Start with the cooking task you do most often: reheating or defrosting, cooking food in a dish, browning a small portion with hot air, or cooking in a pan. For a small quiche lorraine, the air fryers tested by Que Choisir used an average of 36% less electricity than the mini oven tested, for the same quantity. This result shouldn’t be taken as representative of every dish and appliance.
If you mostly prepare small portions, compare the usable space in an air fryer basket with the room needed for a dish in a mini oven. The stated capacity alone doesn’t guarantee that a particular dish or portion will fit. Que Choisir also lists ease of use and cleaning among the criteria to consider when buying an air fryer.
If reheating or defrosting is your priority, check the model’s microwave functions and consider whether its other cooking modes justify the space it takes up. Combination appliances don’t all offer the same functions.
If you mostly boil, simmer or sear food in a pan on a hob, a portable hotplate meets a different need from an appliance with a cooking cavity. For induction, check that your cookware is compatible and follow the model’s connection instructions.
Consider this if: you often reheat or defrost food and would also like an additional cooking mode.
Check: the exact functions, the dimensions of the turntable and cavity, and the appliance’s weight.
Consider this if: you mostly cook food in a dish and need oven-style cooking modes.
Check: the internal dimensions and the modes actually available on the model you’re considering.
Consider this if: you regularly roast or brown small portions that will fit in the basket.
Bear in mind: you may need to cook in batches, and the energy results observed depend on the dish and models compared.
Consider this if: your meals are mostly cooked in a saucepan or frying pan on a hob.
Check: your cookware is compatible and the hotplate’s stated electrical requirements.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking or browning a small portion | Basket or cavity dimensions, room for your dish, cooking modes and parts to clean. | I want my portion to fit without having to cook in several batches, and I want cleaning to be straightforward. Around 33% of consumers prioritise cooking or browning small portions. |
| Reheating or defrosting | The model’s exact functions, the dimensions of the turntable and containers, and how easy the cavity is to clean. | I reheat or defrost food at different times and want to know whether an additional cooking mode would be useful. Around 27% of consumers prioritise reheating or defrosting. |
| Cooking in a saucepan or frying pan | Type of hotplate, cookware compatibility, stated power and connection instructions. | I mostly need to boil, simmer or sear food in a pan on a hob. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this type of cooking. |
| Saving space and keeping cleaning simple | Dimensions, including the clearances specified in the instructions, removable parts and energy results measured using comparable dishes. | I have limited space and want to consider cleaning as well as how often I’ll use the appliance. Around 20% of consumers prioritise space, cleaning or running costs. |
To compare energy use, look at tests carried out using similar dishes and quantities. For a small quiche lorraine, Que Choisir measured average energy use that was 36% lower for the air fryers tested than for the mini oven tested, for the same quantity. This result applies to those appliances and that dish. The ADEME’s published average annual consumption figures relate to other usage patterns and don’t directly tell you how much energy your meal will use.
Comparative tests cover specific models, recipes and quantities. Que Choisir reports different results for different appliances and dishes.
Compare tests that match the type and quantity of food you prepare, rather than relying on a generalised percentage or the stated power alone.
These functions refer to different cooking methods. An appliance having one doesn’t mean it offers the others.
Make a note of the dishes you prepare most often, then check the functions listed for the exact model.
Cavity volume, turntable diameter, basket shape and external dimensions all affect what will fit.
Measure the available space and the dish you plan to use. Also check the clearances and installation requirements in the instructions.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a mini oven for cooking food in a dish.
Worth considering for a combination microwave when you need to reheat food as well as use other cooking modes.
Worth considering for air fryer basket cooking, with portions suited to the basket’s shape and capacity.
Worth considering if your main need is to cook in a saucepan or frying pan on a portable hob.
Worth considering when comparing air fryer appliances, particularly if models with multiple baskets or drawers are among your options.
This selection includes microwaves, air fryer basket appliances and a portable induction hob for different everyday cooking tasks.
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Consider this if you’re looking for an appliance that combines reheating, defrosting and grill cooking.
The product details list a 21 l capacity, eight programmes and a stainless steel interior. They also specify defrosting and combined microwave and grill cooking functions. Set it on a stable surface, leave the ventilation clearances required and use an earthed socket in accordance with the model’s instructions. Use microwave-safe containers with no metal.
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Consider this if you want to cook two foods separately using independent settings.
The product details list two drawers with separate time and temperature settings, plus six functions, including air frying, roasting, baking and reheating. The baskets are listed as dishwasher-safe. Use it on a stable surface and don’t block the air inlets or outlets while it’s in use.
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Consider this if you cook in a saucepan or frying pan that’s suitable for induction.
The product details list eight power levels, an adjustable temperature of 60 to 270 °C, seven programmes, a three-hour timer and a child safety lock. Compatible cookware is listed as having a diameter of 12 to 26 cm and a flat base. Don’t block the air inlets or outlets while it’s in use.
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Consider this for cooking small portions in an air fryer basket.
The stated capacity is 2 l and the product is described as suitable for one or two people. The non-stick basket and removable parts are listed as dishwasher-safe. Avoid overfilling the basket and keep the air inlets and outlets clear.
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Consider this if you’re mainly looking for a microwave for everyday reheating and defrosting.
The product details list a 20 l capacity, 11 power levels and defrost programmes based on weight or time. The stated external dimensions are 440 × 319 × 259 mm. Check the available space and the clearances specified in the instructions.
No. It depends on the dish, the quantity and the appliances being compared, among other things. For a small quiche lorraine, Que Choisir measured average electricity use that was 36% lower for the air fryers tested than for the mini oven tested, for the same quantity. These results don’t automatically apply to other dishes. The ADEME’s average annual figures for France are based on different usage patterns.
Measure the space and follow the model’s instructions on clearances, ventilation and connection. Also check the stated power and the available electrical supply: the DGCCRF warns that electrical equipment can pose a risk of electric shock, fire or burns. The power rating alone won’t tell you whether a particular socket is suitable.
For packaging designed for microwave use, Anses recommends following the manufacturer’s instructions, particularly for power and cooking time. Heating food for too long increases the risk of substances migrating from the packaging. Follow the appliance’s instructions when cleaning it.
The statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to a private individual. According to the French Ministry of the Economy and the DGCCRF, the period for bringing a claim is two years from delivery of the goods. Any commercial guarantee is separate and optional.
No. According to the DGCCRF, the CE mark indicates the manufacturer’s commitment to meeting the applicable European requirements. It is mandatory for products covered by the relevant regulations, but it isn’t an independent certification. Check the information provided for the specific product you’re considering.