Start by choosing a size that fits the food you want to cook at the same time, rather than relying on the “XXL” label alone: UFC-Que Choisir points out that usable capacity determines how much you can actually cook. Two drawers are suited to meals that need different settings, while a convertible basket lets you switch between two zones and one larger cooking space. If you want to cook a large dish or use several shelves, compare the dimensions of a mini-oven-style air fryer with those of your conventional oven too. In all cases, check how much clearance you need to open it and which parts need cleaning.
If the two dishes need different settings, two drawers can cook them at the same time. However, each portion needs to fit in its own drawer. UFC-Que Choisir also points out that cooking results can vary from one zone to another.
For a chicken, quiche or large quantity of vegetables, the basket’s width, depth and recommended load matter more than the number of drawers. As UFC-Que Choisir notes, usable capacity is key to how much you can cook.
A large capacity is of little use if the appliance gets in the way when opening the drawers or won’t fit under your cupboards. Compare its dimensions and the clearance it needs with the space available in your kitchen.
To avoid cooking a second batch, start with the meal you make most often: a large dish needs a suitably sized cooking space, while two recipes with different settings call for two zones. A mini-oven-style air fryer is worth considering if you use racks or trays. Keep your conventional oven in the running if your dishes or containers are larger than the air fryer’s usable dimensions.
Worth considering if: you mainly cook one type of food or a large quantity of a single dish.
Trade-off: you can’t use separate settings for two dishes in the same basket.
Worth considering if: your main and side dishes need different cooking times or temperatures.
Trade-off: the total capacity is split between the drawers. UFC-Que Choisir also notes that cooking can vary between zones.
Worth considering if: you regularly switch between cooking two dishes and one large dish.
Trade-off: the divider reduces the space available for each dish when it’s in place.
Worth considering if: you prefer to arrange food on racks or trays rather than in a drawer.
Trade-off: check that your dishes and trays fit, and that there’s enough space to open the door.
Keep using it if: your meals need a large dish or several racks that won’t fit in the air fryer you’re considering.
Air fryer limitation: the “XXL” label alone doesn’t mean it can replace your oven for these meals.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Room for your meal | The basket’s internal dimensions and the maximum load stated in the manual. If it has two drawers, check each one separately. | I want to fit a large dish or all my portions in without having to cook another batch. Around 36% of consumers would make usable capacity their top priority. |
| Cooking two dishes at once | Independent settings, the size of each zone and whether the cooking finish times can be synchronised. | My main and side dishes need different settings, but I want to serve them together. Around 29% of consumers would prioritise this coordination. |
| Size and clearance | Width, depth, height and the clearance needed in front of the drawers or door. | I need an appliance I can position and open without cluttering my worktop. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise keeping this space clear. |
| Cleaning and care | Removable parts, dishwasher compatibility stated for the specific model, and any repair options offered. | If I cook often, I want to be able to clean the parts I use and look after the appliance over time. Around 14% of consumers would put ease of care first. |
The stated capacity doesn’t tell you on its own how much room there is for a dish or how much food the manual recommends cooking. An unsuitable basket may still mean you need to cook in batches.
Compare the internal dimensions and stated load with your usual portions, including the size of a chicken, quiche or other dish.
Two baskets, especially if they’re different sizes, aren’t the same as one cooking space with the same total capacity. The smaller one may limit how much of your side dish you can cook.
Check the capacity and shape of each drawer. If you also cook large dishes in one piece, check the dimensions of a convertible basket when its divider is removed.
Its dimensions when closed don’t tell you whether you’ll be able to pull out the drawers or open the door around your cupboards and other kitchen items.
Measure the space, available height and clearance in front of the appliance before choosing a capacity.
Dishwasher compatibility for accessories and repair commitments are stated for specific models; they don’t automatically apply to an entire range.
Keep the exact model reference to hand when checking the manual, removable parts and repair terms.
The range includes dual-basket models and designs where the cooking zones can be joined together.
Some models are designed with two different-sized drawers to keep your main and side dishes separate.
The Dual Easy Fry Flex lets you choose between two zones and one combined cooking space by removing the divider.
These models are designed for meals split between two zones, or for switching between two zones and one combined basket. Compare the space available for each dish before choosing one: the total stated capacity alone won’t tell you whether it can hold the food you usually cook.
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Worth considering if you want to cook two foods with separate settings. The listing states a total capacity of 9.5 L, six functions and dishwasher-safe baskets.
To check whether your portions will fit, look at the internal dimensions and recommended load for each drawer. Allow space to open them too.
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Another size to consider for cooking two dishes separately. The listing states a total capacity of 7.6 L, six functions and dishwasher-safe baskets.
Compare the dimensions and recommended load of each drawer with your portions, and check how much space you need to open them.
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Worth considering if you switch between cooking a large dish and two separate dishes. The listing mentions a convertible basket, viewing window and 50 cooking liners.
Check the dimensions and permitted load in each configuration. The product details say it isn’t suitable for liquid dishes such as soups, sauces and stews.
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A two-chamber design for keeping different parts of a meal separate. The listing states a total capacity of 9 L and ten functions.
Before choosing it for your main and side dishes, check the volume and dimensions of each chamber, as well as the appliance’s overall size.
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Worth comparing if your two dishes need different temperatures. The listing states that it has two baskets, eight programmes and independent temperature controls.
Check the dimensions and recommended load for each basket. If synchronised cooking finish times matter to you, check how this works in the manual too.
The capacity in litres is a useful starting point, but it doesn’t guarantee that a whole meal will fit in one batch. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 5 to 6 L as a guide for three to four people. Then compare the usable dimensions and recommended load in the manual with your dishes and portions.
Not necessarily: UFC-Que Choisir says results can vary depending on which zone you use. Separate settings let you cook two foods at the same time, but check the tests for the model you’re considering and the quantities suited to each basket.
Make a note of all the parts you’ll need to wash after cooking your usual meal, then check the manual for your chosen model to see which are dishwasher-safe. Dishwasher compatibility for a model’s baskets doesn’t automatically apply to its dividers, trays or other accessories.
If it’s still usable, you could have it repaired or donate it. Otherwise, ADEME says small appliances can be taken to an in-store collection point or dropped off at a dedicated recycling area at a waste disposal centre. If you’re returning it when buying a similar appliance, check the arrangements with the retailer.