Winter cooking often means you want warm, comforting meals without spending hours at the stove. You can use an air fryer or multi-cooker to cook faster, save energy and still get crisp, tasty results for the whole family. This guide compares dual-basket models, compact ovens and large-capacity countertop units so you can choose the right appliance for your kitchen space, portion size and cooking style.
Top Picks
Category | Product | Price | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
🏆 Best Overall | Philips Air Fryer 5000 Series Dual Basket With Steam (NA555/09) | £169.99 | 95/100 |
💰 Best Value | £119.00 | 92/100 | |
⚡ Best Performance | £168.23 | 93/100 | |
🔊 Best Innovation | £155.00 | 86/100 | |
🎯 Best For Beginners | £133.35 | 85/100 | |
🚀 Most Advanced / Best Capacity | £129.99 | 84/100 |
How We Picked These Air Fryers and Multi-Cookers
You want an appliance that fits your kitchen and meal habits. We looked at capacity and flexibility (single or dual zones, removable dividers), performance (heat distribution, wattage and crisping ability), useful features (steam, rotisserie, presets, sync finish), ease of cleaning, build quality and reliability based on user reviews, and value for money. We also considered safety, energy use and whether the unit is easy to operate for everyday cooking.
Philips Air Fryer 5000
If you want something that makes midweek dinners easier and weekend batch-cooking stress-free, this Philips dual-basket air fryer is worth a look. You can cook mains in the 6L drawer and sides in the 3L drawer at the same time, or use the sync-finish feature so everything is ready together.
The steam function helps keep chicken juicy and vegetables tender while the RapidAir airflow crisps up roasties and bread. For daily use it shortens cook times and cuts down on the oven heat-up; for special occasions it’s handy for cooking different dishes simultaneously without juggling trays.
It’s a bit larger than single-basket machines, so make sure you’ve got the counter space, but once it’s in place you’ll find it easy to use, quick to clean and genuinely flexible. If you want a reliable all-rounder that handles snacks, full meals and occasional baking, this is a solid, friendly option.
Health Benefits
Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
Less oil | Airfrying uses significantly less oil than deep frying, so your roast potatoes and chicken can still feel indulgent with fewer calories. |
Nutrient-friendly steam | The steam function helps retain vitamins in veggies compared with prolonged boiling, so your greens stay brighter and more nutritious. |
Raised cooking rack | Food cooks off the basket base so excess fat drains away, which helps make fatty cuts leaner on the plate. |
Save Time
Heats up faster than a conventional oven and the dual drawers let you cook mains and sides at once, cutting total cook time. Presets and the sync-finish feature mean less faff and better-timed meals.
Ease of Use
Feature | Ease Level |
|---|---|
Dual baskets with independent controls | Easy |
Preset programmes and sync finish | Easy |
Auto steam clean | Moderate |
Dishwasher-safe trays | Easy |
Versatility
You can steam, airfry, reheat, bake, grill and more — useful for snacks, weeknight dinners and larger family meals thanks to the two sizes of drawer.
Energy Efficiency
For small to medium meals it usually uses less energy than firing up a full-size oven, and shorter cook times mean lower running costs overall.
Key Benefits
- Two independent baskets for cooking different dishes at once
- Steam + airfry preserves moisture while keeping food crispy
- 19 programs and 12 presets simplify meal prep
- Auto steam-clean makes maintenance easier
Current Price: £169.99
Rating: 4.6 (Total Reviews: 543+)
Tefal Easy Fry Dual Zone 8.3L
If you want something that makes weeknight dinners less stressful and weekend batch-cooking simpler, this Tefal dual-drawer air fryer is a practical pick. You can run the small drawer on its own for single portions or use both at once to cook a main and a side, then hit Sync so everything finishes together.
The Extra Crisp setting removes the need to preheat for many recipes, and the eight programmes (air fry, roast, bake, reheat, dehydrate and more) cover most things you’ll want to make — from crispy chips and chicken to baked treats and fruit leather. It’s fairly large, so check your counter space, and some users note the basket handles can trap water when washing, but overall it’s easy to use, quick to clean and really handy when you want tasty meals with minimal fuss.
Health Benefits
Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
Less oil | Air frying uses far less oil than deep frying, so you can enjoy crispy textures with much less added fat. |
Fat drainage | Raised racks keep food off the basket base so excess grease drains away, making fried favourites a bit leaner. |
Gentler options | Lower-temperature programmes and dehydrating preserve more colour and texture in veg and fruit compared with long boiling or frying. |
Save Time
Shorter cook times than a conventional oven for many recipes (Tefal’s tests suggest noticeably faster for things like frozen fries) and the sync/preset functions reduce the hassle of timing multiple dishes.
