An air fryer makes the most sense for small or medium portions that you prepare regularly, especially when you want to avoid switching on the oven for every recipe. It does not always replace the oven: for large dishes, substantial batches or kitchens with limited space, keeping the oven may still be the more practical choice. Two drawers are particularly useful if you regularly cook two foods requiring different settings.
You mainly cook for one or two people, or prepare one dish at a time, and want to avoid heating the oven for small recipes. A compact single-basket model is worth comparing with your existing oven. UFC-Que Choisir points out that air fryers largely overlap with the functions of an oven.
You often prepare two foods requiring different settings, such as fish and vegetables, and want to serve them together. Two independent drawers can suit this scenario if you have enough worktop space for them.
You want to cook several elements of a meal or portions for four or more people. Check the usable capacity and cooking surface before choosing a large model, rather than relying solely on the “XXL” label.
Start with the recipes you usually make and the space you actually have available, then choose a format that avoids unnecessary batches without leaving you with yet another appliance to store.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Avoid duplicating the oven | List the small recipes you do not put in the oven. Compare how often you would use an air fryer for these dishes with the storage space and cleaning required for a second appliance. | I want a smaller cooking cavity for regular portions, not simply another appliance that replicates the oven’s functions. UFC-Que Choisir advises avoiding over-equipping your kitchen when the oven already covers your everyday needs. |
| Usable capacity | Check the usable volume, basket surface and internal dimensions suitable for your dishes. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 3 to 4 L for 1 to 2 people, 5 to 6 L for 3 to 4 people and 9 L or more for batches serving more than five people. | I want to cook my usual quantity without overcrowding the food or having to cook multiple batches. The shape of the baskets matters just as much as the advertised total volume. |
| Two dishes cooking simultaneously | Check that the two zones have independent settings and that a cooking-finish synchronisation function is included. Also measure the space needed to open the drawers. | I often prepare a main dish and a side with different cooking times or temperatures. If I nearly always cook just one dish, a second drawer may go largely unused. |
| Noise, cleaning and placement | Look for a sound measurement taken at a specified distance, check which parts are dishwasher-safe and follow the installation clearances given in the instructions. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to keep fan noise to a minimum. I also need to be able to place the appliance on a stable, heat-resistant surface, away from water and walls. |
An air fryer can cook, roast and grill just like an oven. Without frequent small portions or a need to cook dishes separately, it may simply duplicate what you already have.
For one week, note down the recipes you avoid making in the oven solely because of its size or the preheating time. If the list remains short, your oven may be all you need.
An advertised capacity does not guarantee that a dish or quantity of chips can cook without being overcrowded. Large quantities may still require several batches.
Check the maximum quantity stated in the instructions, the internal dimensions and the type of dish it can accommodate. According to UFC-Que Choisir, 6 L is a minimum guideline for four people, while 9 L or more is suitable for more than five people if that matches your needs.
The fan required for convection can be noticeable, and UFC-Que Choisir’s tests found differences between models.
Choose a noise measurement taken at a specified distance rather than relying on a simple promise of quiet operation, and consider which other appliances may be running at the same time.
Two drawers or a large capacity can be useful for a complete meal, but they require more room for positioning, opening, storage and cleaning.
Measure your worktop, the clearance in front of the drawers and the space in your dishwasher. Also observe the ventilation clearance specified in the instructions, and do not install the appliance against a wall or near water.
The range includes compact baskets, dual-drawer models and larger capacities. The official product information cited includes models with capacities of 3.5 L, 8 L and 11 L.
Philips offers XXL single-basket formats and dual-basket models, including a vertical design intended to take up less worktop space.
Ninja is among the air fryer manufacturers mentioned by UFC-Que Choisir on the French market.
These Joybuy options mainly cover dual-drawer or high-capacity air fryers for preparing separate components or larger portions alongside your oven.
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Worth considering for cooking a main dish and a side simultaneously with separate settings.
Two 4.75 L drawers, six functions, independent digital controls and non-stick baskets listed as dishwasher-safe.
Check the footprint of 32.5 × 41.5 × 27 cm, drawer opening and noise level if you plan to use the appliance in an open-plan kitchen.
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This dual-zone format is suitable when you cook two separate foods in everyday portions.
Two 3.8 L drawers, six functions, independent controls and drawers with non-stick plates listed as dishwasher-safe.
Each drawer holds 3.8 L, so check that this split suits your main dishes. Also allow space for the 31.5 × 38 × 26.5 cm appliance, ventilation and drawer removal.
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Worth considering for a meal consisting of a main dish and a side that you want to finish at the same time.
9 L total dual basket, synchronisation, Copy function, eight programmes, a temperature range of 40 to 200 °C and parts listed as dishwasher-safe.
The capacity of each basket is not specified here. Check this, along with the space needed to position and remove the baskets, given its dimensions of 382.5 × 443.9 × 314.2 mm.
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This model is aimed at family meals or batches where a large cooking cavity and two zones will be used regularly.
Flexible 12 L cavity or two 6 L baskets, SYNC and DUAL modes, illuminated window, settings from 80 to 200 °C and baskets listed as dishwasher-safe.
The large capacity may duplicate your oven if you rarely cook large batches. Check the dimensions, noise level and whether the 50 sheets of paper are included, depending on the batch.
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This option could suit you if you prepare two recipes at the same time or need more generous portions.
Dual chamber, advertised total capacity of 9 L, temperature control, ten preset menus and a removable non-stick basket.
Before buying, check the dimensions, ventilation clearance, noise level, capacity of each chamber and whether synchronisation is included. Dishwasher compatibility should also be confirmed in the instructions.
No. Both appliances can cook, roast or grill using hot air; the main benefit of an air fryer is for frequent small portions and its smaller cooking cavity. If you mainly prepare large dishes or your oven already meets your needs, buying one may simply duplicate what you have, as UFC-Que Choisir highlights.
Look at the usable volume and cooking surface, not just the “XXL” label. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 3 to 4 L for 1 to 2 people, 5 to 6 L for 3 to 4 people and 9 L or more for large batches serving more than five people; compare these guidelines with the dishes you usually prepare.
Yes, if you often cook two dishes with different settings and want them to finish at the same time. Independent drawers allow different temperatures and cooking times; they are less useful if you usually cook just one dish.
The fan required for convection can be disruptive, particularly in an open-plan kitchen. UFC-Que Choisir measures noise at 50 cm in its testing procedure, so look for a comparable measurement. Then install the appliance on a flat, stable, heat-resistant surface, away from water and walls, following the instructions.
Once it has cooled down, clean the removable parts according to the instructions, either by hand or in the dishwasher when they are confirmed as dishwasher-safe. Regularly wipe the inside with a soft, slightly damp cloth and avoid abrasive products on the relevant surfaces.