Dual-zone air fryers make it possible to cook two foods at different temperatures and times. However, most models use two permanently separate drawers, which can limit the size of food you can cook.
An air fryer with a removable divider offers a more flexible alternative. Keep the divider fitted for two independent cooking zones, or remove it when you need one large cooking space. But is this design better than having two separate drawers?
How does a removable-divider air fryer work?
A removable-divider air fryer has one large cooking basket that can be divided into two smaller zones. With the divider fitted, each side can be controlled independently, allowing you to cook two different foods at the same time.
When the divider is removed, the two zones become one larger basket. This gives you more room for bigger portions and foods that may not fit comfortably inside a conventional dual-drawer model.
What are the main advantages?
1. Two cooking zones when you need them
You can cook a main dish in one zone and a side dish in the other. Each side can use its own cooking time and temperature, making it easier to prepare a complete meal together.
2. One large basket for bigger food
Removing the divider gives you a wider cooking area. This is useful for larger joints of meat, traybakes, bigger portions and foods that would otherwise need to be split between two separate drawers.
3. More flexibility for family meals
Some days you may want to cook two completely different foods. On other days, you may need the entire capacity for one meal. A removable divider lets the same appliance handle both situations.
4. Less need to cook in batches
A larger uninterrupted cooking space can reduce the need to divide food into several smaller batches. The exact amount you can cook will still depend on the food and the space required for hot air to circulate properly.
Removable divider or two separate drawers?
| Feature | Removable-divider design | Two separate drawers |
|---|---|---|
| Cook two foods independently | Yes, with the divider fitted | Yes |
| Create one large cooking space | Yes | No |
| Suitable for wider foods | Usually more flexible | Limited by each drawer |
| Cook only one small portion | Use one zone | Use one drawer |
| Best suited to | Households wanting maximum flexibility | Households mainly cooking separate foods |
Who is a 10L removable-divider air fryer suitable for?
A 10L model can be a good option for families, larger households and anyone who regularly cooks several parts of a meal at once. It may also suit people who want the flexibility to prepare larger foods without buying a separate air fryer oven.
Before choosing one, measure your available worktop space and consider the types of meals you normally prepare. Capacity is useful, but the shape and width of the basket can be just as important as the litre measurement.
What should you look for when buying one?
- Independent controls: Check that each zone can use a different time and temperature.
- Sync or dual-cook functions: These help two foods finish cooking together.
- Viewing window: This lets you monitor food without repeatedly opening the basket.
- Useful temperature range: A wider range supports different types of cooking.
- Easy-to-remove divider: Changing between one large zone and two smaller zones should be straightforward.
- Warranty and support: Check what help is available if a fault develops.
The AHM Electronics 10L Dual Zone Air Fryer
The AHM Electronics model provides two independent 5L cooking zones with the divider fitted. Remove it to create one generous 10L cooking space.
It includes eight presets, independent zone controls, a viewing window, internal lighting and a shake reminder. Its flexible basket makes it suitable for both everyday meals and larger portions.
View the AHM Electronics 10L Dual Zone Air Fryer
Frequently asked questions
Can both sides cook at different temperatures?
Yes, provided the air fryer offers independent dual-zone controls. This allows different foods to use their own cooking settings.
Can I use only one side?
Yes. For smaller meals, you can operate one cooking zone without needing to use the full basket.
What happens when the divider is removed?
The two smaller zones become one larger cooking area. This is useful for food that is too wide for an individual drawer or when preparing a bigger portion of one dish.
Is a 10L air fryer suitable for a family?
A 10L capacity can provide useful flexibility for family meals. The number of servings will vary according to the food being cooked, portion sizes and the space needed for air circulation.
Final verdict
Two separate drawers work well when you nearly always cook different foods. A removable-divider air fryer offers the same dual-zone convenience while also giving you the option of one larger cooking space. For households that prepare a mixture of everyday meals and larger dishes, the added flexibility can make it the more practical choice.