An air fryer can be useful if you often cook small portions and would rather not use your main oven every time. For one or two people, UFC-Que Choisir suggests a single-drawer model with a 3 to 4 l basket as a starting point. However, the space it takes up, noise, cleaning and how many dishes you want to cook at once all matter too. If you only cook small batches occasionally, first consider what a new appliance would really offer compared with your oven.
You regularly prepare a single portion or a small meal without wanting to use your main oven. For one or two people, UFC-Que Choisir suggests a single-drawer model with a 3 to 4 l basket as a guide for everyday portions. However, check how much space your food will actually have.
Worktop space, the clearance needed for ventilation, noise and cleaning can matter just as much as capacity. UFC-Que Choisir specifically recommends considering fan noise before you buy.
If you want to cook two dishes at the same time using different settings, consider a model with two compartments. Check that each drawer can hold your usual portion and that the appliance will fit in the space you have.
To choose between an air fryer and an oven, start by considering how often you cook small batches, then think about the shape of your dishes and the space available. The stated capacity alone won’t tell you how much you can cook at once.
Consider it: if you often cook one small batch at a time; UFC-Que Choisir suggests 3 to 4 l as a guide for one or two people.
Bear in mind: the basket’s usable surface area may mean you need to cook several batches, depending on the food.
Consider it: if you regularly cook two items that need different settings.
Bear in mind: two drawers are no substitute for a large, continuous cooking space, and each one takes up room and needs cleaning.
Consider it: if the shape of your dishes makes you look for a cooking surface rather than a basket.
Bear in mind: it’s still an additional appliance, so compare its dimensions and uses with those of your existing oven.
Stick with it: if you only cook small batches occasionally or your dishes often need a large cooking surface.
Bear in mind: you won’t have the potential convenience of a separate appliance for frequent small-batch cooking.
For people considering an appliance for small batches at home, these priorities vary according to the main reason for buying one.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Frequent small portions | Compare your usual portion with the recommended load and the basket’s usable space, not just its stated capacity. | When I often cook a small meal, I want to avoid using my main oven without having to cook several batches. Around 33% of consumers rank this convenience as their top priority. |
| Space, noise and cleaning | Measure the appliance and the space needed to open the drawer; check the manual for ventilation guidance and look for a noise measurement with a stated distance. | In a compact or open-plan kitchen, I need an appliance that fits and has acceptable noise levels and cleaning requirements. For around 25% of consumers, these practical considerations come before other factors. |
| Cooking two items at once | Check the capacity of each drawer separately, along with the model’s settings and synchronisation options. | If I’m preparing two different items for the same meal, I want each one to fit in its compartment so I don’t have to cook it again. This is a priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Whether an extra appliance is worthwhile | Think back to small dishes you’ve cooked in the oven recently: would their frequency and size justify a second appliance? | When I rarely cook small batches, I’d rather keep using my oven than add another appliance to store and clean. Around 17% of consumers base their decision first and foremost on how much they would use it. |
According to UFC-Que Choisir, usable capacity determines how much you can actually cook. The available surface area and how you arrange the food also affect the portion you can prepare.
Compare the recommended load with what you usually cook. For a dual-compartment model, check each drawer separately rather than adding the capacities together.
An air fryer also needs to release heat and have enough room for its drawer to open fully. A cramped space can make it awkward to use.
Measure the available depth and height, then follow the clearances specified in the manual for your chosen model.
UFC-Que Choisir reports differences in noise levels between air fryers. The fan can be particularly noticeable in an open-plan kitchen.
To compare models, look for measurements taken at a stated distance. UFC-Que Choisir measures noise at 0.50 m, for example.
The amount of food, recipe, preheating and appliances being compared can all affect the result. Les Numériques explains that its comparison test shows a trend, not a figure that applies to every cooking task.
If these savings are a key reason for buying, compare measurements for quantities and dishes similar to your own. If you’ll use the appliance rarely, also consider the extra space and cleaning it will require.
These single- and dual-drawer models let you compare options for cooking a small batch or two separate dishes. Whether to add another appliance depends on your habits and the space available next to your oven.
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Worth considering if you want to prepare two different items for the same meal. The stated total capacity is 7,6 L. Check the recommended load for each drawer, the space needed for installation and the ventilation clearance specified in the manual.
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Compare its size with your everyday portions: its stated 4 L capacity matches the guide UFC-Que Choisir gives for one or two people. The title specifies a temperature range of 35 to 200 °C. Also check the recommended load, the space needed for ventilation and the cleaning instructions.
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Worth looking at if your usual portion fits in a small basket: its stated 2 L capacity is below the 3 to 4 l guide UFC-Que Choisir gives for everyday portions for one or two people. The title specifies a dishwasher-safe non-stick basket. Measure the available space and check the manual for ventilation guidance.
UFC-Que Choisir suggests a single-drawer model with a 3 to 4 l basket as a starting point for everyday portions for one or two people. Then check the recommended load and the basket’s usable dimensions for the food you actually prepare.
No. It would be misleading to promise this for every appliance and every dish. Les Numériques explains that its comparison test shows a trend rather than providing absolute figures. Consider the quantity, recipe and preheating before applying the comparison to your own cooking.
Look for a measurement that states the distance, rather than relying on a simple ‘quiet’ claim. UFC-Que Choisir measures air fryer noise at 0.50 m and notes that ventilation deserves particular attention in an open-plan kitchen.
A lack of conformity may be covered by the legal guarantee of conformity, which you can claim from the professional seller. The French Ministry of the Economy points out that any commercial guarantee is in addition to the legal guarantees. Describe the fault to the seller and keep your proof of purchase and any related documents.
Use a collection service for electrical and electronic equipment rather than putting it in general waste. According to the French Ministry for Ecological Transition, a ‘one-for-one’ take-back scheme may be available when you buy an appliance of the same type. Check the options offered by the seller.