For roasting small portions regularly
You want to know whether a dedicated basket would be useful for your smaller cooking jobs compared with your oven. Que Choisir points out that an air fryer may duplicate what an oven already does.
Who is this option for ?
For kitchens with limited worktop space
You’re weighing up whether to keep another appliance out permanently and checking if your combi microwave already offers the modes you need. Que Choisir notes that an air fryer used every day alongside an oven or combi microwave can take up valuable space.
For meals with two dishes
You’re considering two compartments so you can cook different foods at the same time, while checking that each portion will fit in its drawer. Que Choisir describes this use for models with two drawers.
What to compare
Que Choisir recommends avoiding unnecessary appliances. First check whether your existing appliances can handle the food you usually cook, then compare the space required, portion sizes, noise and cleaning for the model you’re considering.
Drawer-style air fryer
Worth considering : for small portions that you want to roast or grill and that fit in the basket, if you have a permanent spot for it.
Bear in mind : your oven may already handle some of these cooking tasks, and the basket size limits how much you can cook.
Large capacity or two compartments
Worth considering : if you want to cook two parts of a meal at once and each portion fits in its compartment.
Bear in mind : the total capacity may be split between several drawers, so it won’t necessarily fit one large item.
Your existing oven
Best for your needs : if the dishes and quantities you usually cook fit in its cavity and its cooking modes already suit the way you cook.
Check : compare the results for the food you cook rather than assuming the appliances will cook it in the same way.
Combi microwave
Worth considering : if you have a model with the grill or convection functions you need and you’re happy with the results.
Check : functions vary by model; a standard microwave won’t necessarily have the features of a combi microwave.
Don’t add another appliance
Worth considering : if your oven or combi microwave already suits the food, quantities and frequency you have in mind.
Bear in mind : you won’t have a dedicated basket, but you’ll avoid the cleaning and storage involved with an appliance that duplicates what you already own.
| Criterion | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Distinct purpose | List the food you usually cook and the modes already available on your appliances. | If I want to roast small portions regularly, I check that the basket offers something different from my oven or combi microwave. Around 31 % of consumers prioritise having a distinct cooking purpose. |
| Space required | Measure the available width, depth and height, as well as the clearance needed to open the drawer. | When my worktop is already crowded, I want to know whether the appliance can stay out without getting in the way or stopping the drawer from opening. Around 25 % of consumers prioritise available space. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the internal dimensions and capacity of each drawer with your usual portions and dishes. | If I’m cooking my usual portions or a large item, I check that it will actually fit in the compartment I plan to use. Around 19 % of consumers prioritise meal size. |
| Noise | Look for a test of the exact model that states the distance and method used to measure noise. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to know whether the appliance might be noisy enough to disturb me while I’m cooking. Around 13 % of consumers prioritise quiet cooking. |
| Cleaning | Check the manual to see which removable parts are dishwasher-safe. | If I use the appliance often, I check which parts need washing after each use and how to look after them. Around 12 % of consumers prioritise easy cleaning. |
Pitfalls to avoid
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Buying a function your oven or combi microwave already has
An air fryer cooks using hot air, while some ovens and combi microwaves already offer cooking functions suited to some of the same tasks.
Start with the meals you usually cook and check which modes your existing appliances actually offer before choosing another drawer-style appliance.
Another appliance also needs storage space and time for cleaning.
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Confusing total capacity with the space for one item
On an appliance with two drawers, the total capacity is split between separate compartments. That doesn’t mean a large item will fit in a single drawer.
Compare the internal dimensions of each drawer with your largest dish or usual portion.
If your food won’t fit in one compartment, you may need to cook it in batches.
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Assuming a promotional figure means you’ll save on your energy bill
In its comparison published on 4 October 2024, Que Choisir explains that its test with conventional ovens covered only one model of each type. Results depend on the appliances and food being compared.
Don’t apply a test result to your annual energy use unless it compares similar appliances, dishes and quantities.
