipe and model. They don’t support promising the same difference for every type of cooking.
Compare the same recipe and quantity, without assuming that the results will apply to all your meals.
Two drawers are useful for separate dishes, while a large capacity may go unused if your portions are small. An appliance added alongside your oven also takes up space.
Choose these formats if you regularly cook two things at once or if your portions really do exceed the usable area of a small basket.
A larger appliance may need more space and cleaning without its extra capacity being used often.
The documented models illustrate two different formats: the 3.5 l Easy Fry Essential EZ130810 air fryer and the 19 l Optimo OX444810 mini oven.
The 2000 Series NA229/00 is an example of a 4.2 l single-drawer air fryer with manual settings and presets.
The DoubleStack SL300EU is an example of a vertical, dual-drawer model, with a stated total capacity of 7.6 l.
This selection includes single-drawer air fryers and larger-capacity models, so you can compare formats to suit your portion sizes and cooking needs.
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For one or two people, with a stated capacity of 500 g of chips or one whole 1 kg chicken.
Stated power: 2,000 W. Air Fry, Reheat and Dehydrate functions; basket stated to be dishwasher-safe.
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Its stated 7 l capacity makes it larger than models designed for small portions.
Seven programmes, a digital display and a viewing window are listed. The product description mentions 360° hot-air circulation.
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A stated capacity of 5 l; compare this with the usable cooking area for your usual portions.
The product description lists eight preset menus, a viewing window and a non-stick basket.
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Its stated capacity is 4 l, so you can compare a single drawer with the size of the portions you prepare.
Stated power: 1,500 W. Eight programmes, a temperature range of 35 to 200 °C, a reminder to shake the food and a basket stated to be dishwasher-safe.
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A stated size for one or two people; compare it with the quantity you want to cook at once.
Stated power: 1,150 W. A 60-minute timer and removable parts are stated to be dishwasher-safe.
Compare the same recipe and quantity, taking into account the energy used for the entire cooking process. In tests published in 2024, Que Choisir measured an average of 36% less electricity for the air fryers tested than for an Optimo 19 l mini oven when cooking a small quiche. For chicken drumsticks, some models used more energy. These results don’t apply to every recipe or appliance.
Follow the instructions for the model you bought. Moulinex recommends unplugging the appliance, letting it cool and avoiding metal scourers or stiff brushes. A part being dishwasher-safe doesn’t mean the electrical unit can be washed in the same way.
No. The fan makes noise, and Que Choisir found differences between the models it tested. The organisation describes a reduction in unpleasant odours, but this doesn’t guarantee there will be no smell or smoke with every recipe and appliance.
The statutory guarantee of conformity covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to a private individual. According to the Ministry of the Economy and Service-Public, the fault must appear within two years of the goods being delivered, and you must make your claim to the seller under the terms of this guarantee. Any commercial warranty is separate.