If smells from deep-fat frying bother you, an air fryer lets you avoid this cooking method and may reduce the associated smells, although it won’t make meals completely odour-free, according to UFC-Que Choisir. A single basket is suitable for smaller portions; if you want to cook two dishes at once, consider a dual-drawer model, while keeping noise, available space and cleaning in mind. If your oven already cooks the foods you want, consider whether you use them often enough to justify another appliance.
If the smell of deep-fat frying spreads through your living space, an air fryer is worth considering. However, UFC-Que Choisir points out that its fan can be noisy, which is also worth bearing in mind in an open-plan kitchen.
For smaller everyday portions, first compare a single-basket model with the space available on your worktop. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 3 to 4 L for one or two people and 5 to 6 L for three or four people.
A dual-drawer or split-basket model can let you cook a main dish and a side at the same time. Check the space available in each compartment, not just the total capacity: the shape of the food matters just as much as the number of people you’re cooking for.
To decide between an air fryer, a deep-fat fryer and the oven you already own, start with the smells that bother you. Then weigh up your usual portion sizes against noise, space and cleaning requirements.
| Criteria | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking smells | Compare hot-air cooking with deep-fat frying. Make sure you can ventilate the room and clean areas exposed to grease: an air fryer isn’t odour-free. | Frying smells bother me at home; I want to avoid deep-fat frying without expecting cooking to be completely odour-free. |
| Capacity | UFC-Que Choisir suggests 3 to 4 L for one or two people, 5 to 6 L for three or four, and 7 to 9 L for five or six. For a dual-drawer model, also check the volume and shape of each compartment. | I want to cook my usual portions without having to cook several batches. If I’m making two dishes at once, each needs to fit in its own compartment. |
| Noise | The fan is part of how an air fryer works. If noise is a deciding factor, look for a test that specifies the distance and measurement conditions; UFC-Que Choisir measures noise from 0.50 m away in its testing protocol. | In my open-plan kitchen, I’d like to know how noisy a model is when running before I choose one. |
| Available space | Measure the space, compare the external dimensions and allow the clearance specified in the manual. If your oven already suits the foods you want to cook, consider how often you use it. | My worktop space is limited, so an extra appliance needs to be useful often enough to justify the space it takes up. |
| Cleaning | Check how easy it is to reach the basket and greasy areas, and whether the parts of the specific model are dishwasher-safe. With a deep-fat fryer, you’ll also need to dispose of the used oil responsibly. | I want to be able to clean the appliance after cooking greasy foods and, if I keep a deep-fat fryer, have a local option for disposing of used oil. |
UFC-Que Choisir says that air fryers can reduce cooking smells, not that they make cooking completely odour-free. Grease and food residue still need to be taken into account.
If smells are your top priority, plan how you’ll ventilate your home and check how to clean your chosen model after use.
A large combined capacity doesn’t tell you whether a bulky item will fit in either basket. The appliance’s footprint can also be a problem on a small worktop.
Compare the shape and capacity of each drawer with the dishes you usually cook, then measure the space available and the clearance required.
Convection cooking uses a fan. UFC-Que Choisir highlights noise as something to consider before buying, particularly if the appliance will be used near your living space.
If this matters to you, look for measurements taken under specified conditions rather than assuming an appliance will be quiet based on its size or design.
A deep-fat fryer means an extra job after cooking. ADEME says frying oil must not be poured down the sink or toilet, or disposed of outdoors.
Before choosing this option, check your local council’s collection guidance and set aside a suitable container for the cooled oil.
Storing and taking used oil to a collection point also takes time and space.
These ranges show different cooking-compartment layouts. Always compare the exact model with the space you have and your cleaning preferences.
Moulinex’s dual-compartment models let you compare how capacity is divided between a main dish and a side.
Philips offers models with two baskets, including one with stacked baskets, so you can compare a different layout for your worktop.
The Ninja Foodi Flex AF500EU is an example of a large, adjustable drawer instead of two fixed baskets.
These air fryers let you compare dual-zone models, a 7.6 L model and one with separate containers. Start by choosing based on your portion sizes and available space: being featured here doesn’t mean they all make the same amount of noise or produce the same smells.
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Worth considering if you regularly prepare two parts of a meal at once. The product listing specifies two drawers, six functions and a total capacity of 9.5 L; it also states that the baskets are dishwasher-safe. Check that each drawer suits the food you want to cook, as well as the dimensions and noise level when running.
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Its two drawers let you cook a main dish and a side at the same time. The stated total capacity is 7.6 L, and the product name specifies six functions and baskets that are listed as dishwasher-safe. Compare the usable space in each drawer with your portion sizes, then check the overall dimensions and noise level.
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The two-chamber design may suit a household that wants to cook two foods for the same meal. The product name states a total capacity of 9 L and ten functions. Before choosing this model, check the capacity of each chamber, the dimensions, cleaning instructions and noise level.
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Its stated capacity of 7.6 L is worth comparing with your usual portion sizes. Before making room for it on your worktop, check the internal layout, external dimensions, cleaning instructions and noise level.
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If you mainly cook small portions, compare this model’s containers with the dishes you usually make. Check their capacity, cleaning instructions and the space required; don’t assume that both containers can be used at the same time.
No. UFC-Que Choisir describes a reduction in smells associated with deep-fat frying, not a guarantee that cooking will be odour-free. Ventilate your home as needed and clean the appliance once it has cooled, following the instructions in the manual.
Start with your portion sizes and how many dishes you want to cook at once. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 3 to 4 L for one or two people, 5 to 6 L for three or four, and 7 to 9 L for five or six. For a dual-drawer model, also check how much usable space each drawer offers.
Look for a test that explains how the noise was measured, especially if you have an open-plan kitchen. UFC-Que Choisir measures noise from 0.50 m away in its testing protocol; a figure is only useful for comparing models if the measurement conditions are comparable.
Let the appliance cool and follow the instructions for your model. For its air fryers, Philips recommends allowing around 30 minutes to cool before cleaning; check separately which parts of the model you choose are dishwasher-safe.
Don’t pour it down the drain or dispose of it outdoors: ADEME specifically advises against putting it down the sink or toilet, or releasing it into the environment. Let it cool, then check your local council’s guidance to find the right collection option.