Capacity (litres) vs basket area
Total volume vs the flat area you can actually cover in one layer.
Why it matters
Air frying needs airflow around each piece; stacking creates soggy food.
What to check
Ask for basket dimensions in cm, not litres.
Home appliances
Air Fryer
Air fryer capacity is measured by basket volume, but what matters is the flat surface area — food must sit in one layer. A '5 L' fryer can hold less usable food than a 4 L one with a wider basket.
Quick answer
4–5 L basket, but check flat surface area in cm.
1500W+ for faster preheat and crisper results.
80–200°C range with manual control.
Non-stick basket should be dishwasher-safe.
In the shop
Ask the salesperson this exact question
Read these off your phone at the counter. The answer tells you more than the price tag.
1.“What is the usable basket capacity in litres for actual food, not the shell size?”
A good answer: A number that matches a family meal. 4 L shell often means 2.5 L of food.
2.“Is the basket coating PFOA-free and dishwasher safe?”
A good answer: A clear yes with the coating named. Vague “non-stick” answers deserve a second look.
Find your fit
A few questions about your situation, not about the product.
0/20
Add one short need not covered above.
Answer all 2 questions to see the spec sheet to shop with.
What it costs to run
The sticker price is one part of owning an air fryer. Adjust the numbers to your own usage and tariff to see the electricity cost a star rating actually translates to.
Units per year
150 kWh
Cost per year
₹1,200 (≈$14)
Cost over 5 years
₹6,000 (≈$72)
Often more than the price difference between two models.
Short cook times keep the bill small despite the high wattage. Estimates only — actual consumption varies with ambient temperature, settings and unit condition. USD values are approximate.
Extended warranty & AMC — what to check before you say yes
Every new appliance already carries a brand warranty. An extended plan or AMC only adds value where it covers the parts that actually fail, with on-site service in your city — so read the cover, not the discount.
Ask these five questions
- ✓Which parts are covered, and is the most expensive part (motor, compressor, panel) covered in full?
- ✓Is service on-site at home, or carry-in to a centre?
- ✓Are periodic services and consumables included, or billed separately?
- ✓How many claims are allowed, and is there a per-claim or total payout cap?
- ✓What does a claim need — original invoice, serial number, purchase within X days?
Usually not covered
- ×Physical damage, liquid ingress and pest/rodent damage
- ×Voltage surge damage where no stabiliser was used
- ×Consumables: filters, gaskets, belts, batteries
- ×Cosmetic parts and accessories
Rule of thumb: a plan is rarely worth it if it costs more than ~15% of the product price, if the item is cheap to repair locally, or if the brand's own service network in your city is already strong.
These are comparison links, not recommendations — we don't sell plans and we don't rank providers. Some outbound links on KnowBeforeBuy are affiliate links. Cover, exclusions and pricing change; read the plan document before you pay.
Buy it locally
Shops near you that stock air fryer
Sometimes the local dealer beats online on price, installation or the exchange offer. Tell us where you are and we'll list nearby stores. We don't rank or take money from any shop; results come from Google Maps.
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The spec sheet, decoded
Wattage & preheat time
Power draw and how long it takes to reach temperature.
Why it matters
1400–1800W heats fast; low-watt units take longer and cook unevenly.
What to check
Check your kitchen socket and wiring can handle it alongside a microwave.
Temperature range
Lowest to highest settings, usually 80–200°C.
Why it matters
Reheating rotis wants low heat; crisping needs 190–200°C. A narrow range limits use.
What to check
Some cheap models have only presets and no manual temperature dial.
Basket coating
Non-stick coating type on the basket and crisper plate.
Why it matters
Cheap coatings flake within a year and can't take metal tongs.
What to check
Look for PFOA-free ceramic or a replaceable basket; check dishwasher-safe claim.
Noise and fan design
How loud the circulation fan runs.
Why it matters
Air fryers run 15–25 minutes at a time; over 60 is intrusive in an open kitchen.
What to check
Test-run in the shop if possible.
Before you pay
- ✓Measure the basket in cm and compare to what you cook (a full chicken? 6 samosas?).
- ✓Confirm manual temperature and time control, not just presets.
- ✓Check basket is dishwasher-safe and sold as a spare part.
- ✓Verify counter space including 10 cm clearance behind for hot air exhaust.
Common traps
- !Litre ratings measured with the basket brim-full — never usable in practice.
- !Preset-only models that lock you out of low-temperature reheating.
- !'Oil free' claims — you still need a light brush of oil for good results.
Compact 2–4 L single baskets to 7 L+ dual-zone and oven-style models.