Households that already have an oven
You want to work out whether a dedicated drawer would be useful for batches that your oven doesn’t handle as easily, rather than adding another appliance for the same meals.
Who is this choice for?
Households that cook two things at once
You often cook two foods that need different cooking times or settings. According to UFC-Que Choisir, dual-drawer models let you cook them at the same time, but they take up more space.
People mindful of noise and cleaning
In an open-plan kitchen or a small space, fan noise, cleaning the basket and finding somewhere to store the appliance matter just as much as its cooking functions. UFC-Que Choisir looks at these factors in its tests.
What should you consider before buying?
Start with the meals you already cook in your oven. Then consider whether a single drawer, two cooking zones or a larger cavity would solve a regular problem without making storage more difficult.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| A use that’s different from your oven | Compare the meals you usually cook with what your oven can already do, including the quantity and type of dish. | If my oven already handles my usual meals, I want a clear reason to use an extra drawer regularly; around 33% of consumers put a distinct use first. |
| Two cooking programmes at once | Check the capacity of each drawer and whether there’s a synchronisation function if both dishes need to finish at the same time. | When two foods need different settings, I want to cook them in parallel; for around 25% of consumers, cooking different foods separately is the main requirement. |
| Portions and available space | Look at the usable shape of the basket, the appliance’s external dimensions and the space needed to open the drawer. | I want to fit my usual portions without permanently crowding the kitchen; around 25% of consumers put the balance between capacity and space first. |
| Noise and cleaning | Look for a noise measurement for the model you’re considering and check the cleaning instructions for removable parts. | In an open-plan kitchen, a noisy fan or a difficult-to-clean basket could put me off using it every day; around 17% of consumers prioritise these practical considerations. |
What pitfalls should you avoid?
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Choosing one based solely on the promise of crispy results
UFC-Que Choisir has found that cooking results vary between models: chips can be overcooked on top and pale underneath.
Look for an independent test of the exact model, ideally using the foods and quantities you usually cook.
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Relying on the total capacity of a dual-drawer appliance
Two compartments let you cook different foods at the same time, but the total capacity doesn’t tell you how much will fit in each one. Results can also vary between zones, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
Compare the dimensions and capacity of each drawer with your usual portions, then check cooking tests for the model you’re considering.
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Overlooking fan noise
The fan can be disruptive in an open-plan kitchen. UFC-Que Choisir points out that noise levels vary between models.
Look for a noise measurement or independent test of the model you’re considering rather than relying on a brief demonstration in a shop.
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Confusing a commercial warranty with your statutory rights
In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a consumer, as the Ministry of the Economy explains. A commercial warranty is separate.
Keep your proof of purchase and the product description. Read the terms of any commercial warranty, but don’t treat it as your only form of protection.
Brands to consider
There are no brands to feature in this section.
Air fryers for different needs
These drawer-style appliances cater for different needs: cooking one dish at a time, preparing two separate dishes or using a basket with a higher stated capacity. Compare their size with your meals and the space you have available before deciding whether one would be a useful addition to your oven.
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Ninja Dual Zone DZ300EU, two drawers, 7,6 L, metallic grey
Worth considering if you often cook two separate dishes as part of the same meal.
The product name lists six cooking functions. Check that you have enough space for both drawers, and whether the controls let you finish cooking both dishes at the same time.
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Flex Basket 12QT air fryer, two baskets, viewing window, 50 cooking sheets
The two-basket design is suited to meals where you want to keep dishes separate.
The product name lists a Sync function and 12 cooking modes. Check the dimensions of each zone and the space you’ll need in your kitchen: the stated total capacity alone doesn’t tell you how many portions will fit.
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Cuisinart Compact Max AFS8OBLE, 7,6 L
Its single basket is worth considering if you’d rather have one cavity for all your cooking.
The stated 7,6 L capacity doesn’t tell you how many portions it will cook for every recipe. Compare the shape of the basket with the foods you usually prepare, and measure the space you have available.
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PHILIPS NA210/00 AirFryer 2000 Series, 3,2 L
This drawer-style model is worth considering if you cook one dish at a time.
Compare the stated 3,2 L capacity with the size of the food you cook, and allow enough space around the appliance before deciding where to put it.
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Midea Air Fryer, 2 L, 1150 W, black
Worth considering for small batches, provided the basket can hold the quantities you actually cook.
The product name lists a 60-minute timer and a non-stick basket. The 1150 W power rating alone doesn’t tell you how long food will take to cook or how well it will turn out.
Frequently asked questions
Can an air fryer replace my oven?
Not for every meal. A drawer-style air fryer can complement your oven for specific batches, but it won’t automatically replace baking trays, large dishes or cooking several large portions at once. Compare these uses with what your oven already does before adding another appliance.
How can I check how noisy an air fryer is before buying?
Look for a noise measurement or independent test of the exact model, especially if you have an open-plan kitchen. UFC-Que Choisir measures noise from 50 cm away as part of its testing; a quick listen in a shop may not reflect the conditions in your home.
Does the capacity in litres tell me how many portions it can cook?
No: the shape and usable surface area of the basket matter too. If you’re looking at a model with two compartments, check each zone separately. Also check the external dimensions if space is limited.
What guarantee applies to an appliance bought from a business in France?
According to the Ministry of the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a consumer. Keep your proof of purchase and the product description; any commercial warranty is separate from this statutory protection.