If you often cook small portions, a single-basket air fryer may be all you need, as long as your food fits in the cooking area and you have room for the appliance in your kitchen. Dual drawers are worth considering if you regularly cook two items that need to be ready at the same time. And if your oven already does the job, an extra appliance may be redundant. Que Choisir’s tests show that cooking results, noise and energy use vary between models and test conditions.
If you often cook a single roasted or crispy portion, check that it really fits in the basket and that the parts you need to clean suit you. Que Choisir lists capacity and cleaning among the key factors to consider.
If you want to serve two dishes together that need different settings, check the dimensions of each drawer rather than relying on the advertised total capacity alone.
If your oven already cooks the dishes and quantities you want, weigh up the benefits of an extra appliance against the space available and the noise in your kitchen. Que Choisir warns that you could end up with unnecessary equipment if your oven already meets the same needs.
Start with the portions and dishes you actually cook. Capacity in litres alone won’t tell you whether a particular food or dish will fit in the basket.
| Factor | What to check before you buy | Who considers it most important |
|---|---|---|
| Portions and usable cooking area | Compare the basket dimensions with the food and dishes you plan to cook. For a dual-drawer model, check each drawer separately. | If I want to cook my usual portion in one go, I check that it fits without being crammed in. Around 33% of consumers prioritise usable capacity. |
| Whether it adds anything to your oven | Compare the dishes, quantities, batches and space required with what your oven can handle. Don’t assume test results will apply to other recipes. | If my oven already handles the dishes I plan to cook, I want to know what an extra appliance would really offer. This is a top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Cleaning | Check the instructions to see which parts are dishwasher-safe and which need to be cleaned another way. | For frequent use, I check which parts get dirty at every meal and can go in the dishwasher. Around 20% of consumers put ease of cleaning first. |
| Noise and space | Measure the space available, including room to open the drawer, and look for a noise test of the exact model. | In a small or open-plan kitchen, I want to save space and keep noise to a minimum while cooking. Noise and bulk are priorities for around 20% of consumers. |
On a dual-drawer model, the capacity is split between the compartments. The total figure doesn’t guarantee that a particular dish will fit in either one.
Measure your portions or dishes and check the dimensions of each cooking area before you choose.
In Que Choisir’s comparisons, results vary depending on the recipe and appliance. For an equally sized small quiche, the air fryers tested used an average of 36% less electricity than the mini oven used in that test. This result won’t necessarily apply to other meals or ovens.
Compare the same quantities and recipes, and bear in mind the appliances and test conditions used in the comparison.
Que Choisir found differences in noise levels between models and points out that an air fryer can take up valuable kitchen space if an oven already does the same job.
Check the space available, including room to handle the drawer, and look for a noise test of the exact model.
The 2000 Series NA210/00 and 3000 Series NA352/00 are examples of a single basket and a dual-drawer configuration respectively.
The Easy Fry Essential EZ130810 is an example of a single-basket model with an advertised capacity of 3.5 L.
The Easy Fry Compact EY145810 is an example of a single-basket model with an advertised capacity of 3 L, worth considering if storage space is limited.
The Instant Vortex models with a 3.8 L basket and two 4 L baskets show two configurations to compare according to your portion sizes.
This selection focuses on single-basket air fryers, so you can compare capacities and features suited to smaller meals.
No image available
Its product description recommends it for 1 to 2 portions. Check that the shape of your food suits the basket.
The title lists a power rating of 2,000 W and a non-stick basket. The functions listed are Air Fry, Reheat and Dehydrate. The description states that the appliance is not designed for deep frying.
No image available
Its single basket may suit cooking one dish at a time. Compare its stated capacity with the size of your portions.
The product description lists a 30-minute timer and dimensions of 368 × 273 × 293 mm. The drawer and removable basket are stated to be dishwasher-safe. It requires at least 100 mm of clearance on each side and warns that surfaces become hot and steam is released during use.
No image available
The product description presents this single-basket model as suitable for foods such as chips, vegetables and snacks. Check that its capacity suits the batches you cook.
The listing specifies a viewing window, eight pre-set menus and a temperature range of 80 to 200 °C.
No image available
The product description recommends this model for 1 to 4 people. Compare this with the size and number of portions you usually cook.
The listing mentions eight programmes, including Air Fry, Roast, Grill, Bake and Reheat, as well as a temperature range of 35 to 200 °C. The basket is stated to be dishwasher-safe.
No image available
The product description recommends this model for 1 to 2 people and mentions small kitchens as one of its uses. Check that your portions fit in the basket.
The title lists a power rating of 1,150 W and a non-stick basket that is stated to be dishwasher-safe. The product description warns that surfaces may become hot and says not to block the air inlets or outlets.
Compare the shape and dimensions of your portion or dish with those of the basket. For a dual-drawer model, check each compartment separately: the total capacity in litres doesn’t guarantee that a particular dish will fit or cook evenly.
Choose a spot where you can open the drawer, and follow the instructions for the model you choose. Check which parts are dishwasher-safe: Moulinex says the EZ130810 basket is, while Philips says the NA210/00 plate is.
No. It depends on factors such as the recipe, quantities and appliances being compared. In a Que Choisir test, the air fryers used an average of 36% less electricity than the mini oven used for an equally sized small quiche. This result doesn’t predict the difference for your own meals.
When a business sells goods to a consumer, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods, subject to the conditions set out by the French Ministry of the Economy. For a distance purchase from a business, you have a right to cancel for at least 14 days, subject to legal exceptions. Check the terms provided before placing your order.
No. The European Commission explains that the CE marking does not mean a product has been approved as safe by the European Union or another authority.