Tefal XXL Fryer Review UK 2026
Quick verdict
Score: 7.0/10
Best for: Faster, lower-oil everyday cooking and reheating, cooking two foods at once
Not for: Large family roasts and big-batch cooking, where a full-size oven still wins on capacity
Bottom line: A practical air fryer (11L, dual zone) that crisps food fast with little oil and costs less to run than an oven.
The Tefal XXL Fryer has an 11 L capacity and a dual-zone setup with two drawers, enabling two batches to be cooked at the same time. It is positioned as a flexible alternative to the Tefal air fryer, with frying, baking, heating and drying supported by seven preset programmes. Cooking results depend on portion size, and smaller items may need checking towards the end, while the larger footprint may suit multi-person meals less well than single-serve use.
Key specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 11 L |
| Zones | Double drawer |
| Functions | Frying, baking, heating, drying |
| Preset programs | 7 |
Pros
- 11L capacity
- Dual zone - cook two foods at once
- Faster and cheaper to run than a full-size oven
Cons
- Takes up worktop space (dual-zone models are bulky)
- Cooks smaller batches than a full-size oven
- Some foods still need a light spray of oil to crisp up
Capacity and Size
Capacity and size matter because the air fryer is listed as an 11 L unit with a dual-zone, double-drawer layout, so it can handle larger portions than smaller single-basket models. The 11 L figure refers to the total capacity across both drawers. With the two-drawer design, items can be cooked separately at the same time, which can help with batch cooking. Each drawer will also have less space than the overall 11 L headline figure, so very large family portions may still require careful staging.
Cooking Performance and Functions
With 7 preset programmes and a double-drawer layout, the Tefal L is designed for simple, multi-food cooking, with each drawer able to run independently. It offers frying, baking, heating, and drying, so users can switch between tasks without changing appliances. The preset programmes are intended to produce common results, including a crunchy finish. Cooking typically involves selecting a programme, preparing portions, and monitoring until the food is cooked through. If portion sizes vary widely, timing adjustments may still be needed.
Single or Dual Zone
The 7 preset programmes and the dual-drawer layout let different foods be cooked at the same time, while switching between frying, baking, heating, and drying as needed. With two drawers, the air fryer can split tasks, for example chips in one drawer while chicken or vegetables go in the other. This saves time when meals need separate temperatures or textures, because each drawer can run its own preset. When food requirements are identical, single-batch cooking may feel less efficient. Overall, the dual zone supports flexible planning for mixed dishes.
Ease of Use and Controls
Usually, the air fryer keeps the cooking routine simple through its control layout and preset-focused approach. It offers seven preset programmes, letting cooks select common frying, baking, heating and drying tasks without setting individual parameters. A dual-zone design with two drawers supports running one zone while the other prepares a different item, which can assist meal planning. Operation is straightforward: select a programme, load the relevant drawer, then follow the cooking stages as the cycle progresses.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning and maintenance matter with an air fryer like this air fryer model, because post-cooking residue needs to be dealt with promptly for best results. For routine use, leave the drawers and the interior to cool, then wipe away residue with a damp cloth. The dual-drawer layout allows each basket to be cleaned separately, which can help with removing crumbs. Where the fryer includes washable parts, follow the manual to confirm which components are washable and which are not. After cleaning, dry everything fully before the next cooking session to help prevent odours and sticking.
Noise and Energy Use
Noise and energy use are practical considerations with the Tefal XXL Fryer. Air fryers can feel different in loudness during fan operation, and cooking cost depends on how often and how long the fryer runs. This model has dual drawers, so both compartments can operate at the same time, which may help complete larger batches faster, but smaller portions could still keep the fan running for the duration of each cooking session. The internal fan is the main sound source during use, so the noise can be noticeable in quieter kitchens. Energy use depends on the cooking time across its 7 preset programmes.
Who Is This Air Fryer For?
Who is the Tefal L, double drawer air fryer for? It suits households that want an 11 L cooking space and the flexibility of two drawers working at the same time, making it practical for batch cooking or preparing separate portions. It also fits people who prefer cooking with little or no oil and who want 7 preset programmes for common tasks. It is less suitable if you only need a single smaller basket or if dual-drawer cooking is not part of your usual routine.
Where to Buy in the UK
Where to buy the air fryer L in the UK is usually a case of checking major retailers such as Amazon UK, John Lewis, Currys, AO and Argos, since listings can vary by stock and variant. Start by searching online and then confirm the listing matches the product title details, specifically the 11 L capacity and the double drawer arrangement, along with an oil-free setup that includes 7 preset programs. If a page shows "out of stock", in-store checks at the same retailers can help when items are transferred between locations. It is also worth verifying the described cooking functions, including whether the fryer supports frying, baking, heating and drying, and whether the parts are washable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tefal worth it?
For faster, lower-oil cooking of chips, chicken, veg and reheats, the air fryer earns its place with 11L capacity and two drawers so you can cook two things at once. It is also cheaper to run than heating a full-size oven - check the current Amazon UK price, as it changes often.
Is this air fryer big enough for a family?
The Tefal has 11L capacity, split across two drawers, so the usable space per drawer is smaller than the total suggests. As a rough guide, 4-5L suits 1-2 people, 6-8L suits 3-4, and larger or dual-drawer models suit families of 4 or more.
What are the downsides of the Tefal XXL Fryer?
Air fryers take up worktop space (dual-zone models are bulky), cook smaller batches than a full oven, and some foods still need a light oil spray. They are best for crisping and reheating rather than replacing every oven job, which is why they suit some kitchens better than others.
Is the air fryer cheaper to run than an oven?
For small and medium portions, usually yes - this air fryer heats a much smaller space than a full-size oven and cooks faster, so it uses less energy. For large meals that fill a big oven anyway, the saving is smaller. Exact cost depends on its wattage and your tariff.
Can the Tefal cook two things at once?
Yes - the air fryer has two separate drawers, so you can cook two foods at different temperatures and times, and finish them together. It is ideal for a main and a side, though it takes up more worktop space than a single-drawer model.
Is the Tefal easy to clean?
The drawer and crisper plate wipe or wash clean; non-stick coatings make this easier. Clean it after each use, as baked-on grease is harder to remove later.
Do you need oil in the air fryer?
Little or none - the Tefal XXL Fryer circulates hot air to crisp food, so most things need only a light spray of oil or none at all. Naturally fatty foods like sausages need no added oil, while a fine mist helps fresh chips and breaded items crisp up.