Frequent small portions
You’d rather not fire up the full-size oven every time you want to cook a small amount, and you’re looking for a basket that suits your usual portions. UFC-Que Choisir and Philips set out these factors to consider.
Who is this option for?
A small kitchen with high standards
You’re only considering another appliance if its size, noise and cleaning requirements are manageable day to day. UFC-Que Choisir and Moulinex cover these points.
Meals with different dishes to prepare
You’re weighing up whether to cook two foods separately, use an oven-style cavity or stick with the appliances you already have. UFC-Que Choisir, Severin and Philips offer formats for these different needs.
What should you compare?
Single drawer
Choose this if: you often cook a small portion and have space for the appliance.
Bear in mind: one basket may mean cooking in batches if two foods need different settings.
Dual drawer
Choose this if: you regularly prepare two separate foods for the same meal.
Bear in mind: the stated total capacity doesn’t tell you how much room there is in each drawer.
Mini-oven
Choose this if: your dishes or tins need a cavity more like a conventional oven.
Bear in mind: it may need more worktop space than a compact drawer model.
Oven you already have
Stick with this if: your oven already handles your small cooking jobs and you don’t want another appliance.
Bear in mind: it may not solve the challenges you face when cooking small amounts repeatedly.
When you’re cooking small amounts, consider usable capacity, the space an appliance takes up and whether it duplicates what you already own. UFC-Que Choisir lists capacity, ease of use, cleaning and noise among the factors to consider.
| What matters to you | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Frequent small cooking jobs | Compare the basket’s shape and surface area with your usual portions, and check whether they’ll fit in a single batch. | I often want to cook a small amount without using the full-size oven. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this type of cooking. |
| Space and cleaning | Measure the space and check the manual for clearance requirements. Find out which parts are removable and dishwasher-safe. | In a small kitchen, I want to be able to set up and clean the appliance without too much hassle. Around 27% of consumers prioritise space and cleaning. |
| Different dishes to prepare | For a dual-drawer model, check the space in each compartment and whether it has synchronised cooking functions. For a mini-oven, measure your dishes and the space it will occupy. | I sometimes prepare two foods separately or use dishes that won’t fit in a basket. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Avoiding duplication | Consider what your oven and microwave already do. If electricity use matters to you, compare the same recipe and quantity. | I’d rather avoid another appliance if the equipment I already have meets my needs. Around 20% of consumers prioritise checking this. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Confusing the total capacity of a dual-drawer model with that of one large basket
Two separate compartments serve a different purpose from one large cooking area. The total capacity doesn’t tell you how much food will fit in each drawer.
Check the dimensions and usable capacity of each compartment against the foods you usually cook.
-
Choosing an air fryer to replace your oven without checking what your current appliances already do
An air fryer and an oven can overlap for some types of cooking, while a mini-oven also needs space and cleaning.
Start with the meals you actually struggle to prepare using your current equipment, then check whether a new appliance meets a different need.
-
Assuming “compact” means quiet or easy to clean
Size and noise are among the drawbacks reported for this category, and dishwasher-safe parts vary by model.
Measure the space where you’ll use it, check the manual and list of removable parts, then look for any noise tests available for the model you’re considering.
Brands and models to consider
Philips
The 2000 Series NA210/00 is an example of a single-drawer model with a stated capacity of 3.2 L, worth comparing for small cooking jobs.
- Philips lists several cooking modes for the NA210/00.
- This claim doesn’t guarantee even cooking for every recipe or faster cooking than your oven. Compare tests of the model and check the space you have available.
Moulinex
The Easy Fry Compact EZ145A20 is an example of a single-drawer model with a stated capacity of 3 L. The range also includes models with two cooking zones.
- Moulinex says the basket on the Compact model reviewed is dishwasher-safe.
- Moulinex also promises 15 years of repairability for this model. These are manufacturer claims, not independent test results, and don’t automatically apply to every variant.
Severin
The Black Line Single FR 2461 is an example of a drawer model with a stated capacity of 4 L, while the Bake & Fry TO 9579 is a mini-oven with a stated cavity capacity of 25 L.
- Severin says the FR 2461 has dishwasher-safe parts and the TO 9579 comes with several accessories.
- According to Severin, the TO 9579 measures 37 × 41 × 45 cm. These dimensions help you check whether it will fit, but don’t prove that it performs better.
Products available on Joybuy
These products cover everything from individual portions to separate dishes. Compare their stated capacities and space requirements with the meals you usually prepare.
Image unavailable
Ninja AF110EU, 3-in-1 digital air fryer, 4.7 L
The description says it’s designed for meals for one or two people. Check that the basket suits the portions you actually cook.
The title lists a capacity of 4.7 L, 2000 W of power, three functions and a compartment for frozen food.
Image unavailable
Ninja CRISPi PRO XL, AS090EUWH
The description says the 2.3 L container is for small portions or side dishes. Check whether this size suits your needs.
The title mentions five cooking modes and two glass containers of 5.7 L and 2.3 L.
Image unavailable
Ninja FN101EUGY Crispi Air Fryer
Worth considering if you’re looking for a Ninja Crispi air fryer. Check the model’s capacity and dimensions before comparing it with your usual portions.
Image unavailable
Ninja DZ300EU Dual Zone Digital Air Fryer, 7.6 L
The two independent zones are designed to cook two dishes at the same time with different settings. This format is best suited to meals with separate dishes to prepare.
The title lists two drawers, a capacity of 7.6 L and six functions.
Image unavailable
KitchenCook AIRMED W, 10 L
The description features two baskets with independent settings for cooking different dishes at the same time. Check how much space the whole appliance will need.
The title lists a capacity of 10 L. Check the dimensions and manual to see whether this format suits your kitchen.
Frequently asked questions
Is the stated capacity enough to help me choose an air fryer for my meals?
No. Compare the shape of the basket, how much food you put in it and whether you can cook everything in one batch. UFC-Que Choisir reports different results for different models and foods; the number of litres alone won’t predict the outcome.
What should I check before using it for the first time and when cleaning it?
Check the manual for placement and clearance requirements, then find out which parts are actually dishwasher-safe. Moulinex says the basket on the Easy Fry Compact model reviewed is dishwasher-safe, but this doesn’t automatically apply to the whole appliance or every model.
Will an air fryer necessarily reduce my electricity bill?
No, it depends in part on the size of the appliance and how you use it. ADEME notes that actual energy use varies according to the home and how the appliance is used. To compare, look at the same recipe and quantity rather than relying on the stated power or an annual average that may not reflect your habits.
What rights apply when buying from a business in France?
The DGCCRF states that the seller is responsible for any lack of conformity that becomes apparent within two years of the goods being delivered. For distance purchases, it also states that you have a 14-calendar-day right to cancel, subject to the applicable terms and exceptions. In particular, check the seller’s information about return postage costs.