For modest portions and a variety of dishes, an air fryer can be a practical option, but it won’t replicate deep-frying. If that’s your priority, a traditional deep fryer is worth considering. For larger dishes or a wider choice of cooking methods, an oven may better suit your routine. Before you decide, compare how much you can actually cook at once, the space you have available and how easy each option is to clean.
If you mainly prepare a meal or side dish in a small quantity, an air fryer can complement your oven. Tests and advice from UFC-Que Choisir and Philips point out that results depend on factors such as the food and the amount being cooked.
If you’re cooking for several people or preparing multiple foods at once, check the recommended load for each cooking method: basket capacity alone doesn’t tell you how much you can cook. Philips and UFC-Que Choisir explain how the food and how much you put in the appliance can affect the results; oven specifications also vary by model.
If you specifically want to cook food in hot oil, compare traditional deep fryers and consider how you’ll handle the oil and clean the appliance. UFC-Que Choisir discusses the difference between cooking methods, while Tefal and ADEME provide information on using and disposing of oil.
Worth considering: for modest portions and a variety of dishes in a countertop appliance.
Bear in mind: hot-air cooking won’t replicate deep-frying, and a portion that’s too large may need to be cooked in batches.
Worth considering: if deep-frying is the result you regularly want.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to manage the oil, maintain the appliance and dispose of the oil, as well as clean the parts specified in the instructions.
Worth considering: if you cook larger dishes or want to use your oven’s cooking modes without routinely adding another appliance to your worktop.
Bear in mind: dimensions, functions and space requirements vary by model. A setting called Air Fry won’t necessarily give the same results as a countertop air fryer.
| What matters to you | What to check before buying | Who might prioritise it? |
|---|---|---|
| Variety of small dishes | The cooking modes, basket shape and space available for the dishes you usually make. | If I often cook different small portions, I look for an appliance that suits my dishes without using a bath of oil. Around 33% of consumers are said to prioritise this versatility. |
| How much you can cook at once | The quantity of food recommended for the model and dish, as well as the space needed in the basket or cooking dish. | If I’m cooking for several people or preparing several foods together, I check the usable capacity rather than relying on the stated volume alone. Around 27% of consumers are said to put the amount they can cook at once at the top of their list. |
| Deep-fried results | Decide whether cooking in hot oil is essential for the dishes you make, and check the fryer’s stated food capacity. | If I want the results of deep-frying, I compare this method with hot-air cooking and factor in how I’ll manage the oil. Around 20% of consumers are said to prioritise this. |
| Space and cleaning | The appliance’s dimensions, the space needed to open it, which parts are actually dishwasher-safe and how you’ll dispose of used oil. | In a kitchen where space is at a premium, I check where the appliance will fit and which parts are easy to clean. Around 20% of consumers are said to make space and cleaning their top priority. |
These figures describe different types of container and don’t necessarily correspond to the same amount of food under the same conditions.
Compare the recommended loads for the foods you cook, and follow the filling instructions for each model.
Overestimating the usable capacity could mean having to cook in several batches.
Hot-air cooking and deep-frying are two different methods. UFC-Que Choisir also notes that the results when cooking chips can vary by model and preparation.
If deep-frying is essential for you, include a traditional deep fryer in your comparison.
Energy use depends on factors such as the dish, the quantity and the appliances being compared. Results for one recipe don’t represent every meal.
Only compare figures when the recipe, quantity and appliances are specified, and don’t automatically apply them to your oven.
On the Tefal Filtra Pro FR516070 deep fryer, the heating unit is not listed as dishwasher-safe.
Check the instructions to see which parts are removable and dishwasher-safe. For used oil, find out about the collection facilities in your local area.
A deep fryer also takes time to manage once you’ve finished cooking.
According to Philips France, the Série 3000 NA352/00 is an example of an air fryer with two baskets of different sizes.
According to Moulinex France, the Easy Fry Deluxe EZ401D10 is an example of a single-basket air fryer with a 4.2 L capacity.
According to Tefal France, the Filtra Pro FR516070 is an example of a deep fryer with a 4 L tank.
According to Bosch Électroménager France, the HBG578EB3 built-in oven is an example of a model with fan-assisted heat, a grill and an Air Fry mode.
These air fryer models come in different capacities and configurations, so you can compare portion sizes and the space available.
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This model is designed for 1 to 2 people; its stated capacity may suit smaller portions.
4.7 L basket; up to 500 g of chips stated; temperature range of 30 to 210 °C; Air Fry, reheat and dehydrate modes. The basket is listed as dishwasher-safe.
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Its convertible design lets you choose between one large cooking space and two zones for separate dishes.
10 L capacity, configurable as two 5 L zones; four heating elements listed; temperature range of 35 to 240 °C. Stated dimensions: 33.8 × 51.8 × 31.3 cm. The zones can cook independently and finish at the same time.
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The two independent chambers let you cook two foods with different settings.
12 L total capacity; stated capacity of 1,000 g of chips; adjustable temperatures from 60 to 200 °C; ten programmes listed.
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Its 3 L capacity is worth comparing if you’re looking for an air fryer for everyday cooking.
Stated capacity of 3 L; stainless steel finish.
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Compare the stated 6.5 L capacity with the amount you’ll actually cook and the space available in your kitchen.
Stainless steel basket; adjustable temperature from 80 to 200 °C; viewing window and interior light listed.
No. The stated volume alone doesn’t tell you the recommended load for each type of food. For the Philips NA352/00, the 9 L capacity is made up of two baskets of 6 L and 3 L. Check the recommended quantity and arrangement for the food you’re cooking.
Follow the instructions for your model and let the appliance cool down before cleaning. Philips recommends waiting around 30 minutes before cleaning its air fryer. On the Tefal FR516070 deep fryer, the heating unit is not listed as dishwasher-safe.
No. Results depend on the dish, the quantity and the appliances being compared. UFC-Que Choisir reports that air fryers used an average of 36% less energy than a 19 L mini oven when cooking a small quiche of the same quantity. However, some air fryers used more energy when cooking chicken drumsticks. Comparisons with 40 L and 73 L ovens covered just one model of each type, so these results can’t be generalised to every meal and appliance.
ADEME advises against pouring oil down the sink, toilet or into the environment. Let it cool, put it in a sealed container and find out about local collection points. If you’re replacing a used electrical appliance with a new one, ecosystem reminds consumers that retailers offer a ‘one-for-one’ take-back service.
The legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to an individual. The Ministry of the Economy and Finance states that claims must be made within two years of the goods being delivered. This legal guarantee is separate from any optional commercial warranty.