An air fryer can prepare fries, vegetables, fish and chicken with very little oil. Before buying, however, it is worth taking a close look at capacity, design and cleaning requirements. Many appliances appear versatile at first glance but do not fit the available counter space or the portion sizes needed in everyday use.
The stated capacity in litres does not automatically indicate how much food can be cooked evenly. A 4-litre basket may be suitable for several portions if the food is distributed loosely. If the basket is overfilled, hot air cannot circulate as effectively, which can lead to uneven results.
For one person or a couple, 2 to 4.6 litres are often sufficient. A family air fryer should offer at least around 5 litres, depending on the dish. If you want to prepare different foods at the same time, consider an air fryer with two chambers and a total capacity of 9 litres or more.
An air fryer with automatic programmes sets the time and temperature for typical foods. This is convenient, but it does not replace suitable portion sizes, occasional turning and monitoring delicate foods. Frozen fries, for example, require different settings from fresh potato wedges.
It is therefore worth checking whether the appliance also allows manual temperature and time settings. A temperature range of around 80 to 200°C covers many applications, including reheating, baking, roasting and cooking.
An oil-free fryer can use hot air without requiring oil to be added. Depending on the food, however, a small amount of oil may improve browning. Claims about fat reduction should always be assessed in the context of the specific comparison being made.
According to the manufacturer, Tefal compares the EY5018 using 700 grams of fresh fries and 8 millilitres of oil with a conventional fryer using 2 litres of oil. This is a brand-specific comparison and not a universal product characteristic.
With a dual-zone air fryer, the chambers generally have independent temperature and time controls. Features such as “Match Cook” copy settings to both zones. “Sync Finish” adjusts the end time so that different dishes are ready to serve simultaneously.
Wattage alone does not determine cooking performance. Air circulation, basket design and the quantity of food are also important. The models covered by the available product data range from approximately 1,150 to 3,100 watts.
A higher rated power can be useful for large dual-chamber appliances, but it also increases the maximum electrical load. Check the manufacturer’s specifications and connect the appliance to a suitable, earthed socket. Extension leads should not be used unless expressly permitted in the operating instructions.
A dishwasher-safe air fryer can reduce cleaning time. However, check which components are actually dishwasher-safe. The housing containing the heating element and electronics must never be immersed in water.
Also look for:
A model with a viewing window lets you monitor the food without pulling out the basket. This can be useful for delicate dishes, but it does not eliminate the need to clean the window and interior surfaces.
Why is it a good fit? This compact air fryer is designed for individuals or couples with limited counter space. Its 2-litre capacity is well suited to smaller portions and reheating food.
The compact design prevents an oversized basket from taking up unnecessary counter space. Manual time control allows adjustments despite the streamlined feature set.
1,150 watts, non-stick basket and removable parts described as dishwasher-safe in the product information.
Why is it a good fit? For users looking for an air fryer and grill with digital automatic programmes in a single appliance. Its 4.2-litre capacity is designed for smaller family meals.
The grill plate complements the air-frying function in a practical way. Temperature and time can also be adjusted manually in addition to the eight programmes.
80–200°C, 60-minute timer, eight programmes and removable parts described as dishwasher-safe in the product data.
Why is it a good fit? Two separate 4.5-litre baskets support family meals, meal prep and the simultaneous preparation of different ingredients.
The separate zones help prevent flavours from mixing. Match Cook and Sync Finish accommodate different cooking times while coordinating the serving time.
9-litre total capacity, 12 preset programmes, independent temperature control and parts described as dishwasher-safe in the product information.
Why is it a good fit? This 5.4-litre model with a viewing window and illuminated cooking chamber is ideal for users who want to monitor cooking progress without pulling out the basket.
The viewing window makes monitoring easier, while the eight programmes and manual settings cover a range of preparations.
1,350 watts, 80–200°C, 60-minute timer and removable parts described as dishwasher-safe in the product data.
Running costs depend on power, operating time and the electricity tariff. As a simple estimate:
Power in watts ÷ 1,000 × operating time in hours × electricity price per kWh = cost per use
A 1,500-watt appliance running for 20 minutes theoretically consumes a maximum of around 0.5 kWh at full heating power. In practice, actual consumption may be lower because of temperature regulation. Manufacturer claims such as “up to 70 per cent less energy than a conventional oven” should be understood as brand-specific comparison figures. This claim is listed in the product data for the Tefal EY501A; it does not apply universally to every preparation or household.
Place the air fryer on a level, heat-resistant surface and leave sufficient clearance at the sides and around the air outlet. Hot surfaces and steam can cause burns. Do not overfill the basket, and do not add oil or fat as you would in a conventional deep fryer.
For a longer service life, gentle cleaning, compliance with the maximum fill level and regular checks of the cable, basket and coating are important. If the non-stick coating is damaged or the appliance produces unusual smoke, stop using it.
Browse the full selection of air fryers by size, chamber configuration, features and specifications for different households in Germany.
In addition to the appliance’s external dimensions, you need extra clearance for heat dissipation. Dual-chamber models generally require more counter space. Before buying, measure your worktop, the clearance from cupboards and the space needed to pull out the baskets.
It is not possible to give a reliable standard service life for all models. Longevity depends on frequency of use, cleaning, the coating and mechanical stress. Following the operating instructions, avoiding metal utensils and allowing the appliance to cool completely before cleaning can help reduce wear.
That depends on portion size, cooking time, power rating and electricity tariff. For small quantities, a compact cooking chamber can be advantageous because there is no need to heat the entire oven. Compare the actual consumption of your appliances using the formula above rather than relying on blanket percentage claims.