For family meals, an air fryer works best as a companion to your oven. Choose a large basket if you’re cooking one big batch, or two drawers if you want to cook a main and a side separately. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 6 L as a minimum for four people, but the shape and usable capacity of each compartment matter too. For large dishes and baking trays, keeping your oven as your main appliance may be more practical.
If your main and side need different settings, compare a two-drawer model with one large basket. Some models have a dedicated function that synchronises the cooking times, but be sure to check the usable space in each drawer too.
If you’re cooking several portions of the same food or a large dish, look at the usable surface area and height rather than the total capacity in litres alone. UFC-Que Choisir recommends checking what will actually fit in the basket.
If your air fryer will sit next to your oven, measure the space and check the clearances specified in the manual for your chosen model. Removable parts are also worth considering if you’ll be using the appliance regularly.
Start with the meals you make most often: one basket for a large batch, two zones for separate dishes, or your existing oven for anything that won’t fit in a basket. Then compare the usable space inside the appliance with the space it will take up in your kitchen.
| What to consider | What to check | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Measure your dishes and compare them with the usable surface area, height and volume of each compartment. | I cook several portions of the same food and want to avoid cooking a second batch. Around 36% of consumers would make usable capacity their top priority. |
| Cooking at the same time | Check the capacity of each drawer, whether the settings are independent and if there’s a synchronisation function. | I want to serve a main and a side together without waiting for another cooking cycle. Around 29% of consumers would prioritise being able to cook two dishes at once. |
| Space and oven use | Check the external dimensions and clearances specified in the manual. Also consider which dishes already fit in your oven. | My worktop space is limited, and I don’t want another appliance that duplicates what my oven can do. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise saving space. |
| Cleaning and noise | Find out which parts are dishwasher-safe. If noise matters, look for an independent measurement that specifies the distance. | I have an open-plan kitchen and want to clean the appliance regularly without being bothered by its noise. Around 14% of consumers would put everyday convenience first. |
Two drawers may have a high combined capacity but still not fit one large dish. UFC-Que Choisir recommends distinguishing between the stated capacity and the space you can actually use.
Compare the capacity of each zone, as well as the surface area and height needed for the dishes you usually cook.
A model designed for large batches can take up a considerable amount of worktop space. The capacity won’t tell you how much clearance you’ll need to use it.
Measure the space you have in mind, then check the dimensions and ventilation instructions in the manual for the exact model.
UFC-Que Choisir’s tests show that results vary depending on the recipe and appliance. An advantage seen with a small portion won’t necessarily apply to a large batch.
Compare the air fryer with your oven for the quantities you actually cook, rather than basing your purchase solely on assumed savings.
Dishwasher compatibility applies to specific parts, while a general description of noise doesn’t make it easy to compare two appliances. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol includes a sound measurement at 0.50 m.
Check the manual for removable drawers and racks, the parts page for the exact model, and, if needed, a comparable noise measurement.
The range includes the Airfryer Series 3000 NA352/24 with two baskets, designed for cooking two dishes separately.
The Easy Fry range includes models with two drawers. For the Dual Easy Fry & Grill EZ905B20, Moulinex specifies one 5.2 L drawer and one 3.1 L drawer.
Ninja is one of the air fryer manufacturers whose energy consumption claims have been assessed by UFC-Que Choisir.
These Joybuy models let you compare two-zone designs with a flexible basket for cooking several portions. For each one, check that the usable dimensions will suit your dishes and that the appliance will fit in the space you have available.
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Worth considering if you’re cooking two parts of a meal. Check that each basket can hold the portions you need.
Stated total capacity: 9 L. Check the manual for the space and clearances required.
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A model to consider for cooking a main and a side separately, provided each fits in its own drawer.
Stated total capacity: 9.5 L; the model name lists six functions. Check the manual to see which parts are dishwasher-safe.
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The flexible basket is worth considering if you switch between large batches and two separate dishes. Check the usable dimensions in both configurations.
The product name lists a capacity of 12QT and a viewing window. Check the manual for installation clearances.
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If you’re cooking two dishes for the same meal, compare the usable space in each basket with your usual portion sizes.
The model name lists a total capacity of 9 L, 2400 W, eight programmes and independent temperature control. Check the manual for installation and cleaning instructions.
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Worth comparing for meals with two separate dishes. Before choosing, check the space available in each chamber.
Stated total capacity: 9 L; the name lists ten preset menus. Check the manual for dimensions, clearances and how to clean the removable parts.
Not for every meal. Keep your oven for large dishes or baking trays that won’t fit in a basket. In tests published in 2024, UFC-Que Choisir found that, for a small quiche of the same size, an air fryer used 36% less electricity on average than a mini oven. However, some air fryers used more energy when cooking chicken drumsticks. Results therefore depend on the recipe and the appliance you’re comparing.
For four people, UFC-Que Choisir gives 6 L as a suggested minimum. For more than five people, the organisation recommends looking at models of 9 L or more, including flexible or two-drawer designs, as well as mini ovens. Whatever you choose, measure your dishes and check the usable capacity of each compartment: the total volume won’t tell you whether a large batch will fit in one go.
No. It depends on the model and the part in question. Moulinex says that some parts of the Easy Fry models mentioned here are dishwasher-safe, but this doesn’t apply to every appliance. Check the manual for the exact model before buying and before washing.