Households that already have an oven
You want to know whether you would use a smaller cooking compartment regularly, without leaving another appliance on the worktop. Que Choisir points out that air fryers and ovens have many uses in common.
Who is this choice for?
People who cook smaller portions
You often cook for one to four people and want to choose a basket that suits your meals, your space and the clean-up afterwards. Que Choisir’s capacity guidelines can be a useful starting point for comparing models.
Households serving two dishes together
You want to cook a main and a side separately, using different settings, and have enough room for an appliance with two drawers.
What should you look for?
Start with the recipes you make and the portions you usually cook. This will help you decide whether your oven is enough, then choose between a single basket and two cooking zones. A traditional deep-fat fryer meets a different need—classic deep frying—and won’t suit you if you want to avoid that type of appliance.
| What matters | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Whether it’s useful alongside your oven | Compare the small meals you cook regularly with the dishes you already make in the oven, and check that they will fit in the basket you’re considering. | If my oven already meets most of my needs, I want to avoid adding an appliance I’ll rarely use. Around 40% of consumers would make this their top consideration. |
| Portions and separate cooking | Check the usable surface area of each basket and, if you’re cooking two dishes, the settings and synchronisation features of the specific model. | If I want to serve a main and a side together, I don’t want to cook multiple batches or assume that two drawers will automatically finish at the same time. This would be the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Space and cleaning | Measure the space where you’ll put the appliance and allow room to open the drawers. Also check the manual for cleaning instructions and the model’s test results for noise levels. | In a kitchen where the appliance will stay on display, I want a size I can set up, use and clean easily every day. Around 30% of consumers would put these practical considerations first. |
As a guide to capacity, Que Choisir suggests a single basket of 3 to 4 L for one to two people, and 5 to 6 L for three to four people. These volumes don’t replace checking the size of your food and the actual usable surface area. An existing oven remains useful for larger dishes and anything too wide for a drawer.
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming an air fryer can do something your oven can’t
According to Que Choisir, it also uses circulated hot air to cook, roast or grill. If you don’t regularly cook small batches, it may simply take up space.
Before deciding whether you’d benefit from another cooking compartment, think about the recipes you’d actually make in its basket.
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Choosing by capacity in litres alone
A basket that’s too small may mean cooking in several batches, while its stated capacity alone won’t tell you whether your dish or food will fit.
Compare the usable dimensions with your usual portions, and allow room to open the drawer too.
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Taking lower electricity use for granted
Que Choisir’s published comparisons cover specific recipes and appliances, so their results don’t apply to every air fryer compared with every oven.
To compare energy use, look at the same recipe and quantity rather than relying on a general claim.
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Overlooking the cleaning instructions
Philips says that metal utensils and abrasive products can damage the coating on appliances covered by its guidance.
Let the appliance cool down and follow the instructions for the model you’ve bought when cleaning the basket, drawer and other accessible parts.
Brands to know when comparing ranges
Moulinex
The Easy Fry range includes models designed for smaller kitchens. Compare the features of each model rather than assuming they apply to the whole range.
- Moulinex lists a 3.5 L capacity and compact design for the Easy Fry Essential EZ130810.
- For the model you choose, check the dimensions, cleaning instructions and service terms that matter to you.
Philips
The range includes both single-basket and dual-basket appliances. Compare them based on your portion sizes and how you organise your cooking.
- Philips lists two baskets of 6 L and 3 L, plus a synchronisation function, for the Series 3000 NA352/00.
- These features apply to the NA352/00, not every Philips model. Follow the instructions for the appliance you’ve bought when cleaning it.
Ninja
Ninja models feature in Que Choisir’s air fryer comparisons.
- The brand offers different cooking configurations to consider, depending on the model you choose.
- Que Choisir notes that performance varies between models. Compare cooking results, noise, cleaning and size for the specific model you’re considering.
Air fryers available on Joybuy
These models with one or two drawers let you compare cooking in a single basket with preparing two foods separately. Start by choosing according to your portion sizes and available space, then check the features of each model.
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Philips Series 3000 NA351/00, two baskets, 9 L
Worth considering if you want to cook two dishes separately in one appliance. Its stated capacity is 9 L. Check how much room you’ll need to open the baskets, and look for a synchronisation function if you want both dishes to finish at the same time.
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12QT Large Dual Basket, adjustable basket and viewing window
Worth considering if you switch between cooking two separate dishes and using a larger basket. The product title lists a capacity of 12QT and Sync and Dual modes. Check the external dimensions, the space needed to open it and whether the 50 baking sheets mentioned are included.
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Ninja Dual Zone DZ300EU, two drawers, 7.6 L
A two-drawer option if you prepare foods separately. The product title lists a capacity of 7.6 L and six functions. If you need to serve both dishes at the same time, check whether this model can synchronise the end of cooking.
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ROUNY T3, 5 L, with viewing window and Steam Box
Worth comparing if you cook meals in a single basket. The product title lists a 5 L capacity and a viewing window. Check the dimensions and basket cleaning instructions to make sure they suit your kitchen and routine.
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KITCHENCOOK AIRMED7W, 7 L, with viewing window
Worth considering if you’d prefer a single basket with a stated capacity of 7 L. The viewing window lets you keep an eye on your food as it cooks. Check that your usual ingredients fit in the basket, and make sure you have enough space and are happy with the cleaning instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Can an air fryer replace my oven?
It can handle many smaller cooking tasks, but it won’t necessarily replace your oven for larger dishes. According to Que Choisir, the two have many uses in common. Measure your dishes and portions before deciding whether an air fryer basket could become your main cooking option.
What capacity should I choose for the number of people?
Que Choisir’s starting guidelines for a single basket are 3 to 4 L for one to two people and 5 to 6 L for three to four people. For five to six people, you could consider a 7 to 9 L model or one with two drawers, but check the usable dimensions and the dishes you actually cook.
Are two drawers useful for the meals I cook?
Two drawers are most useful if you often cook a main and a side using different settings. If you usually cook just one food, compare the space they take up with that of a single-basket model, and check the synchronisation feature on the model you’re considering.
How can I clean the basket without damaging its coating?
Follow the instructions for your model and let the appliance cool down first. For the Airfryer models covered by its guidance, Philips recommends using a non-abrasive sponge and advises against metal utensils and abrasive cleaners. Check whether the parts of the model you’ve bought are dishwasher-safe.