You already own an oven
The question is whether a smaller cooking cavity would get enough use to justify another appliance. Que Choisir points out that adding an air fryer to an oven can take up valuable kitchen space.
Who is this choice for?
You often cook small portions
A drawer-style model could suit smaller batches, provided its basket can hold the dishes you usually cook and you have a suitable spot for it.
You cook several parts of a meal
Two compartments let you cook different foods at the same time, as Que Choisir notes. However, check how much space is available in each zone: the advertised total capacity alone doesn’t tell you how many portions you can cook.
What are the key factors to compare?
Start with the dishes you actually cook, then consider how much food you make and the space and cleaning a new appliance would require.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who this applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Duplicating what your oven does | List the dishes you regularly cook and consider how often a smaller cooking cavity would change the way you prepare them. | If my oven already cooks the meals I make every week, I want to avoid buying an appliance that would sit unused. Around 42% of consumers would prioritise avoiding this overlap. |
| Small batches and available space | Compare the external dimensions, the clearances specified in the manual and the model’s cleaning instructions. | For my everyday portions, I’m looking for an appliance that fits in my kitchen without making cleaning a chore. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise a compact size and regular use. |
| Cooking more food at once | Check the shape and usable capacity of the baskets. For a two-zone model, check the controls and capacity of each compartment. | When I’m cooking several parts of the same meal, I want to cut down on batches without overcrowding the food. Cooking a larger quantity or two dishes at once would be the main need for around 25% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid before you buy
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Choosing by the number of programmes
You can also bake, roast and grill in an oven. Que Choisir recommends considering whether an extra appliance would simply duplicate functions you already have.
For each programme you’re interested in, think of a dish you cook regularly. If your oven already does the job, keep it in the running.
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Assuming the advertised capacity tells you how much you can cook
According to Que Choisir, it’s the usable capacity that determines how much food you can actually cook, not just a label such as “XXL”.
Check the shape of the baskets and whether there’s enough room for your usual portions without piling food up too high.
A basket that’s the wrong size could mean cooking more batches.
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Taking energy savings for granted
In tests published by Que Choisir, results vary depending on the recipes and appliances compared. They can’t predict how much energy every model will use for your meals.
First decide whether the size and format suit a regular use. Don’t replace your oven based on assumed savings that may not apply to every type of cooking.
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Forgetting about space and everyday cleaning
Que Choisir lists size and noise among the factors to consider. Removable, washable parts don’t mean you can skip the instructions for cleaning the inside of the appliance.
Measure the space you have in mind, then check the manual for the exact model’s clearance, ventilation and cleaning requirements before you order.
Brands to consider, model by model
Tefal
The range includes compact drawer models, dual-drawer models and a vertical model. Compare the specific configuration rather than assuming the usable capacity from the range name alone.
- Tefal lists a 1,6 L capacity for its Easy Fry Compact EY101815, designed for up to two people, and two drawers of 6,5 L and 4,5 L for the Dual Easy Fry XXL EY9428E0.
- These capacities refer to different models. Check the dimensions, compartment layout and cleaning requirements for each one.
Philips
The brand offers compact models and dual-basket options, among others. Check the cleaning instructions for the model you choose.
- Philips lists a 4,2 L basket and dishwasher-safe non-stick parts for the Série 1000 NA120/00.
- Philips instructions say to let the appliance cool down and avoid using abrasive materials on the relevant parts. Check the manual for your specific model.
Ninja
Ninja is among the air fryer manufacturers covered by Que Choisir. Assess each model based on the portions you cook, the space you have and the cleaning requirements that matter to you.
- Que Choisir includes the Crispi FN101 among its portable models.
- The noise Que Choisir noted for this model in European tests doesn’t indicate how noisy all Ninja appliances are.
Air fryers for different needs
These air fryers are suited to larger portions, cooking in two zones or varying portion sizes. Compare them with your current oven: choosing one of these models only makes sense if its size and format meet a regular need.
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Ninja Dual Zone DZ400EU, two drawers, 9,5 L
Worth considering if you want to cook two parts of a meal at the same time. The model name lists six functions and dishwasher-safe baskets. Check the manual for the space and clearance needed around the appliance.
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Philips Série 3000 NA351/00, dual basket, 9 L
The dual basket is useful for households cooking two parts of a meal. Check that each basket can hold your portions, and read the installation and cleaning instructions for the NA351/00.
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12QT air fryer with adjustable basket, including 50 paper liners
The adjustable basket is designed for people who switch between larger meals and two separate cooking tasks. The model name mentions a viewing window and Sync and Dual modes. Check the external dimensions and the basket’s usable shape before deciding where to put it.
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Ninja Crispi FN101EUGY
Worth considering if you switch between different portion sizes rather than needing to cook two things at once. Check the shape of the containers against the dishes you use, and read the manual for placement and care instructions.
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Cuisinart Compact Max AFS8OBLE, 7,6 L
This single-basket model is worth considering if your priority is cooking a larger batch and you don’t need two compartments. Check that the basket shape suits the food you cook and that you can install the appliance as instructed in the manual.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if an air fryer would duplicate what my oven does?
Compare the meals you cook every week with what your oven can already do. If a smaller cooking cavity wouldn’t suit any regular use and you mostly cook large dishes, sticking with your oven makes sense. Que Choisir also highlights how much space an air fryer can take up when added to your existing appliances.
What capacity should I look for before buying?
Check the usable capacity and basket shape, not just the advertised capacity. In its guidance for families, Que Choisir suggests 3 to 4 L for one to two people, 5 to 6 L for three to four people, and 7 to 9 L for five to six people. It also reminds readers that the amount you can actually cook depends on the usable capacity.
Are dishwasher-safe parts all I need for easy cleaning?
No. Dishwasher-safe parts don’t mean you can ignore the instructions for cleaning the inside of the appliance. Philips, for example, says to let its Airfryers cool down before cleaning and to avoid using abrasive materials on the relevant parts. Check the manual for the model you’re considering.
What should I do with a used air fryer in France?
A used air fryer counts as electrical and electronic equipment. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition says that appliances of this kind can be taken to a collection point or recycling centre. Check what take-back or reuse options are available, depending on its condition.