To prepare a family meal in one or two batches, start by thinking about what needs to cook at the same time. A large basket suits a single dish, provided it genuinely fits; two cooking zones are better for a main and a side that need different settings. A mini-oven has a different cavity and accessories, but you’ll need to check there’s room for the appliance, to open the door and to store its accessories. The stated capacity in litres isn’t enough on its own to choose between these formats.
What you usually cook matters more than the size of your household: a large dish and two separate dishes don’t need the same amount of cooking space.
If you want to cook a chicken, pizza, quiche or a large quantity of the same food without having to cook in multiple batches, look at the usable cooking area and height. UFC-Que Choisir points out that usable capacity determines how much the appliance can hold.
If your main and side need different cooking times or temperatures, two independent zones let you set them separately. Check the size of each drawer and whether the appliance has a function that synchronises the end of cooking.
If the appliance needs to stay on a narrow worktop or be put away after every meal, consider how much space it takes up when in use, along with its accessories and cleaning requirements. In an open-plan kitchen, fan noise may also influence your choice, as UFC-Que Choisir notes.
Choose a format to suit the meal you want to prepare, then check that its dimensions and cleaning requirements work for your kitchen.
Choose this if: you mainly cook one large dish or a large quantity of the same food in one batch.
Bear in mind: a single cooking space won’t let you set two dishes independently.
Choose this if: your main and side need different settings but should be ready to serve together.
Bear in mind: the total capacity is split between the drawers, which may not be the same size.
Choose this if: your meals call for an oven-style cavity and accessories rather than a drawer.
Bear in mind: you’ll need space for the appliance, its door to open and its accessories.
| Feature | What to check | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the internal dimensions and example load sizes for the exact model with your usual dish or portion size. | If I need to fit a large dish in one batch, I want to avoid splitting it across several cooking cycles; around 29% of consumers prioritise this capacity. |
| Cooking two dishes at once | Check the size of each drawer, whether settings can be adjusted independently and whether there’s a function to synchronise the end of cooking. | If my main and side need different cooking times, I want to serve them together; this is a priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Size | Measure the space available and the clearance needed to open the drawers or door. Also allow room to store the accessories. | In a kitchen where space is limited, I need to be able to position and use the appliance without getting in the way on the worktop; around 21% of consumers prioritise the space available. |
| Everyday use | Check the cleaning instructions and any available noise measurements. To compare energy use, use a similar recipe and quantity. | If I cook for my family often, I want cleaning and noise levels to fit in with my routine; these aspects come first for around 14% of consumers. |
The stated capacity doesn’t tell you whether your dish will fit in the cooking compartment or how much food you can put in it. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes usable capacity from marketing labels.
Compare the internal dimensions and example load sizes for the exact model with the food you usually cook.
Two drawers can hold separate dishes, but a small drawer isn’t a substitute for a second large one. Philips’ stated capacities of 6 L and 3 L for the NA352/00 show the difference.
Check the capacity of each drawer separately, as well as the settings and synchronisation functions, before planning to cook two large dishes.
You’ll need to be able to open the drawers or door fully; a mini-oven also needs space for its accessories.
Measure the space you have in mind and compare it with the dimensions and installation instructions for the exact model.
UFC-Que Choisir highlights fan noise and differences in energy use between appliances. An energy comparison only makes sense when the recipes, quantities and conditions are similar.
Look for noise measurements that explain how they were taken, especially if you have an open-plan kitchen, and compare energy use under similar conditions.
These models show different approaches to cooking; the features of one model don’t necessarily apply to the whole brand.
The NA352/00 is a useful example of an asymmetrical dual-drawer air fryer: Philips lists one 6 L basket, one 3 L basket and a function to synchronise the end of cooking.
The brand offers two distinct formats: the single-basket 7,5 L Easy Fry Mega EZ855BF0 and the 20 L Easy Fry AL605820 mini-oven.
The AF400EU series manual describes two cooking zones and a Sync function designed to make dishes with different settings finish at the same time.
These Joybuy air fryers offer two ways to prepare a family meal: one basket for a large dish or two compartments for separate items. Check the usable dimensions of each model before deciding whether one or two batches will be enough.
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Worth considering if you’d like to split a meal between two baskets rather than cook one large dish.
The model name indicates a total capacity of 8,5 L. Check how much space each basket offers for your portions, as well as the room needed to set up the appliance.
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Worth considering if you want to cook two parts of a meal in separate baskets.
The stated 9 L capacity is the total for both baskets. Check the capacity of each basket and the worktop space required; this is the NA351/00, which is different from the NA352/00 mentioned above.
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Worth considering if you’d rather cook one large dish in a single basket than set two cooking zones separately.
The stated capacity is 7,6 L. Compare the usable dimensions and recommended load with your usual dish before relying on a single batch.
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Worth considering if you want to use separate compartments for different parts of your meal.
This model is described as a two-compartment appliance with a total capacity of 9 L. Check the capacity of each compartment and the available functions if you need both dishes to finish cooking together.
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Worth considering if you mainly prepare one dish for a family meal.
The model name indicates a 7 L capacity, a digital display and a cooking window. Check the basket’s usable dimensions and the appliance’s footprint to make sure it suits your kitchen.
No. Check the usable dimensions, available height and example load sizes for the exact model too. UFC-Que Choisir points out that usable capacity determines how much you can actually cook; an “XXL” label alone won’t tell you whether your dish will fit.
It depends on the size of each drawer. Philips lists one 6 L drawer and one 3 L drawer for the NA352/00. The synchronisation function can coordinate two cooking cycles, but the smaller drawer won’t offer as much room as the larger one for generous portions.
Compare noise measurements taken using a stated method and check the cleaning instructions for the parts you’ll handle. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol measures noise at 0,50 m and also assesses cleaning and storage. These factors deserve particular attention if you often use the appliance in an open-plan kitchen.
If it still works, consider giving it away; if it’s faulty, look into getting it repaired or taking it to an appropriate collection point. ADEME outlines these options for small electrical appliances. When buying a new one, you can also ask the retailer what take-back options they offer.