Ease of Use
Feature | Ease Level |
|---|---|
Dual drawers with independent controls | Easy |
Sync finish and preset programmes | Easy |
Touch control panel | Moderate |
Dishwasher-safe baskets | Easy |
Versatility
You can air fry, roast, bake, reheat, dehydrate and more. The two drawer sizes make it useful for quick single meals, family portions or cooking different components at once for guests.
Energy Efficiency
For small to medium meals it’s often more efficient than heating a full-size oven; you can run just the small drawer to save energy when cooking for one or two.
Key Benefits
- Two independent drawers let you cook different dishes at once
- Sync finish makes sure mains and sides are ready together
- Extra Crisp tech often removes the need to preheat
- Dishwasher-safe non-stick baskets for easier cleanup
Current Price: £133.35
Rating: 4.5 (Total Reviews: 2,704+)
Breville Halo Flexi Air Fryer
This is the air fryer you’ll reach for when you want fuss-free midweek dinners or to cook a full roast without firing up the oven. The 11-litre cavity splits into two 5.5L zones, so you can cook chips in one side and a main or veggies in the other, or pull the divider out to use it as a proper oven for a whole chicken. The Sync and Match functions take the timing guesswork out of multi-dish meals, and the large mesh tray makes batch-cooking simple.
It’s roomy enough for family meals and party snacks, heats up fast and cleans up easily — the trays and baskets are dishwasher-safe. Do check your counter space and be aware the power cable is a bit short for some kitchens, but if you want one appliance that does a bit of everything, this one feels like it was designed to make busy evenings easier.
Health Benefits
Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
Less added fat | Air circulation crisps food with far less oil than deep frying, so you get that texture with fewer calories from fat. |
Even cooking | 360° airflow helps foods cook through evenly, reducing the chance of undercooked centres or overbrowned edges. |
Portion control | Smaller zone cooking makes it easier to prepare single portions or modest servings without wasting food. |
Save Time
Heats and cooks faster than a conventional oven for many dishes; Sync/Match presets and 10 cooking modes cut down on fiddly timing so you spend less time at the stove.
Ease of Use
Feature | Ease Level |
|---|---|
Sync and Match preset functions | Easy |
Removable centre divider and accessories | Easy |
Digital controls with presets | Moderate |
Dishwasher-safe trays and baskets | Easy |
Versatility
You can fry, turbo crisp, bake, grill, roast and reheat; the split-cavity and included mesh tray mean you can batch-cook fries, roast a chicken, or bake treats all in the same unit.
Energy Efficiency
Designed to be more efficient than heating a full oven for small to medium meals; Breville quotes annual savings versus an oven and smaller cooking zones help reduce wasted energy.
Key Benefits
- Dual-zone 11L cavity (splits into two 5.5L zones) for flexible cooking
- Sync and Match functions ensure mains and sides finish together
- Large mesh tray ideal for batch-cooking bigger portions
- Dishwasher-safe parts for quicker cleanup
- Claims lower energy use compared with a conventional oven
Current Price: £168.23
Rating: 4.6 (Total Reviews: 681+)
Our Place Wonder Oven
Think of this as a small-but-mighty countertop oven that you can leave out and actually use day-to-day. It combines air frying, toasting, roasting, baking, reheating and broiling with a steam infusion option to help keep things moist — handy for flaky pastries or a juicier roast.
It heats up much quicker than a conventional oven, so you can get dinner on the table without faffing about, and the size works really well if you live alone or as a pair. Controls are manual knobs rather than digital menus, which feels familiar and simple once you’ve had a go.
Use it for quick midweek dinners, to crisp up leftovers, or for small-batch bakes when friends pop by. Do check voltage and space on your counter if you’re buying for another country, but if you want one appliance to replace a toaster and a small air fryer, this is a very likeable option.
Health Benefits
Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
Less oil needed | Air frying uses hot air circulation to crisp food, so you can get golden results with far less added fat than deep frying. |
Retains moisture | Steam infusion helps keep proteins and baked goods from drying out, so meals feel juicier and more satisfying. |
Even cooking | Consistent airflow reduces hot spots, lowering the risk of overcooked edges or underdone centres. |
Save Time
Preheats and cooks noticeably faster than a conventional oven (manufacturer cites up to 75% faster preheat), so you spend less time waiting and more time eating. Ideal for speedy midweek meals and for reheating without sogginess.
Ease of Use
Feature | Ease Level |
|---|---|
Manual knob controls | Easy |
Compact countertop design | Easy |
Non-digital interface (no presets) | Moderate |
Removable trays and racks for cleaning | Easy |
Versatility
You can crisp fries, roast a small chicken, bake a tray of cookies, toast bagels and reheat leftovers — it covers everyday cooking and small entertaining without needing multiple appliances.
