Frequent small batches
You often make a single portion, a side dish or a simple meal, and would rather not use the whole oven. Whether another appliance is worthwhile depends on how often you cook these meals and how much space you have.
Who is this option for?
Meals with two components
You want to cook two components at the same time, using different settings for each. A dual-compartment model is worth comparing with your oven, provided each basket is large enough for your portions.
Open-plan kitchens or limited worktop space
Noise, the space an appliance takes up and cleaning are just as important as cooking performance. UFC-Que Choisir advises taking fan noise into account before you buy.
What should you compare?
If you already have an oven, start by thinking about the meals you actually cook: a small batch, two separate cooking tasks, or dishes that are better suited to the oven’s capacity.
Single-drawer air fryer
Worth considering: for frequent small batches that fit in one basket.
Bear in mind: the basket’s shape limits the dishes you can use, while the appliance takes up space and makes a fan noise.
Dual-compartment air fryer
Worth considering: if two components need different settings and should be ready at the same time.
Bear in mind: two baskets don’t give you one large, continuous cooking space, and you’ll need room to open the drawers.
Existing oven or mini oven
Best option: stick with your oven if your meals mainly involve large dishes, tins or several items being cooked at once. Consider a mini oven only if you need a second cooking space of this kind.
Consider: without regular use for a second appliance, it could simply duplicate what your oven already does.
| Criteria | What to check | What matters to consumers |
|---|---|---|
| Small batches | Usable capacity and basket shape; whether your usual food or dishes will fit. | If I often cook a small amount, I want to avoid using my oven for just one batch; around 36% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Two cooking tasks | Whether the zones operate independently, whether cooking can be synchronised and the capacity of each basket. | When the two components of my meal need different settings, I want to serve them together; around 29% of consumers share this priority. |
| Space and noise | Dimensions with the drawers open, clearances specified in the instructions and independent noise measurements, if available. | In an open-plan kitchen or on a cluttered worktop, I don’t want a new appliance to get in the way of everyday life; around 21% of consumers prioritise space and noise. |
| Cleaning and frequency of use | Which specific parts are dishwasher-safe and the model’s care instructions. | If cleaning is a chore, I may use the appliance less; around 14% of consumers prioritise easy cleaning and frequency of use. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Buying an air fryer to replace everything your oven does
As UFC-Que Choisir points out, the two appliances can serve similar purposes. If you mainly use large dishes or your usual tins, adding an air fryer could mean more storage and cleaning without meeting a separate need.
Think about the meals you make most often. Would a drawer suit regular small batches, or is your oven already the right size for them?
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Comparing only the total capacity in litres
For a dual-drawer appliance, the total capacity doesn’t tell you how much will fit in each basket. Nor does it show the shape of the available cooking space.
Compare the capacity of each basket and the space needed to open the drawers, then check the ventilation clearances required in the instructions for the exact model.
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Overlooking noise without checking the model
You may notice the fan in an open-plan room. UFC-Que Choisir recommends taking this into account rather than assuming a short cooking time will go unnoticed.
If keeping noise down matters to you, look for independent measurements taken in comparable conditions. Don’t rely solely on a claim that an appliance is quiet.
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Assuming dishwasher-safe parts mean no maintenance
A dishwasher-safe claim may apply only to certain removable parts. The rest of the appliance and its coatings still need the care recommended by the manufacturer.
Check which parts of your chosen model are dishwasher-safe, let the appliance cool before cleaning it and follow the instructions for its non-stick coatings.
Brands to consider
These product ranges show some formats you can compare. A brand name alone won’t tell you the usable capacity, footprint or cleaning requirements of a particular model.
Moulinex
The Easy Fry range includes single-drawer models in a variety of capacities.
- Moulinex says the basket of its Easy Fry Essential 3,5 L is dishwasher-safe and offers a 15-year repairability commitment for the Easy Fry Surface XL.
- These features apply to the models mentioned. Check which parts are dishwasher-safe and the repairability terms for the model you’re considering.
Philips
The range includes dual-basket air fryers designed to cook two dishes at the same time.
- Philips offers models with two baskets, which may have the same or different capacities depending on the model.
- Check the capacity of each basket and the dimensions of the exact model before deciding whether it will suit your meals and worktop.
Ninja
The Foodi DualZone range offers two-drawer appliances for cooking different dishes at the same time.
- Amazon France’s listing for the Foodi DualZone AF300EU describes two 3,8 L drawers and six functions.
- These features don’t apply to every Ninja model. Check the model, its dimensions and which parts are dishwasher-safe before choosing.
Air fryers to explore on Joybuy
These models let you compare two distinct uses: one drawer for small batches and two baskets for cooking separate dishes at the same time. The Cuisinart Compact Max offers another format to compare with your usual meals and what your oven can do.
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Midea Air Fryer 2 L, black
Worth considering if you regularly cook small amounts rather than large dishes.
The product listing states that it has a 2 L capacity, 1 150 W power, a 60-minute timer and a dishwasher-safe non-stick basket. Check that the basket suits your portions, and allow for the space needed to open it and the clearances specified in the instructions.
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Ninja Dual Zone DZ300EU, two drawers, 7,6 L
Worth considering when two parts of a meal need to cook at the same time rather than in one basket.
The title states that it has two drawers, a total capacity of 7,6 L and six functions. To check whether it will fit in your kitchen, allow for the space needed with the drawers open and the clearances specified in the instructions.
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Ninja Dual Zone DZ400EU, two drawers, 9,5 L
If you cook two components separately, compare this two-drawer format with the quantities you usually prepare.
The title states a total capacity of 9,5 L and six functions. This total capacity doesn’t remove the need to check how much will fit in each drawer. Also consult the instructions for drawer clearance and ventilation.
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Bear QZG-F24F1, two baskets, 9 L
Worth considering if you want to cook two foods at the same time at different temperatures.
The title states a total capacity of 9 L, 2 400 W power, eight programmes and independent temperature control. Check the size of each basket, the space needed to open them and the model’s care instructions.
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Cuisinart Compact Max AFS8OBLE, 7,6 L
Compare this model with the dishes you already cook in your oven before adding another cooking appliance.
The title states a capacity of 7,6 L. Check that its dimensions, cooking options and cleaning requirements suit regular use in your home, rather than duplicating a function your oven already provides.
Frequently asked questions
Can an air fryer replace my oven for everyday meals?
Not for every meal. If you already have an oven, an air fryer can be particularly useful for frequent small batches. An oven is still worth considering for large dishes, tins and food that won’t fit in a basket. UFC-Que Choisir points out that the two appliances can serve similar purposes.
How can I check whether an air fryer will fit in my kitchen?
Measure the space with the drawer fully open, then compare it with the dimensions of the exact model. Check the instructions for ventilation clearances and make sure there’s a suitable socket nearby.
Are all air fryer baskets dishwasher-safe?
No. It depends on the model and the parts in question. Moulinex says the basket of its Easy Fry Essential 3,5 L is dishwasher-safe. For any other appliance, check the parts listed in its instructions and let it cool before cleaning.
What protection applies to an appliance bought from a business in France?
In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a private individual, according to the Ministry of the Economy. It covers issues including goods that don’t match their description. Any commercial guarantee offered by the seller is separate.
What should I do with an old electrical appliance?
According to the Ministry for Ecological Transition, you can take it to a collection point or recycling centre, return it to a shop or give it to a social and solidarity economy organisation.