Joybuy Insights

Buying an Air Fryer: Sizes, Features and Common Buying Pitfalls Compared

An air fryer can prepare chips, vegetables, fish, baked goods and reheated food using comparatively little oil. However, not every appliance is right for every household. Buyers often end up with the wrong product because they focus only on wattage, litre capacity or a long list of automatic programmes.

The key questions are: how much space is available on the worktop? Is the cooking chamber large enough for the number of people you want to serve? Is the interior easy to clean? And are the materials, visibility and controls suitable for everyday use?

Three common air fryer buying pitfalls

1. Misjudging the litre capacity

An air fryer with a capacity of 5.7 litres looks spacious on paper. However, the usable basket area is what really matters. A tall, narrow container may be suitable for a whole small chicken, while flat foods such as chips benefit more from a wider cooking chamber.

For a two-person household, around 5 to 6 litres is often sufficient, provided you are not preparing several components at the same time. Families should check whether a 6.5-litre air fryer or a 13-litre air fryer oven is better suited to their usual meals.

2. Lots of programmes cannot replace good air circulation

“6-in-1” or “9 programmes” initially describes only the available settings. For even results, temperature range, cooking chamber shape, airflow and the ability to turn or shake the food are far more important. If the basket is overfilled, hot air cannot circulate sufficiently, regardless of how many programmes are available.

3. Cleaning and the coating are considered too late

Grease, marinade and crumbs collect on the basket, rack and heating element. Removable, dishwasher-safe parts reduce the cleaning effort. Anyone looking for a stainless steel air fryer should also distinguish between a stainless steel housing, a stainless steel basket and an exterior surface that merely has a metallic appearance.

A coating-free cooking surface may appeal to buyers who want to avoid wear or flaking. At the same time, the manufacturer’s instructions on cleaning, temperature and suitable utensils remain decisive.

Parameters to check before buying

Capacity and design

  • Around 5 to 6 litres: Practical for smaller households, side dishes and individual main meals.
  • 6.5 litres: Suitable for larger portions, provided there is enough space on the worktop.
  • 13 litres: A 13-litre air fryer oven usually offers several levels and additional functions such as toasting or rotisserie cooking. However, it requires more space and adequate ventilation.
  • Dual chamber: A dual-chamber air fryer allows two foods to be prepared separately. Separate temperature and time settings are important, as is a control system that is not unnecessarily complicated.

Temperature, power and controls

Wattage alone is not proof of quality. It describes the electrical power, not automatically the speed or evenness of cooking. For everyday use, an easy-to-read display, precise time settings and a well-chosen temperature range are often more relevant.

A viewing window can be useful because it allows you to monitor the cooking process without opening the drawer. With an air fryer with a viewing window, you should also consider the interior light and how easy the window is to clean.

Materials and safety

The appliance should stand on a stable, heat-resistant surface. Air inlets and outlets must not be covered. Unplug the appliance and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.

For accessories such as heat-resistant silicone gloves, look for a non-slip surface, a suitable size and clear temperature limits. Damp interiors can increase the risk of scalding from steam. The heat resistance specified by the manufacturer is therefore more important than a broad advertising claim.

Our selection by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Instant Air Fryer Vortex 5.3 litres with viewing window

Instant Air Fryer, Vortex, 5.3L Black

Why this product suits this profile: With its compact design and 5-litre cooking chamber, it is suitable for smaller kitchens and preparing around three to four portions, according to the product description.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ClearCook window lets you check the food without opening the drawer. The capacity is clearly stated, helping to prevent unrealistic expectations about the appliance’s size.

Main benefit & strengths

4 functions, a dishwasher-safe drawer and baking tray, plus an integrated odour filter, according to the manufacturer.

Suitable for: Buyers with high quality standards
Instant Air Fryer 5.7 litres with ClearCook window

Instant Air Fryer 5.7L, 6-in-1

Why this product suits this profile: Six functions, digital controls, an interior light and a temperature range of 100 to 205 °C provide several clearly defined settings.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 5.7-litre capacity is supplemented by precise dimensions of 37.9 × 30 × 33 cm. The viewing window reduces the need to open the drawer frequently, minimising interruptions to air circulation.

Main benefit & strengths

1700 W, a digital dial with buttons and six functions: Air Fry, Grill, Bake, Roast, Dehydrate and Reheat.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent users
Dreame Tasti PT60 dual-chamber air fryer

Dreame Tasti PT60 with Dual Chamber

Why this product suits this profile: Two glass containers with capacities of 2.5 and 4.5 litres accommodate different quantities. This is useful for snacks, side dishes or two foods with separate cooking times.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The separate glass containers avoid the problem of mixing different ingredients in an overcrowded basket. The 360-degree visibility makes checking the food easier.

Main benefit & strengths

Borosilicate glass, stainless steel, five automatic programmes and dishwasher-safe containers, according to the product description.

Suitable for: Families and keen home cooks
Instant Vortex ClearCook 13-litre air fryer oven

Instant Vortex ClearCook Oven, 13 litres

Why this product suits this profile: The oven-style interior with two rack levels is designed for larger portions and a range of cooking methods.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 13-litre capacity and two rack levels are more informative than a simple list of programmes. You should still measure the available space before buying.

Main benefit & strengths

Nine programmes, including Bake, Grill, Dehydrate, Proof and Rotisserie, plus two wire trays, according to the product description.

Materials, accessories and running costs

Anyone who prefers a stainless steel air fryer should read the product specifications carefully. The ROUNY model with a 6.5-litre capacity is listed as having a basket made from 304 stainless steel, a viewing window, an interior light and mechanical dials. This combination may appeal to users looking for straightforward controls and a coating-free contact surface. Check the precise cleaning instructions before use.

Useful air fryer accessories include suitable baking tins, grill racks or tongs, provided they are approved for the relevant cooking chamber. Small heat-resistant silicone gloves, such as the PURECOOK Mini Silicone Fish-Mouth Oven Mitts, are suitable for handling small hot containers. They do not replace full oven gloves when handling large, heavy dishes. The stated temperature limit for the accessory must be observed.

When it comes to electricity consumption, usage time, power and actual running time all count. A 1700 W appliance uses 1.7 kWh per hour of operation at full power in theory; actual consumption may be lower because of thermostat cycles. Manufacturer claims about energy or time savings refer to specific comparison conditions and should not be applied universally to every household.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations applicable in the EU.

Air fryer FAQ

What size air fryer do I need for four people?

Models from around 5.7 litres are often suitable for four people. If you want to prepare the main course and side dishes at the same time, a 6.5-litre model or a 13-litre air fryer oven may be more practical. The usable basket area remains the crucial factor, not just the stated litre capacity.

How long does an air fryer last?

The lifespan depends on how often it is used, cleaning, the coating, the heating system and how the appliance is handled. Overfilling, harsh cleaning products and blocked ventilation can affect its performance. Removable parts should be cleaned after every use and dried completely before being stored.

Is an air fryer cheaper to run than an oven?

There is no universal answer. A small cooking chamber may allow shorter preheating and cooking times for small portions. For larger quantities, an oven may be more efficient. Comparisons should take account of power, running time, portion size and the specific electricity tariff.