An air fryer can complement your oven if you often cook small batches or prepare two parts of a meal separately; it doesn’t automatically offer a different way to cook, roast or grill. Que Choisir advises against buying more appliances than you need when your oven already does the job. Before choosing a format, consider the shape of your dishes and the size of your portions, as well as the space available and the daily cleaning involved.
If your oven already handles your usual cooking, frequent small batches or cooking two things at once may matter more than the advertised versatility. Que Choisir highlights the risk of adding an appliance that performs the same functions.
If two dishes need different settings or cooking times, a dual-zone model is worth considering. Just make sure each compartment can hold your portions, rather than relying on the total capacity alone.
A countertop appliance needs to fit in its intended spot without getting in the way when you open a drawer or door. Capacity, noise and how easy the parts are to clean are also worth considering.
If your oven already suits the way you eat, sticking with it means you won’t need another appliance. Otherwise, start with the shape of your dishes and how many things you cook at once: one drawer for cooking one thing at a time, two zones for cooking in parallel, or a mini-oven style for dishes that fit better on a rack or tray.
Consider it if: you rarely cook small portions separately and your oven already meets your needs.
The trade-off: you won’t have a dedicated format for small batches; Que Choisir points out that the functions of the two appliances overlap.
Consider it if: you mainly cook one thing at a time, in modest portions.
The trade-off: the shape and surface area of the basket may limit the dishes you can use; avoid overfilling it if you want food to cook evenly.
Consider it if: you want to cook two parts of a meal at the same time with different settings, as described by Que Choisir.
The trade-off: the total capacity is divided between the zones, and the appliance needs space; check the capacity of each drawer.
Consider it if: your dishes fit better on a tray or rack than in a deep basket.
The trade-off: measure the appliance, the space needed to open its door and the clearances specified in its manual before assuming it will save space.
| Criterion | What to check | What matters to consumers |
|---|---|---|
| A use that’s different from the oven | Identify the small batches you cook regularly and compare them with the functions you already use your oven for. | I want to avoid cluttering my kitchen just to cook the same things: around 33 % of consumers prioritise an air fryer having a genuinely different use from the oven. |
| Portions and cooking in parallel | Compare the shape of your dishes, the usable surface area and, for a dual-zone model, the capacity of each compartment. | When two parts of a meal need to cook separately, I need enough room in each zone. This is the priority for around 27 % of consumers. |
| Space and noise | Measure the space where you plan to put it and the room needed to open it; if noise matters, check the information for the specific model. | In a small kitchen, I need to use the appliance without blocking the worktop or putting up with excessive noise; around 20 % of consumers put these constraints first. |
| Cleaning and installation | Check which parts are removable, how they should be cleaned, and the positioning and clearance instructions in the manual. | If I cook often, I want to be able to clean the parts and install the appliance according to its manual. For around 20 % of consumers, these everyday considerations come first. |
Cooking, roasting and grilling are all things you can do in an oven too. Que Choisir warns against buying more appliances than you need when your oven already meets the same needs.
Think of a few meals you’d regularly prepare differently with an air fryer. If you can’t identify a distinct use for one, sticking with your oven is still an option.
Two drawers don’t make one large cavity. A wide dish may also be a poor fit for a basket, even if the advertised capacity seems sufficient.
Compare the usable dimensions and capacity of each zone with the food and dishes you usually use.
The space an appliance takes up when closed isn’t enough to judge whether it will fit. Moulinex specifies, for example, that it should be placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface and advises against using it near a wall or water source.
Measure the space in front of the appliance and follow the clearances given in the manual for the model you choose.
A dishwasher-safe basket doesn’t necessarily mean every part can go in the dishwasher. Moulinex recommends letting the appliance cool before cleaning and avoiding abrasive materials on the coating.
Check the care instructions for the parts included; unplug the appliance and let it cool before cleaning it.
The range includes drawer-style air fryers in different capacities, as well as models with two drawers.
The brand is among those reviewed by Que Choisir and offers models with two baskets, among other options.
Que Choisir features the Crispi FN101 among the models covered in its air fryer reviews.
These models let you compare appliances with two baskets, more modest capacities and formats designed for larger portions. Consider each one in relation to your meals and existing oven: their specifications alone aren’t enough to justify buying another appliance.
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Worth considering if you often prepare two separate dishes for a meal. The title specifies two baskets and a total capacity of 9 L; check the capacity of each basket against your portions, as well as the space needed to install the appliance.
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Consider this if you’re looking for a dedicated appliance rather than a dual-zone model: check that the shape and capacity of its containers suit your dishes. Que Choisir reports noise from the Crispi FN101; check this for the specific model you’re considering and read its manual before installation.
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With an advertised capacity of 2 L, this model is best compared with your smaller portions rather than relied on for a large dish. Measure the space where you plan to put it and the room needed to open it before choosing this format for a kitchen where space is at a premium.
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If you prepare larger quantities, compare the advertised 7,6 L capacity with the shape of your dishes and the basket’s usable surface area. Also measure the worktop space it needs before adding this appliance alongside your oven.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for an advertised capacity of 4 L and cooking settings in a countertop appliance. The title specifies eight modes and a temperature range of 35 to 200 °C; these settings alone don’t prove that it offers a different use from your oven. Check how to care for the parts and follow the model’s installation instructions.
An air fryer is more worthwhile if you’d often cook small batches or prepare things separately, which isn’t convenient with your current setup. Compare the meals you make regularly rather than just the advertised programmes; Que Choisir advises against buying more appliances than you need when your oven already does the same things.
No: the total capacity doesn’t tell you whether each part of the meal will fit. Check the shape of the cooking cavity, the usable surface area and, for a dual-zone model, the capacity of each compartment. Que Choisir also notes that results can vary between zones.
Place it on a stable, heat-resistant surface and follow the clearance instructions in the manual. Moulinex advises against using it near a wall or water source; before cleaning, unplug the appliance, let it cool and avoid using abrasive accessories on the coatings.
Check the warranty terms, availability of parts and repair options for the model you’ve chosen. Moulinex offers a 15-year repairability commitment for several of its models; check whether it applies and read the conditions on the product listing for the model in question.