For family meals, start by choosing a basket that will genuinely fit the dishes you usually make, rather than relying on its total capacity alone. Two drawers can work well if your main course and side dish need different settings, as long as each drawer is big enough. If the appliance and its clearance requirements take up too much room, sticking with your existing oven is also an option. Que Choisir points out that larger models can be heavy and need space around them.
If you’re cooking for five or more people, check that the basket’s shape and dimensions will fit the food you plan to cook. Que Choisir’s published capacity guidelines are a useful starting point, but they don’t guarantee that a large dish will fit.
A main course and a side dish may need different settings. Models featured by Philips France and Moulinex France have two cooking zones and a sync function; you’ll still need to compare the size of each zone with your usual portions.
Before choosing a large model, measure the space it will need with the drawers open and leave the clearance specified in the instructions. Que Choisir also highlights the potential weight and bulk of XXL models, as well as noise levels to consider in an open-plan kitchen.
To choose between a single basket, two drawers and the oven you already have, start with the dishes you make most often. Then check whether the cooking requirements and the space the appliance needs fit your day-to-day routine.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Portions per batch | Compare the number of people you’re cooking for with the shape of the food and the basket’s usable dimensions. Que Choisir suggests 5 to 6 L for 3 to 4 people and 7 to 9 L for 5 to 6 people. | When the whole family eats together, I want the food to fit without having to start a second batch; around 33% of consumers would rank cooking this amount in one batch as their top priority. |
| Cooking two dishes at once | Check the size and settings of each compartment, and whether there’s a sync function if you want both dishes to be ready at the same time. | If the main course and side dish need different settings, I’d rather be able to cook them at the same time; around 27% of consumers would make this a priority. |
| Space in the kitchen | Measure the appliance and the space needed to open the drawers, and check the clearance specified in its instructions. If you’ll need to put it away after use, check its weight too. | With a worktop that’s already full, I don’t want to move the appliance every time I cook; around 20% of consumers would put keeping this space free ahead of other considerations. |
| Cleaning and noise | Check which parts of the exact model are dishwasher-safe. If noise matters, look for measurements for that model or listen to it running. | In an open-plan kitchen used several evenings a week, I want to keep washing up and noise to a minimum; around 20% of consumers would make this convenience their top priority. |
Two appliances with a similar total capacity can divide up the space differently. A model with 6 L and 3 L drawers, such as the one featured by Philips France, doesn’t have two equally large compartments.
Start with your usual main course and side dish, then check the usable dimensions of each zone.
Que Choisir points out that large air fryers take up a lot of worktop space and need room for heat to escape. The drawers also need to be able to slide all the way out.
Measure the available space with the drawers open and check the clearance required in the instructions for your chosen model.
Dishwasher compatibility applies to the parts specified for a particular model, and may not include all its accessories.
Check the instructions for the drawers, baskets, racks and trays separately.
Que Choisir flags the fan as something to consider, but its presence alone doesn’t tell you how noisy a particular model is.
If noise could affect your decision, look for independent measurements for the model or listen to it running.
Philips France features air fryers with two baskets, including a model with 6 L and 3 L compartments and another with two stacked 5 L baskets.
Moulinex France’s Easy Fry Dual range includes models with different-sized drawers, including 5.2 L and 3.1 L or 6.5 L and 4.5 L configurations, depending on the model.
This selection includes models with two compartments for cooking two parts of a meal, as well as a single-basket model for cooking one dish at a time. Compare their stated capacities with the size of your dishes and the space available in your kitchen.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’d rather cook your main course and side dish in separate drawers than prepare them one after the other.
The model name indicates a total capacity of 9.5 L and six functions. Check the usable dimensions of each drawer and the clearance required in the instructions to make sure they suit your dishes and kitchen.
Image unavailable
An option to consider if you want to cook two parts of a family meal in separate drawers.
The model is listed with a total capacity of 7.6 L and six functions. Check the instructions for the drawers’ usable size, ventilation clearance and basket cleaning guidance.
Image unavailable
Compare this model if you want to cook a main course and side dish in two baskets with separate temperature settings.
The product name indicates a total capacity of 9 L, 2 400 W, eight programmes and independent temperature control. Check the basket sizes, clearance requirements and cleaning instructions for the model.
Image unavailable
Worth a look if two cooking chambers would suit the way you organise meals better than a single basket.
The model is listed with a total capacity of 9 L and ten functions. To check whether your portions will fit and can finish cooking at the same time, check the size of each chamber and the functions described in the instructions.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you usually cook one dish or side at a time in a single basket.
The model name indicates a capacity of 7 L, a digital display and a cooking window. Check the basket’s internal dimensions and consider whether a single cooking zone suits the way you prepare meals.
Que Choisir suggests starting with 5 to 6 L for 3 to 4 people and 7 to 9 L for 5 to 6 people. These capacities don’t guarantee that a large dish or cut of food will fit, so also compare the shape and usable dimensions of the basket with the food you usually cook.
Yes, provided each drawer can hold its part of the meal and the model’s settings let you synchronise the end of cooking. Philips France and Moulinex France feature models with a sync function, but their differently sized drawers won’t necessarily suit two equally large dishes.
No. It depends on the model and the part in question. Check the instructions for the basket, drawers, racks and trays before relying on the dishwasher for cleaning.
No. Keep the oven for dishes that need a large baking tray or a tin that won’t fit in the baskets, or if you can’t position the air fryer with the required clearance. For other meals, check whether the amount you need to cook will fit without having to make several batches.