Joybuy Insights

Buying an Airfryer in 2026: How to Choose a Model That Suits Your Household

An airfryer, also known as a hot-air fryer, is great for chips, vegetables, chicken, oven dishes and airfryer snacks. However, not every model is right for every kitchen. A compact airfryer can be practical for one person, but too small for a family. A dual airfryer offers more flexibility, but also takes up more space and often requires a higher wattage.

If you’re looking to buy an air fryer, it’s worth looking beyond the number of programmes or a striking design. Capacity, ease of cleaning, controls and safety features are what really determine whether an appliance remains a pleasure to use every day.

Common Pitfalls When Buying an Airfryer

1. Confusing a Large Capacity with Usable Space

A capacity of 5 or 6 litres sounds generous, but you shouldn’t cram the basket full. Hot air needs to circulate around the ingredients. A packed basket can therefore be less practical than the capacity on the box suggests.

When looking at an airfryer for a family, don’t just focus on litres – also check the stated cooking capacity in grams and the number of people the model is designed for.

2. Paying Too Much Attention to Programmes

An airfryer with a touchscreen and eight or ten programmes may seem versatile. In practice, you’ll probably only use a few settings, such as chips, chicken, snacks and reheat. What matters more are a clear temperature control, a usable timer and a basket that’s easy to clean.

Also check the temperature range. For everyday use, something like 40–200 °C is suitable for a variety of cooking tasks, while some models go up to 220 °C.

3. Thinking a Viewing Window Replaces Checking

An airfryer with a viewing window lets you see your food without pulling the drawer all the way out. That’s handy, but the window doesn’t mean you won’t need to shake or turn some ingredients halfway through. A shake alarm can help with that.

Also consider where you place the appliance. The air outlet must not be blocked, and hot surfaces and steam can damage an adjacent wall or kitchen cabinet.

Important Specifications Before You Buy an Airfryer

Capacity: 2, 5, 6 or 9 Litres?

Use this guide as a practical reference:

  • 2 litres: suitable for one person, students and small portions.
  • 3 to 5 litres: ideal for one to three people or daily use in a small household.
  • 6 litres: a good option for two to six people, depending on the dish.
  • 8 to 9 litres: suitable for larger households or anyone who wants to cook several dishes at once.

A dual airfryer with two baskets is especially useful if you want to cook chips and chicken at the same time. Check whether both baskets can be set independently and whether a synchronisation function is available.

Wattage and Temperature

The wattage of the models mentioned ranges from 1000 to 2700 watts. A higher wattage doesn’t automatically mean better cooking results. It mainly tells you about the electrical consumption and heating capacity. So look at the combination of wattage, basket size and temperature control.

For everyday cooking, a range of around 40–200 °C is versatile. A low temperature is practical for reheating, keeping warm or defrosting; higher temperatures are good for crispy snacks and chips. Always follow the cooking instructions on the packaging, especially for frozen products.

Cleaning, Materials and Safety

A removable drawer and basket that are dishwasher-safe save time. However, check whether only the removable parts are dishwasher-safe. The housing and heating element must not be submerged in water.

With a PFAS-free airfryer, you need to check whether this feature is explicitly stated in the product specifications. For the Fritel SnackTastic models, PFAS-free is mentioned in the product information. Don’t take this as a general quality guarantee – always check the exact model and the current description.

Practical safety features include:

  • automatic switch-off when the timer ends;
  • switch-off when the drawer is opened;
  • a cool-touch outer wall or cool-touch handle;
  • non-slip feet;
  • enough free space around the air intake and outlet.

Recommended Models for Different Needs

MATCH FOR: Budget-conscious beginners
ROUNY 5L Air Fryer

ROUNY 5L Air Fryer

Why this fits: A practical choice for households looking for a 5-litre airfryer with a touchscreen, viewing window and eight programmes.

How this avoids the pitfall

The capacity, temperature range of 80–200 °C and timer of up to 60 minutes are clearly stated. Don’t fill the basket above the recommended limit.

Key benefit

5 litres, 1450 watts, viewing window and eight preset programmes for chips, chicken, fish and vegetables.

MATCH FOR: Users who want extra features
Fritel Airfryer SnackTastic 7520

Fritel SnackTastic 7520

Why this fits: For households of two to six people who want an airfryer with a touchscreen and viewing window for meals and snacks.

How this avoids the pitfall

The capacity is 6 litres and the cooking capacity is stated as 1800 grams. The viewing window helps you check without opening the drawer each time.

Key benefit

8 programmes, 40–200 °C, keep warm, defrost and dishwasher-safe removable parts. PFAS-free is stated in the product information.

MATCH FOR: Large families and heavy use
Fritel SnackTastic 8480 DUO

Fritel SnackTastic 8480 DUO

Why this fits: Two baskets are handy for families of up to nine people, or for anyone cooking different dishes at the same time.

How this avoids the pitfall

The total capacity is split across two 4.5-litre baskets. This means you can set portions and cooking times independently.

Key benefit

2 × 4.5 litres, 2400 watts, sync functions, touchscreen and illuminated viewing windows. The product information states PFAS-free.

Looking for more options?

Browse a current selection of airfryer snacks and models for different households, portion sizes and cooking needs.

Using Your Airfryer: Practical Points to Consider

Place the appliance on a flat, heat-resistant surface with free space around the ventilation openings. Don’t fill the basket above the mark and don’t use oil as a frying liquid. A small amount of oil on potatoes or vegetables can be suitable, according to the instruction manual.

For frozen products such as chicken nuggets, bitterballen and potato croquettes, cooking time and temperature vary by brand. So follow the packaging and check the results halfway through. Allow the basket and interior to cool down after use before cleaning.

Frequently Asked Questions About Airfryers

Is an airfryer cheaper to use than an oven?

That depends on portion size, cooking time, wattage and energy price. For small portions, an airfryer may heat less space than an oven. However, a large model with two baskets also uses more power. So compare the wattage and cooking duration rather than just looking at a marketing claim.

How long does an airfryer last?

The lifespan depends on use, cleaning and how you treat the non-stick coating. Don’t use metal utensils, don’t overload the basket and clean the parts according to the manual. In the EU, consumers are entitled to at least the statutory warranty under the sales agreement; the product information for the models mentioned typically states a two-year warranty.

Which airfryer is suitable for one person?

For one person or a student, a model of around 2 litres can be enough. The Fritel SnackTastic 4202 has a capacity of 2 litres, a wattage of 1000 watts and a timer of up to 60 minutes. For larger meals or leftovers, a model of 3 to 5 litres is more practical.