An air fryer, also known as a hot-air fryer, can be useful for chips, vegetables, chicken, fish, bread rolls and oven dishes. However, not every model is suitable for everyday use. A compact air fryer may be too small for a family, while a large air fryer takes up unnecessary space if you usually cook for one or two people.
When buying, don’t just look at the number of programmes or a low price. Capacity, basket design, ease of cleaning and ventilation space are what mainly determine whether an air fryer remains convenient to use.
A 9-litre air fryer sounds spacious, but the shape of the basket and the available base area are just as important. A tall, narrow basket may be less suitable for pizza, oven dishes or several layers of food. So check whether the capacity is stated as total capacity, basket capacity or usable capacity.
For a household of one to three people, an air fryer of 4 to 5 litres can be practical. Families or people who prepare several portions at once may want to consider a 9-litre air fryer, an XXL model or an air fryer oven.
A digital air fryer with a touchscreen and automatic programmes, or an air fryer with a grill, may sound versatile. But if the basket is too small or difficult to clean, those features become less relevant. Choose the right capacity first, then look at extras such as grilling, baking, drying or keeping food warm.
A dual air fryer can be useful if, for example, you want to prepare chips and vegetables at the same time. Pay attention to how the temperature is set for each basket. Independent temperature and time settings offer more control than simply having a large number of pre-programmed menus.
With a dishwasher-safe air fryer, it is generally only the basket, rack or certain accessories that are suitable for the dishwasher. The housing and heating element must not be immersed in water. Always check the manual and allow parts to cool down before cleaning them.
A quiet air fryer can still make ventilation noise. If noise levels are important to you, look for a stated dB(A) value rather than relying solely on a marketing name.
As well as the number of litres, check how much food the product specification says will fit in the basket. According to the descriptions of some Tefal models, a 4.2-litre model may be suitable for meals for up to six people, but the practical portion size depends on the dish. Chips, for example, need enough space for the hot air to circulate properly.
A 5-litre model is often a useful middle ground for everyday meals. For larger families, a large air fryer, a model with multiple levels or a dual basket may make more sense.
A range of around 40 to 220 °C offers more options for drying, baking and slow heating than a model that only reaches high temperatures. Wattage mainly indicates electrical power; it does not solely determine how quickly or evenly the result will be.
Also check whether the air fryer switches off automatically, has a timer and requires sufficient space around it. A minimum distance of 10 cm from walls and other appliances is recommended for several models. Place the appliance on a flat, heat-resistant surface and do not block the air inlet or outlet.
A touchscreen can be convenient, but physical buttons are sometimes easier to use with damp or greasy hands. An air fryer with a viewing window allows you to check the food without pulling the basket all the way out. A removable front, removable rack and dishwasher-safe parts can reduce the effort involved in everyday cleaning.
Also check which accessories are included. A grill plate, baking tray or multiple racks make an air fryer oven more versatile, but they also take up extra cupboard space.
Why it suits this profile: This 4.2-litre model combines air frying and grilling in one appliance and features digital controls with a timer.
The capacity and single-basket design are clearly stated. This means you know in advance that it is not a dual air fryer or XXL appliance.
4.2-litre capacity, grill plate, temperature range of 80–200 °C and dishwasher-safe parts according to the product description.
Why it suits this profile: The 5-litre capacity, touchscreen and quiet operation are ideal for households that cook frequently and value convenience.
The stated noise level of 48 dB(A) provides more useful information than simply calling it “quiet”. The capacity is also clearly specified.
55 pre-set programmes, 40–220 °C, a single basket and a My Tefal app according to the product information.
Why it suits this profile: The large capacity and viewing window are practical for families preparing larger portions and wanting to monitor the cooking process.
The viewing window reduces the need to open the basket while cooking. The specification also lists an automatic shut-off and timer.
9-litre capacity, 6-in-1 programmes, touchscreen, viewing window and dishwasher-safe basket according to the product description.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
An air fryer cooks with hot air. This means you can prepare many dishes with little or no added oil. It gives you the option of preparing potatoes, vegetables, chicken or snacks differently from using a deep-fat fryer. However, the result depends on the portion size, cooking time and shaking the basket regularly.
You should therefore not treat “healthy meals without oil” as a guarantee. Nutritional value mainly depends on the ingredients and the meal as a whole. Always follow the manufacturer’s temperature and safety instructions.
According to Tefal’s own research, certain models can use up to 70% less energy than a traditional oven. This is a brand claim; actual consumption depends on the dish, quantity, temperature, cooking time and the type of oven you are comparing it with. A small air fryer can be practical for a small portion, as you do not need to heat up the entire oven.
For one or two people, 3 to 5 litres is often sufficient. For a family, 5 to 7.5 litres may be more practical. A 9-litre model or dual air fryer provides extra space for larger portions or two dishes at once. Always check the stated frying capacity, not just the number of litres.
Place the appliance on a flat, heat-resistant surface with sufficient ventilation space around it. For the models mentioned, a minimum distance of 10 cm from walls and other appliances is recommended. Keep curtains, kitchen cupboards and other flammable materials away from the appliance. The basket and housing can become hot during use.
Costs depend on the power rating, cooking time and energy tariff. A 1,500-watt air fryer running for half an hour theoretically uses 0.75 kWh. In practice, the heating element switches on and off, so actual consumption may vary. Compare the appliance with your oven and cooking method rather than looking at wattage alone.