Joybuy Insights

Airfryer buying guide: how to compare capacity, features and ease of use

An air fryer can be a handy addition to your kitchen. You can use it to cook chips, snacks, vegetables, meat, fish and even the occasional cake. However, a larger basket isn't automatically more practical, and a long list of programmes doesn't mean you'll actually use those features often. If you only focus on discounts, wattage or a marketing claim, you could end up with an appliance that's too small, difficult to clean or takes up too much space.

This buying guide helps you compare air fryers based on verifiable specifications. You'll also see which type suits a small household, a family or heavy use.

Three common pitfalls when buying an air fryer

1. The capacity looks bigger than the usable cooking space

A capacity of 4 litres, 7 litres or 9 litres doesn't tell you exactly how much food you can cook evenly at once. The shape of the basket and the ability to spread ingredients in a single layer are at least as important. An overcrowded drawer restricts air circulation. This can make chips cook less evenly and means you'll need to shake them more often.

So don't just look at the total volume – also consider:

  • the number of drawers or baskets;
  • the dimensions of the interior space;
  • the recommended portion size;
  • the presence of racks for multiple levels.

2. "Less oil" is sometimes used as a health claim

A hot-air fryer works with circulating hot air and may need little or no extra oil for certain dishes. That doesn't mean every dish is automatically healthy. Even a preparation with little oil can be high in salt, sugar or calories.

Claims such as "up to 75% less fat" or "up to 90% less oil" come from brand product information. According to Ninja's own research, the claim of up to 75% less fat applies compared with traditional frying methods. Philips states up to 90% less oil for certain preparations. See this as a product specification under stated conditions, not as a general health claim.

3. Lots of programmes can't replace cleaning

An air fryer with multiple functions sounds versatile, but it's more important to check how you clean the appliance after use. A non-stick coating requires careful handling; metal utensils and abrasive cleaners can damage the surface. Look to see whether the drawer and rack are dishwasher-safe and whether the housing can be easily wiped down with a damp cloth.

Which specifications matter?

Capacity and layout

For one person or a small household, a compact air fryer of around 3.8 to 4.7 litres may be sufficient. For several people, 5 to 7.5 litres is more practical. An air fryer for the whole family generally needs more space, especially if you want to cook a main course and side dish at the same time.

A dual air fryer or air fryer with a double drawer offers two separately adjustable zones. You can, for example, cook potatoes at a different temperature from chicken. With a feature like Sync Finish, both drawers finish at the same time. Bear in mind that two drawers often require more width or height than a single drawer.

Temperature, power and features

The wattage tells you how much electrical power the appliance uses, but it doesn't independently predict cooking quality. Also look at:

  • the temperature range;
  • the maximum cooking time;
  • the size of the heating element;
  • preheating and automatic shut-off;
  • functions such as air fry, bake, roast, reheat and dehydrate.

An appliance of 1,450 to 2,020 watts is often suitable for daily use. A larger model may need more power to heat a greater quantity of food. Check that your socket and any extension lead are suitable. Where possible, plug a high-power appliance directly into a suitable wall socket.

Maintenance and safe placement

Place the air fryer on a flat, heat-resistant surface and leave enough ventilation space around it. Product information for various models mentions at least 10 centimetres; some manufacturers recommend more distance from flammable materials. Do not place the appliance under a kitchen cabinet during use if hot air cannot escape properly.

Allow the drawer to cool down before cleaning it. Never immerse the main unit, plug or cable in water. The removable parts may be dishwasher-safe, but always check the manual and do not use harsh cleaners.

Our recommendations by usage profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Midea Air Fryer 4L 1500W

Midea Air Fryer 4L, 1500W

Why this fits the profile: The 4-litre capacity is suitable for smaller households and daily use without taking up a large appliance on your worktop.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The capacity and power are clearly stated. The shake reminder helps you turn food during cooking.

Key benefit & highlights

8 programmes, temperature from 35–200 °C, timer from 1–60 minutes and dishwasher-safe parts according to the product description.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality
Philips 3000 Series Essential XL Air Fryer

Philips 3000 Series Essential XL Air Fryer

Why this fits the profile: The XL 6.2-litre capacity and keep-warm function suit families who want to serve dishes at different times.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The capacity is clearly specified and the drawer is removable. This lets you assess the practical space and cleaning requirements in advance.

Key benefit & highlights

6.2 litres, 2,000 watts, multiple cooking functions, keep warm for up to 30 minutes and dishwasher-safe parts according to the product information.

Suitable for: Specific use & heavy users
Ninja DZ400EU Dual Zone Air Fryer

Ninja DZ400EU Dual Zone Air Fryer

Why this fits the profile: Two independent 4.75-litre drawers are practical for families who want to cook different dishes at the same time.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The total 9.5 litres is split across two clearly defined zones. This means you don't have to overcrowd one drawer for different dishes.

Key benefit & highlights

6 functions, temperature up to 240 °C, Sync and Match, 2,470 watts and dishwasher-safe drawers and crisp plates.

Suitable for: Small kitchens & quick meals
Instant Pot Vortex Airfryer 4L

Instant Pot Vortex Airfryer 4L

Why this fits the profile: The compact size and 4-litre capacity suit flats, student rooms and small kitchens.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The dimensions of 25.7 × 33.1 × 28 cm and weight of 3.92 kg make the required worktop space clear in advance.

Key benefit & highlights

1,650 watts, temperature up to 205 °C, functions for air frying, baking, grilling and reheating, plus dishwasher-safe parts.

Looking for more options?

We've put together a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and current European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about air fryers

How many litres do I need for a family air fryer?

For one or two people, around 3.8 to 4.7 litres is often enough. For three to five people, 5 to 7.5 litres is more suitable. A dual air fryer can be more practical when you want to cook two different dishes at the same time. Just bear in mind the available space on your worktop.

Does an air fryer use less energy than an oven?

That depends on the size, cooking time, power and amount of food. An air fryer heats a smaller space than an oven, so it can be efficient for small portions. Brands sometimes publish energy-saving claims. According to Ninja's own research, a preparation can use up to 65% less energy than a conventional oven; this result depends on the test conditions. So compare your own usage: portion size, cooking duration and preheating.

How long does an air fryer last?

The lifespan depends on use, maintenance and the condition of the non-stick coating. Clean the drawer after every use, avoid overloading and don't use metal utensils. In the EU, consumers have a statutory conformity guarantee; for several of the models mentioned, a minimum term of two years is stated. Keep your purchase details and contact the seller if a fault occurs.