Stick with the oven alone if you mainly prepare family meals, large recipes or would not be able to keep an air fryer accessible: their hot-air cooking uses overlap considerably. An air fryer can complement your oven for frequent small portions, certain crisp reheating jobs or coordinating two preparations, provided its size and maintenance genuinely suit your kitchen.
A compact model can complement your oven for frequently cooking or reheating small portions, as long as you do not expect family-sized quantities. Que Choisir associates simple 3 to 4 L baskets with one- or two-person households.
First decide whether a second appliance deserves a permanent place. Que Choisir highlights that an air fryer overlaps with the oven’s functions, while its footprint, noise and cleaning add to your daily routine.
Two compartments can be useful when you regularly prepare two foods with different cooking times or temperatures. However, this solution requires more space than a single basket.
Start by identifying the meals your oven does not handle as easily, then check that the size, basket opening and cleaning requirements suit your space.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Avoid duplicating the oven | Identify a frequent task: a small portion, crisp reheating or two coordinated cooking jobs. Compare it with what your oven already handles easily. | I want an appliance I will use regularly, rather than a versatile model that rarely gets used. |
| Footprint and capacity | Measure the external width, depth and height. Also check the space needed to open the drawer and the clearances specified in the instructions. | The space I have available matters just as much as the stated capacity. For small portions every day, I would rather avoid a large model that would stay on the worktop. |
| Quantity and shape of the food | Compare the basket’s usable surface with your usual portions. An overly thick layer can affect even cooking; keep the oven for large dishes. | I want to be able to cook the food I actually prepare, without having to run multiple batches or buying a model solely for its automatic programmes. |
| Cleaning and everyday use | Confirm which parts are dishwasher-safe, the cleaning instructions, the stated noise level and the exact model’s safety requirements. | In an open-plan or compact kitchen, I want an appliance that is easy to clean and acceptable to use frequently. |
Its cooking functions overlap with those of the oven. In a small kitchen, an appliance that is rarely used quickly becomes an unwieldy duplicate.
Make a note of the meals you have prepared over the last two weeks: stick with the oven if quick small portions, crisp reheating or synchronised cooking rarely feature.
Dual models can be heavier and take up more space than a single-basket model.
Cleaning, noise and safety guidance vary by appliance. Installation dimensions and the required clearances depend on the model’s instructions.
Before buying, consult the exact model’s instructions for its power rating, heat clearances, dishwasher-safe parts and cleaning method.
A damaged non-stick coating or difficult cleaning can make regular use more complicated.
Joybuy options for small portions, single drawers and meals requiring two coordinated cooking jobs.
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An option for small portions or leftovers to reheat, with containers stated as 1.4 L and 3.8 L.
Stated dimensions: approximately 30 × 34.5 × 34 cm. Air Fry, Roast, Keep Warm and Recrisp functions; dishwasher-safe components.
The 1.4 L container limits quantities; check the clearances specified in the instructions before installation. The glass containers become hot during use.
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Two independent 3.8 L drawers for preparing two foods with separate settings.
Six stated functions and drawers with dishwasher-safe plates. Stated dimensions: approximately 31.5 × 38 × 26.5 cm; stated weight: 8.2 kg.
This model needs a stable position; check the drawers’ opening depth and the required clearances before buying.
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Two independent 4.75 L drawers for meals comprising two separate preparations.
Functions, cooking times and temperatures can be adjusted separately; the drawers and non-stick plates are stated to be dishwasher-safe. Stated dimensions: approximately 32.5 × 41.5 × 27 cm; stated weight: 8.8 kg.
Its width and weight are worth considering if you need to put the appliance away after every use. Check the opening depth and safety clearances in the instructions.
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A model stated to be suitable for small portions for one or two people and straightforward everyday use.
Non-stick basket, 60-minute timer, temperature control and removable parts stated to be dishwasher-safe.
The 2 L capacity may require several batches for larger portions. Check the external dimensions and installation guidance in the instructions.
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A single-drawer air fryer for a range of preparations, with a stated capacity of 7.6 L.
Air Fry, Roast, Grill, Bake, Dehydrate, Max Crisp and Keep Warm functions; baskets and trays stated to be dishwasher-safe.
This capacity may be excessive for small daily portions. A single basket does not allow separate settings for two foods.
Not in every situation. Que Choisir states that an air fryer largely performs the same functions as an oven; it is mainly useful for frequent small portions, certain crisp reheating jobs or two coordinated cooking tasks. For large dishes and family-sized batches, the oven cavity remains more suitable.
Base your choice on the number of portions you actually prepare. Que Choisir associates a simple 3 to 4 L basket with one or two people, and a simple 5 to 6 L basket with three or four people; then measure the appliance, the drawer opening and the clearances required by its instructions.
Yes, if you frequently cook two different items at the same time. Synchronisation can coordinate the end of cooking, but dual compartments take up more space and results can vary from one zone to another. For a single small portion, a single basket is often the more practical choice.
Always follow the model’s instructions. For its appliances, Philips recommends allowing them to cool for around 30 minutes, unplugging the appliance before cleaning the interior or heating element, and avoiding metal utensils or abrasive products on non-stick parts. Check separately whether the relevant parts are dishwasher-safe.
Keep the listing, specifications and instructions. According to the French Ministry for the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand or refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual, including when a product does not match the seller’s description. The DGCCRF points out that the CE marking is not an independent quality certification; prioritise an identifiable product listing and a professional seller you can contact.