Joybuy Insights

How to Buy an Air Fryer: These Criteria Will Help You Choose the Right One

An air fryer can cook chips, vegetables, fish, meat or baked goods with very little added oil. However, not every appliance suits every household. A cooking chamber that is too small will extend cooking times, an impractical dual-chamber model takes up more space, and unclear manufacturer specifications make comparisons difficult.

Before you buy, it is worth looking at the actual capacity, the controls, the cleaning process and the safety requirements. The guidance below will help families, busy professionals and keen home cooks to assess marketing claims objectively.

Common Pitfalls When Buying an Air Fryer

1. The stated capacity is not always the usable amount

An XXL air fryer with 9 or 10 litres sounds spacious at first. However, with appliances that have two drawers, the volume is split between individual chambers. Two 4.5-litre baskets offer different possibilities from a single 9-litre cooking chamber.

For crispy results, food should not be packed too tightly. If a basket is overloaded, the air cannot circulate properly. So check:

  • total volume and volume per drawer
  • dimensions of the baskets and crisper plates
  • maximum fill level according to the instruction manual
  • available worktop space and clearance from walls

2. Many programmes are no substitute for manual settings

An air fryer with multiple programmes often offers pre-set times and temperatures for chips, chicken, vegetables or cake. These values are useful starting points, but they need to be adjusted according to the quantity, thickness and starting temperature of the food.

That is why the following features are also important:

  • adjustable temperature and cooking time
  • a clearly readable display or dial
  • a reminder function for turning or shaking
  • Sync Finish for two cooking processes with different durations
  • manual operation independent of automatic programmes

3. 'Dishwasher-safe' usually does not apply to the whole appliance

When an air fryer is described as dishwasher-safe, this normally refers to the removable baskets, racks or plates. The heating element and control unit must not come into contact with water. Coated parts should also be cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions to avoid unnecessary wear on the surface.

Before buying, check whether all parts that get dirty frequently can be removed without tools. Glass containers can allow you to see the food, but they are heavier and need to be handled with care.

The Most Important Buying Criteria Explained Clearly

Capacity and Design

For one or two people, a compact model with around 3 to 5 litres is often sufficient. An air fryer for families should offer roughly 5 to 7 litres or two separate chambers, depending on portion sizes. If you want to cook a main course and a side dish at the same time, you will benefit from an air fryer with 2 chambers.

A dual-zone air fryer usually allows different temperatures and cooking times. The 'Sync Finish' function does not necessarily start both zones at the same time, but coordinates their end times. This is handy when, for example, vegetables need longer than fish.

Vertically arranged chambers save worktop width but can be taller. So measure not only your worktop but also the clearance to wall cabinets and the direction in which the drawers open.

Temperature Range and Power

The power consumption in watts describes the electrical rating, not automatically the speed or the result. What matters most when choosing is a clear temperature control, even air circulation and a suitable basket size.

Many appliances operate roughly in the range of 80 to 200 °C. Some models offer lower settings for keeping warm or drying, while others provide higher temperatures for very short cooking processes. Check the details in the respective manual and use a 220–240-volt socket with an earth connection if the manufacturer specifies this.

Materials, Cleaning and Safety

Coated baskets make cleaning easier. Glass or stainless steel containers can be an alternative to classic non-stick baskets, but they have a different weight and heat conductivity. Claims such as 'PFAS-free' or 'no coating' should explicitly refer to the cooking components in question.

For any oil-free fryer, the following basic rules apply:

  • place the appliance on a stable, heat-resistant surface
  • do not cover the air inlet or outlet
  • maintain at least the clearance required by the manufacturer
  • only touch hot baskets by the designated handle
  • never immerse the housing or heating unit in water
  • if you notice unusual smoke, switch the appliance off immediately and unplug it

Our Selection by Household and Usage Profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Tefal Easy Fry Max Hot Air Fryer EY2453

Tefal Easy Fry Max Hot Air Fryer, 5 L, EY2453

Why this product suits the profile: This 5-litre model combines digital controls with 10 automatic programmes and is designed for everyday portions for several people.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The specific capacity, the temperature range up to 200 °C and the dishwasher-safe removable parts make comparison easier.

Main advantage & strengths

5-litre container, touch display, 10 automatic programmes and removable parts for cleaning.

Suitable for: Buyers with high quality expectations
Ninja CRISPi PRO XL Glass Air Fryer

Ninja CRISPi PRO XL, Glass Air Fryer

Why this product suits the profile: Two CleanCrisp glass containers with 5.7 and 2.3 litres offer different sizes for main dishes, side dishes and smaller quantities.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description clearly states the container sizes and dishwasher-safe glass containers, rather than just advertising a total volume.

Main advantage & strengths

Glass containers with no chemical non-stick coating according to the product information, five cooking functions and manual time and temperature control.

Suitable for: Special uses & heavy users
Ninja Dual Zone Digital Air Fryer DZ400EU

Ninja Dual Zone Digital Air Fryer, 9.5 L, DZ400EU

Why this product suits the profile: Two separate 4.75-litre drawers are ideal for households that want to cook a main course and a side dish with different settings.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The two zones can be controlled independently. This means different foods do not have to be combined in one overcrowded chamber.

Main advantage & strengths

6 functions, two independent cooking zones, Sync Finish and dishwasher-safe drawers and crisper plates.

Suitable for: Households with limited worktop space
COSORI Turbo Tower Air Fryer 10.8 L

COSORI Turbo Tower Air Fryer, 10.8 L

Why this product suits the profile: The vertical arrangement with a 6.5-litre and a 4.3-litre chamber uses height rather than the full width of your worktop.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The design is given with specific external dimensions of 41.3 × 30 × 40.5 cm. This makes it easier to check the worktop space before buying.

Main advantage & strengths

10.8 litres total volume, two chambers, three levels according to the product description and dishwasher-safe baskets and accessories.

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 in force in the EU.

FAQ About Air Fryers

How much space does an air fryer need?

In addition to the external dimensions, you need extra clearance for air circulation. Check the manufacturer's instructions, especially the distance to walls, wall cabinets and other heat sources. With vertical dual-zone models, you should also consider the height of your worktop.

How long does an air fryer last?

The lifespan depends on how often you use it, how you clean it, the coating and proper handling. Do not overload the baskets, do not use abrasive cleaning products and allow the appliance to cool down completely before cleaning. Information about the warranty, spare parts and repair service can be found in the respective manufacturer's details.

Does an air fryer use less electricity than an oven?

There is no simple answer to this. The cooking time, temperature, appliance size and the quantity being prepared are all important factors. For small portions, a compact appliance can heat up less cooking space. For large quantities, an oven may be more practical. So compare energy consumption based on specific usage scenarios rather than general advertising claims.