If you’re cooking mainly one small batch at a time for one or two people, a single-drawer air fryer is a sensible choice. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 3 to 4 L as a guide for capacity, but you should also consider how much usable space there is in the basket. Two compartments are useful if you often cook two dishes at once. And if your oven already meets your needs, weigh up the added convenience before buying another appliance. Check noise, cleaning and dimensions for each model individually.
How often you cook small batches and how many dishes you prepare at once matter more than the stated capacity alone.
If you mainly make a side dish, vegetables or a small crispy portion, start by looking at a single-basket model. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 3 to 4 L as a guide for one or two people, while pointing out that usable capacity determines how much you can actually cook.
A dual-zone appliance is worth considering if your main dish and side need different settings. Check that the model you’re looking at has the synchronisation feature you want, then compare its worktop footprint and the number of parts you’ll need to wash.
If you regularly use your oven for everything from small dishes to larger meals, think about what an air fryer would change in your routine: how often you’d use it, whether preheating times are acceptable, how much space you have and the extra cleaning involved. You can’t assume every appliance and recipe will use less energy.
Start with the quantity and number of dishes you usually cook, then check that the format you choose suits your available space and cleaning routine.
Worth considering: for cooking one small batch at a time, without regularly needing to cook two separate dishes.
Trade-off: larger quantities may mean cooking in several batches. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the limitations of a single basket for larger volumes.
Worth considering: if you often cook two different foods to serve together.
Trade-off: for one small portion, two zones can take up more space and mean more parts to clean, without meeting a regular need.
Worth considering: only if deep-frying in oil is specifically what you’re looking for.
Trade-off: you’ll need to manage the oil and clean the bowl. It’s a different way of cooking from an air fryer.
Stick with it: if it already suits your larger dishes and usual cooking, and you’re happy with how long it takes.
Consider: an appliance dedicated to small batches would take up extra space and need cleaning of its own.
| Criterion | What to check | How it fits my needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the basket’s surface area, the quantity recommended in the instructions and the stated capacity. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 3 to 4 L as a guide for a single basket intended for one or two people. | I mainly cook small portions and want to avoid cooking in several batches, without giving too much space to an oversized appliance. |
| Cooking two dishes | Check the capacity of each zone, the available settings and whether the specific model has a synchronisation feature. Also measure the space it will take up. | My main dish and side often need to be ready together. If I only cook one food, two drawers offer less benefit. |
| Cooking method | Know the difference between circulating hot air and deep-frying in oil, two categories described by UFC-Que Choisir. For a deep-fat fryer, also look at how the oil is managed and how the appliance comes apart. | I want to avoid deep-frying in oil. If I specifically want this method, a traditional fryer remains a separate option. |
| Noise | Look for an independent measurement taken while the appliance is running, with the measuring distance stated. UFC-Que Choisir measures air fryer noise from 50 cm away. | In an open-plan kitchen, the fan will run close to the living area, so noise matters when I cook regularly. |
| Cleaning | Check the instructions to see exactly which drawers, baskets, racks and trays are washable. Count the parts you’ll need to clean after cooking two dishes at once. | After marinated food or repeated use, I want to know which parts are easy to wash, without assuming the whole appliance is dishwasher-safe. |
| Using your oven | Compare your usual quantities and recipes, the space available and your oven’s preheating time. Les Numériques explains that its energy-use test of three appliances shows a trend, not universal results. | My oven may already work well for small batches. I want a regular practical benefit before taking up more worktop space. |
Capacity doesn’t tell you by itself how much food will fit in the basket and cook well. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the importance of usable capacity and the limitations of a single basket as quantities increase.
Start with your usual portions, then check the basket’s surface area, the quantity recommended in the instructions and the appliance’s external dimensions.
The fan makes noise, which can be particularly noticeable in an open-plan kitchen. UFC-Que Choisir has found differences between appliances and measures their noise while they’re running.
Look for an independent measurement that states the distance, rather than relying only on a marketing claim or a quick listen in store.
Dishwasher compatibility may apply only to certain removable parts. For example, Tefal says the heating unit of its Filtra Pro deep-fat fryer is not dishwasher-safe.
Check the instructions for every part you’ll use and wash: the basket, drawer, rack, tray or divider.
Cooking results vary between air fryers in UFC-Que Choisir’s tests. The energy-use test by Les Numériques does not provide results that apply to all ovens and air fryers.
First decide what you can live with in terms of portions, space, noise and cleaning. If you compare energy use, make sure it’s for a clearly defined recipe, quantity and set of appliances.
These examples show different formats to compare. Their features don’t automatically apply to other appliances from the same brand.
The 3000 Series dual-basket model may suit households that cook a main dish and side separately.
The brand offers, among other options, a 3,5 L drawer model and another designed to reduce noise.
Its range lets you compare an air fryer with an electric deep-fat fryer as separate options.
These three air fryers show different formats for small batches: two single-basket or single-container options and one dual-drawer model. Compare their stated capacities with your usual portions, and check the noise level and space required before choosing.
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Worth considering for small batches of different sizes. Check the instructions for the recommended quantity for each dish, the space it needs on your worktop and its noise level while running if you have an open-plan kitchen.
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The stated 2 L basket capacity is worth comparing with your usual portions: it’s below the 3 to 4 L guide UFC-Que Choisir gives for one or two people. The product name states that it has a 60-minute timer and a dishwasher-safe non-stick basket. Check the external dimensions and noise level if these are important to you.
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Its two drawers are best suited to cooking two foods at once, and its stated total capacity is 7,6 L. If you usually cook one small portion, compare the space it takes up and the capacity of each drawer. Separately check whether it can synchronise cooking end times, and look for a noise measurement if these features matter to you.
UFC-Que Choisir suggests 3 to 4 L as a guide for a single basket intended for one or two people. Also compare the basket’s surface area and the quantity recommended in the instructions: the stated capacity in litres doesn’t guarantee that a whole recipe will fit and cook well.
Yes, if you often cook two different foods to serve together. If you usually cook just one small portion, compare a single basket with the external dimensions, the capacity of each drawer and the cleaning requirements of the dual model you’re considering. Also check that its synchronisation feature suits your needs.
Look for an independent measurement taken while the appliance is running, rather than relying on a simple “quiet” claim. UFC-Que Choisir measures air fryers from 50 cm away and notes that noise is particularly worth considering in an open-plan kitchen or small space.
No. Check the specific model and the parts explicitly listed in its instructions. For example, Moulinex says the non-stick basket in its Easy Fry Essential 3,5 L is dishwasher-safe. This doesn’t tell you whether every part of other models is dishwasher-safe.
No, you can’t assume you’ll save energy in every situation. Les Numériques explains that its comparison of an air fryer, an electric fryer and an oven shows a trend under the test conditions, rather than providing absolute figures that apply to every appliance. To decide, compare the same recipe and the quantity you usually cook.