An air fryer is worth giving space on your worktop if you often cook small batches and want an appliance dedicated to the job. As Que Choisir points out, its functions overlap with those of an oven: a single drawer suits separately prepared portions, while two compartments let you cook different foods at the same time. An oven remains a practical choice for trays and large dishes. Before adding another appliance, check how much space you have, the clearances specified in its manual and how easy its parts are to clean.
If you usually prepare one portion or a side dish at a time, compare single-drawer models. Moulinex, for example, offers a compact size for one or two people; just remember to check how much room the appliance takes up, including when the drawer is open.
If your food often needs different settings or cooking times, two compartments can save you from putting everything in one basket. You’ll need enough room for the appliance, and you’ll have two drawers to clean.
If your oven already suits most of your meals, first work out which small batches an additional worktop appliance would genuinely make easier to prepare. Que Choisir highlights the overlap between the functions of an oven and an air fryer.
For everyday meals, start with what you cook most often: small batches, two separate dishes, meals your oven already handles or deep-fried food. Then think about the format, and how much space and cleaning it will require.
| Criterion | What to check | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Small batches | Compare the shape of the basket and the space needed to pull out the drawer, rather than looking at the advertised capacity alone. | If I often prepare one portion or a side dish, I want a suitable size without having to use my oven for a small amount; around 36% of consumers prioritise small batches. |
| Two separate cooking jobs | Check the capacity of each compartment and the functions available for managing two dishes. | When the main course and side dish need different settings, I want to be able to cook them separately; this matters most to around 21% of consumers. |
| Worktop space and oven use | List the dishes your oven already handles, then measure the space and clearances required for any new appliance. | My oven already suits my usual meals, so I’d rather keep the space than add an appliance with a similar role. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this trade-off. |
| Deep frying | If your recipes call for food to be immersed in oil, check the safety instructions, oil storage requirements and dishwasher-safe parts of a traditional deep-fat fryer. | For doughnuts or other foods cooked in oil, I’m specifically looking for this cooking method and accept the extra cleaning it involves; around 14% of consumers put it first. |
Que Choisir points out that the two appliances can handle several similar types of cooking. If you’re already happy with your oven, an air fryer may simply become an extra appliance.
Before deciding whether a dedicated appliance would be useful, keep track of the small batches you actually cook over the course of a week.
A capacity in litres doesn’t tell you the shape of the food that will fit in the basket or, with a dual model, the capacity of each drawer.
Compare the dimensions of the basket and appliance with your usual portions, and remember to allow space to open the drawer.
Moulinex recommends placing its appliances on a flat, stable, heat-resistant surface. Required clearances vary by model: the Purelect AF169 manual specifies 10 cm around the appliance and 15 cm above it; these distances don’t necessarily apply to other models.
Measure the space you have in mind and follow the clearance requirements in the manual for the appliance you choose.
Even if some parts are dishwasher-safe, you’ll still need to clean the inside and accessible areas according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Check which parts of the specific model are dishwasher-safe, and read the cleaning instructions before you buy.
Moulinex’s range includes single-drawer and dual-drawer air fryers, as well as a countertop air fryer oven. Compare the formats to suit your portions rather than choosing a brand on its own.
Philips offers air fryers in different sizes and formats. Its care advice can help you understand what day-to-day cleaning will involve for the specific model you’re considering.
SEB traditional deep-fat fryers are worth considering if your main need is cooking food in a bath of oil, rather than using an air fryer.
These air fryers offer a range of capacities and configurations, from small-batch options to a dual-drawer model. Compare each one with your usual portions, the space you have available and what your oven already handles.
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Worth considering if you regularly cook two separate foods for the same meal. The product name specifies two drawers, a total capacity of 9.5 L and six functions. Check the manual for the space required around the appliance.
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Worth comparing if you cook small portions separately. The product name specifies a non-stick basket described as dishwasher-safe and a 60-minute timer. Also measure the space you have in mind and check the clearance requirements in the manual.
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Worth considering if 2 L would be too small for your portions. The product name specifies eight pre-set modes and a temperature range of 35 to 200 °C; however, the stated capacity alone won’t tell you which dishes will fit in the basket.
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Worth considering if you want to choose a container to suit the amount you’re cooking. Check the manual for how to use the containers, along with the surface requirements and clearances; having two containers doesn’t mean you can cook two dishes at once.
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Worth comparing if you cook larger quantities than a small basket can hold. Its stated capacity of 7.6 L doesn’t guarantee that your dishes will fit: check the basket shape, external dimensions and the clearances specified in the manual.
Not for every meal: as Que Choisir points out, the two appliances can handle some of the same types of cooking. An air fryer can be useful for frequent small batches, while an oven is still worth considering if you mainly cook on trays or in large dishes.
Measure the surface, the space needed to open the drawer and the clearance above the appliance, then check the manual for the specific model. For this model only, the Purelect AF169 manual specifies 10 cm around the appliance and 15 cm above it.
It makes cleaning the relevant parts easier, but you’ll still need to clean the inside according to the manual. For its air fryers, Philips support recommends letting the appliance cool before cleaning and avoiding abrasive cleaners on non-stick coatings; check the instructions for your specific model.
If your recipe calls for deep frying, consider a deep-fat fryer rather than an air fryer. SEB’s product information describes this cooking method, which also involves taking care with hot oil and handling the oil after cooking.