If the smell of oil is your main concern, consider an air fryer rather than a deep-fat fryer: UFC-Que Choisir notes that it may reduce cooking smells, but doesn’t promise to eliminate them. A single drawer is best suited to cooking one thing at a time; two zones make sense if you regularly cook two foods separately. If you only use an air fryer occasionally, also weigh up whether a new appliance is worthwhile compared with your oven, without assuming it will always save energy.
If the smell of oil puts you off cooking fried food, air frying is worth considering. UFC-Que Choisir says it may reduce smells compared with deep-fat frying, but it won’t make your kitchen completely odour-free.
If you want to cook a main and a side separately, check the size of each compartment and whether you can synchronise the cooking times, rather than focusing on the advertised total capacity alone.
In an open-plan kitchen, the fan may matter just as much as how easy the appliance is to clean. UFC-Que Choisir recommends considering noise before you buy. Also check which parts can be washed separately and how to clean the inside of the appliance.
The cooking method is the first thing to consider when it comes to smells; the number of compartments then depends on what you actually cook.
Consider it if: immersion frying is still your priority.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to maintain the oil and deal with the smells associated with this cooking method, even if the model has a lid or filter.
Consider it if: you mostly cook one food at a time and want to avoid deep-fat frying.
Bear in mind: you may need to adjust cooking to suit how full the basket is, and the fan can be noisy.
Consider it if: you often cook two different things for the same meal.
Bear in mind: the capacity is split between the zones, so it may not offer the same space as one large compartment.
Consider it if: you only make these dishes occasionally and your oven already meets your needs.
Bear in mind: check cooking times and preheating requirements for the recipes and quantities you make.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Smells | Compare air frying with deep-fat frying without expecting either to be completely odour-free. For a deep-fat fryer, check the lid and filter. | I want to cook chips without the smell of oil lingering in my kitchen. Around 28% of consumers are said to prioritise reducing cooking smells. |
| Portions and zones | Check the food capacity or internal dimensions of each compartment, and whether the cooking times can be synchronised if you use two zones. | I often cook a main and a side, or need room for a large item. Capacity is said to be the main concern for around 22% of consumers. |
| Cooking and energy use | Check the results for the amount you plan to cook; compare energy use for the same recipe and quantity, including preheating. | I care about the texture of my usual portions and want to compare energy use in those conditions. Around 22% of consumers are said to put this result first. |
| Cleaning | Check which parts are dishwasher-safe and read the care instructions for the coating and interior. With a deep-fat fryer, you’ll also need to manage the oil. | If I cook often, I don’t want difficult cleaning to put me off using the appliance. Maintenance is said to come before other factors for around 17% of consumers. |
| Noise | Look for a noise measurement taken at a specified distance for the model you’re considering, rather than relying on a simple claim that it runs quietly. | I’ll hear the fan while it’s cooking in my open-plan kitchen. Around 11% of consumers are said to prioritise quiet operation. |
Air frying may reduce the smells associated with deep-fat frying, but results can vary depending on the food and the kitchen.
Whatever appliance you choose, make ventilation and cleaning away grease residue part of your routine.
The Moulinex Easy Fry Dual EZ901N20 has an advertised capacity of 8,3 L, split between a 5,2 L drawer and a 3,1 L drawer: it isn’t one single cavity.
Before choosing a dual-drawer model, compare the dimensions of each zone with the dishes you usually cook.
Energy use depends on the recipe, quantity, cooking time and preheating. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol records the energy used for each cooking test.
To compare an air fryer with your oven, look for measurements based on the same dish and a comparable quantity.
A dishwasher-safe basket doesn’t mean you can ignore the instructions for cleaning the interior. The fan can also be a nuisance in an open-plan kitchen.
Read the care instructions and look for a noise measurement taken at a specified distance before you buy.
The range includes dual-drawer air fryers for cooking a main and a side separately.
The range includes single-drawer, dual-basket and adjustable-compartment formats to compare.
The range includes electric deep-fat fryers for people who prefer immersion frying.
These air fryers cater for different needs: two drawers for cooking separate dishes, or a single cooking space to suit your portions. Before choosing a model, compare its compartments and cleaning requirements with the meals you usually make.
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Worth considering if you regularly cook two foods separately and want to avoid deep-fat frying.
The product listing specifies two drawers, six functions and a total capacity of 7,6 L. It also describes the baskets as dishwasher-safe.
Check that each drawer has enough room for your dishes, and look for a noise measurement if you have an open-plan kitchen.
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Worth considering if you switch between different-sized dishes but don’t need to cook two things at once.
The containers are used on the same base: check which one suits your portions, and don’t mistake them for two independent cooking zones.
If noise matters to you, look for a measurement for this model.
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The 2 L basket is worth considering for small portions, after comparing it with the quantities you actually cook.
The product name specifies a power rating of 1150 W, a 60-minute timer, a non-stick basket and dishwasher compatibility.
Check the external dimensions and noise level if space and quiet operation are important to you.
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This single-compartment model is worth comparing with your usual dishes if you cook several portions at once.
It has an advertised capacity of 7,6 L; also check the usable basket dimensions and the recommended load for your recipes.
Consider its external dimensions and look for a noise measurement if these factors will influence your choice.
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Worth considering if you want a single compartment for your meals and would like to keep an eye on cooking through a window.
The product is listed with a 7 L capacity, a digital display and a cooking window.
Check the recommended load for your dishes, the external dimensions, the noise level and the basket cleaning instructions.
No, it can’t guarantee an odour-free kitchen. UFC-Que Choisir describes reduced smells as a possible benefit of air frying compared with deep-fat frying. Ventilation, the food you cook and how you maintain the appliance all still matter.
Choose according to how many things you cook for the same meal. One drawer is suited to cooking one thing at a time, while two zones are useful if you regularly use their separate settings. Check the size of each zone, as their combined capacity isn’t the same as one large basket.
Let the appliance cool down and unplug it before following the care instructions. Philips advises against using metal utensils and abrasive products with its air fryers; check the instructions for your specific model and which parts are dishwasher-safe.
No, the type of appliance alone doesn’t mean you’ll save energy for every dish. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol records cooking time, temperature and energy use for each recipe. Compare similar portions and factor in preheating.