If your oven already handles small portions and you only cook them occasionally, sticking with it avoids adding an appliance that does the same job. For sides you want to brown regularly, consider an air fryer; choose an oven cavity for dishes and tins, a combination microwave if reheating matters too, or an electric deep-fat fryer if you specifically want to deep-fry in oil. Before you decide, compare the space available, the shape of the food, cleaning and noise.
You often cook a side dish that needs roasting or browning and want to know whether a cooking basket would be useful without duplicating your oven. UFC-Que Choisir points out that an air fryer can overlap with an oven’s uses, so whether it’s worthwhile depends on your recipes and how often you make them.
You need the appliance to fit on your worktop, while making sure its basket, drawer or cavity will accommodate the dishes you use. UFC-Que Choisir also notes that noise levels vary between air fryer models.
You want to cook food by immersing it in oil and are happy to handle and clean the oil, which is a different way of cooking from the hot-air method described in UFC-Que Choisir’s guides.
If your current oven already meets your needs, a countertop appliance won’t necessarily be useful. How often you cook small portions, the shape of your dishes and the space you actually have available can help you decide between the options.
Worth considering: you often brown a small batch that fits in a basket.
Bear in mind: the basket limits the shape of the dishes you can use; UFC-Que Choisir also reports differences in noise levels between models.
Worth considering: you prefer cooking in an oven dish or tin, or your current oven isn’t suitable.
Bear in mind: it may duplicate an oven that already meets your needs, and it doesn’t add a microwave function.
Worth considering: you want to combine microwave reheating with oven-style cooking modes.
Bear in mind: check that the exact model has convection cooking; a grill alone isn’t the same thing.
Worth considering: you specifically want to deep-fry food, such as battered or breaded items or doughnuts.
Bear in mind: hot oil, handling it and cleaning up are all part of using one; it isn’t a versatile replacement for an oven.
Worth considering: your dishes fit, you’re happy with the results and you only cook small portions occasionally.
Bear in mind: for some small recipes tested, UFC-Que Choisir found that an air fryer used less energy than the oven it compared it with. This result doesn’t predict whether buying one would be worthwhile for your own needs.
| What matters to you | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Small, golden batches | The quantity and shape of the food, the basket’s usable surface area and which parts are washable. | If I often cook a side dish that needs browning, I want it to fit in one batch without making cleaning a chore. Consumers who prioritise regular small batches are estimated to make up around 33% of those concerned. |
| Available space | The external dimensions, how the door opens or drawer pulls out, and the clearances specified in the instruction manual. | When worktop space is limited, I check that the appliance will fit and can be opened without getting in the way in the kitchen. Consumers who prioritise a compact footprint are estimated to make up around 27% of those concerned. |
| Reheating and cooking | Whether the chosen model actually has microwave, grill and convection functions. | If I want to reheat leftovers as well as cook or brown food, I check which functions are genuinely included. Consumers who prioritise this combination of uses are estimated to make up around 20% of those concerned. |
| Dishes and tins | The usable internal dimensions, accessories supplied, available modes and ease of cleaning. | If I want to cook in a dish or tin rather than a basket, I check its dimensions and which modes suit my recipes. Consumers who prioritise dishes and tins are estimated to make up around 13% of those concerned. |
| Deep-frying in oil | The food capacity, which is different from the oil capacity, as well as the bowl, draining system and instructions in the manual. | If I want the results of deep-frying, I also consider how the oil will be handled and cleaned up. Consumers who prioritise deep-frying in oil are estimated to make up around 7% of those concerned. |
An air fryer can overlap with some of an oven’s uses, as UFC-Que Choisir points out. Whether an extra appliance is worthwhile depends on the small portions you actually cook and how often you make them.
Start with a few recipes you regularly make and check whether your current oven already cooks them the way you like.
A capacity in litres doesn’t tell you the usable dimensions of the cavity or basket, or how much space you’ll need to open it.
Measure the appliance and the dish you plan to use, then check how it opens and the clearances specified in the manual.
Deep-frying food in oil and cooking it with circulating hot air are two different methods. A deep-fat fryer also means managing and cleaning the oil.
Choose this option if you specifically want to deep-fry in oil, and check the bowl, draining system and instructions for the model.
UFC-Que Choisir’s tests found differences in noise levels between air fryers, which may matter in an open-plan kitchen.
If noise is important to you, look for a measurement or test of the exact model you’re considering.
An example of a range of drawer-style air fryers: the 2000 Series NA210/00 is listed with a capacity of 3.2 L.
The TO 2068 is an example of a freestanding mini oven, with convection and a grill according to Severin’s product information.
The NN-CD88 range is an example of a combination microwave with grill and convection functions, according to Panasonic France’s product information.
The Cool Zone F32110CZ is an example of an electric deep-fat fryer designed for cooking food by immersion.
These Joybuy options cover small portions cooked with hot air or in oil, as well as reheating and grilling in a microwave. Whether to choose a mini oven or stick with your current oven still depends on the dishes you use and the space you have available.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a small deep-fat fryer: the product information states that it can hold up to 400 g of chips.
The thermostat can be adjusted up to 190 °C and the basket is removable. The bowl is fixed and non-stick; the product information says to let the oil cool before cleaning.
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Its stated capacity for one to two portions may suit you if your small meals fit in the basket and you’re not looking for a deep-fat fryer.
The product information lists three functions: Air Fry, Reheat and Dehydrate. The 4.7 L basket is stated to be dishwasher-safe; the listed capacity includes up to 500 g of chips or a 1 kg chicken.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a countertop hot-air appliance rather than a deep-fat fryer.
The product name states a 3 L capacity and stainless steel finish. Check the dimensions and usable cooking area before comparing it with your usual portions.
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The product information describes the 2 L basket as suitable for one or two people, for small portions cooked with hot air.
The removable non-stick basket is stated to be dishwasher-safe and the timer is listed for up to 60 minutes. The product information says never to fill the pan with oil.
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Worth considering if you want to reheat or defrost food and have a grill in a freestanding appliance.
The product information lists a capacity of 20 L, a power output of 700 W and a grill function. It doesn’t mention convection, so don’t treat it as a combination oven with convection.
No, there’s no guarantee. In tests published by UFC-Que Choisir in 2024, results varied depending on the recipe and the appliance used for comparison. For your own needs, compare the same recipe and quantity without assuming the results will apply to your oven.
Not necessarily: check that the exact model has convection. The grill is for browning or gratinating, while convection adds an oven-style cooking mode.
Measure your worktop, the space needed to open the appliance and the dish you want to use, then follow the clearances and instructions in the manual. Check which parts can be removed and which are dishwasher-safe; don’t assume the whole appliance can go in the dishwasher.
The statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to an individual; the French Ministry of the Economy states that you have two years to exercise this right. For distance sales covered by the rules, the right to cancel is generally at least 14 days. These rights are separate from an optional commercial guarantee.
For electrical appliances covered by Directive 2014/35/EU, including those designed for a rated voltage of 50 to 1,000 V AC, CE marking is required before they are placed on the market. The DGCCRF points out that this marking isn’t independent certification; check the information for the model you’re considering and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.