For one or two people who mainly cook smaller portions, a single-drawer air fryer of around 3 to 4 L is a good starting point, based on Que Choisir’s capacity guide. Two cooking zones are more worthwhile if you regularly cook two foods with different settings; a mini-oven style is better suited to wider dishes. In a compact kitchen, measure the space you’ll need to use the appliance and follow the clearances in its manual before relying on it to complement your oven or microwave.
You mainly cook everyday portions and don’t need a basket designed for family meals. Que Choisir suggests a single 3 to 4 L basket as a guide for one or two people; check how much of your usual food will fit in each model.
You want to use the appliance often enough to justify the space it takes up. Que Choisir points out that adding an air fryer to an oven or microwave can make a kitchen feel cluttered if it needs to stay out for everyday use.
You’d like to cook, for example, a side dish and another food with different settings. Two zones can meet this need if the model offers the settings you want, and you’re happy with the space it needs and the job of cleaning both drawers.
Choose this if : your meals usually involve cooking one small portion at a time.
Bear in mind : two foods that need different temperatures or cooking times will have to be cooked one after the other.
Choose this if : you regularly cook two different components at the same time and want to set each zone independently.
Bear in mind : two zones also mean two compartments to handle and clean; check the capacity of each one.
Choose this if : you often cook small, wide dishes and want the functionality of a countertop oven.
Bear in mind : measure the space needed to open the door and allow for the specified clearances; don’t assume this style will take up less room.
| Factor | What to check | What matters to consumers |
|---|---|---|
| Space it takes up | Measure the appliance, the space needed to open the drawer or door, and the clearances specified in its manual. | If my worktop is already crowded, I want to be able to use and put away the appliance without getting in the way of other tasks. Around 42% of consumers would prioritise the space it actually takes up. |
| Practical portion size | Compare the shape of the basket and the stated quantities for the foods you usually cook, not just its capacity in litres. | When I cook for one or two people, I want to avoid both repeated batches and a basket that’s unnecessarily large. Finding the right portion size would be the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Everyday use | Check which parts are washable, how you monitor the cooking and, if noise matters to you, look for comparable measurements for the models you’re considering. | In a kitchen close to the living area, I want an appliance that’s easy to clean and comfortable to use frequently. Ease of use would be the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
These labels don’t tell you how much space the appliance takes up when set up or how much food fits in its basket. Que Choisir advises distinguishing between the stated capacity and the volume you can actually use.
Compare the external dimensions and basket shape with your usual portions. Also allow room to open the drawer or door, as well as for the clearances required by the manual.
Separate zones are useful for cooking two different things, but add little if you usually cook just one side dish. They also mean more parts to clean.
Choose this style for meals where you regularly need two independent settings; if so, check the size of each zone, not just the total capacity.
A small basket may not fit some larger dishes. In a small kitchen, keeping your oven and microwave while adding an air fryer won’t automatically save space.
Think about the cooking and reheating you’d regularly do in the air fryer, then compare that with what your current appliances already do.
Noise levels, removable parts and cleaning requirements vary by model. Que Choisir’s testing includes cleaning and measures noise from 0.50 m away, highlighting why it’s important to compare results obtained under the same conditions.
Check the manual for your chosen model to see which parts are washable. If noise is a key consideration in your home, look for comparable test results.
The range lets you compare a single basket for smaller portions with a model featuring two adjustable zones.
The range includes a model with two vertically stacked drawers and one with a large single drawer.
The Foodi DT200EU is an example of a multifunction mini-oven for anyone looking for the functionality of a countertop oven.
These Joybuy products are mainly single-basket air fryers for smaller batches, along with the Ninja Crispi. Start by working out how much you usually cook, then check the space needed to set up your chosen model.
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For smaller batches in a kitchen where space is at a premium, check that its 3.2 L capacity suits your portions. Measure the space and check the manual for the required clearances.
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If you cook very small quantities, compare its 2 L basket with the size of the foods you usually prepare. The title states that it has a 60-minute timer; check the external dimensions and clearances before choosing where to put it.
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For different portion sizes, compare its 4.7 L capacity with the quantities you cook most often: a larger basket is only useful if you make the most of it. The title states 2,000 W; check the manual for placement and ventilation instructions.
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Its 4 L capacity is at the upper end of Que Choisir’s guide for one or two people; still, check what quantity suits your recipes. The title mentions a temperature range of 35 to 200 °C and a 60-minute timer. Remember to allow space to open the basket.
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For smaller portions with this container-based model, check the capacities that suit your food and what’s included. Also consult the manual for setup and care instructions.
Que Choisir suggests a single 3 to 4 L basket as a guide for one or two people. Then check what quantities suit the foods you prepare: as an example for this specific model, Philips says the 4.2 L NA120/00 can cook up to 500 g of chips or vegetables.
Not for every dish: the size of the basket and the shape of the food matter just as much as how often you use it. For a small quiche, Que Choisir found that the air fryers it tested used 36% less electricity on average than a mini-oven for the same quantity; this result won’t necessarily apply to other recipes or all models.
It can complement a microwave when you want to keep the surface crisp: Que Choisir notes this benefit for dishes such as quiche or pizza. For liquids or dishes with sauce, consider how you already use your microwave before planning to replace it.
Choose a model whose manual specifies which removable parts are dishwasher-safe and how to clean the rest of the appliance. For chips, also follow the loading and shaking instructions: Que Choisir’s testing protocol fills the basket no more than two-thirds full and shakes it at least once during cooking.