Choose based on what needs to cook at the same time: a large dish calls for one continuous cooking space, while a main and a side may be easier to organise in two compartments. Compare the usable dimensions of each area with the dishes you usually cook, and check that the appliance will fit in your kitchen. If your oven already meets your needs, an additional air fryer could be redundant.
If you often cook a whole joint or several identical portions, check that the usable cooking surface can fit them without needing multiple batches. Que Choisir Ensemble highlights the importance of usable capacity when choosing an air fryer for a large family.
If you want to cook a main and a side at the same time, compare the space available in each compartment and the settings on offer.
If your oven already accommodates the dishes you make for everyday meals, consider what cooking tasks an additional appliance would genuinely make easier. Que Choisir Ensemble advises against buying more appliances than you need.
First decide whether you want one large, continuous cooking surface or two separate cooking zones. Then check the dimensions of the compartments and the space available on your worktop. Que Choisir Ensemble lists usable capacity and overall size among the factors to consider.
| Priority | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Large dish or identical portions | Interior dimensions, shape of the cooking bowl and filling limits for the specific model. | If I want to fit a large dish or several similar portions without splitting them between separate zones, I prioritise one continuous cooking surface. Around 33% of consumers put this capacity at the top of their list. |
| Two dishes cooked at the same time | The capacity and dimensions of each zone, along with the available settings and synchronisation functions. | If I’m cooking a main and a side at the same time, I check that each portion will fit in its compartment. This is the priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Space and ease of handling | Width, height, depth and the clearance needed to open and remove the drawers. | When worktop space is limited, I check how much room the appliance takes up and how much space I’ll need to handle the drawers. Around 17% of consumers prioritise the appliance’s overall size. |
| Whether it adds anything to your existing oven | Dishes that won’t fit in the oven, or cooking tasks you’d like to organise differently. | If my oven already meets my family’s needs, I look for a specific task that a new appliance would make easier before adding one. Around 17% of consumers prioritise avoiding an appliance that duplicates what they already have. |
The total capacity alone doesn’t tell you the shape of the cooking bowl or the size of the dish that will fit inside. With two compartments, the capacity is divided between them.
Measure the dishes you usually use and compare them with the interior dimensions of each compartment on the model you’re considering.
The ability to make two programmes finish at the same time doesn’t guarantee that each portion will be evenly distributed or cook as you want it to.
Check the capacity of each zone and follow the model’s filling instructions.
In a Que Choisir Ensemble test, air fryers used an average of 36% less electricity than a mini oven to cook a small quiche of the same quantity. This result applies to those appliances and that recipe, not to every family meal.
Compare similar cooking tasks and quantities, then check whether your current oven already meets your needs.
The models covered include a single basket, a flexible cooking bowl and an oven-style design.
The Série 3000 NA352/00 is an example of an air fryer with two different-sized baskets.
The Foodi Flex AF500EU is an example of a large cooking bowl that can be divided into two zones.
This selection features air fryers with multiple compartments, a flexible cooking bowl and an oven-style cooking appliance to help you prepare meals in several portions.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to cook two dishes in an appliance with two drawers.
Two drawers; stated total capacity of 9,5 L.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want the flexibility to cook one large dish or use two separate zones.
Stated capacity of 10 L.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’re looking for an oven-style cavity to cook several portions.
Stated capacity of 30 L; stated power of 1 800 W; designed to fit a 13-inch pizza.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to divide two dishes between two cooking chambers.
Stated total capacity of 12 L; 10 preset programmes, as stated in the product name.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want the flexibility to cook one dish or use two separate cooking zones.
The set includes 50 paper liners, according to the product name.
No, not if the dish needs to fit in one piece: the 9 L stated capacity of the Philips NA352/00 is split between two baskets of 6 L and 3 L. Moulinex states that the EZ9228F0 has a flexible cooking bowl, but check that your dish fits the dimensions in the configuration you choose.
Don’t treat the stated maximum capacity as a filling recommendation. Moulinex advises against overfilling the basket, so that hot air can circulate. Follow the instructions for your model and arrange the food accordingly.
No, the result depends on the appliances, recipe and quantity. Que Choisir Ensemble measured an average of 36% less electricity used than with a mini oven to cook a small quiche of the same quantity. This result can’t predict the energy use of every family meal.
For goods sold by a trader to a consumer, the legal guarantee of conformity is mandatory. The DGCCRF states that claims must be made within two years of delivery. For an appliance covered by the relevant EU regulations, also check for the CE marking and safety information. The DGCCRF explains that the CE marking is not an independent certification.
For a distance purchase from a trader, you generally have a withdrawal period of at least 14 days, subject to the applicable conditions and exceptions. Check the terms provided by the seller before placing your order; the Ministry of the Economy explains the rules for distance selling.