The Chefman Compact 3.75L and the Ninja AF100UK are both popular choices for people who want an air fryer that works well in a small UK kitchen without stepping up to bulky or oversized models.
They suit a similar audience — usually 1–2 people — but they approach that job in different ways. This comparison focuses on capacity, footprint, noise, and everyday usability, helping you decide which one fits your space and cooking habits better.
Quick verdict (read this first)
- Choose the Ninja AF100UK if you want a sturdy, compact air fryer with reliable everyday performance
- Choose the Chefman Compact 3.75L if you want more cooking capacity while still keeping things reasonably small
Both are good options for small kitchens — the decision is about space vs flexibility.
At-a-glance comparison
| Feature | Chefman Compact 3.75L | Ninja AF100UK |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | More capacity in a small space | Compact, everyday reliability |
| Portion size | 1–2 people | 1–2 people |
| Counter footprint | Compact (slightly wider feel) | Compact (squarer footprint) |
| Noise level | Low–medium | Low–medium |
| Wattage | ~1500W | ~1550W |
| Controls | Manual dial | Manual dial |
| Ease of cleaning | Easy | Easy |
Size & counter space
Both air fryers are designed to work in smaller kitchens, but they feel slightly different on the counter.
The Ninja AF100UK has a squarer, more compact footprint that’s easy to position on limited worktops. It feels very stable and solid, which makes it comfortable to leave out permanently.
The Chefman Compact 3.75L takes up a little more visual space, mainly because of its wider basket design. It’s still manageable in most small kitchens, but it feels closer to the upper limit of what’s comfortable on tight counters.
If counter space is your main concern, the Ninja is easier to live with.
If you can spare a bit more room, the Chefman offers more usable cooking space.
If you’re unsure how much room you have, our Air Fryer Size Guide for Small Kitchens (UK) explains how to measure worktop and cabinet clearance properly.
Capacity & portion size
This is where the Chefman Compact stands out.
The Chefman 3.75L offers noticeably more room inside the basket, making it easier to cook:
- Larger portions
- Two items at once
- Meals for two without batching
The Ninja AF100UK is well suited to 1–2 people, but larger meals may need to be cooked in stages.
If you often cook full meals rather than snacks, the Chefman is more flexible.
If you mainly cook standard portions, the Ninja is usually enough.
Noise levels (important for flats)
Noise levels are similar overall.
The Ninja AF100UK produces a steady, predictable fan sound that blends into the background easily in most kitchens.
The Chefman Compact is also not loud, but the fan can be slightly more noticeable during preheating and longer cooking cycles.
Neither model is disruptive, but if you’re particularly noise-sensitive, the Ninja has a slight edge.
For more detail, see our guide to Quiet Air Fryers for Flats.
Wattage & running costs (UK)
Both models sit in the mid-wattage range, which is typical for air fryers that handle meals for 1–2 people.
The Chefman Compact may use slightly more energy per use if you regularly cook larger portions, but the difference in real-world running costs is small.
The Ninja AF100UK has very predictable cooking times and power usage, which many people find easier to manage.
In most homes, both cost pennies per meal to run.
Cleaning & maintenance
Cleaning is straightforward with both air fryers.
The Ninja AF100UK has a durable non-stick basket that’s easy to wash and holds up well to frequent use.
The Chefman Compact also cleans easily, though its larger basket may feel slightly bulkier in smaller sinks.
Neither model requires special maintenance — cleaning effort is unlikely to be a deciding factor.
Pros & cons
Chefman Compact 3.75L – Pros
- Larger capacity for 1–2 people
- More flexible for full meals
- Still relatively compact
- Simple controls
Chefman Compact 3.75L – Cons
- Slightly wider footprint
- More noticeable fan noise at times
Ninja AF100UK – Pros
- Compact, stable footprint
- Consistent everyday performance
- Slightly quieter in use
- Easy to position on small counters
Ninja AF100UK – Cons
- Less internal capacity
- Larger meals may need batching
Which should you choose?
Choose the Chefman Compact 3.75L if:
- You want more space for meals
- You cook for two regularly
- You don’t mind a slightly larger footprint
Choose the Ninja AF100UK if:
- Counter space is tight
- You value simplicity and consistency
- You cook mostly standard portions
Both are solid options — it’s about how much flexibility you want.
Still undecided?
Our guide to the Best Air Fryers for Small Kitchens (UK) compares these models alongside other compact options, helping you decide based on size, noise, running costs, and everyday usability.