A well-equipped kitchen
You have a working oven and want to avoid adding another appliance to your worktop. Que Choisir Ensemble notes that an air fryer may duplicate functions already provided by an oven.
Who is this choice for?
Regular small portions
You often prepare small quantities and are considering a basket model, provided its capacity, footprint and cleaning requirements suit the way you cook. Que Choisir Ensemble lists capacity and ease of cleaning among the factors to consider.
Cooking two dishes at once
You want to cook two parts of a meal separately and need to compare the size of each compartment with the quantities you plan to prepare. Que Choisir Ensemble says results can vary depending on which zone is used in dual-zone models.
What should you consider before adding another appliance?
Keep your existing oven
Consider this: if your usual dishes and quantities already fit in it, and there’s no other use that justifies an appliance on your worktop.
Bear in mind: you won’t gain a basket or additional independent cooking zones.
Drawer air fryer
Consider this: for frequent small portions, if the basket genuinely complements your oven and you have a suitable place for it.
Bear in mind: how much you can cook at once depends on the basket and the food; some dishes may need to be checked or shaken during cooking.
Dual-compartment air fryer
Consider this: if you often prepare two separate parts of a meal and have enough space.
Bear in mind: results may differ between zones; Que Choisir Ensemble also notes that these models can take up a lot of space.
Convection mini oven
Consider this: if you’re more likely to use an oven dish or rack and your existing oven isn’t convenient for that purpose.
Bear in mind: it may duplicate an oven you already own; its external dimensions don’t include the extra space needed for use and installation.
Que Choisir Ensemble lists capacity, ease of handling and cleaning among the factors to consider when buying. In a kitchen that’s already equipped, also compare how much an appliance would duplicate your oven’s functions and how much space you really have.
| Criterion | What to check before buying | Who considers it most important |
|---|---|---|
| Avoiding duplication | Compare the dishes and quantities your oven already handles with the additional use you’re looking for; measure the space available. | If my oven already meets my needs, I want to avoid a redundant purchase and keep my worktop clear. Around 33% of consumers prioritise avoiding duplication. |
| Small portions | Compare the shape and quantity of the foods you usually cook with the basket; don’t judge how much it can hold based on the stated capacity in litres alone. | When I mainly cook small quantities, I want a basket that suits my food and is easy to clean. Around 27% of consumers prioritise regular small portions. |
| Cooking two dishes | Check the capacity of each zone, the stated synchronisation feature and test results for cooking with both compartments. | To serve two separate dishes as part of the same meal, I want separate zones without assuming they’ll cook identically. Around 20% of consumers put simultaneous cooking in two zones at the top of their list. |
| Dishes and racks | Measure your dishes and compare them with the usable cavity; external dimensions don’t tell you how much clearance you’ll need. | If my dishes or racks don’t fit well in a basket, I want an oven cavity that suits them. Around 13% of consumers prioritise the shape of their dishes and the ability to use racks. |
| Cleaning and noise | Check which parts are dishwasher-safe and look for noise measurements taken under clearly stated conditions. | In a small kitchen or open-plan room, I want to keep cleaning hassle and noise during use to a minimum. Around 7% of consumers prioritise an appliance that’s easy to clean and quiet. |
Pitfalls to avoid
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Choosing an air fryer without considering your existing oven
Que Choisir Ensemble points out that an air fryer may perform similar functions to an oven and take up worktop space when added to your kitchen.
Before deciding to add another appliance, identify a dish you cook regularly that your current equipment doesn’t handle conveniently.
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Comparing the stated capacity of a basket directly with that of a mini oven
The stated capacity alone won’t tell you how much food you can cook: the shape of the food and basket, as well as the space inside an oven cavity, all affect what will fit.
Compare the dimensions with the food and dishes you use, then check tests covering the dishes you’re interested in cooking.
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Confusing external dimensions with the space required
The listed dimensions don’t tell you how much room you’ll need to handle the appliance or provide the clearances specified in its instructions.
Measure the space where you plan to use it and check the instructions for the exact model before installation.
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Assuming both zones cook identically and quietly
Que Choisir Ensemble says results may vary depending on the zone, and fan noise differs between models.
Look for tests of the exact model using both compartments, as well as noise measurements taken under stated conditions, particularly if you have an open-plan kitchen.
Brands and models to use as a guide
These examples show different formats and features you can compare. The information applies to the models listed and isn’t enough on its own to determine whether an appliance will suit your kitchen.
Moulinex
The Easy Fry Compact EZ145820 is an example of a single-basket format for kitchens where space is at a premium.