Energy Efficiency
Because it’s smaller and preheats faster than a full oven, it’s a more economical choice for single portions or small meals and should use less energy for those tasks.
Key Benefits
- All-in-one 6-in-1 cooking: air fry, toast, roast, bake, reheat and broil
- Steam infusion keeps food moist and enhances flavour
- Rapid preheat and quicker cook times than a full-sized oven
- Compact footprint yet roomy enough for a small roast
- Simple manual controls and easy-to-clean trays
Current Price: £155.00
Rating: 4.3 (Total Reviews: 1,478+)
HYSapientia 24L Air Fryer Oven
This is a roomy yet compact countertop oven that swaps in for a few single-use gadgets. You get air frying, roasting, baking, toasting, dehydrating and a rotisserie in one box, and the stainless steel interior makes it easier to keep clean between cosy dinners.
It heats and circulates air efficiently, so weeknight meals come together quicker, and the visual window means you can check on things without opening the door. Use it for everyday family dinners, batch-cooking meal prep or when friends pop round for a casual roast — it’s a useful, no‑fuss option if you want one machine that does a lot.
Health Benefits
Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
Less added fat | Air circulation crisps food with minimal oil, helping reduce fat compared with deep frying. |
Reduced grease in roasting | Rotisserie and high‑speed airflow help drain and reduce surface fat, useful for leaner roasts. |
Stainless interior for safer cooking | A stainless steel cavity is less likely to hold odours or coatings compared with some coated interiors. |
Save Time
It heats up faster than a full-size oven and the upgraded convection circulation cooks more evenly, so you’ll spend less time waiting. Presets and the visual window also cut down on checking and guesswork.
Ease of Use
Feature | Ease Level |
|---|---|
Digital knob & LED display | Easy |
Removable trays and accessory set | Easy |
Multiple cooking modes and rotisserie | Moderate |
Clear viewing window with internal light | Easy |
Versatility
From crispy chips and a roast chicken to cakes or dehydrated snacks, the oven covers everyday meals and small‑scale entertaining so you don’t need separate appliances cluttering the counter.
Energy Efficiency
Smaller capacity and quicker heat-up mean it uses less energy than a conventional oven for the same jobs, making it handy for single portions and midweek cooking.
Key Benefits
- Generous 24L capacity fits meals for 3–5 people
- 10 cooking modes including rotisserie and dehydration
- Even heat distribution for crispier results
- Stainless steel interior that’s simple to wipe down
- Full accessory set (basket, rack, rotisserie, baking tray) included
Current Price: £129.99
Rating: 4.5 (Total Reviews: 2,954+)
Ninja Foodi Dual Zone AF300UK
If you want one appliance that helps you get weeknight dinners on the table and still handles a small roast for guests, this is a solid pick. You get two independent drawers so you can cook different things at different temps (or sync them to cook the same dish across both). It heats fast so you rarely need to preheat, and the Max Crisp and dehydrate settings mean you can do everything from golden chips to fruit leather. It’s easy to use day to day, but capable enough to pull together an impressive meal when friends pop round.
Health Benefits
Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
Less added fat | Air frying crisps food using circulated hot air, so you can get a fried texture with much less oil than deep frying. |
Better portion control | The drawer sizes make it easy to cook sensible portions, which helps avoid oversized batches and overeating. |
Gentle dehydration | Dehydrate mode lets you make lower‑sugar snacks like dried fruit or jerky without added preservatives. |
Save Time
It reaches cooking temperature quickly so you rarely need to preheat; the sync and match features let you duplicate settings across both drawers for faster batch cooking and fewer trips to the oven.
Ease of Use
Feature | Ease Level |
|---|---|
Digital controls with presets | Easy |
Sync/Match drawers for duplicated cooking | Easy |
Removable non-stick baskets | Easy |
Multiple functions to learn | Moderate |
Versatility
From quick frozen meals and everyday side dishes to roast chicken, baked puds and dehydrated snacks, the six modes and dual drawers cover a wide range of recipes so you don’t need several single‑purpose gadgets.
Energy Efficiency
Because it heats a much smaller cavity than a conventional oven and cooks faster, it’s more energy efficient for small batches — handy when you’re cooking for one or two or want to avoid firing up a full oven.
Key Benefits
- Two independent 3.8L drawers (7.6L total) for cooking two dishes at once
- Six cooking functions: Air Fry, Max Crisp, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate
- Cooks 4–6 portions — each drawer fits up to 1kg of fries or a 1.6kg chicken
- Non-stick, dishwasher-safe baskets for quick cleanup
- Quick heat-up and sync feature for efficient batch cooking
Current Price: £119.00
Rating: 4.8 (Total Reviews: 27,422+)
FAQ
How Do I Choose Between An Air Fryer And A Multi‑Cooker For Winter Meals?
