Smaller households cooking modest portions
If you mainly prepare side dishes, leftovers or simple meals, check how much space the appliance takes up and how much food fits in the basket before opting for a larger capacity.
Who is this choice for?
Households preparing several parts of a meal
Two zones may be useful if you regularly need to cook a main and a side dish for different lengths of time or at different temperatures. Weigh this benefit against the space the appliance will take up.
Households already happy with their oven
If your meals involve large dishes, cooking on several shelves or big quantities, consider what an additional appliance would really change about your routine.
What sets the different formats apart?
Start by comparing your usual portions with the space available, then consider whether your meals justify having a separate appliance from your oven. You can decide between one and two drawers after that.
Single-drawer air fryer
Consider this: for modest portions cooked in one basket.
Bear in mind: two foods that need different cooking times may have to be cooked in separate batches.
Air fryer with two compartments
Consider this: if you often cook a main and a side dish separately.
Bear in mind: each compartment has its own capacity, and you’ll need to find space for the appliance in your kitchen.
Existing oven or mini oven
Keep this option: for large dishes, cooking on several shelves or meals that would take too many batches in a basket.
Worth considering: keeping your existing oven avoids adding an appliance with similar functions; a mini oven still needs to be installed and maintained.
| Criterion | What to check | Relevant to |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and space | Compare the usable surface area and volume with your portions. Measure the space available, how far the drawer opens and the clearance required according to the manual. | If I cook in a small space, I want my meal to fit without needing several batches; around 42% of consumers would make this a priority. |
| A different use from your oven | Think about the dishes you prepare most often and how many batches they require. To compare electricity use, look for measurements based on the same recipe and quantity. | Before adding an appliance, I want to know how it would change the way I prepare my usual meals; nearly 33% of consumers would put this question first. |
| Cooking two foods at once and cleaning | For two drawers, check the capacity of each one and whether the model has a synchronisation function. Check which parts are dishwasher-safe. | When a main and a side dish need to be cooked separately, I also want to be able to clean up easily after the meal; around 25% of consumers would prioritise this. |
Mistakes to avoid before buying
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Assuming an air fryer will automatically replace your oven
Que Choisir points out that the two appliances share cooking functions. If your usual dishes don’t fit in the basket, an air fryer is likely to end up being an addition to your oven instead.
Compare a few meals you cook regularly: dish size, quantity, number of items to cook and batches required.
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Choosing based solely on an XL or XXL label
The total volume doesn’t tell you how much food will fit in each drawer. The shape of the basket matters too, particularly if you want to cook a whole dish.
Check the dimensions of the cooking compartment and appliance, as well as the quantity guidance in the manual for the model you’re considering.
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Judging electricity use by the stated power rating
A wattage figure alone isn’t enough to determine how much energy cooking will use. Que Choisir’s testing measures the energy used per preparation; when comparing an air fryer with an oven, you also need to consider the recipe, quantity and number of batches.
Look for measurements based on dishes and quantities similar to your own, rather than general promises of energy savings.
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Forgetting about cleaning and replacement parts
Dishwasher compatibility and repair options vary depending on the model and the parts in question.
Check the manual to see which parts are dishwasher-safe, and check which accessories and repair services are available for the model you choose.
Brands to know when comparing formats
Philips
The range includes models with two baskets, including some with a removable divider.
- According to Philips, the Series 1000 NA154/00 switches from two 3,55 L zones to one 7,1 L zone when the divider is removed.
- This configuration isn’t available across the whole range: check the size of each zone, the external dimensions and which parts are dishwasher-safe for the model you choose.
Moulinex
Some Easy Fry Dual models have two drawers for cooking different foods separately.
- Moulinex describes an Easy Fry Dual XXL with an 11 L capacity, split between a 6,5 L drawer and a 4,5 L drawer.
- Check the capacity of each drawer, synchronisation and dishwasher-safe parts for the specific model; the brand’s claims about speed or energy use don’t apply to every meal.
Tefal
The Easy Fry range includes single-drawer appliances, as well as repair services for selected products.
- Tefal features an Easy Fry & Grill model with a 4,6 L capacity and states that this model is covered by a 15-year repairability commitment.
- Check that the capacity suits your household and that the exact model is eligible for a repair service; this commitment is not a warranty period.
Air fryers available at Joybuy
These models include smaller and larger-capacity baskets, as well as two-compartment designs. Compare the stated capacity with your portions and check how much space you’ll need before choosing; your existing oven remains an option for dishes that won’t fit in a basket.
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COSORI P651 Premium II Chef Edition, 6,2 L
Worth considering if you’re looking for a single basket for everyday meals rather than two separate cooking zones.
Stated capacity: 6,2 L. Check that your portions fit in the basket and consult the manual for the clearance required around the appliance.
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Ninja Dual Zone DZ300EU, two drawers, 7,6 L
Consider this if you regularly need to cook two parts of a meal separately.
The title lists two drawers, a total capacity of 7,6 L and six functions. Check the space required and whether it has a finish-time synchronisation function if that matters to you.
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Midea Air Fryer 2 L, 1150 W
Its 2 L basket is worth comparing with your smaller portions and the number of batches you’d need to cook a meal.
The title lists a power rating of 1150 W and a 60-minute timer. Measure the space available and check the clearance recommended in the manual.
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Bear QZG-F24F1, two baskets, 9 L
The two-basket format is suited to meals where you want to keep different foods separate.
The title lists a total capacity of 9 L, 2400 W, eight programmes and independent temperature control. Check the capacity needed for each dish, the dimensions and how to clean the parts.
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Cuisinart Compact Max AFS8OBLE, 7,6 L
Its stated capacity of 7,6 L may be worth considering for larger portions, but don’t assume a particular dish will fit in the cooking compartment.
Check the dimensions and clearance required, as well as the exact configuration of baskets or accessories supplied with this model.
Frequently asked questions
Can an air fryer replace an oven you already have?
Not for every meal: as Que Choisir points out, its functions overlap with those of an oven. It may suit regular use for portions that fit in its basket; keep your oven in the running for large dishes, cooking on several shelves or quantities that would require too many batches.
What capacity should I choose for everyday meals?
Start with your usual quantities rather than relying on the number of litres alone. Que Choisir suggests 3 to 4 L for one or two people and at least 6 L for a family of four; you’ll still need to check the shape of the cooking compartment and the size of the food to see whether a meal will fit in one batch.
When are two drawers useful?
Two drawers are most useful if you often cook different foods at the same time that need different cooking times or temperatures. Check the capacity of each drawer and the appliance dimensions. If you want to serve both dishes together, also check whether the model has a synchronisation function.
How can I plan for cleaning after each meal?
Check the manual to see which removable parts are dishwasher-safe and how to clean the other surfaces. A claim that the basket is dishwasher-safe doesn’t necessarily apply to the racks, trays and other accessories supplied with the appliance.
What statutory warranty applies to a new air fryer bought in France?
If the product is not as described or otherwise fails to conform, you can claim under the statutory guarantee of conformity from the retailer. The Directorate-General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control states that claims must be brought within two years of delivery of the goods; any commercial warranty is separate and does not replace this statutory guarantee.