You can buy a genuinely capable air fryer for under £100 in 2026, and the best ones start at just £25.99. This guide covers 4 appliances across compact, mid-size, and dual-basket categories, all running on UK 240V mains, so you can stop guessing and start cooking.
What to look for
01Capacity: matching litres to your household size
Capacity is the single most important spec to get right before you buy. A 2L basket suits one person cooking snacks or a quick lunch, but it will not fit a whole chicken breast without folding it. For two people, a 4L to 5L single-basket model is the practical minimum. Families of four or more should look at 8L-plus, ideally in a dual-basket design so you can cook chips and fish fingers simultaneously at different temperatures. The Tower Vortx Vizion offers 9L split across two drawers, while the Tefal Easy Fry Dual Zone gives you 8.3L with the same sync-cook flexibility. Both sit comfortably on a standard 600mm-deep UK worktop, though you should check height clearance under wall cupboards before ordering.
02Wattage and running costs on UK 240V mains
Air fryers run on the UK 240V supply and their wattage determines both how fast they heat up and what they add to your electricity bill. The Chefman 2L mini draws modest power suited to quick snacks. The Russell Hobbs 4.3L model runs at 1,300W, which is efficient for its size and keeps running costs low versus a full oven. At the larger end, the Keplin 9L dual-zone pulls 2,700W, which sounds high but because cook times are typically 15 to 25 minutes rather than 45 to 60 minutes in a conventional oven, real-world energy use is often lower. If you are on a time-of-use tariff such as Octopus Go, scheduling evening cooks can cut costs further. Always check the wattage against your kitchen circuit if you run multiple appliances simultaneously.
03Basket coating and cleaning in hard-water areas
Non-stick coatings and dishwasher-safe baskets matter more than most buyers expect. In hard-water areas covering much of southern England and the Midlands, limescale deposits can build up on heating elements if water splashes during cooking. A removable, dishwasher-safe basket makes weekly cleaning straightforward and extends the life of the coating. The Chefman, Tefal Easy Fry, and Russell Hobbs all advertise dishwasher-safe baskets. The Keplin and Tower models use non-stick coatings but check the manual before putting them in the dishwasher at high temperatures, as some manufacturers recommend hand-washing to preserve the finish. A soft sponge and warm soapy water after each use is the safest routine regardless.
04Preset functions: useful or just marketing?
Manufacturers compete on preset counts, but the honest answer is that most cooks use two or three modes regularly. Air fry, reheat, and bake cover the majority of everyday meals. The Russell Hobbs offers 9 presets including a keep-warm function, which is genuinely useful when cooking in batches. The Tower Vortx Vizion has 10 one-touch presets via a digital panel, and the Tefal Easy Fry includes dehydrate alongside the standard modes. Dehydrate is a slow, low-temperature function (typically around 50 to 70°C) that works well for fruit crisps or beef jerky if that appeals to you. Temperature range also matters: the Russell Hobbs covers 40°C to 200°C, giving you fine control for delicate reheating as well as high-heat crisping.
Our top picks
Best for solo cooks and small kitchensChefman 2L Mini Air Fryer
At £25.99 (its 90-day low is £25.00), the Chefman 2L is the most affordable entry point here and one of the best-reviewed, with over 25,000 ratings averaging 4.5 stars. The 2L non-stick basket is dishwasher-safe, and the digital timer with shake reminder is a practical touch for chips or nuggets. Ideal for a student flat or a single person who wants quick weeknight meals without heating a full oven.
Best mid-size pick for couplesRussell Hobbs Air Fryer
The Russell Hobbs 4.3L runs at 1,300W, making it one of the more energy-efficient options in this guide. Its current price is £54.99, down from a 90-day high of £103.00, so you are getting a significant discount right now. Nine cooking functions, a 40°C to 200°C temperature range, and dishwasher-safe attachments make this a well-rounded choice for two people cooking varied meals through the week.
Best dual-basket pick for familiesTefal Easy Fry Dual Zone Digital
The Tefal Easy Fry Dual Zone offers 8.3L across two independent drawers, letting you cook two dishes at different temperatures simultaneously. At £79.99 (its 90-day low was £67.98), it sits well under the £100 ceiling with room to spare. Eight cooking modes include dehydrate and extra crisp, and both baskets are non-stick and dishwasher-safe. A strong choice for households of four or more who want to cut oven use.
Best value dual-basket for large householdsTower
The Tower Vortx Vizion packs 9L of capacity into a dual-basket design with 10 digital presets, and its current price of £79.93 sits close to its 90-day low of £59.98. Tower is a well-established UK appliance brand, and nearly 13,000 reviews averaging 4.5 stars suggest consistent real-world satisfaction. If you regularly cook for four or more people and want the largest basket in this guide, this is the one to consider.
Best budget dual-zone option for big batchesKeplin 9L Dual Zone Air Fryer
The Keplin 9L draws 2,700W and offers 8 cooking functions including dehydrate and reheat, with a two-year warranty that adds reassurance for a lesser-known brand. At £46.02, it is the cheapest dual-zone model in this guide by a clear margin, and its 90-day high was £70.00, so the current price represents genuine value. Best suited to buyers who need large-batch capacity but cannot stretch to the Tower or Tefal.
Frequently asked
What size air fryer do I need for a family of 4 in the UK?
For a family of four, aim for at least 8L of total capacity. A dual-basket model such as the Tower Vortx Vizion (9L) or the Tefal Easy Fry Dual Zone (8.3L) lets you cook two different foods at once, which is the practical way to get a full meal on the table at the same time. Single-basket models under 6L will require cooking in batches, which adds time and defeats much of the convenience.
Are air fryers cheaper to run than an oven in the UK?
In most cases, yes. A conventional electric oven typically draws 2,000W to 3,000W and needs 10 to 15 minutes to preheat. An air fryer at 1,300W (such as the Russell Hobbs in this guide) reaches temperature in under 3 minutes and cooks faster overall. For a typical UK electricity rate of around 24p per kWh, a 20-minute air fryer cook costs roughly 10p to 22p depending on wattage, compared to 30p to 50p for a full oven cycle.
Can I put an air fryer basket in the dishwasher?
Many baskets are dishwasher-safe, but always check the manual first. The Chefman, Tefal Easy Fry, and Russell Hobbs models in this guide explicitly state dishwasher-safe baskets. For non-stick coatings generally, the top rack at a lower temperature setting is safer than a full hot wash, which can degrade the coating over time. Hand-washing with warm soapy water after each use is the most reliable way to extend basket life.
Is a 2L air fryer big enough for one person?
A 2L basket is sufficient for one person cooking snacks, chips, or a single chicken portion. It will not fit a whole fillet of salmon or a large jacket potato without trimming. The Chefman 2L is a practical choice at £25.99 for a student or single-occupancy flat where worktop space is limited, but if you regularly cook full meals rather than sides, stepping up to a 4L model such as the Russell Hobbs gives you noticeably more flexibility.
What is the difference between a dual-basket and a single-basket air fryer?
A single-basket air fryer has one cooking chamber. A dual-basket model has two independent drawers, each with its own heating element and temperature control. This means you can cook chips at 200°C in one basket and fish fingers at 180°C in the other, finishing at the same time using a sync function. Dual-basket models such as the Tower Vortx Vizion and Tefal Easy Fry are larger and cost more, but they eliminate the need to cook in batches for a family meal.