Air fryers remain one of the most practical countertop appliances for households that want crisp, oven-quality results without long preheat times or excessive oil. They cater to a wide range of needs from single-person kitchens and student digs to busy families that need to prepare multiple dishes at once. Modern choices vary by capacity, cooking modes, materials and whether the appliance is a single-purpose basket-style fryer or a multi-function oven replacement.
When choosing an air fryer, key factors include capacity and footprint, power and temperature range, ease of cleaning and the materials that come into contact with food. Additional considerations are cooking presets, the presence of a viewing window, how the fryer handles leftovers and batch cooking, and long-term support or repairability. The picks below cover compact portable units, family-sized baskets, energy-efficient models and a versatile multi-cooker that replaces several appliances, with notes on who benefits most from each design.
1. Ninja CRISPi Portable Air Fryer
Best Portable for Small Kitchens and Shared Housing
| SPECIFICATIONS | • Technology: Hot-air air frying • Capacity: Dual containers: 3.8 L and 1.4 L • Power: 1700 W power pod (UK plug) • Cooking Functions: Air Fry, Roast, Keep Warm, Recrisp • Cooking Surface: Thermal-shock resistant glass containers, PFAS-free See more |
| TODAY'S BEST DEALS |  £189.99 |
| REASONS TO BUY | +Portable full-power design works on any countertop and in student housing +Two removable glass containers let users cook family and personal portions separately +Glass cooking surfaces avoid PFAS coatings and serve directly for storage +Fast performance with a 1700 W power pod for oven-quality crisping +Dishwasher-safe bowls and lids simplify cleanup |
| REASONS TO AVOID | -Glass bowls are heavier and more fragile than basket-style options -Limited multi-function presets compared with larger multi-cookers -Not ideal for very large family meals in one go |
Review
The portable pod design pairs high power with the convenience of fully removable glass bowls, delivering crisp results without relying on nonstick coatings. The option to swap between a 3.8 L and a 1.4 L container makes it straightforward to scale portions: use the large bowl for a whole chicken and vegetables or the smaller bowl for sides and single portions. Glass lids convert cooking bowls into covered storage, which reduces transfer and cleanup when storing leftovers.
Performance is close to oven standards for many everyday tasks. The 1700 W power pod reaches cooking temperatures quickly and the included non-stick crisper plates promote even browning. The lack of complicated menus keeps operation simple, which suits users who want reliable results without a learning curve. The clear glass also provides the bonus of seeing food while it cooks, so guesswork is reduced.
Durability and practicality are balanced: the glass is thermal-shock resistant and dishwasher safe, but users should plan for careful handling to avoid chips or breaks. For those in small kitchens, studio apartments or shared housing, the combination of portability, serving-friendly glass bowls and energy-efficient operation makes this a strong choice compared with traditional single-basket air fryers.
2. Philips Air Fryer 2000
Best for Large Families and Consistent Crisping
| SPECIFICATIONS | • Technology: RapidAir circulation with starfish bottom design • Capacity: 6.2 L pan (fits up to 800 g fries or eight chicken drumsticks) • Cooking Programs: 13-in-1 cooking modes with presets • Interface: Touchscreen controls • Viewing: Viewing window to monitor cooking progress See more |
| TODAY'S BEST DEALS | £89.00 |
| REASONS TO BUY | +Large 6.2 L capacity suits family meals and batch cooking +RapidAir design produces crispy exteriors and tender interiors +Viewing window lets users check progress without opening the unit +Wide range of presets simplifies common cooking tasks +Dishwasher-safe parts cut down on cleanup time |
| REASONS TO AVOID | -Takes more counter space than compact models -Touchscreen controls may feel less tactile for users who prefer dials -No multi-cooker functionality to replace ovens or grills |
Review
The large cooking chamber handles family-sized portions without crowding, which helps achieve even browning across fries, drumsticks and batches of roasted vegetables. The RapidAir circulation, supported by the starfish-shaped bottom, encourages hot air to sweep food evenly so that external crisping does not come at the cost of dry interiors. For households that regularly cook for three or more people, the 6.2 L capacity removes the need to run multiple cycles.
The inclusion of a viewing window is a small but practical detail that reduces interruptions during cooking. It is easier to time crisps and reheats by eye rather than opening the basket and losing heat. Touchscreen presets and dedicated modes cover common use cases such as defrosting, reheating and baking, which is helpful for cooks who want repeatable results without manual temperature tweaking.
Cleaning is straightforward since the main pan and accessories are dishwasher safe. The unit occupies more countertop space than compact models and lacks the multi-function flexibility of combi appliances, but its consistent output and family-friendly capacity make it a reliable daily driver for households focused on quick, healthy alternatives to deep frying.
3. Tefal Easy Fry Max Air Fryer
Best Energy-Efficient Choice for Family Cooking
| SPECIFICATIONS | • Technology: Convection air frying • Capacity: 5 L, serves up to 6 portions • Cooking Programs: 10 automatic programs • Interface: Digital touchscreen control panel • Efficiency: Claimed up to 70% energy savings and 46% faster cooking vs convection oven (external test) See more |
| TODAY'S BEST DEALS | £49.99 |
| REASONS TO BUY | +Generous 5 L capacity covers family meals and entertaining +Digital controls and 10 programs simplify everyday cooking +Designed to reduce energy use and shorten cook times versus a conventional oven +Long-term repairability commitment lowers total ownership impact +Compact footprint for a family-sized unit and easy cleaning |
| REASONS TO AVOID | -Size may still be large for very small counters -Efficiency claims are based on a specific test and may vary in everyday use -Fewer advanced features like a viewing window or multi-cooker functions |
Review
The 5 L cavity strikes a balance between family capacity and manageable footprint, making it suitable for households that want fast, energy-conscious cooking without moving to a larger oven. The digital touchscreen provides straightforward access to ten preset programs, so staples such as fries, chicken or vegetables can be prepared with consistent timing and temperature. The manufacturer highlights energy and time savings compared with a conventional convection oven, which translates to shorter cook cycles for routine meals.
