Couples who cook a main and a side
If the two foods need different settings but should be served together, two compartments can save you from cooking them one after the other. Just check that each basket is big enough for your portion.
Who are these appliances suitable for?
Couples who use wide dishes
For a pizza, quiche, tart or cake tin, compare the usable dimensions with those of your dishes. A wide single cavity or mini oven may be more suitable than two narrow baskets.
Couples who want to combine different cooking methods
If you also use pressure cooking, steaming or slow cooking, a multi-cooker with an air-fry function could be more versatile. Check the model’s functions, the accessories included and its weight before deciding where to put it.
How do the different formats compare?
For two people, start with the meals you cook most often. The shape of your dishes, whether you want to cook two foods at once and which other cooking methods you need will point you towards different appliances.
Single drawer
Best for: cooking one dish at a time. For a pizza or quiche, choose a model that fits the size of your dish.
Bear in mind: you won’t have independent controls for two dishes that need different settings.
Two compartments
Best for: cooking a main and a side at the same time, using separate settings.
Bear in mind: the two baskets don’t combine to create one large cavity for a tin or whole pizza.
Multi-cooker with air-fry function
Best for: when pressure cooking, steaming or slow cooking matter as much as air frying.
Bear in mind: weight, the accessories required and air-frying speed vary from model to model.
Mini oven
Best for: using baking trays, racks or your own oven dishes.
Bear in mind: check the internal dimensions, the worktop space required and how to clean the cavity.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Dish size | Compare the published usable dimensions with your tins and dishes. Don’t assume they’ll fit based on the capacity in litres alone. | I often cook a pizza, quiche or cake in a tin that I want to keep using. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise being able to fit their larger dishes. |
| Cooking two foods | Check the shape of each basket, whether the settings can be controlled independently and, if needed, whether the cooking times can be synchronised. | I want to serve a main and a side together, even if they need different settings. Separate cooking would be the priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Other cooking methods | Check which functions are actually built in and whether air frying requires an accessory sold separately. | I also plan to steam, slow cook or pressure cook, rather than use an appliance just for air frying. Around 20% of consumers would prioritise this versatility. |
| Cleaning and space | Check the washing instructions for removable parts, the external dimensions and which replacement parts are available for the model. | I’ll use the appliance often in a small kitchen and want it to be easy to clean and store. Cleaning and size would be priorities for around 20% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based only on the advertised capacity in litres
The capacity in litres doesn’t tell you how wide a pizza, quiche or tin can be.
Measure your dishes, then check the manual for the maximum diameter or internal dimensions. For example, Moulinex says the Easy Fry Surface XL AL4018F0 fits pizzas, tarts and quiches up to 27 cm.
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Assuming two baskets can fit a large dish
Two zones let you use separate settings, but each basket needs to fit its own portion. Their capacities don’t combine to create one large cavity.
Choose this format if you often need to cook two foods separately. For a large tin, compare the cavity of a single-drawer model or mini oven instead.
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Expecting a multi-cooker to cook just as quickly
Que Choisir’s tests of the Moulinex Cookeo Infinity describe its air-frying as slower than that of some of the appliances tested alongside it. This finding relates to this model, not all multi-cookers.
If you’re mainly looking for several cooking methods, check the accessories included, the weight and the space available. Then consider the compromises of the model you choose.
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Confusing parts availability with a durability rating
A replacement part offered by the manufacturer can make repairs easier, but this alone doesn’t amount to an assessment of the appliance’s durability.
Check the part number and availability terms for the specific model. Also distinguish a manufacturer’s commercial commitment from the statutory guarantee that applies to your purchase.
Brands to consider
Philips
The range includes air fryers with one or two baskets. The right choice depends in part on the shape of the food you want to cook.
- According to Philips France, the NA352/00 has one 6 L basket, another 3 L basket and a sync function.
- These two separate zones don’t create a single 9 L cavity for a large dish.
Moulinex
The Easy Fry and Cookeo ranges let you compare an air fryer with a multi-cooker that has an air-fry option.
- Moulinex France says the Easy Fry Surface XL AL4018F0 fits pizzas, tarts and quiches up to 27 cm.
- The air-fry function on the Cookeo Wifi 10-in-1 featured by Moulinex France requires the Extra Crisp accessory, which is sold separately.
Ninja
Ninja is among the air-fryer brands covered in Que Choisir’s tests, which include different appliance formats.
- Its dual-zone models are worth comparing if you want to check the size of each basket and the cooking controls.
- Que Choisir noted the noise level of the portable Crispi FN101 in European tests. This finding doesn’t apply to other Ninja models.
Air fryers to consider on Joybuy
These single- and dual-drawer appliances are suited to the air-frying uses discussed here. To compare the models, check each basket against your usual portions and dishes. Their features don’t replace those of a multi-cooker or mini oven.
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Ninja Dual Zone DZ400EU, two drawers, 9.5 L
Worth considering if you want to cook two parts of a meal using separate settings, as long as each fits in its own drawer.
The model name indicates six functions and dishwasher-safe baskets. Check the usable dimensions of each drawer and whether it has a sync function if you need one.
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Ninja Dual Zone DZ300EU, two drawers, 7.6 L
This two-drawer format is suited to cooking a main and a side separately, provided each portion fits in its basket.
The model name indicates six functions and dishwasher-safe baskets. The total capacity doesn’t tell you what size dish will fit. Also check whether it has a sync function if you want to serve both foods together.
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Midea, 2 L air fryer, 1 150 W
Worth considering if you usually cook one small portion at a time. Check that your usual portions will fit in the basket.
The product name indicates a 60-minute timer and a dishwasher-safe basket. For a pizza, quiche or tin, compare the usable dimensions with those of your dish.
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Bear QZG-F24F1, two baskets, 9 L
Consider the two baskets if your meals regularly include two dishes that need separate settings, rather than one large dish.
The model name indicates 2 400 W, eight programmes and independent temperature control. Check the usable dimensions of each basket and its cleaning instructions.
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Midea, 4 L air fryer, 1 500 W
Compare this single basket with the size of your usual meals if you prefer to cook one dish at a time.
The product name indicates eight pre-set modes and a temperature range of 35 to 200 °C. Before planning to cook a pizza or cake in it, check the internal dimensions and washing instructions for the removable parts.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if my pizza or tin will fit in an air fryer?
Compare your dish with the maximum diameter or cooking dimensions given for the model, rather than relying on its capacity in litres alone. For example, Moulinex France says the Easy Fry Surface XL AL4018F0 fits pizzas, tarts and quiches up to 27 cm.
Are two baskets always more practical for a couple?
No. They’re mainly useful for cooking foods that need different settings at the same time, provided each portion fits in its own basket. For a large tin or whole pizza, compare the cavity of a wide single-drawer model or mini oven instead.
Which parts should I check for cleaning?
Check the model’s manual to see whether the basket, crisper plate or bowl is removable and dishwasher-safe. Guidance for one Philips or Moulinex appliance doesn’t automatically apply to other models from the same brand.
Does a repairability commitment replace a public durability rating?
No. A manufacturer’s commitment on spare parts should be considered in line with its own terms. In 2025, the French government departments responsible for the environment said the durability rating was initially being rolled out for televisions and washing machines. On that basis, it can’t be used to compare the air fryers mentioned here.
Who should I contact if an appliance bought in France develops a fault?
To claim under the statutory guarantee of conformity, contact the retailer, not just the manufacturer. The French Directorate-General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control states that claims can be made within two years for new and second-hand goods. This is separate from returning an item simply because you’ve changed your mind, and from any commercial warranty that may apply.