Air fryers have become an increasingly present household appliance in kitchens around the world, above all because they allow you to prepare many foods quickly and with little oil. But when you cook for several people, or you want to prepare different dishes at the same time, a model with a double basket can offer an extra advantage.
In fact, the two compartments allow you to cook different foods at the same time, even by setting different temperatures and times. A particularly convenient possibility, for example, to prepare a second course and its side dish together without having to wait for the end of one cooking cycle to start the other.
Naturally, however, the double basket also means more space and, in some cases, a higher price. To understand which models really deserve to be taken into consideration, Altroconsumo tested 15 two-drawer air fryers from 8 different brands.
Among those analyzed, three models stood out in particular. Let’s find out what they are.
The 3 best air fryers with double baskets
Among the best in the test is the Philips NA150/00 Series 1000, which has an interesting feature compared to classic fryers with two separate baskets. Its drawer can in fact be divided into two areas of 3.55 liters each, or used as a single 7.1 liter compartment. This allows you to adapt the appliance to what you need to cook: two preparations at the same time when needed, or a single larger space for bulky foods.
It is precisely this flexibility that represents one of its strengths. In the tests of Altroconsumo the model obtained an overall rating of 69, with a “good” quality rating.
Cleanliness is also a positive aspect: the main parts can be washed in the dishwasher. Among the less convincing aspects are the absence of a window to directly observe cooking and a lower overall capacity compared to the 10-litre models.
The second solution awarded by Altroconsumo (with an identical score to the previous one) is the Cecotec Cecofry DuoLevel 10000 Window, which adopts a completely different setting. In this case the two baskets are vertically superimposed and have different capacities: 6.5 liters the main one and 3.5 liters the smaller one. Overall it therefore reaches 10 litres, an interesting capacity for those who have to prepare large quantities.
The vertical arrangement has a clear advantage: the fryer takes up only 28 centimeters in width, making it interesting for those who have a shallow kitchen surface or little lateral space. On the other hand, with its 43.5 centimeters of height it is necessary to check that it can be placed comfortably under any wall units.
Another practical element is the window that allows you to monitor cooking without opening the basket. The model also has 10 programs and Sync and Match functions to manage the two zones.
The main limitation is linked to the configuration of the two compartments: being of different sizes, they are not the most suitable choice if you want to prepare two identical quantities of the same food. Furthermore, the vertical arrangement may be less practical than side-by-side drawers and the manufacturer does not indicate that the parts should be washed in the dishwasher.
For those who don’t necessarily want the largest or most flexible model, Altroconsumo highlights the Moulinex EZ905D20 Easy Fry & Grill as the solution with the best quality-price ratio.
The overall capacity is 8.3 litres, split between a 5.2 liter main basket and a smaller 3.1 liter one. Also in this case the different dimensions can be used to your advantage: in the larger compartment you can prepare the main dish and in the smaller one the side dish.
The Sync function allows you to coordinate the two cooking processes, so as to finish preparations that have different times at the same time. There are also eight programs available, including those for chips, chicken, vegetables, fish and desserts, as well as grill and drying modes. Another plus point is maintenance: baskets and racks can be washed in the dishwasher.
In the test this model scored 67 points, with an overall quality judged to be “good”. It does not reach the capacity of the Cecotec and does not offer the possibility of transforming the two compartments into one like the Philips, but it represents a balanced solution for daily use.
Is a double basket air fryer really worth it?
Having two baskets does not automatically mean having a better appliance. The advantage is especially noticeable when you really take advantage of the possibility of preparing different dishes at the same time.
For example, it can be very convenient to cook chicken and vegetables at the same time, setting different temperatures or durations, or prepare larger quantities without having to start all over again with a second cooking cycle.
The double basket therefore becomes particularly interesting for those who usually cook for 3-5 people or want to use the fryer not only for chips and frozen foods, but to prepare an entire meal.
However, space must also be considered. A larger appliance can take up a large part of the worktop and the capacity declared in liters does not alone tell how well food can actually be cooked. The shape and surface of the baskets matter, because they influence how food can be distributed during cooking.
For those who cook for one or two people and mainly prepare small quantities, a more compact model may be a more sensible choice. In short, before choosing a double basket air fryer you should ask yourself not only how many liters you need, but above all how you will use it.
