Households that cook small batches often
If you often cook a single portion or a roasted side dish, a single-basket model could suit you. Check its internal dimensions against your usual quantities, though, especially if worktop space is limited.
Who are these appliances right for?
Households that like to cook two things at once
A dual-drawer model could be useful if you want to cook a main and a side dish separately. Make sure each drawer can actually fit the food you have in mind, rather than relying on the total capacity alone.
Shoppers keen to avoid buying a redundant appliance
If your oven already handles your usual cooking, think about what a countertop appliance would actually add. UFC-Que Choisir also recommends considering the space it takes up, its noise level and how easy it is to clean.
How do the different types compare?
Start with the type of cooking you want: an air fryer and a compact oven use hot air, while a traditional deep-fat fryer is for frying food in oil. Then choose the shape and capacity to suit the dishes you cook, keeping the available space in mind.
Drawer air fryer
Worth considering: if you mainly cook one dish at a time in a basket.
Bear in mind: a large dish or several different foods may need to be cooked in batches.
Dual-compartment air fryer
Worth considering: if you regularly cook two separate foods, especially when they need different cooking times.
Bear in mind: the total capacity is split between two compartments, and either one may be too small for your dish.
Compact hot-air oven
Worth considering: if your dishes are better suited to shelves or trays than a basket.
Bear in mind: if your current oven already meets this need, a second appliance could be redundant.
Traditional deep-fat fryer
Worth considering: if deep-frying in oil is still your priority, rather than cooking with hot air.
Bear in mind: hot oil needs to be handled carefully, then filtered or disposed of, and the appliance cleaned appropriately.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the internal dimensions with the food you usually cook; for a dual-drawer model, check each compartment separately. | If a meal won’t fit in one batch, cooking your usual quantities becomes less convenient. Around 31% of consumers would prioritise a capacity that avoids having to cook in multiple batches. |
| Space and whether it duplicates your oven | Measure the space, the drawer or door clearance, and the gaps specified in the manual; compare the appliance’s intended use with your oven. | In a kitchen that’s already well equipped, an extra appliance is only worthwhile if it meets a need your oven can’t conveniently handle. Around 31% of consumers would prioritise avoiding clutter or duplication. |
| Cleaning and day-to-day use | Check which parts are removable, which can actually go in the dishwasher, and the model’s cleaning instructions. | If cleaning containers or handling oil after cooking affects your choice, you’ll want to know what cleaning each type involves. Around 23% of consumers would put ease of cleaning and use first. |
| Fan noise | Look for a noise measurement that specifies the method and distance, so you can compare models. | In an open-plan kitchen, noise while cooking can matter just as much as the result you want. Around 15% of consumers would put reducing this disturbance first. |
What should you avoid before buying?
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Choosing based on the stated capacity in litres or an “XXL” label
According to UFC-Que Choisir, it’s the usable volume that determines how much you can actually cook. A high capacity figure doesn’t guarantee that a wide dish or large piece of food will fit in the basket.
Compare the internal width and depth with the food you usually cook; for a dual model, check each drawer separately.
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Forgetting about ventilation and steam
The space an appliance needs goes beyond its external dimensions. A Philips manual cited for this type of appliance requires at least 10 cm of clearance behind, around the sides and above it; this distance doesn’t apply to every model.
Choose a spot based on the manual for the model you’re buying, and don’t cover its air vents.
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Assuming all air fryers are quiet
UFC-Que Choisir points out that the fan makes noise, which can be particularly noticeable in an open-plan kitchen.
If this matters to you, compare measurements taken at a specified distance and using a stated method, rather than guessing how noisy an appliance will be based on its type.
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Expecting an air fryer to deep-fry food in oil
An air fryer cooks with circulating hot air; a traditional deep-fat fryer immerses food in hot oil. The type of cooking you want should guide your choice of replacement.
Keep a traditional deep-fat fryer if deep-frying in oil is still your main priority; consider an air fryer if you’re looking for a countertop appliance that cooks with hot air instead.
With a traditional deep-fat fryer, you’ll also need to handle the oil, filter or dispose of it, and clean the appliance.
Brands to know
Moulinex
The models reviewed range from the Easy Fry Essential 3,5 L to the Dual Easy Fry & Grill 8,3 L.
- According to Moulinex, the dual model splits its capacity between a 5,2 L drawer and a 3,1 L drawer. Compare each one with the portions you usually cook.
- The size and shape of your food still matter, even if the stated total capacity seems sufficient.
Philips
The range reviewed includes single-basket and dual-compartment models, including the Série 3000 NA352/00.
- According to Philips, the NA352/00 combines a 6 L basket with a 3 L basket, so you can cook two different foods separately.
- These separate capacities don’t guarantee that a large dish will fit in either compartment. Check the manual for the specific model too, particularly for installation instructions.
SEB
The Filtra One reviewed is a traditional oil fryer, distinct from hot-air appliances.
- SEB states that this model can cook up to 1,2 kg of fresh chips and includes a filtration system.
- Using it means handling hot oil and keeping the appliance clean. Check which parts are washable on the exact model you’re interested in.
Air fryers for different needs
These Joybuy models are for hot-air cooking, from small-basket options to dual-drawer appliances. If you’d rather keep deep-frying in oil or prefer cooking on shelves, compare the other types described above too.
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Ninja Dual Zone DZ300EU, two drawers, 7,6 L
Worth considering if you want to cook two different foods in separate drawers. The stated total capacity is 7,6 L and the product title lists six functions. Check the usable space in each drawer, the noise level and the clearance specified in the manual.
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Cuisinart Compact Max AFS8OBLE, 7,6 L
Worth a look if you prefer a single-basket appliance for cooking in batches. The stated 7,6 L capacity doesn’t remove the need to check the usable dimensions, the space it takes up and the ventilation clearance required in your kitchen.
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Bear QZG-F24F1, two baskets, 9 L
Worth considering for cooking two things separately. The title states a total capacity of 9 L, a power rating of 2400 W and independent temperature control. Check the usable size of each basket, the external dimensions and the cleaning instructions.
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Ninja Crispi FN101EUGY
Worth a look if you want a container-style model that can handle different quantities. Check which containers come with this model and their dimensions; don’t assume you can cook in two containers at once unless the manual confirms it.
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Midea Air Fryer, 2 L, 1150 W
Worth considering for small portions rather than a family-sized meal. The title lists a 2 L basket, a 60-minute timer and a basket described as dishwasher-safe. Check the usable capacity against the food you usually cook, and make sure you have enough space around the appliance.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if an air fryer would duplicate what my oven does?
Think about the dishes and quantities you actually cook. If your oven already handles them conveniently and you don’t need to cook something separately, an air fryer may simply repeat a function you already have. UFC-Que Choisir recommends considering this risk of having more appliances than you need.
Do you need to leave space around an air fryer?
Yes. Follow the clearance instructions in the manual for your chosen model and keep its air vents clear. A Philips manual cited here requires at least 10 cm behind, around the sides and above the appliance. This instruction applies to that particular manual, not to all air fryers.
How can I clean an air fryer without damaging its coating?
Unplug it and let it cool before cleaning the parts specified in its manual. Moulinex advises against using metal scourers or hard brushes on non-stick coatings. Also check which parts, if any, are dishwasher-safe.
How can I check whether a model has been recalled?
Search for its brand and exact model on the official RappelConso service, before or after you buy it. The Ministry of the Economy says that consumer products posing a safety risk may be withdrawn from sale or recalled.