Everyday Signal · Buying guide
Before you buy an air fryer
Choose a size you can use and a machine you can comfortably clean.
Published October 7, 2026 · By Davor Smajilovic · Category guidance, not a hands-on product test
Check the footprint, not just the capacity
Measure your counter and the clearance specified in the manual. Think about where the appliance will live between meals, whether the drawer can open fully and how much usable cooking area the basket provides.
Single basket or dual basket?
| Design | Why consider it | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Single basket | A simpler setup for one dish at a time | Usable basket area and whether your typical portions fit without crowding |
| Dual basket | Separate foods with different cooking needs | Each basket’s individual size, total footprint and timing controls |
| Oven-style | Tray-based cooking | Cleaning access, tray dimensions and how evenly food cooks in credible tests |
Cleaning is part of the decision
Check which components are removable and which the manufacturer permits in a dishwasher. Examine the manual’s cleaning instructions and replacement-part availability before buying.
Make a practical shortlist
- Choose three meals you expect to make regularly.
- Check whether their portions fit the basket or trays.
- Read independent tests covering cooking consistency and cleaning.
- Compare current retailer prices, delivery and return terms.
When your existing oven may be enough
If you mainly cook large meals and have little spare counter space, compare the convenience of an air fryer with the appliance you already use.