For small portions during the week
If you often prepare just one part of a meal, compare the usable cooking area and the space the appliance takes up. Also consider how easy it is to clean, and how that fits with the way you currently use your oven.
Which type is right for you?
For a main and a side
If you regularly cook two foods that need different cooking times or temperatures, separate compartments can save you from cooking them one after the other. Moulinex says its dual-compartment models let you set each compartment independently.
For a kitchen short on worktop space
Measure the space you have, allowing for the clearance specified in the manual—not just the appliance’s dimensions.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with the meals you make most often, then consider whether the type you’re looking at suits your available space and how much cleaning it involves.
One drawer
Worth considering: for cooking one small portion at a time, when you don’t need to control two cooking cycles separately.
Bear in mind: if your main and side need different settings, you may have to cook them in two batches.
Two drawers
Worth considering: if you often cook two separate foods as part of a meal. Moulinex says the relevant models have independently adjustable compartments.
Bear in mind: each drawer needs to fit its own portion, and two compartments mean more parts to clean.
Mini-oven-style design
Worth considering: if you’ll use racks or trays. UFC-Que Choisir describes air fryers that come with these accessories.
Bear in mind: check what this design would offer compared with the oven or mini oven you already own.
You already have an oven
Stick with it: if it easily accommodates your portions and dishes, especially if you’d rarely use an air fryer.
Consider: you’ll keep using your oven for smaller meals. Think about how you actually use it before adding another appliance.
| Factor | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| How you’ll use it | Think about the small meals you make regularly, the quantities involved and how you currently cook them in the oven. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition advises considering whether an appliance is worthwhile if it will only be used occasionally. | I’m looking for another way to prepare everyday meals, not an extra appliance for occasional use. |
| Portions | Compare the basket’s usable area and dimensions with your food and dishes. For a two-drawer model, check the capacity of each drawer, not just the total capacity. | My usual portions need to fit in the compartment I’ll actually be using. |
| Positioning | Measure the available width, depth and height, then check the clearance and installation instructions in the manual for the exact model. | I need to be able to place the appliance on a stable surface without blocking its ventilation. |
| Cleaning | Check which parts are removable and which the manufacturer says are dishwasher-safe. Follow the cleaning instructions for the coating. | After a quick meal, I want to know which parts I’ll need to wash. |
| Noise | If this matters to you, look for a review of the exact model. UFC-Que Choisir recommends considering fan noise before buying. | In an open-plan kitchen, noise while cooking could affect my choice. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Buying an appliance that duplicates what you already have
An air fryer won’t necessarily change how you prepare meals that your oven already handles with ease.
Make a note of a few quick meals you often cook and the specific problem you want to solve. If your oven already does the job, you can wait before buying.
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Going by total capacity alone
With a two-drawer model, the combined capacity doesn’t tell you whether each food will fit in the compartment intended for it.
Check the capacity and usable dimensions of each drawer against the portions you want to cook at the same time.
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Forgetting the space needed for ventilation
The appliance’s dimensions alone don’t tell you how much room you’ll need to position it in line with the manual.
Measure the space and follow the instructions for the exact model. For example, the Philips HD9257 manual requires at least 10 cm of clearance at the back, sides and above. This distance doesn’t apply to every appliance.
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Assuming every dish will use the same amount of electricity
Energy use depends on factors including the recipe, quantity and appliances being compared. UFC-Que Choisir reports that the air fryers it tested used less electricity than a mini oven to cook a small Lorraine quiche, but that result can’t predict how every dish will cook.
Choose a type that suits your portions and how you’ll use it, rather than assuming it will always save a set amount of electricity.
A guide to the brands
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Air fryers available on Joybuy
These options include appliances for cooking one portion at a time, dual-drawer models and a model with containers in different sizes. Compare them based on your portions, the space available and the meals you’d otherwise cook in the oven.
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Midea Air Fryer 2 L, 1 150 W, black
Worth a look if you mainly cook small portions in a single basket. The product name lists a 60-minute timer and a non-stick, dishwasher-safe basket. Check the manual to see how much clearance to leave around the appliance.
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Ninja Dual Zone DZ300EU, two drawers, 7,6 L
Worth comparing if you regularly cook a main and a side separately. The product name lists two drawers and a total capacity of 7,6 L. Before choosing, check the usable space in each drawer, the appliance’s dimensions and the ventilation requirements.
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Ninja FN101EUGY Crispi Air Fryer
Worth considering if you want to choose a container to suit the size of your meal. Check which containers and accessories are included with this version, how to clean them and whether you can cook two foods at once if that’s important to you.
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KitchenCook AIRMED W 10L
Worth considering for cooking two separate portions. The capacity information for this model varies: 10 L, two 4,5 L baskets and 800 g of food are all listed. Confirm the configuration and usable capacity of each basket before buying. Also check its dimensions and installation requirements.
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Midea Air Fryer 4 L, 1 500 W
Worth comparing if you cook meals in a single basket. The product name lists eight preset programmes, a temperature range of 35 to 200 °C, a 60-minute timer and a shake reminder. Check the cleaning instructions and the clearance needed for installation.
Frequently asked questions
How much space should you leave around an air fryer?
Follow the clearance requirements in the manual for the exact model. For example, the Philips HD9257 manual requires at least 10 cm of clearance at the back, sides and above, and says not to block the air inlets or outlets. Measure the space before buying rather than applying this distance to every model.
Are all air fryer baskets dishwasher-safe?
Don’t assume they are. Check whether each part of the model you’re considering is dishwasher-safe. Moulinex recommends checking the manufacturer’s instructions, as some components may need special care.
How can you clean an air fryer without scratching the coating?
Unplug the appliance, let it cool completely and follow the instructions in its manual. Moulinex advises against using metal scourers or stiff brushes on non-stick coatings. Use a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge instead.