If you already have an oven, an air fryer can handle some smaller batches, but it may not offer a genuinely different way to cook: UFC-Que Choisir points out that their functions overlap. Your choice mainly depends on the dishes you prepare, whether two cooking zones would be useful and how much space you have. For large dishes or cooking on several levels, keep your oven as a point of comparison.
If your oven already cooks the meals you make every day, consider which dishes you would genuinely prepare in a second appliance. UFC-Que Choisir advises weighing up the risk of duplicating functions you already have.
If you want to cook a main and a side dish using different settings, the size of each zone and any synchronisation function matter more than the total capacity alone.
In a small or open-plan kitchen, consider the cooking surface alongside the appliance’s dimensions, fan noise and the parts you’ll need to clean after use. UFC-Que Choisir specifically highlights noise as a factor.
Start with the dishes you usually cook and what your oven can already do. Then choose between a single cooking compartment and two zones, before checking the space you have and how easy the model is to clean.
Consider it: for a typical single batch that fits in the basket.
Bear in mind: it’s an extra appliance, and its usable cooking area should meet a need your oven can’t cover as conveniently.
Consider it: if your main and side dishes need different settings but you want to serve them together.
Bear in mind: the capacity is split between the compartments. Their combined volume doesn’t tell you how much room there is for one large dish.
Consider it: if you want a cooking compartment and accessories suited to the dishes you usually make.
Bear in mind: the more it does the same job as your oven, the more you’ll need to justify the space taken up by a second appliance.
Keep it: as your main option if it already accommodates your large dishes or cooking on several levels.
Bear in mind: you won’t have a separate air fryer for smaller batches.
| Criterion | What to check | What consumers say |
|---|---|---|
| A different use from the oven | Compare the smaller batches you usually cook with what your oven can already do. | If my oven meets my needs, I want a clear reason to add another appliance rather than duplicate a function. Around 31% of consumers put this question first. |
| Room for your dishes | Measure your dishes and check the usable cooking surface or the size of each basket, not just the stated capacity in litres. | To prepare my portions in one go, my dish or tin needs to fit in the compartment. This is a priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Two dishes cooking at once | Check the size of each zone and, if needed, whether the model has a synchronisation function. | I often cook a main and a side dish with different cooking times and want to serve them together; around 25% of consumers prioritise this coordination. |
| Space, noise and cleaning | Check the dimensions and clearances specified in the manual, along with the removable parts. If noise matters, look for a measurement for the specific model. | In a kitchen where the appliance will be on show or easy to hear, I don’t want its installation or upkeep to make mealtimes more difficult. Around 13% of consumers put these considerations ahead of the others. |
According to UFC-Que Choisir, the two appliances share cooking, roasting and grilling functions. If you don’t have a specific dish in mind for it, an air fryer could simply duplicate what your oven does.
Before deciding whether a smaller batch or two separate zones would change the way you cook, make a note of the dishes you prepare most often, their dimensions and how many portions you need.
The total capacity won’t tell you whether your pizza, quiche or baking tin will fit inside. In a model with two baskets, the space is divided between the zones.
Compare the usable dimensions of your dishes with the cooking surface or each compartment. For example, Moulinex describes the Surface XL AL4018F0 as suitable for flat dishes up to 27 cm across; this applies to that specific model.
The fan is part of how the appliance works. UFC-Que Choisir advises taking noise into account before buying, particularly if your kitchen opens onto your living area.
If noise is a deciding factor for you, look for an independent measurement for the exact model rather than relying on its format alone.
Removable parts and cleaning methods vary from one model to another. A statement that certain parts are dishwasher-safe doesn’t automatically mean you can put the whole appliance in the dishwasher.
Check the model’s manual for which parts need cleaning, the approved methods and installation instructions. Moulinex recommends unplugging the air fryer before cleaning it.
The Easy Fry range includes models with a large drawer and an oven-style appliance.
The range includes dual-basket air fryers designed for meals made up of two different dishes.
The brand offers dual-zone appliances, including the AF400EU series described in its manual.
These single- and dual-basket models let you compare formats for cooking one batch or two separate dishes. Before choosing, compare their usable dimensions and installation instructions with your dishes and kitchen.
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Worth considering if you regularly split a meal between two dishes. The 9 L figure is the stated total capacity: check how much room each basket offers for your dishes, as well as the space needed around the appliance.
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The flexible basket may appeal to households that switch between cooking one dish and preparing two parts of a meal. The title states a capacity of 12QT and includes 50 cooking paper liners. Check the usable dimensions in each configuration and the instructions for using the liners before cooking.
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The two drawers are worth considering if you split meals between two dishes; the title states a total capacity of 7.6 L. If you need both dishes to finish cooking at exactly the same time, check the functions of the DZ300EU itself: the Sync function described for the AF400EU series doesn’t confirm that this model has it.
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This single-basket model is for anyone who prefers cooking one batch rather than using two separate zones. Its stated 7.6 L capacity alone won’t tell you what size dish will fit, so measure your cookware and check how much space the appliance needs.
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Its stated 2 L capacity makes it better suited to small portions than a large family dish. The title lists a rated power of 1150 W and a 60-minute timer. Check that the basket can hold the food you want to cook and that the outside dimensions will fit on your worktop.
Not for every type of cooking. An air fryer can handle some smaller batches, but the size of its baskets or cooking compartment limits the dishes it can accommodate. UFC-Que Choisir points out that the functions overlap. If you cook large dishes or use several levels, compare those needs with what your oven can do before buying a second appliance.
Unplug it and let it cool completely before cleaning. Then follow the manual for your model to identify the removable parts and approved cleaning methods. Moulinex, for example, advises against using abrasive tools on non-stick coatings.
Yes, especially if you’ll use the appliance in an open-plan kitchen or a small home. UFC-Que Choisir highlights fan noise. If it’s a deciding factor, look for an independent measurement for the specific model you’re considering.
In France, don’t put it out with your ordinary household rubbish. The Ministry for the Ecological Transition lists collection points and recycling centres for electrical equipment, among other options. Look into take-back or reuse schemes that suit the condition of your appliance.