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. |
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.