The mistake is buying for the discount
Air fryers are easy to compare badly. A reduced price does not tell you whether the basket fits your meals, whether the controls suit the household or whether cleaning will be tolerable after a week.
Check capacity against real meals
Think in portions, tray size and batch rhythm rather than litres alone. Two small drawers can be more useful than one large basket for some households, but only if the food you cook actually fits.
Check plug, seller and recall basics
For electrical kitchen appliances, check the seller identity, UK plug wording, instructions, warranty route and product safety notices. Marketplace listings can make responsibility less clear.
Check cleaning before countertop space
A machine that fits the worktop can still fail if the drawer, basket, liner or crisper plate is awkward to clean. Look for dishwasher wording, but read the manual if daily cleaning matters.
Use UK Shortlists next
Use the kitchen fit route or air-fryer capacity checklist before opening product shortlists. That keeps the purchase decision tied to your space and cooking pattern.