An air fryer can be useful for chips, snacks, vegetables, chicken and small oven dishes. However, a large basket is not automatically suitable for every household. If you only look at the number of litres or programmes, you could end up with an appliance that takes up too much space, is difficult to clean or cannot prepare different dishes at the same time.
When buying an air fryer, there are three important pitfalls to avoid:
A compact air fryer of around 4 litres may suit one or two people. For a household with several family members, an air fryer 5 litre or air fryer 6 litre is a more practical choice. Don’t just look at the total capacity; also check the stated cooking capacity in grams.
An air fryer XL with a single basket is useful if you regularly prepare one large portion. A dual air fryer or air fryer with two baskets is more suitable if, for example, you want to prepare chips and vegetables at the same time using different cooking times or temperatures. An air fryer 9 litre or air fryer 10 litre will take up more space, however. Measure your worktop and check that the ventilation openings remain unobstructed.
The wattage indicates the appliance’s electrical power rating, not directly its speed or end result. Across the range, specifications vary from 1,500 to 2,800 watts. A model with two zones will generally require more power when both baskets are used at the same time.
Also check the temperature range. Some appliances start at 35 or 40 °C, while others can only be set from 80 °C upwards. A low temperature can be useful for keeping food warm or defrosting, but not every dish requires it. Use the settings stated in the manual and avoid overfilling the basket.
Calling an air fryer dishwasher-safe should only refer to the parts specified by the manufacturer. The main housing, plug and cable must not be immersed in water. Check whether the baskets and racks are removable and whether the non-stick coating needs to be treated according to the instructions.
An air fryer with touchscreen may look neat and intuitive, but physical buttons may be quicker for some users. An air fryer with viewing window lets you check your food while it cooks without fully opening the basket. A smart air fryer with app or voice control is mainly useful if you genuinely plan to use recipes, notifications or remote control.
If you are sensitive to kitchen noise, you may want to look for a quiet air fryer. Compare a stated noise level, such as 48 dB(A) for a Tefal model. The noise level is not specified for several other models in this selection. Without a measurement, it is difficult to compare how quiet an appliance really is.
Why it suits this profile: This model offers a 6-litre capacity, 12 programmes and simple dial controls. It is an easy-to-use choice for everyday cooking, without an app or dual baskets.
The product details state both the capacity and the maximum power of 1,550 watts. However, check that the stated cooking capacity of 0.5 kg is suitable for your portions.
6-litre capacity, 12 presets, timer, overheating protection and CE marking according to the product information.
Why it suits this profile: The combination of an XL basket, touchscreen, NutriU app and Alexa compatibility is ideal for households that want digital cooking guidance.
The specifications state 6.2 litres, an XL capacity of 1.2 kg and 2,000 watts. This lets you assess capacity and power side by side instead of relying solely on the XL label.
6.2-litre capacity, 13-in-1 functions according to the product description and dishwasher-safe parts according to Philips.
Why it suits this profile: With two 4.5-litre baskets, you can prepare different dishes at the same time. The Sync Finish and Match Cook functions are practical for family meals.
The total 9-litre capacity is divided between two clearly specified zones. This tells you how much space each basket provides individually.
2 x 4.5 litres, 2 x 1,350-gram cooking capacity, touchscreen, viewing windows and dishwasher-safe baskets and racks according to the product information.
Why it suits this profile: This model is a good fit for anyone who values a single basket, app support and a stated noise level.
Rather than using only a marketing term, the product information states a noise level of 48 dB(A). According to Tefal’s own research, 55 programmes and the My Tefal app support the cooking process.
5-litre capacity, 1,670 watts, temperature up to 220 °C, 48 dB(A) and a detachable front for cleaning and storage.
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 uses hot air, but the appliance itself also gets hot. Place it on a flat, heat-resistant surface and keep the air inlet and outlet clear. Do not use oil or frying fat in the basket unless the manual expressly permits it. ‘Air fryer without oil’ generally means that cooking without added frying fat is possible; it says nothing about the ingredients in the dish.
Allow baskets and racks to cool before cleaning them. The housing, plug and cable must not go in the dishwasher. When buying, also check the manual, included accessories, service information and the statutory minimum two-year guarantee for consumers in the EU.
For two people, 4 to 5 litres may be sufficient. For a family, 5 to 6 litres or a model with two baskets is a practical starting point. Also check the stated cooking capacity in grams. Two baskets offer greater flexibility, but require more worktop space.
That depends on portion size, temperature, cooking time and the type of oven. An air fryer generally heats a smaller space, but always compare the wattage and total operating time. Brands may make energy-saving claims under their own conditions; according to Tefal’s own research, this can be as much as 70% compared with a traditional oven for certain models.
Lifespan varies depending on the model and how it is used. Regular cleaning, avoiding overfilling the basket and treating the non-stick coating according to the manual can help limit wear. Keep your proof of purchase and check the guarantee terms. If a fault occurs within the statutory guarantee period, contact the retailer for an appropriate solution.