You should choose based on the dishes you make most often and the space you have. If you want quick, crispy results for roasties, fries and reheating, a purpose‑built air fryer such as the Ninja Dual Zone (£119.00) or the Philips 5000 Series Dual Basket (£169.99) will give you fast heat-up and high temps for crispness. If you need greater versatility — roasting a whole chicken, baking, grilling and occasional steaming — a multi‑cooker or large air‑fryer oven such as the Breville Halo Flexi (£168.23) or the 24L HYSapientia model (£129.99) will replace several appliances and often include removable dividers and trays.
Pay attention to capacity, wattage and ease of cleaning: bigger capacities let you cook family meals but take more counter space, and higher wattage (many models sit between 1,800 W and 2,750 W) means faster cooking but also requires you to check your kitchen sockets and avoid running multiple high‑power appliances simultaneously.
Are Dual‑Zone Air Fryers Worth It For Family Cooking?
You will find dual‑zone machines very useful if you often prepare components that need different timings or temperatures; the separate drawers on models like the Philips Dual Basket (9 L) and the Tefal Easy Fry Dual Zone (8.3 L) let you cook two items simultaneously and some have a sync finish feature so both parts are ready together. Dual‑zone units can save time and energy compared with firing up your full oven, but remember they are larger on the counter and you must avoid overfilling each basket because overcrowding cuts airflow and crisping.
If you frequently cook for more than four, consider a larger single‑chamber oven or a model with removable dividers such as the Breville Halo Flexi to get the best balance of volume and flexibility.
How Do I Maintain And Use Air Fryers Safely To Get The Best Results?
You should clean removable baskets and trays after every use to avoid built‑up grease that can cause smoke or flavours; most popular models have dishwasher‑safe parts but check the manual if you use silicone liners or extra racks. For cooking, do not overcrowd the basket, use a light mist or teaspoon of oil for better browning, and remember air fryers usually cook faster than ovens so reduce oven recipes by about 10–20 °C or cut time by roughly 20% and check early.
Preheating is optional on many machines but can improve crisping on frozen or breaded items. For safety, leave adequate space around the unit for ventilation, keep it on a heat‑resistant surface and be aware of the model voltage — for example some compact countertop ovens are 120 V and intended for other markets, so always confirm compatibility before purchasing. Finally, follow manufacturer guidance on rotisserie or steam features and never use metal utensils on non‑stick surfaces to preserve the coating and avoid damage.
What Customers Prefer
When choosing between the Philips Air Fryer 5000, Tefal Easy Fry Dual Zone 8.3L and Breville Halo Flexi Air Fryer, you typically prioritise capacity and the ability to cook different foods simultaneously, consistent crisping and reliable performance, ease of use and cleaning, footprint and storage, and overall value for money. So youll tend to pick the Tefal if you need large capacity and dual‑zone convenience, the Philips if you want repeatable results and intuitive controls, and the Breville if you favour a flexible, space‑saving unit with versatile cooking options.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right air fryer or multi-cooker helps you prepare cozy, home-cooked meals faster and with less energy than a full oven. If you want maximum flexibility and a steam option, the Philips 5000 Series is our top pick.
If you want strong performance for less, the Ninja Dual Zone gives excellent value, and the Breville Halo Flexi is ideal if you need an appliance that can act like a compact oven for larger batches. Use capacity, features and how you like to cook as your main decision points so the appliance fits into your winter routine and helps you produce reliable, comforting meals.
| Product | Image | Rating | Capacity | Power / Wattage | Special Highlights | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philips Air Fryer 5000 Series Dual Basket with Steam |  | 4.6/5 (543 reviews) | 9 litres | 2750 watts |
| £169.99 |
| Tefal Easy Fry Dual Zone Digital Air Fryer |  | 4.5/5 (2,704 reviews) | 8.3 litres | 2700 watts |
| £133.35 |
| Breville Halo Flexi Air Fryer & Large Mesh Tray |  | 4.6/5 (681 reviews) | 11 litres | 2400 watts |
| £168.23 |
| Our Place Wonder Oven |  | 4.3/5 (1,478 reviews) | N/A | N/A |
| £155.00 |
| HYSapientia 24L Air Fryer Oven With Rotisserie |  | 4.5/5 (2,954 reviews) | 24 litres | 1800 watts |
| £129.99 |
| Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Digital Air Fryer |  | 4.8/5 (27,422 reviews) | 7.6 litres | 2400 watts |
| £119.00 |
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