For frequent small portions, a drawer-style air fryer can complement an oven. If your oven already handles these tasks, or you’re short of worktop space, sticking with what you have avoids adding a redundant appliance. To cook two dishes separately, consider a dual-drawer model; choose a mini oven instead if you need a cavity, and check the usable dimensions, cleaning requirements and space needed.
You regularly cook a small batch and are deciding between a drawer-style model and the oven you already own. How much fits in one go and the amount of worktop space available can help you choose. UFC-Que Choisir includes capacity among the factors worth considering.
You want to cook a main dish and a side at the same time. Check the size of each drawer and whether cooking times can be synchronised for the model you’re considering, including the information from Moulinex and tests by UFC-Que Choisir.
You already have an oven or are short of space, and want to avoid an appliance that duplicates what you can already do. If you need a cavity for your dishes, a mini oven is a different option from a drawer-style basket. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the risk of adding clutter when you use an air fryer alongside an oven.
Start with your portion sizes and how many dishes you need to cook, then consider the space available, cleaning and noise in your kitchen.
| What matters to you | What to check before buying | Who tends to prioritise it |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the drawer or cavity dimensions with your usual portions; a dual-drawer model splits its capacity between two compartments. | If I often cook a small batch, I want to avoid cooking several times to fit in my portions. Around 33% of consumers prioritise capacity that suits their usual portions. |
| Cooking two dishes at once | Check the settings for each zone and whether the cooking finishes can be synchronised, if the model offers this feature. | When I want my main dish and side to be ready at the same time, I look for a way to avoid cooking them one after the other. Around 27% of consumers prioritise being able to cook two dishes at once. |
| Space and avoiding a duplicate appliance | Measure the space available and compare your usual recipes with the functions of your current oven. | In a kitchen that’s already well equipped or short on space, I’d rather not add an appliance that does the same things as my oven. Around 20% of consumers prioritise available space or avoiding a duplicate appliance. |
| Cleaning and noise | Check which parts are dishwasher-safe and look at tests of the exact model for information about noise. | If I use an appliance often, I want it to be easy to clean and quiet enough for my kitchen, especially if it’s open-plan. Around 20% of consumers prioritise easy cleaning and quiet operation. |
An air fryer and an oven can be used for many of the same tasks; an extra appliance also takes up permanent space on your worktop.
Make a list of the small dishes you actually cook and check whether your current oven can handle them before choosing an air fryer.
On a dual-drawer model, the capacity is split between two compartments, which may be different sizes.
Compare the usable dimensions of each drawer with the food or dish you plan to put in it.
In its French tests, UFC-Que Choisir found differences depending on the models and dishes tested. Its comparison with traditional ovens included just one appliance of each type.
To compare energy use, look for measurements taken using comparable appliances, quantities and dishes; don’t assume you’ll get the same results at home.
For the TO 2052 mini oven, Severin lists a capacity of 9 l and no fan-assisted cooking, while a Joybuy listing under the same model number shows a different capacity and different features.
If the specifications don’t match, ask for confirmation of the full model number and details before choosing.
The Series 2000 NA210/00 is an example of a 3,2 l drawer-style air fryer for smaller dishes.
The Easy Fry Dual EZ901N20 is a dual-drawer model, while the Optimo OX444810 is a mini oven with a cavity.
The TO 2052 mini oven is an example of a cavity-style option rather than a drawer-style one.
Dual-zone models are worth considering when two dishes need different settings or cooking times.
These Joybuy options include drawer-style air fryers with containers in different sizes, or two cooking zones, depending on the model.
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Worth considering for smaller portions: the listing recommends its 4,7 l capacity for one or two people.
The listing says the non-stick basket is dishwasher-safe and includes a crisper plate. It also states that the appliance isn’t suitable for deep-fat frying.
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Worth considering if you want to switch between two preparation sizes and keep an eye on cooking through the transparent containers.
The listing says the containers and accessories are dishwasher-safe. The glass containers get very hot, so use oven gloves and don’t place them on an open flame or hob.
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Worth considering if you want to switch between a small dish and a larger batch, while keeping an eye on the food as it cooks.
The listing says the glass containers and accessories are dishwasher-safe. The containers and tray can get very hot, so use oven gloves and let them cool before cleaning.
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Worth considering for cooking two dishes with separate time and temperature settings.
The listing specifies two independent 3,8 l drawers, plus dishwasher-safe drawers and crisper plates. The 7,6 l capacity is split between two drawers, not one large cavity. Use a stable, heat-resistant surface and oven gloves when handling hot drawers.
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Worth considering for modest portions in a drawer-style design; UFC-Que Choisir gives 3 to 4 l as a guide for one or two people.
The listing says the drawer and removable basket are dishwasher-safe. It requires at least 100 mm of clearance on all sides and warns that surfaces get hot and steam is released during cooking.
No. For the Moulinex EZ901N20, the manufacturer splits the stated 8,3 l capacity between a 5,2 l drawer and a 3,1 l drawer. Check the shape and usable dimensions of the drawer you plan to use for your dish: two zones don’t make one large cavity.
It depends on the model and the part. Philips says the removable plate for the NA210/00 is dishwasher-safe; Moulinex gives the same guidance for the drawers and racks of the EZ901N20. Check the instructions for the exact model before washing any other parts.
No. In French tests published in 2024, UFC-Que Choisir found different results depending on the dishes and appliances tested; its comparison with traditional ovens included only one model of each type. These results can’t tell you how much you’ll save at home.
Contact the trader under the legal guarantee of conformity, which is separate from a commercial or manufacturer’s guarantee. According to the DGCCRF, you have two years from delivery of the goods to bring a claim; keep your proof of purchase.