Size and zones matter more than wattage
Match capacity to your household — a single drawer for 1–2 people, dual-zone for families. The £60–£120 band covers most needs; don't oversize for a small counter.
The jargon, decoded
| Spec | What it actually means | Does it matter? |
|---|---|---|
| Single vs dual-zone | Dual cooks two foods/finishes at once. | Yes for families |
| Capacity (L) | Drawer size; 3.5–5L feeds 1–2, 7L+ a family. | Key decision |
| Wattage | Higher = faster pre-heat/cook. | Minor |
| Presets / dehydrate | One-touch programmes; nice but skippable. | Bonus |
| Dishwasher-safe basket | How easily it cleans — affects how often you use it. | Convenience |
What actually matters
- 1Capacity, sized to your household. A single 4–5L drawer suits 1–2 people; 7–9L dual-zone suits families. Buy too small and you'll cook in batches; too big wastes worktop space and energy.
- 2Dual-zone is the big upgrade. Two drawers let you cook chips and chicken at different settings and finish together. It's why the dual-zone models are so popular — but a single drawer is cheaper and fine if you cook one thing at a time.
- 3Cleaning makes or breaks the love. Dishwasher-safe, non-stick drawers with no awkward crevices are what you'll thank yourself for. Read reviewer notes on cleaning specifically.
- 4Wattage = speed. Higher wattage preheats and cooks faster. Most are 1,500–2,400W; don't overthink it beyond "is it quick to heat up?"
Typical UK price bands (2026)
| Budget | What you get |
|---|---|
| £40–£80 | A good single-drawer fryer for 1–2 people. Brilliant value (Instant, Cosori, Tower). |
| £90–£180 | Dual-zone family models with smart presets — the sweet spot. |
| £200+ | Large dual-zone or oven-style multi-cookers with extra functions. |
Buy this if · think twice if
Buy it if…
- ✓You batch-cook or feed a family (dual-zone)
- ✓You want fast, low-oil everyday cooking
- ✓You'll actually use it (counter space sorted)
Think twice if…
- ✗You have a tiny counter and bought a huge dual-zone
- ✗You're paying for presets you'll never touch
- ✗You already have a combi/multi-cooker that air-fries
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✕Buying the biggest one "to be safe" — an oversized fryer wastes space and energy if you cook for two.
- ✕Paying for app/"smart" features you'll never open — presets and a clear dial matter more.
- ✕Grabbing the in-store price — air fryers are a deal-hunter's category and swing widely between Argos, Amazon, Currys and the supermarkets.
See today's top air fryers — with live UK prices
Savvey Search asks your household size and whether you want dual-zone, then shows three current, in-stock picks with live verified UK prices. Ninja, Instant, Cosori and Tower lead most UK round-ups — but deals move weekly, so check what's current and cheapest right now.
Get my air fryer picks →Is it actually a good price?
Air fryers are perhaps the most discount-driven kitchen category in the UK — the same Ninja or Tower model can be £30–£50 cheaper at one retailer than another on the same day, and "was" prices are routinely inflated. Savvey checks 40+ UK retailers for the exact model and shows the cheapest verified price against the median, so you can tell a real bargain from a fake one.
FAQ
Single or dual-zone?
Dual-zone if you cook full meals for a family; single drawer if you mostly reheat or cook for one or two. Dual costs more and takes more space.
Do air fryers save money on energy?
Usually yes versus a full-size oven for small portions, because there's far less space to heat. For big batch roasts, the oven can still win.
Which brand is best?
No single winner — Ninja, Instant, Cosori and Tower all make well-reviewed models at different prices. Match size and cleaning to your needs, then buy at the best price.
More Savvey guides
Best coffee machines · Best kettles · Best microwaves — or browse all buying guides.