If frying smells linger in your living space, an air fryer may be a better choice than a deep-fat fryer, although it won’t make cooking completely odour-free. UFC-Que Choisir also points out that its fan can be noisy. A single-drawer model suits smaller portions, while two-zone models are mainly useful when you want to cook two foods separately. If you prioritise the taste and texture of deep-fried chips, a traditional deep-fat fryer is still worth considering. And if your oven or hob already meets your needs, check whether you would actually benefit from another appliance.
If the smell of oil lingers in your living space, compare air frying with deep-fat frying without expecting completely odour-free cooking. Remember to consider the fan too: UFC-Que Choisir notes that its noise is an important factor when choosing an air fryer.
For everyday portions, compare the size of the food with the drawer capacity, then measure how much space the appliance will take up. A smaller capacity doesn’t mean you can skip checking how easy it is to clean.
Two zones can be useful for cooking a main dish and a side separately. Check that each compartment can fit the food you have in mind: the total capacity doesn’t represent one single cooking space.
Worth considering: for smaller portions if you want to avoid deep-fat frying without adding multiple compartments.
Bear in mind: foods that don’t fit together in the drawer will need to be cooked in batches, and you may hear the fan.
Worth considering: if you regularly cook two foods that need different cooking settings.
Bear in mind: two separate drawers may not leave enough room to cook a large joint in a single zone.
Worth considering: if the taste and texture of deep-fried chips are your priority; UFC-Que Choisir highlights this difference compared with air frying.
Bear in mind: oil smells, cleaning and disposing of the oil after cooking.
Worth considering: if your existing appliances can handle your usual portions and you’d rather not add another appliance to your worktop.
Check: cooking smells will depend on factors including the recipe, the fat used and ventilation.
| Criterion | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Odours | Compare air frying with deep-fat frying without assuming that all cooking smells will disappear. Consider the recipe and ventilation; UFC-Que Choisir notes that air fryers are less likely to produce oil smells. | In an open-plan living space, I want to limit the smells associated with deep-fat frying, even though food may still produce odours as it cooks. |
| Noise | Look for a noise measurement for the exact model and check the distance at which it was taken. UFC-Que Choisir measures air fryer noise at 0.50 m. | I cook near my living space, so the fan noise matters just as much as the food on my plate. |
| Capacity | Check the usable dimensions of each drawer, the size of the food and how many batches you’ll need. For four people, UFC-Que Choisir recommends starting with at least 6 L. | I’d prefer my usual portions to fit in the appliance. If I’m cooking two dishes, each one needs to fit in its own zone. |
| Space | Measure the appliance’s external dimensions and the space available to position and use it. For a two-drawer model, check that you can easily access both drawers. | My worktop space is limited, so adding an air fryer needs to fit in with the way my kitchen is organised. |
| Cleaning | Identify the removable parts and check the manual for the exact model to confirm whether they are dishwasher-safe. For non-stick coatings, Moulinex advises against using metal scouring pads and stiff brushes. | After frequent use, I want to be able to clean the baskets and racks without damaging their coating. |
Air fryers use a fan to circulate hot air, and it can be audible — something to bear in mind, especially in an open-plan kitchen. UFC-Que Choisir includes noise in its testing protocol.
Look for a measurement for the model you’re considering and check the distance at which it was taken.
The stated capacity is split between the compartments, so a large item may not fit in either drawer.
Compare the usable dimensions of each basket with the food you cook, and check how much space the appliance will take up.
If the taste and crispness of deep-fried chips guide your choice, switching to an air fryer may not meet that priority, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
Compare both cooking methods using the dishes you make most often, rather than choosing based only on the stated capacity.
A deep-fat fryer means dealing with the oil after use. ADEME advises that it must not be poured down the sink or toilet, or thrown away in the countryside.
Have a sealed container ready for cooled oil and find out about local collection options.
Storing the oil temporarily and taking it to a collection point add extra steps to your usual cleaning routine.
The Easy Fry range includes both single-drawer and two-drawer models. For the Easy Fry Dual EZ901N20, Moulinex lists one 5,2 L drawer and one 3,1 L drawer.
Philips offers several Airfryer formats; the brand lists a capacity of 7,3 L for the Premium Smart Sensing HD9867/90.
The Ninja Foodi AF300EU is an example of a two-zone model: Darty’s product listing specifies two independent zones and six cooking modes.
These models include both single-basket and two-zone air fryers. To choose between them, compare the size of your portions with the capacity of each compartment, then check the noise level and the space available in your kitchen.
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Worth considering if you cook two foods separately: this model is listed with two drawers, six functions and a total capacity of 9,5 L. The title says the baskets are dishwasher-safe. Check the usable dimensions of each drawer and the noise level if you cook in your living space.
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The two-drawer design suits separate dishes; this model is listed with six functions and a total capacity of 7,6 L. Check the usable size of each drawer for your food, as well as the noise level and cleaning instructions for this specific model.
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Two baskets and independent temperature controls make it suitable for cooking two foods separately. The model is listed with eight preset programmes. Check the appliance’s dimensions, noise level and basket washing instructions.
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Compare its single 2 L basket with your usual smaller portions; larger foods may need to be cooked in batches. The title lists a 60-minute timer and a dishwasher-safe non-stick basket. Measure the space available and check the noise level before choosing it for an open-plan kitchen.
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Its two chambers let you cook two different dishes; the stated 9 L is the total capacity, not necessarily the space available in a single chamber. The title lists ten functions. Check the capacity of each chamber, the appliance’s size, noise level and cleaning instructions.
No. UFC-Que Choisir says air frying can reduce the smells associated with deep-fat frying, but it doesn’t make food odour-free. In an open-plan kitchen, you’ll still need to consider the recipe and ventilation.
Look for a measurement for each model and compare figures taken under similar conditions. UFC-Que Choisir measures noise at 0,50 m as part of its testing protocol; a figure quoted by a brand shouldn’t be assumed to apply to its whole range.
For four people, UFC-Que Choisir recommends starting with at least 6 L. If you choose a two-drawer model, check the capacity and usable dimensions of each drawer too: a sufficient total capacity doesn’t guarantee that a large item will fit in one compartment.
Follow the instructions for your model and check whether each part is dishwasher-safe. To protect a non-stick coating, Moulinex advises against using metal scouring pads and stiff brushes. Let the appliance cool before cleaning it.
Don’t pour it down the sink or toilet, or throw it away in the countryside, in line with ADEME’s guidance. Once the oil has cooled, store it in a sealed container and check your local council’s collection arrangements.