Start with the amount you actually need to cook and whether you need to keep dishes separate, rather than focusing solely on the word “XXL”. Que Choisir recommends at least 6 L for four people and 9 L or more for more than five people. You can then choose between a dual drawer, modular basket or mini oven based on the dishes you prepare, the space available and how you organise meals.
To prepare a meal in one batch without running several cycles, look for a useful capacity suited to the dish you plan to cook. Que Choisir recommends a minimum of 6 L for a family of four, while pointing out that the basket shape and how it is filled affect the amount you can actually cook.
If the main dish and side need to cook at the same time with different settings, compare dual drawers, modular baskets and mini-oven formats first. Check the capacity of each zone, as well as whether the cooking times can be synchronised.
A large capacity should not get in the way of everyday use. Measure the width, depth, clearance beneath cupboards and space needed to open the drawers. A stacked model can reduce the width required, although it will not necessarily be compact overall.
Compare the useful capacity and how the cooking zones are arranged first, then check installation requirements and everyday cleaning.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Useful capacity | Compare the stated litre capacity with the basket shape, recommended load and available space, without stacking food too heavily. With a dual drawer, check the capacity of each basket separately. | I want to cook enough portions for the meal without having to run several batches. The stated capacity is a useful guide, but it does not by itself describe the available cooking surface. |
| Two dishes at once | Check that the zones are independent, with separately adjustable cooking times and temperatures. Also check for a synchronisation function if the dishes need to be served together. | The main dish and side may require different settings. A large asymmetrical drawer or modular basket may be more suitable when one item is particularly bulky. |
| Size | Measure the width, depth and height of the actual space where you will place it. Allow enough clearance to remove the drawers and compare side-by-side, stacked and compact formats. | I want to keep the appliance accessible without blocking the worktop or wall cupboards. A stacked design is worth considering when width is limited. |
| Cleaning and convenience | For the specific model, confirm which baskets, racks or fronts are removable and dishwasher-safe. Choose a noise level measured using a comparable testing protocol rather than relying on a vague claim. | After cooking several portions, I want to clean the components without a complicated process. Que Choisir’s testing protocol includes cleaning, storage and noise among the criteria assessed. |
Total capacity does not directly tell you about the useful cooking surface, basket shape or whether you can cook several foods without preparing multiple batches.
Compare the number of people you need to serve, the internal dimensions when stated and the loads suited to your usual dishes. With a dual drawer, note the capacity of each basket separately.
Many appliances have asymmetrical baskets: the larger one accommodates the main dish, while the smaller one is intended for a smaller side.
Identify the bulkiest food you regularly cook and check that it fits in the large drawer, without overlooking the remaining capacity of the second basket.
A family-sized air fryer can be heavy and bulky. If it is poorly positioned, it may end up in storage even if its cooking format suits your household meals.
Measure the available space, clearance beneath cupboards and the depth required when the drawers are open. Also compare side-by-side, stacked and compact designs.
Que Choisir’s tests show that energy consumption and cooking results vary depending on the appliance, quantity and recipe.
Assess performance based on the dishes you usually prepare, and avoid choosing a model that is too small if it means running repeated batches for a family meal.
The French range includes asymmetrical dual baskets, flexible baskets with a removable divider and stacked dual baskets. Compare them based on the balance you want between two zones, a single cooking area and the amount of worktop space used.
The French range includes compact single baskets and high-capacity dual drawers. Depending on the model, features include synchronisation and dishwasher-safe components.
Que Choisir lists Ninja among the three major players in the French air fryer market, making it a brand worth including when comparing formats and availability.
These Joybuy options include dual-drawer air fryers and models with modular baskets for preparing several elements of a family meal.
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Suitable for meals that alternate between one large dish and two separate preparations.
The listing states that it offers two 6 L zones or one 12 L basket, with SYNC and DUAL functions, a viewing window and components stated to be dishwasher-safe.
Confirm the exact capacity: the title states 12QT, while the description states 12 L. Also check the overall size; according to the usage information, soups, sauces and stews are not supported.
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This dual-drawer model meets the need to cook a main dish and side with separate settings.
It features two independent 4.75 L drawers, six modes and baskets with crisper plates stated to be dishwasher-safe. Stated dimensions: 32.5 × 41.5 × 27 cm; stated weight: 8.8 kg.
Synchronisation of the cooking times is not explicitly confirmed. Check this function and the clearance needed to open the drawers.
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An option for a meal for four, with two recipes prepared separately.
The two 3.8 L drawers have independent time and temperature controls. The listing states six functions, non-stick dishwasher-safe components, dimensions of 31.5 × 38 × 26.5 cm and a weight of 8.2 kg.
Each zone may limit the size of a bulky main dish. Check synchronisation and the space required when opening the drawers.
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This model is designed to cook a main dish and side simultaneously in two independent chambers.
The listing states a total capacity of 9 L, precise temperature control, ten menus and a removable basket with a non-stick coating.
The capacity per chamber, synchronisation of cooking times, dimensions and dishwasher compatibility are not specified. Check these details against your meals and kitchen.
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This configuration is suitable for two similarly sized preparations with separately adjustable temperatures.
It features two independent 4.5 L baskets, 2400W power, a touchscreen and eight preset programmes.
The 4.5 L baskets may limit the size of a bulky main dish. Check exactly how Sync works, along with the dimensions, drawer clearance and dishwasher compatibility.
Use the capacity as a starting point, then check the basket shape and the quantity you plan to cook. Que Choisir recommends at least 6 L for four people. For more than five people, compare formats of 9 L or more, dual drawers, modular baskets and mini ovens based on the dishes you prepare.
No. It is designed to make two programmes finish at the same time, but does not by itself guarantee the cooking result for each food. Que Choisir’s protocol uses it on appliances with two zones; follow the recommended loads and check the functions available on your chosen model.
No. Que Choisir notes that cooking and energy consumption vary depending on the appliance, volume and recipe. A mini-oven-style model provides racks and trays, while a basket or dual drawer is suited to different cooking arrangements.
Check precisely which baskets, racks or fronts are removable and dishwasher-safe for the model you are considering. Ease of cleaning is one of the criteria assessed by Que Choisir, while dishwasher-compatibility claims remain specific to each product.
For a purchase from a professional seller, the statutory guarantee of conformity is mandatory for new, second-hand and refurbished goods. According to the Directorate-General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control, it covers, among other things, goods that do not match the seller’s description. Keep your proof of purchase, the exact reference and all correspondence with the seller.