Air fryer buying guide: capacity, wattage and what it will actually replace
Decide what the air fryer replaces in your kitchen first; capacity, drawer layout and cleaning matter more than the headline price.
Most disappointment with air fryers comes from buying the wrong size. A single 3 to 4 litre drawer suits one or two people and side dishes. A family cooking whole meals usually needs 7 litres or more, or a dual-drawer model that cooks two things at different temperatures.
What to compare
- Usable capacity in litres, and whether that figure is for one drawer or both
- Footprint and height: dual-drawer models are wide, and some need clearance from wall units
- Dishwasher-safe baskets and whether the crisper plate is non-stick
- Wattage, which affects preheat time more than running cost
- Presets you will use, rather than the number of presets listed
Prices move a lot: the same model is often £30 to £60 apart between retailers in the same week, and last year’s version is frequently the better buy. Check the exact model number across shops before deciding, and read the return conditions in case the size is wrong for your worktop.
Put your shortlist to work
Compare products or a shopping list across available UK retailers, or browse offers by category.