Best list · Kitchen
The best air fryer 2026: 6 models for families, singles and tight budgets
Updated 21 October 2026
Short answer
The best air fryer for most people is the stainless steel Cosori Iconic, test winner at netzwelt with a grade of 1.5 and the best fries in the test. If you want to cook two dishes at once, go for the Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone AF400EU; for large families, the 11-litre Tefal Dual Easy Fry XXL fits. The budget pick is the compact Rommelsbacher FRH 1500, and if you also want to steam, choose the Philips Steam Airfryer 5000.
How we chose
For this list we analysed independent tests: the freely available results from Stiftung Warentest (42 models, September 2026) plus reviews by netzwelt, testit.de, homeandsmart and testsieger.de, alongside manufacturer specs. We only included models sold in Germany in 2026, for example on Amazon.de. We did not test the appliances ourselves. Stiftung Warentest's individual grades are paywalled, so we do not quote them.
What to look for: one or two baskets
Dual-basket (dual zone) models cook two items with separate temperature and time, for example fries and chicken. According to Stiftung Warentest, single-basket models are usually smaller, lighter and cheaper.
What to look for: capacity
Single-basket models typically hold about 6 to 7 litres, enough for singles and couples. Families benefit from 9 to 11 litres, but these units weigh up to around 10 kilograms and take up a lot of space.
What to look for: even cooking
Food preparation counts for 60 percent of the Stiftung Warentest grade. Fries in particular showed big differences: some models burned them, others left bread rolls pale. Look at test results rather than wattage.
What to look for: energy use
Wattage is only the rated power. Stiftung Warentest measured that the most power-hungry model costs more than twice as much in annual electricity as the most efficient one.
What to look for: cleaning and coating
Removable, dishwasher-safe baskets save time. If you want to avoid non-stick coatings, look for models with a stainless steel or glass cooking chamber. Since 2026 Stiftung Warentest also checks coatings for PFAS.
What to look for: extras
A lit viewing window saves opening the drawer, and a shake reminder helps with evenly cooked fries. Steam, app control or a keep-warm mode are nice but not essential.
Frequently asked questions
Which air fryer won the Stiftung Warentest?
In September 2026 Stiftung Warentest tested 42 air fryers, 18 of which performed convincingly. Individual grades are only in the paid section of test.de, so we do not quote them here. Freely available: good fries are possible for under 100 euros.
Is a dual-basket air fryer worth it?
Yes, if you often cook for several people or want to prepare two items at the same time. Each basket runs with its own temperature and time. In return, these units are bigger, heavier and usually more expensive.
What size air fryer do I need?
For one or two people, about 4 to 6 litres is enough. Families of three to four are well served by around 7 to 10 litres, and larger households by dual-basket models with 10 to 11 litres.
Do air fryers use a lot of electricity?
For small portions they usually use less than an oven because the chamber is smaller and heats up faster. Differences between models are large, though: according to Stiftung Warentest, the most power-hungry model costs more than twice as much per year as the most efficient one.
Are air fryer coatings harmful?
Since 2026 Stiftung Warentest checks coatings for fluorine compounds (PFAS); the results are paywalled. If you want to be on the safe side, choose a model with a stainless steel basket such as the Cosori Iconic or one with a glass container.
Do fries really get crispy in an air fryer?
With good models, yes. In the Stiftung Warentest, 17 models made very good or good fries, while others burned them or browned them unevenly. Tip: do not overfill the basket and shake it halfway through.