For four people, an air fryer of around 6 L may be suitable for a simple meal. For more than five people, or if you want to cook the main dish and side at the same time, look for 9 L or more, two cooking zones or a convertible cavity. Dual drawers make it easier to use different settings, while an air fryer oven is better suited to food cooked on trays. Keep your conventional oven for the very largest dishes.
To reduce the number of batches needed for a complete meal, a chicken, a quiche or a large quantity of chips, start by looking at the usable capacity and the space available for your dish. UFC-Que Choisir recommends 9 L or more for more than five people, while advising shoppers to check the internal layout rather than relying solely on an ‘XXL’ label.
Two zones with different cooking times or temperatures can simplify preparing a main dish and a side. Consider an asymmetrical dual drawer or a convertible compartment if the larger section can genuinely accommodate the main dish.
A compact appliance can handle smaller family-sized portions for everyday meals, while your oven remains useful for larger dishes. In its tests using a small quiche Lorraine, UFC-Que Choisir recorded lower average electricity consumption with air fryers than with a mini oven, for the same quantity. The result depends on the recipe and the appliances compared.
Start with the largest dish you prepare, then check how the zones, available space and cleaning requirements fit your habits.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the capacity with the widest dish or largest item you need to cook. UFC-Que Choisir recommends at least 6 L for four people and preferably 9 L or more for more than five people. | I want to avoid restarting the appliance to finish the meal. Two drawers with a combined capacity of 9 L will not necessarily replace one large cavity for a quiche or a whole chicken. |
| Simultaneous cooking | Check the capacity of each basket, the independent settings and whether the cooking can be synchronised to finish at the same time. One large basket and one small basket are better suited to a main dish with a side than to two large dishes. | I prepare food with different temperatures or cooking times, but I want to serve everything together. A convertible cavity may be more suitable when your menu alternates between one large item and two separate recipes. |
| Space and noise | Measure the width, depth, height and required clearance before buying. Also consult tests that measure noise levels: UFC-Que Choisir points out that the ventilation can be audible. | The appliance will stay on the worktop, sometimes in an open-plan kitchen. I would rather choose a format that fits my space than a large-capacity model that is difficult to install. |
| Cleaning and lifespan | Check which parts are removable, the washing instructions, spare-parts availability and repairability information. Compare energy consumption for similar recipes and quantities with that of your oven. | I want to use the appliance regularly without having lots of difficult-to-clean parts. For use over several years, I also check the durability guidance recommended by ADEME. |
A model marketed as ‘XXL’ may not have enough room for a chicken, a quiche or a complete meal. With a dual drawer, the capacity is divided, and the smaller compartment may be intended for side dishes.
Start with the largest dish or item you cook, then check the capacity of each drawer rather than just the total number of litres.
Two zones are practical for separate recipes, but they do not necessarily provide two large cooking spaces. Asymmetrical formats are generally designed for a main dish and a side.
For two large dishes, consider a large convertible cavity or a mini oven with several levels. For a main dish and its side, an asymmetrical dual drawer may be more suitable.
The differences in energy consumption observed depend on the recipe, the quantity and the appliances compared. Large dishes and several trays are still tasks for which your existing oven may be better suited.
Compare the appliance with your oven using your usual portions, and choose an air fryer for meals it can accommodate without compromising on size.
Family-sized models take up more space, and their ventilation can be intrusive in an open-plan kitchen or a small room.
Measure the available space and required clearance, then prioritise tests that include a noise measurement rather than relying on a simple in-store impression.
The Easy Fry range includes family-sized dual drawers and air fryer ovens. The Dual XXL EZ9428F0 is advertised with two drawers of 6.5 L and 4.5 L, while the AL605820 air fryer oven is advertised with a 20 L capacity, three levels and two trays.
The Series 3000 NA352/04 has two asymmetrical baskets measuring 6 L and 3 L. Philips presents the larger basket for the main dish and the smaller one for side dishes.
The Foodi Flex AF500EU switches between one large cavity and two separate zones using its removable divider. Darty states that it has a 10.4 L MegaZone when the divider is removed.
Joybuy options for family meals split between two dishes or requiring a convertible cavity.
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A flexible option for switching between one large dish and a main dish with a side.
Advertised as a convertible 10 L cavity or two 5 L zones. In dual configuration, check that the main dish fits in one half of the basket; consult a measured test if noise matters in an open-plan kitchen.
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Designed for meals made up of two dishes requiring different settings.
Advertised with two independent 4.75 L drawers and dishwasher-safe baskets. They do not replace one large cavity for a wide quiche or a very large item.
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For dividing a meal between a main dish and a side cooked at the same time.
Advertised with two independent 4.5 L baskets and separate temperature controls. Check that each basket is suitable for the main dish, as well as measuring the appliance before installation.
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A dual-chamber option for cooking two separate recipes as part of the same meal.
Advertised total capacity of 9 L with precise temperature control. Check how the capacity is divided between the chambers, their dimensions and the cleaning instructions before choosing.
UFC-Que Choisir recommends at least 6 L for a family of four and preferably 9 L or more for more than five people. Use this as a guide alongside the size of your main dish: two small drawers totalling 9 L will not necessarily replace one large cavity for a quiche or a large item.
No. Two drawers are useful for two recipes with different settings and synchronised finishing times. A large convertible cavity or a mini oven is more suitable if you often cook a large item, a wide dish or a large quantity of one type of food.
No, it depends on the recipe, the quantity and the appliances compared. In its tests, UFC-Que Choisir measured an average of 36% less electricity use with air fryers than with a mini oven for a small quiche Lorraine of the same weight. This result does not establish that air fryers save energy for every family meal.
Before buying, check which baskets, racks or trays are removable and dishwasher-safe, as well as the availability of spare parts and the repair conditions. In France, the Ministry of the Economy states that the legal guarantee of conformity can be claimed for two years for new and second-hand goods.
You can take it to a collection point or recycling centre, return it to a retailer or give it to a social and solidarity economy organisation, in line with the options presented by the ministries responsible for ecological transition.