Build quality feels purposeful rather than flashy and the unit is engineered for serviceability. The long repairability program and widespread parts availability add practical value for buyers who plan to keep an appliance for many years. Trays and removable parts are dishwasher safe, which reduces the friction of daily use and cleanup.
For families who want solid performance without the need for a multi-appliance replacement, this model delivers reliable crisping and even heating while keeping operating costs lower than some oven-based routines. It lacks features such as a viewing window or integrated steam functions, but it performs core air frying tasks well and is an efficient choice over time.
4. Ninja Combi 12-In-1 Multi-Cooker
Best for Versatility and Replacing Multiple Kitchen Appliances
| SPECIFICATIONS | • Technology: Multi-cooker with air frying, steaming, slow cook and oven modes • Capacity: Family-size capacity, up to 8 people with Combi Meals • Cooking Functions: 12 functions including Combi Meals, Combi Crisp, Steam, Slow Cook, Prove, Air Fry • Accessories: Bake tray, combi pan, crisper plate, recipe guide • Interface: Easy-access door with viewing window and multiple program options See more |
| TODAY'S BEST DEALS | £249.00 |
| REASONS TO BUY | +Replaces many single-use appliances and consolidates kitchen space +Combi Meals function cooks multiple components simultaneously to save time +Wide range of cooking modes covers everything from proving to slow cooking +Included pans and guide help users build recipes and meal plans +Viewing window and easy-access door make monitoring and stir-through cooking simple |
| REASONS TO AVOID | -Larger footprint and heavier weight require permanent countertop space -More complex feature set has a learning curve for users who want basic frying -Not as compact or as quick for single-portion, grab-and-go tasks |
Review
The multi-cooker approach aims to be a one-stop appliance for households that prefer a consolidated kitchen. The Combi Meals builder is a practical feature for preparing protein, grain and vegetables simultaneously, which reduces overall active cook time compared with running several pans. Built-in modes for steaming, slow cooking, air frying and proving broaden meal possibilities, so this unit works as a family oven, a searing pan and a slow cooker in one chassis.
Included accessories such as the combi pan and crisper plate mean fewer aftermarket purchases and a smoother out-of-the-box experience. The viewing window and easy-access door make it possible to stir or sear with the door open for certain tasks, and the recipe inspiration guide helps translate functions into repeatable meals for busy evenings. Performance is consistent for full-meal cooking, and the unit accommodates larger roasts and batch dishes better than compact basket fryers.
Trade-offs come down to size and complexity. The unit is heavier and requires a dedicated space, which may not fit every kitchen. New users should expect a brief adjustment period to learn the most efficient ways to combine functions. For households that want to replace multiple appliances and prepare entire family meals in one device, the versatility and included tooling justify the footprint.
5. Russell Hobbs Air Fryer [4.3L
Best Compact Choice for Singles and Couples
| SPECIFICATIONS | • Technology: Rapid Air circulation • Capacity: 4.3 L • Power: 1300 W • Temperature Range: 40 to 200 C • Cooking Programs: 9 presets for frying, roasting, baking, grilling and dehydrating See more |
| TODAY'S BEST DEALS | £64.99 |
| REASONS TO BUY | +Compact 4.3 L size is ideal for singles or couples +Lower 1300 W power consumption helps reduce energy use +Shake reminder and auto shut-off improve safety and cook evenness +Stylish finish and dishwasher-safe parts simplify maintenance |
| REASONS TO AVOID | -Smaller capacity limits family-sized or batch cooking -Non-stick coatings may wear over very long-term heavy use -Fewer advanced features compared with larger multi-function units |
Review
This compact air fryer balances size and capability, providing enough capacity for two to three portions while keeping energy draw modest at 1300 W. The temperature range down to 40 C makes the unit suitable for gentle reheats and dehydration as well as higher temperature frying. Practical touches such as a shake reminder help achieve more even results for fries and smaller items where turning is necessary.
Controls are straightforward via the touchscreen and presets cover common recipes, so operation is approachable for users who do not want to tinker with time and temperature settings. The automatic shut-off and keep-warm features add convenience and safety during busy meal preparation. Dishwasher-safe components accelerate cleanup after everyday use.
For anyone living alone or cooking for two, the compact footprint and efficient performance make this a sensible daily driver. It will not replace a family-sized oven or a multi-cooker for large roasts, but it is a capable and attractive option for those who want reliable crisping and easy maintenance in a small form factor.
Summary
Choosing the right air fryer comes down to how often and for whom meals are prepared. For small kitchens, shared housing or anyone who values a portable appliance that also serves as storage-friendly cookware, the dual-glass container portable model is the standout option. It combines high power with PFAS-free glass surfaces and removable lids that turn cooking bowls into storage vessels.
Households that need consistent family-sized cooking will find the Philips 6.2 L model and the Tefal 5 L model to be the most practical. The Philips unit excels at even crisping and adds a viewing window for easier timing, while the Tefal balances family capacity with energy-saving claims and a strong repairability program for long-term ownership. For kitchens that would benefit from consolidating multiple appliances, the Ninja Combi multi-cooker offers the broadest capability, able to steam, slow cook, prove and air fry for full-meal flexibility.
Singles or couples with limited counter space should consider the compact Russell Hobbs unit for its efficient operation and useful safety features. Ultimately, the best pick matches cooking style: choose portability and glass for serving and storage, choose capacity and airflow engineering for large, even batches, or choose a multi-cooker if replacing several devices is the priority.
