For a larger household, choose an air fryer based on how much your recipes can actually cook in one batch, rather than relying on the stated capacity alone: UFC-Que Choisir highlights the importance of usable volume. A large basket is best suited to cooking one dish at a time; two zones let you cook dishes with different settings, while a flexible basket gives you the option to switch between the two. In every case, check the size of each zone, how much worktop space you’ll need and how easy the appliance is to clean.
If you often cook a large quantity of one type of food or a complete family meal, look at the usable surface area and volume. UFC-Que Choisir points out that it’s usable volume, not the product’s marketing name, that determines how much you can cook.
A main course and a side dish may need different cooking times or temperatures. Independent zones let you set each one separately; also check whether there’s a synchronisation function if you want both dishes to finish at the same time.
If you alternate between cooking a large dish and preparing two separate dishes, a removable divider may suit both needs. However, compare the available dimensions in each configuration: the capacities stated by Moulinex and Philips apply to specific models.
The right format depends mainly on how your meal uses the cooking space: one large dish, two different recipes or a mix of the two.
Worth considering: if you mainly cook one dish at a time.
The trade-off: a single cooking chamber doesn’t let you set different settings for two recipes.
Worth considering: if your main course and side dish need different settings.
The trade-off: the total capacity is split between two compartments, which may be different sizes.
Worth considering: if your meals alternate between one large dish and two separate dishes.
The trade-off: capacity and available settings in split mode depend on the model.
Worth considering: if you’d prefer a countertop oven-style cavity to drawers; UFC-Que Choisir lists it as one of the formats to consider for family meals.
The trade-off: check the dimensions of the dishes it can hold and the space needed for installation. Don’t assume it will use less energy for every recipe.
| Feature | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity per batch | Compare the maximum quantities in the manual and the internal dimensions with your recipes, rather than relying on the ‘XXL’ label alone. | If you need to serve many portions together, avoiding multiple batches becomes the priority; around 36% of consumers would put this need first. |
| Two different recipes | Check that you can set the time and temperature independently, then look for a synchronisation function if you want to serve both dishes together. | For preparing a main course and a side without making them follow the same cooking settings, this would be the main priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Flexible configuration | Check the dimensions of the large zone and each separate zone, as well as the settings available when the divider is in place. | If your menu varies between one large dish and two separate preparations, keeping both options would be the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Everyday use | Measure the space where you’ll install it, and check the weight and how easy the removable parts are to clean. | If you’ll be installing, handling and cleaning the appliance often, convenience would be the priority for around 14% of consumers. |
UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between stated capacity and usable volume. You may need to cook in several batches if your recipe requires the food to be arranged in a thin layer.
Check the recommended quantities in the manual and compare the basket dimensions with the dishes you usually prepare.
Cooking successive batches can make meal preparation take longer and delay serving the first portions.
A large combined capacity doesn’t guarantee that a bulky item will fit in either drawer. For example, Moulinex states that the Easy Fry Dual Flex EZ9228F0 has two zones of 5.5 l and 3.5 l.
Check the dimensions of each compartment separately before planning to cook your largest dish in it.
An appliance that suits your portion sizes may still be awkward to handle or maintain. UFC-Que Choisir also includes ease of handling and cleaning among its buying criteria.
Measure the space where you’ll put it, leave the clearances specified in the manual and check which parts need cleaning after a complete meal.
In a test using the same quantity to cook a small quiche, UFC-Que Choisir found that the air fryers tested used less energy than the mini-oven tested. This result doesn’t apply to every recipe or every appliance.
If energy use is an important factor in your decision, compare tests involving similar dishes and quantities to the ones you cook.
The Easy Fry range includes dual-drawer appliances and flexible models. Moulinex says that the Easy Fry Dual Flex EZ9228F0 switches from two zones of 5.5 l and 3.5 l to a single 9 l zone using a removable divider.
Philips says that the Airfryer 1000 Series NA154/00 can switch from two 3.55 l zones to a 7.1 l basket when the divider is removed.
These appliances suit cooking in two compartments or preparing food in a single basket. Compare their stated capacity with your recipes: capacity alone doesn’t tell you how much you can cook in one batch.
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Worth considering if you want to split a meal between two drawers. The stated total capacity is 9.5 l and the product title lists six functions; check the usable dimensions of each drawer and whether there’s a synchronisation function if you want both dishes to finish at the same time.
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Worth considering for preparing two parts of a meal in separate drawers. Its stated total capacity is 7.6 l; check the space available in each drawer and whether the cooking times can be synchronised if that matters to you.
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The two-basket design suits a meal made up of two dishes. The product title states a total capacity of 9 l, 2 400 W and eight programmes; compare the usable dimensions of each basket with your portion sizes and measure the space you have for the appliance.
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The two chambers let you prepare two dishes in the same appliance. The stated total capacity is 9 l; check the size of each chamber and whether it has independent settings before planning to cook two recipes with different cooking requirements.
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The single basket is worth considering if you mainly cook one dish at a time. The product title states a 7 l capacity and a cooking window; check the internal dimensions and recommended quantities for your recipes rather than relying on capacity alone.
Compare the quantity recommended in the manual and the internal dimensions with the recipe you usually make, rather than looking at the stated capacity alone. UFC-Que Choisir highlights that usable volume determines how much you can actually cook; also bear in mind that some foods need to be arranged in a single layer.
No: check that you can set the time and temperature separately for each zone. If you want the dishes to be ready at the same time, also check whether it has a synchronisation function.
A flexible basket is a good fit if you alternate between one large dish and two separate dishes; fixed dual drawers are best suited to regularly cooking two recipes at the same time. In either case, check what will actually fit in each zone and which settings are available.
For the model you’re considering, check the baskets, racks and any removable dividers, as well as their cleaning instructions. UFC-Que Choisir includes ease of cleaning among its buying criteria; confirm that the parts for your specific model are dishwasher-safe.