A single-drawer air fryer is ideal for cooking smaller batches without a pan of oil; two drawers can be useful if you often prepare two foods that need different settings. If you specifically want to deep-fry food, a deep fryer is another option, but you’ll still need to handle the oil. Before adding an air fryer to a kitchen that already has an oven, consider your usual portion sizes, available space, cleaning and noise. Que Choisir highlights differences between models and points out that an air fryer may duplicate some of the functions of an oven.
If you usually prepare one portion or a side dish, a single-drawer appliance can save you from dealing with a pan of oil. However, check how much food actually fits in the basket, and consider the noise if your kitchen is close to your living space.
Two drawers can come in handy when you want to cook different foods with different settings and serve them together. Check the usable capacity of each zone: the total capacity doesn’t tell you what will fit in each one.
Que Choisir points out that an air fryer may perform functions your oven already covers. Think about which everyday dishes would justify an additional appliance, and how much space it would take up.
Start with the food you usually cook. The format determines what you can cook together, as well as how much space you’ll need and what’s involved in cleaning.
Consider it: for a small batch or one side dish at a time.
Limit: two foods that need different settings may have to be cooked one after the other.
Consider it: if you often cook two different dishes for the same meal.
Limit: each zone needs to fit your usual portion; the total capacity alone won’t tell you if it does.
Consider it: if you want to cook dishes that don’t fit easily in a basket.
Limit: it may be less useful if your oven already handles those dishes.
Consider it: if deep-frying is your priority.
Limit: it won’t help if you want to avoid storing, filtering and handling oil.
| Criteria | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Portions and cooking | Compare the usable cooking area and how much food fits in one batch, not just the stated capacity in litres. If possible, look for tests of the model using a load similar to yours: Que Choisir highlights differences in results and notes that stated capacities can sometimes be misleading. | I want to cook my usual amount without having to make several batches, while still having enough room to spread out the food. |
| Space and existing oven | Measure the appliance’s external dimensions and check the clearance required in the instructions. Compare the dishes you have in mind with what your oven can already do; Que Choisir highlights the risk of overlap. | Space on my worktop matters just as much as the extra use I’ll get from the appliance. |
| Noise | Look for an operating noise measurement that states the distance and method used. Que Choisir draws attention to fan noise and measures the appliances it tests from 50 cm away. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to judge the noise using more than a ‘quiet’ label. |
| Cleaning | Check the instructions to see which parts can be removed and which are dishwasher-safe. With a traditional deep fryer, factor in the tasks involved in handling the oil. | I’d prefer an appliance that’s easy to maintain, given how often I plan to use it. |
| Energy use and results | Only compare measurements taken using similar quantities and cooking cycles. Les Numériques explains that its comparison of an air fryer, oven and deep fryer indicates a trend, rather than a figure that applies to every use. | Claims about saving energy or getting great results aren’t enough: I want results that are relevant to the food I cook. |
A large stated capacity doesn’t guarantee enough usable space for your food or even cooking results. Que Choisir also notes that the amount of space taken up by larger models can be easy to underestimate.
Measure the space you have and compare your usual quantity with the cooking area and tests carried out using a similar load.
An air fryer’s fan can be disruptive, particularly in an open-plan kitchen, as Que Choisir points out.
Look for a noise measurement taken during cooking, with the distance and method stated, rather than relying on an adjective on the packaging.
The amount of food and the cooking cycle can change the outcome of a comparison. Les Numériques describes its test of three appliances as an indication of a trend, not a universal measurement.
To compare two ways of cooking, look for measurements based on similar loads and testing methods.
Deep-frying still involves tasks related to handling the oil. For example, the Tefal Filtra Pro FR516070 has a filtration system and uses 4 L of oil, according to Tefal.
Choose this format if you specifically want to deep-fry food and are happy to take care of the cleaning involved.
You’ll also need to store, filter and replace the oil.
These models illustrate different formats; a feature advertised for one model won’t necessarily apply across the brand’s entire range.
Philips describes its 4.1 L Series 3000 HD9252/90 as a compact air fryer for two people.
In its Easy Fry range, Moulinex lists the 5 L Silence EZ552DF0 with an Easy Clean & Store system and ten programmes.
The Filtra Pro FR516070 is an example of a traditional deep fryer: Tefal states that its bowl uses 4 L of oil and can hold up to 1.3 kg of chips.
These hot-air cooking appliances include models with two drawers and single-drawer designs. Compare their stated capacity with the batches you usually cook; this selection doesn’t replace deciding between an air fryer, your existing oven and deep-frying.
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Its two drawers let you prepare two dishes for the same meal. The title lists six functions and a total capacity of 7.6 L; check the usable space in each drawer, the dimensions, plug type and a noise measurement suited to your kitchen.
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If you want to switch between smaller and larger batches, check the capacity of the containers supplied and how much food each can cook. Don’t assume that having two containers means you can cook two batches at the same time; also check the space it takes up and the noise when it’s running.
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With a stated capacity of 2 L, this model is designed for smaller batches. The title mentions a dishwasher-safe non-stick basket and a 60-minute timer; check how much of your usual food will fit in the basket, as well as the external dimensions and noise level.
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Its stated capacity of 7.6 L may appeal to households that cook larger batches. It doesn’t guarantee that all your food will fit in a single layer: check the usable cooking area, dimensions, electrical compatibility, and cooking and noise measurements for the model.
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With a stated capacity of 4 L, this model sits between smaller baskets and larger-capacity designs. The title lists eight modes, a temperature range of 35 to 200 °C and a 60-minute timer; check the usable capacity, dimensions, plug type, noise level and cleaning instructions in the manual.
No. Que Choisir points out that an air fryer can perform functions your oven already covers. It’s most worth considering an additional appliance if smaller batches or cooking two dishes at once would meet a regular need.
Compare measurements taken while the appliances are running, with the distance and method stated. Que Choisir measures noise from 50 cm away as part of its testing; a simple ‘quiet’ label doesn’t allow for the same comparison.
No, you can’t draw that conclusion for every appliance and every dish. Les Numériques explains that its comparison of these three types of appliance shows a trend, not absolute figures; it’s better to compare measurements taken using similar quantities and cooking cycles.
Check the model’s instructions to find out which parts are removable and which are dishwasher-safe. If you choose a deep fryer, you’ll also need to handle and filter the oil; the Tefal Filtra Pro FR516070, for example, uses 4 L of oil, according to Tefal.