Joybuy Insights

Choosing an air fryer oven: how to find a model that suits your kitchen

An air fryer oven can do more than cook chips and snacks. Depending on its design, you can use it to bake, grill, roast, toast, reheat and sometimes even dehydrate food. But it’s not wise to rely solely on terms such as “XXL”, “multifunctional” or “energy-efficient”. The capacity of the cooking space, air circulation and available accessories are what ultimately determine how practical the appliance will be in your kitchen.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I focus on specifications that can be checked. That way, you can avoid buying a large air fryer that fits on your worktop but doesn’t have enough space for your everyday meals.

Three common pitfalls when choosing an air fryer oven

1. Capacity doesn’t tell you everything about usable space

An air fryer with a 30-litre capacity sounds roomy, but the shape of the oven cavity and the number of levels are just as important. For example, a narrow cooking space may be less suitable for a large oven dish than a more compact oven with a wider base.

So check:

  • the external dimensions;
  • the dimensions of the baking trays and racks;
  • the maximum pizza diameter;
  • the number of racks included;
  • whether you can use several levels at the same time.

A 5-litre or 6.5-litre model may be enough for a household of one to three people. For families, an XXL air fryer, a large air fryer with several levels or a 30-litre oven may be more practical.

2. More programmes don’t automatically mean greater control

An air fryer with an oven function may have 10, 15 or even 21 programmes. Check what that actually means. Sometimes they’re mainly preset combinations of temperature and time. Manual temperature control, a timer and straightforward controls are still important.

Also check the temperature range. For snacks and vegetables, around 80 to 200 °C is typical of many basket models. A multifunctional oven with a range of, for example, 30 to 230 °C offers more options for proving, baking, grilling and dehydrating.

3. Marketing claims about saving oil and energy

Claims such as “up to 85% less oil” or “up to 70% less energy” depend on the cooking method, portion size, temperature and what the product is being compared with. According to ROUNY’s product information, the 5-litre model can reduce oil use by up to 85% compared with traditional deep frying. According to Tefal’s product information, the Easy Fry FW5018 can save up to 70% energy compared with a conventional oven. Treat these figures as product claims, not guaranteed results in every kitchen.

When it comes to energy-efficient cooking, what matters most is matching the size of the oven cavity to your portion. A small air fryer for a single snack meal may take less time to heat up than a large electric oven, while a large oven may be more efficient when you’re cooking several dishes at once.

Important specifications to check

Capacity and layout

A dual air fryer with two separate baskets is useful when, for example, you want to cook vegetables and chicken at the same time at different temperatures. The ochama Dual-Chamber Air Fryer has a total capacity of 9 litres and separate cooking chambers. Do check that each basket is large enough for your portions, though: 9 litres in total isn’t the same as having a single 9-litre cooking space.

For a multifunctional air fryer oven, 30-litre models are worth considering. According to their product descriptions, OIMIS models can fit a 13-inch pizza and several slices of bread, and have a rotisserie. Check in advance that these dimensions will work with your cookware and recipes.

Power and temperature control

The models mentioned have a power rating of between 1.450 and 1.800 watts. A higher wattage can help an appliance reach temperature quickly, but it doesn’t tell you everything about performance. The fan, heating elements and air distribution also affect the results.

Adjustable temperature control, a timer and good air circulation are more important than an impressive number of programmes. If you use the appliance frequently, it’s also worth checking that your socket and circuit can handle its total power.

Accessories and cleaning

An air fryer with a grill, rotisserie or dehydrator is only useful if the accessories are easy to fit and clean. Look for:

  • removable baskets, trays and racks;
  • dishwasher-safe parts, if this is explicitly stated;
  • a non-stick coating or stainless-steel cooking surface;
  • enough space around the air inlet and outlet;
  • a viewing window or interior light.

Overfilling the baskets blocks air circulation. Place the appliance on a stable, heat-resistant surface and keep it away from curtains and other flammable materials. The exterior, oven cavity and accessories can get hot during use.

Recommended models for different types of user

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
ROUNY 5L Air Fryer

ROUNY 5L Air Fryer with steam box

Why it suits this type of user: Its 5-litre capacity is suitable for everyday use in a small household. The touchscreen controls, eight programmes and viewing window make it easy to use.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The capacity and temperature setting of 80-200 °C are clearly stated. So you’re not buying an appliance with a grand-sounding name, but a model with specifications you can check.

Key benefit & highlights

5-litre capacity, 1.450 watts, viewing window, steam box and child lock, according to the product description.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
OIMIS Smart Stainless Steel Air Fryer Oven

OIMIS Smart Stainless Steel Air Fryer Oven 30L

Why it suits this type of user: This model is designed for households looking for one appliance that can air fry, bake, grill, toast, roast, dehydrate and cook with a rotisserie.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information doesn’t just list 21 functions; it also specifies a 30-litre capacity, a temperature range of 30-230 °C and the accessories included.

Key benefit & highlights

1.800 watts, rotisserie, dehydrator, 21 programmes and space for a 13-inch pizza, according to the product description.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent use
Severin TO 2074 Toaster Oven

Severin TO 2074 4-in-1 Toaster Oven

Why it suits this type of user: This electric oven is a good choice if you want to use top and bottom heat, as well as fan-assisted cooking, grilling, baking and a rotisserie. The two hotplates offer extra flexibility.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The functions and specifications are clearly set out: 30-litre capacity, 100-230 °C, 1.500 watts, fan-assisted cooking and a grill. This makes it easier to see what the oven is designed for.

Key benefit & highlights

30-litre capacity, rotisserie, grill, fan-assisted function and two hotplates, according to the product details.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Air fryer oven, combination microwave or mini oven?

A combination microwave is handy for quickly reheating food, defrosting and cooking small oven dishes. Choose a model with a grill and fan-assisted function if you also want to bake or brown food under the grill. A mini oven or electric oven often offers more room for pizza, bread and oven dishes, but usually takes up more space and takes longer to heat up.

An air fryer oven is particularly well suited to households that often cook small to medium-sized portions and want several functions in one appliance. For large family meals, a 42-litre electric oven such as the Rommelsbacher BG 1805/E may be a better choice. If you’re looking for a complete cooking solution, you could also consider a cooker with an oven.

Frequently asked questions

Is an air fryer oven more energy-efficient than a conventional oven?

It depends on the portion, cooking time, temperature and power rating. For small portions, a compact air fryer may use less energy than a large oven because its cooking space is smaller. Always compare the wattage and actual cooking time. Manufacturers’ energy-saving claims aren’t a guarantee for every cooking task.

What size air fryer oven do you need for a family?

A capacity of 4 to 6.5 litres may be enough for one or two people. For three to five people, 8 to 12 litres or a model with several levels is more practical. If you want to cook a whole pizza, a chicken or several dishes at once, look for a 30-litre air fryer or an electric oven with a capacity of at least 30 litres.

Where should you place an air fryer oven safely?

Place the appliance on a flat, heat-resistant surface with clear space around the ventilation openings. Use an earthed socket that’s suitable for the specified power rating. Keep it away from curtains, wooden wall panels and other flammable materials. Let the appliance cool completely after use before cleaning it.