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Overlooking noise and the parts you’ll need to wash
Que Choisir measures noise at 50 cm and finds differences between appliances. Whether parts are dishwasher-safe depends on the model and the components in question.
Look for a noise test of the exact model, then check its manual for removable parts and cleaning instructions.
Brands to consider for these needs
Philips
The Series 2000 NA210/00 is a 3,2 L drawer-style air fryer worth considering for small portions.
- Philips says the StarPlate in this model is dishwasher-safe.
- This applies to the plate only; it doesn’t mean the whole appliance is dishwasher-safe.
Moulinex
The Dual Easy Fry & Grill EZ905B20 is a two-drawer option, with drawers listed as 5,2 L and 3,1 L.
- Moulinex says the drawers and grill plate in this model are dishwasher-safe.
- The 8,3 L capacity is split between two compartments, so it doesn’t provide the space of one large dish.
Ninja
The Double Stack SL300EU has two stacked drawers, making it worth considering if worktop width is limited.
- Les Numériques describes two 3,8 L zones, giving a total of 7,6 L, and six cooking modes.
- The total capacity doesn’t guarantee that a large item will fit in one drawer; check the available height, too.
Samsung
Samsung lists oven, grill, microwave and Air Fry functions for the MC32DB7746KDE1 combi microwave.
- This model shows how several functions can be brought together in one appliance.
- These modes are listed for this specific model and don’t guarantee the same results as a drawer-style air fryer.
Products for these needs
This selection includes drawer-style air fryers, models with separate compartments and a combi microwave, so you can compare adding a dedicated appliance with using a multi-function one.
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Ninja AF110EU 3-in-1 Digital Air Fryer, 4,7 L
Compare a dedicated basket with the appliances you already own when cooking small portions.
The product listing gives a capacity of 4,7 L and says it’s suitable for 1 to 2 portions.
The title specifies a power rating of 2000 W; the description says the basket is dishwasher-safe.
The listed functions are Air Fry, Reheat and Dehydrate.
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COSORI TF101S Dual Blaze Twinfry™ 10 L
Worth comparing if you want to cook a large dish in one basket or prepare two foods separately.
The description presents a convertible 10 L basket or two zones of 5 L each.
The two zones are listed as independent; compare their dimensions with the food and dishes you plan to cook.
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Midea 2 L Air Fryer
Worth considering for small portions if you’re looking for a dedicated basket rather than a multi-function cooking appliance.
The description gives a capacity of 2 L, suitable for one or two people, and says the removable basket is dishwasher-safe.
Listed functions include air circulation cooking and reheating.
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SHARP YC-MC422AE-SB 42 L Combination Microwave Oven
Worth comparing if you want to combine microwave functions with some cooking modes in one appliance.
The description gives a capacity of 42 L and lists microwave, grill and convection functions.
The listed temperature range is 140 to 230 °C.
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Philips NA351/00 Series 3000 Dual Basket Airfryer, 9 L
Worth considering if you want to cook two parts of a meal at the same time in separate baskets.
The listed total capacity is 9 L, split between two baskets of different sizes.
The description mentions a cooking synchronisation function and removable parts that are dishwasher-safe.
Frequently asked questions
Can an air fryer replace my oven for family meals ?
Not necessarily. Compare the size of your dishes and the quantities you need to cook with the drawer’s internal space. Que Choisir points out that its cavity limits how much you can cook, even though an air fryer can bake, roast or grill.
Can a combi microwave save me from buying another appliance ?
Yes, if your model has the grill or convection modes you need and you’re happy with the results. Don’t confuse a standard microwave with a combi microwave.
How do I check an air fryer will fit and find out how to clean it ?
Measure the space available, including the clearance needed to open the drawer, then check the manual for the model you’re considering. Check whether each component is dishwasher-safe. For example, Philips lists the StarPlate on the NA210/00 as dishwasher-safe.