Start with capacity – larger models (25‑26 qt) can handle a 12‑inch pizza or a whole chicken, while smaller units (13‑qt) suit tighter kitchens. Look at the number of cooking functions; 8‑plus functions give flexibility for baking, roasting, dehydrating, and more. Finally, consider footprint, control type (digital vs. dial), and any extra features like dual‑zone cooking or smart connectivity.

The Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door and Midea Flexify both offer around 26 qt, enough for a 12‑inch pizza or a 6‑lb chicken. The Emeril Dual‑Zone model provides a slightly smaller 25 qt but adds a second cooking zone. COSORI’s Smart 12‑in‑1 and Black+Decker’s 12‑in‑1 sit at 26 qt, while the COSORI 13‑qt and Ninja Flip are more compact, ideal for smaller families or limited counter space.

COSORI’s Smart 12‑in‑1 model tops the list with twelve distinct functions, including air fry, bake, broil, dehydrate, and more. The Ninja Flip and Cuisinart both provide eight functions, covering the essentials from air fry to toast. Black+Decker and Emeril Lagasse models each list twelve functions, but some are variations of the same mode (e.g., multiple toast shades).

Dual‑zone cooking, found in the Emeril Lagasse Dual‑Zone 360 and the larger Emeril French Door models, lets you run two temperature settings simultaneously, which is handy for cooking a main dish and side at once. It adds complexity and price, so it’s most beneficial for larger households that regularly prepare multi‑component meals. If you mostly cook single‑item dishes, a single‑zone oven will meet your needs at a lower price point.

Models with dual‑speed or dual‑fan systems, like the Emeril French Door and COSORI Smart oven, circulate air more evenly, producing a golden crisp with less oil. Ninja’s OVENCRISP technology combines infrared heating with rapid air flow for edge‑to‑edge browning, while Cuisinart’s AirAdvantage uses a top fan/heater assembly for fast, crispy outcomes. Generally, the more sophisticated the airflow system, the better the texture on fried or roasted foods.

The Ninja Flip’s unique flip‑up design reduces its footprint by about 50 % when stored, making it ideal for small kitchens. Black+Decker, COSORI, and Emeril’s larger models occupy a standard countertop width of roughly 20‑22 inches, so measure your space before buying. Compact options like the COSORI 13‑qt or the Chefman 15‑qt fit comfortably on tighter counters while still offering ample interior volume.

COSORI’s VeSync app lets you browse recipes, set timers, and control the oven from your phone, and it works with Alexa and Google Assistant for hands‑free operation. While convenient, these features don’t affect cooking performance, so they’re a bonus for tech‑savvy users rather than a necessity. If you prefer straightforward manual controls, models like the Emeril Lagasse French Door or Midea Flexify provide all core functions without a Wi‑Fi connection.

Higher‑priced units, such as the Emeril Dual‑Zone and Midea Flexify, justify their cost with larger capacities, dual‑zone cooking, and premium build quality. Mid‑range models like Ninja Flip and COSORI Smart 12‑in‑1 deliver a strong feature set (8‑12 functions) at a more accessible price. Budget‑friendly options like Chefman and Toshiba still offer essential air‑fry and bake capabilities, but may lack advanced airflow systems or extensive capacity.