- Moulinex states that it has a 3 L capacity and that the basket is dishwasher-safe.
- The stated capacity alone doesn’t tell you how much food it can cook for each meal or how much room you’ll need to install it.
Philips
The NA154/00 is an example of an appliance with a divider that lets you switch from one cavity to two zones.
- Philips states that it offers one 7,1 L zone or two 3,55 L zones with the divider in place, as well as a synchronisation function.
- Que Choisir Ensemble notes that results may differ depending on the zone used in dual-compartment appliances; this comment isn’t based on a test of the NA154/00 itself.
Severin
The TO 2068 is an example of a fan-assisted mini oven rather than a basket-style appliance.
- Severin’s product information lists a 20 L cavity, four shelf positions, 1 500 W of power and external dimensions of 29,5 × 44 × 39 cm.
- These features don’t prove it’s better than your existing oven; the external dimensions don’t include the extra space needed for installation.
Tefal
The Easy Fry Crispy Stack EY7528E0 is an example of a model with two stacked drawers.
- Tefal states that the drawers and cooking accessories for this model are dishwasher-safe.
- The vertical design is a feature of this model, not proof that it will fit your worktop.
Joybuy products for these uses
The models below include drawer air fryers, several of them compact, as well as a dual-drawer model. Compare how they would fit into your routine with your oven, the quantities you prepare and the space needed for installation.
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Midea Air Fryer 2 L, 1 150 W
This compact basket may suit small portions, provided its capacity matches the quantities you usually prepare.
The product name states that it has a power rating of 1 150 W and a non-stick, dishwasher-safe basket. The instructions call for an earthed 220–240 V socket, a stable, heat-resistant surface, and unobstructed air inlets and outlets.
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Philips NA210/00 Airfryer, 3,2 L
Compare this drawer model with the space you have available and how often you prepare small portions.
Joybuy’s product information lists dimensions of 368 × 273 × 293 mm and says that the drawer and removable basket are dishwasher-safe. It calls for at least 100 mm of clearance on each side and an earthed 220–240 V socket.
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Ninja AF110EU 3-in-1 Air Fryer, 4,7 L
Joybuy’s product information describes this 4,7 L basket as suitable for one or two portions; check that the size suits the dishes you usually prepare.
The product name states that it has a power rating of 2 000 W. The product information lists Air Fry, Reheat and Dehydrate functions, as well as a non-stick, dishwasher-safe basket. The instructions call for use on a worktop, without an extension lead, and with the air inlets and outlets unobstructed.
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Midea Air Fryer 4 L
This basket may suit you if its capacity and programmes match the dishes you want to prepare without using your oven.
The product name states that it has a power rating of 1 500 W and a dishwasher-safe basket; Joybuy’s product information lists eight programmes and a 4 L capacity. The instructions recommend using it on a stable, heat-resistant surface and keeping hands and flammable materials away from hot elements.
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Ninja DZ300EU Dual-Drawer Air Fryer, 7,6 L
The two independent drawers may suit you if you regularly prepare two separate dishes and have enough worktop space.
Joybuy’s product information lists two 3,8 L drawers, dimensions of 31,5 × 38 × 26,5 cm and dishwasher-safe parts. Que Choisir Ensemble notes that results may vary depending on the zone used in dual-compartment models; if this matters to you, look for tests of this model.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if my current oven is enough?
Think about the dishes and quantities you actually cook, and how often you cook them: if your oven already handles them, an air fryer may add similar functions while taking up space. A basket or two zones are only worthwhile if their distinct uses meet a regular need.
Does a dual-compartment air fryer guarantee identical results in both zones?
No, not necessarily: Que Choisir Ensemble says results may vary depending on the zone used. If consistent results between compartments matter for your meals, look for tests covering both zones of the exact model.
Are the basket and accessories dishwasher-safe?
It depends on the parts and the model. Moulinex says the EZ145820 basket is dishwasher-safe; Severin says some parts of the TO 2068 are too. Don’t assume this applies to the entire appliance or to other models.
What warranty applies when buying from a business in France?
The French Ministry of the Economy and Finance states that the statutory legal guarantee of conformity covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to an individual, and can be claimed within two years. For a new product, the consumer doesn’t have to prove during those two years that the fault existed at the time of sale. This statutory guarantee is separate from an optional commercial warranty.
What does the CE marking on a relevant appliance mean?
According to the DGCCRF, the CE marking indicates the manufacturer’s commitment to meeting the applicable European requirements; it isn’t a certification mark. This general information doesn’t verify whether a particular product listing is compliant.