Joybuy Insights

Buying an air fryer: how to choose a model that suits your household

Buying an air fryer seems straightforward until you start comparing basket capacity, wattage and features. A large basket isn’t automatically practical for a small worktop. A dual air fryer can save time, but it often takes up more space. And terms such as “healthy fryer” or “energy-efficient” only tell you so much unless you check the specifications behind them.

As a Product Recommendation Officer at Joybuy, I look at product information from a practical perspective. Read on to find out what to look for, which marketing claims need extra scrutiny and which models suit different households.

Common pitfalls when buying an air fryer

1. Capacity doesn’t always tell you how much food will fit

A 9-litre air fryer sounds spacious, but with a dual-basket air fryer, the capacity is split between two compartments. That’s useful for cooking two dishes, but less suitable for one large dish. So check not only the total capacity in litres, but also the capacity of each basket and the maximum food quantity.

2. More programmes don’t automatically make an air fryer easier to use

As well as air frying, a multi-function air fryer may bake, grill, roast, reheat or dehydrate. In practice, though, you’ll probably use settings for chips, chicken, vegetables and snacks most often. Check whether you can set the temperature and time manually. That’s often more important than the number of pre-set programmes.

3. “Dishwasher-safe” doesn’t apply to the whole appliance

With an air fryer described as having a dishwasher-safe basket, this usually means the removable basket and rack. The main unit, power cord and control panel must not be immersed in water. Allow the parts to cool completely before cleaning them, and always check the product instructions.

Which specifications matter?

Capacity: compact, large or dual

  • 1.5 to 2 litres: suitable for one person, students or small portions. A compact air fryer takes up less worktop space.
  • 4 to 6.5 litres: practical for a small family or when you’re cooking several portions one after another.
  • 7 to 11 litres: a good fit for families, larger portions and entertaining.
  • 9 litres or more with two baskets: worth considering if you want to cook two ingredients at the same time.

An XXL or large air fryer does need enough space for ventilation. Leave the clearance specified in the manual around the appliance; several models recommend at least 10 cm of free space.

Temperature range and power

A range of around 80 to 200 °C is suitable for most everyday cooking. Some models reach 220 or 240 °C, which product descriptions say can be useful for crisping frozen foods or using certain grill functions.

Wattage mainly tells you about the appliance’s electrical power, not directly about the quality of the cooking results. A model rated at 1,000 to 1,500 watts is often suited to a small basket. Larger models, for example, use 2,000 to 2,750 watts. If you choose a high-powered model, check that you’re using an earthed socket and avoid unsuitable extension leads.

Cleaning, controls and safety

Look for a removable basket, a non-stick coating and parts that the manufacturer says are dishwasher-safe. A viewing window can help you check on your food without opening the drawer. With a dual-zone air fryer, independent temperature and time settings are important if you want to cook chips and vegetables at the same time, for example.

Never overfill the basket: hot air needs room to circulate. The basket, hot air and escaping steam can cause burns. Place the appliance on a stable, heat-resistant surface and let it cool completely before cleaning.

Recommended models for different uses

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Midea 2L Air Fryer

Midea 2L Air Fryer

Why it suits this profile: With a 2-litre capacity, it’s designed for one or two people and is a good fit for a studio flat, student room or small kitchen.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The compact capacity means you won’t pay for a large dual drawer that you rarely need. The basket is removable and described as dishwasher-safe in the product information.

Key benefits and features

2-litre capacity, 1,150 watts of power, timer up to 60 minutes and a non-stick basket.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Ninja DZ400EU Dual Zone Air Fryer

Ninja DZ400EU Dual Zone Air Fryer

Why it suits this profile: Its two independent 4.75-litre drawers are ideal for families who want to cook different dishes at the same time.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The separate settings make it clear how this differs from a single large basket, with genuine dual-zone cooking. The drawers and crisper plates are described as dishwasher-safe in the product information.

Key benefits and features

9.5 litres in total, six cooking functions, temperatures up to 240 °C, plus Sync and Match settings.

Suitable for: Specific needs and frequent use
Tefal Easy Fry FW5018

Tefal Easy Fry FW5018 - 9-in-1 Air Fryer Oven & Grill

Why it suits this profile: This oven-style model is a good choice if you want to bake, grill, roast, toast and dehydrate as well as air fry, and make use of multiple levels.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Its 11-litre capacity and included accessories give you a clearer idea of what it can do than a long list of programmes alone.

Key benefits and features

Nine functions, temperatures from 45 to 200 °C, multiple racks and removable parts that are dishwasher-safe.

Suitable for: Families cooking two dishes at once
Philips 3000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer

Philips 3000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer

Why it suits this profile: The combination of a large and a smaller drawer works well for a main and a side dish, or for different portion sizes.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The different drawer sizes make the capacity practical for both large and small portions. The Sync and copy functions help avoid unnecessary waiting between dishes.

Key benefits and features

9-litre capacity, eight programmes, two drawer sizes and a digital synchronisation function.

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 requirements.

Frequently asked questions about buying an air fryer

Is an air fryer cheaper to run than an oven?

It depends on the power rating, cooking time, amount of food and energy tariff. A small air fryer doesn’t need to heat as much space as an oven when you’re cooking one or two portions. Manufacturers such as Philips and Tefal mention potential energy savings compared with a traditional oven in their product information. These claims are specific to each brand, and your own energy use may vary.

How long does an air fryer last?

Its lifespan depends on how often you use it, how you clean it and how you treat the non-stick coating. Use wooden or silicone utensils, don’t overfill the basket and clean the parts according to the manual. In the EU, many household appliances come with a minimum two-year legal guarantee, but check the terms for the product and retailer.

What size air fryer do I need?

For one person, 2 to 4 litres is often enough. For two to four people, 4 to 6.5 litres is a sensible choice. A family-sized, dual or XXL air fryer is more practical if you want to cook several portions at once. Also measure the space available on your worktop beforehand and check where the hot air is released.