Cooking oven-baked dishes
You’re replacing your mini oven so you can keep making gratins, pizzas and baked treats in the dishes you already use. The shape of the cavity and the cooking functions matter more than the stated capacity alone.
Who is this choice for?
Making smaller portions
You often cook small quantities and are deciding between an oven door and an air fryer basket. Compare the usable space, cleaning requirements and results for the recipes you make.
Fitting out a compact worktop
You need enough room to position and use the appliance, open its door or remove its basket, while following the instructions in its manual.
What should you compare?
Start with the dishes and recipes you want to keep making, then check the quantities you prepare, the appliance’s footprint and how easy it is to clean. Que Choisir says capacity, ease of use and maintenance are among the criteria to consider when choosing an air fryer; its cooking space can also limit the quantities you can prepare.
If you’re replacing a mini oven or equipping a kitchen without a built-in oven, each row below highlights one key purchasing priority.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Oven dishes and cooking | Measure your dishes and check the internal dimensions, shelf positions and cooking functions for the model. | I want to keep using my usual gratin dishes and baking tins; their shape and the available functions matter more than the stated capacity. Around 33% of consumers prioritise compatibility with their dishes and oven cooking. |
| Frequent small portions | Compare the surface area of the basket or rack with the quantities recommended for your recipes. | I mainly prepare small quantities and want to know whether the basket will suit my recipes without having to cook several batches. Around 27% of consumers prioritise frequent small-batch cooking. |
| Available space | Measure your worktop and the space needed to open the door or remove the basket; check the manual for positioning instructions. | I’m short on space and need to use the appliance without getting in the way of the rest of the worktop. Around 20% of consumers prioritise a compact footprint. |
| Cleaning and aftercare | Check the cleaning instructions, removable parts and services listed for the exact model. | I want to be able to clean the parts after cooking and know what aftercare is offered for my model. Around 20% of consumers prioritise product maintenance and aftercare. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based only on the number of litres
Capacity doesn’t tell you whether a particular dish will fit in the cavity or basket: shape and usable dimensions matter too.
Measure your largest usual dish and compare its dimensions with the cooking space specified for the model.
If your tin doesn’t fit, you may have to use a different dish or cook several batches.
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Assuming every air fryer always uses less electricity
In a test published in 2024, Que Choisir measured an average of 36% less electricity use for the air fryers tested than for the Moulinex Optimo 19 l when cooking a small quiche, with the same quantity. This result applies to that recipe and those conditions, not to all types of cooking or every appliance.
To compare energy use, look for measurements based on a recipe and quantity similar to your own.
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Assuming fan-assisted cooking always gives even results
A function being listed on the product page isn’t enough to prove that cooking will be even.
Check that the function is available on the exact model and look for tests that specify the recipes and measurements used.
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Taking a repairability commitment as proof of longevity
The availability of parts or advertised services tells you about aftercare options, but it doesn’t measure how often faults occur or how long the appliance will last.
Check the parts and services available for the exact model, and distinguish between the statutory guarantee, the manufacturer’s service and any commercial warranty.
Brands and models to consider
Moulinex
The 19 l Optimo OX444810 and 39 l OX484810 show two different sizes of freestanding oven.
- Moulinex lists six cooking modes for these models.
- The features and services listed by the manufacturer don’t prove that the whole range cooks evenly or will last a particular length of time.
Severin
The TO 2058 and TO 9561 let you compare different features across the models.
- The TO 2058 product details list fan-assisted cooking and a rotisserie; the TO 9561 is listed without fan-assisted cooking.
- Check the features and dimensions on the product page for the exact model: functions vary between models.
Ninja
The Foodi Flex AF500EU is an example of an air fryer with a drawer that can be split into one or two cooking zones.
- In its review of the AF500EU, Les Numériques highlights the flexible cooking zones and quick heating.
- The same review notes that the appliance is bulky and its drawer is difficult to handle and clean; these observations apply to this model.
Philips
The Series 2000 NA231/00 and NA150/00 show two different basket configurations.
- Philips lists a capacity of 6,2 l and a power rating of 1 500 W for the NA231/00. Que Choisir describes the NA150/00 as having a 7,1 l drawer that can be divided into two 3,55 l spaces.
- A stated capacity doesn’t guarantee that a particular tin will fit or that food will cook evenly.
Joybuy products
The products below include freestanding mini ovens and multifunction air fryers to replace a worktop cooking appliance.
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Black+Decker Mini Oven BXOV4500E 2000W
A freestanding mini oven to consider if you want to keep oven cooking and use a rotisserie.
Stated capacity of 45 l, 15 functions, a thermostat from 100 to 230 °C and a 90-minute timer. The rotisserie is listed as suitable for a whole chicken weighing up to 2 kg. The hotplates on top and the oven can’t be used at the same time.
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Taurus Horizon23, 23 l freestanding oven
This compact model is worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding oven and its capacity suits the dishes you usually use.
Stated capacity of 23 l, three heating modes (top, bottom or combined), a thermostat from 40 to 230 °C and a 90-minute timer.
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HOMCOM Mini Oven 46 L with rotisserie
Consider this if you want a large freestanding oven and have enough room for it on your worktop.
Stated capacity of 46 l, fan-assisted cooking, a rotisserie, two baking trays, 2 850 W power and a 60-minute timer. Listed dimensions: 58,1 × 40 × 39,5 cm. The hotplates on top and the oven can’t operate at the same time.
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Ninja Dual Zone Digital Air Fryer DZ400EU, 9,5 l
This could be a good alternative for cooking two foods separately in small quantities; air fryers’ cooking space can limit the size of the dishes you can use.
Two 4,75 l drawers with independent controls, six listed functions and baskets stated to be dishwasher-safe.
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9 l dual-zone air fryer, 2 000 W
Worth considering if you want to prepare two foods separately; check that each basket’s capacity suits your portions.
Two independent 4,5 l baskets, a touchscreen, a timer and 10 listed programmes, including roast, bake, grill and toast. The cooking space can limit the quantities you can prepare.
Frequently asked questions
Can an air fryer replace a mini oven for cakes and gratins?
It can cook these dishes if the dish or tin fits in the basket. For the dishes you usually use, check their dimensions and the functions available on the model you’re considering rather than relying on its stated capacity alone.
How do you check the positioning and connection requirements for a mini oven?
Before choosing where to put it, read the manual for the model you’ve chosen. It explains the requirements for positioning and connecting the appliance. For example, the Severin TO 2058 manual requires a properly installed earthed socket and a voltage that matches the appliance’s rating plate. This model-specific instruction isn’t a universal rule for all appliances.
How do you clean a mini oven without damaging it?
Follow the instructions for your model and distinguish between removable parts and the electrical body of the appliance. For the Severin TO 2058, the manual says to unplug the appliance, let it cool before cleaning and not immerse it in water.
Who should you contact if a fault develops after buying in France?
If you’re a private individual who bought from a professional seller, you should claim under the statutory guarantee of conformity from the seller. The DGCCRF states that the claim must be made within two years of delivery of the goods; any commercial warranty is in addition to the statutory guarantee and doesn’t replace it.
What should you do with your old mini oven?
When buying a new appliance, ask the retailer to take back an equivalent used appliance free of charge under the “one-for-one” take-back scheme. If you’re arranging a take-back without making a purchase, check the retailer’s terms and the rules of the relevant scheme.