If you want to handle less oil
If smells, splashes and post-cooking clean-up are your main concerns, start by comparing air fryers. UFC-Que Choisir also advises taking their size and fan noise into account.
Which option is right for you?
If you fry food regularly
If you often make chips or doughnuts and are happy to use a pan of hot oil, check how the bowl comes apart, which parts can be washed and whether the model has a filtration system. These features can make some tasks easier, but you’ll still need to deal with used oil.
If you cook occasionally and have an induction hob
If you rarely fry food, a hob-top pan could save you from having to store another appliance. Check induction compatibility for the exact model: UFC-Que Choisir notes that the bowl material matters.
What should you consider before buying?
Air fryer
Worth considering: if you want to cook food until golden without having to manage a pan of hot oil.
Bear in mind: you’ll need space to store the appliance, and it’s worth checking how noisy the fan is, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
Electric deep-fat fryer
Worth considering: if you fry food regularly and want a dedicated bowl for the job.
Bear in mind: you’ll still need to let the oil cool, store or dispose of it, even if the fryer has a filtration system.
Hob-top deep-fat fryer
Worth considering: if you fry food occasionally and would rather use a pan than a dedicated electric appliance.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to use a hob ring and take care around hot oil. If you have an induction hob, check compatibility for each individual model.
Oven or frying pan
Worth considering: if you don’t fry often enough to justify buying another appliance.
Bear in mind: an oven doesn’t offer the features of a dedicated fryer. With a frying pan, hot oil can still splash and make a mess on the hob.
To choose between these options, start with the inconvenience you most want to reduce, then consider the portions you need to prepare and the space you have available.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Smells and cleaning | With an air fryer, check whether the basket comes apart and follow the cleaning instructions for that specific model. | I want to cook food until golden without having to clean a bowl of oil and deal with splashes after every use. Around 33% of consumers prioritise reducing these hassles. |
| Regular frying and oil maintenance | With a deep-fat fryer, check the filtration system, whether the bowl comes apart and how to drain the oil once it has cooled. | I fry several portions regularly and want to be able to maintain the appliance between uses. This is the main priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Occasional use and compatibility | For a pan used on an induction hob, look for explicit compatibility details for the exact model you’re considering. | I rarely cook this way and would rather use my hob than store a dedicated appliance. This is a priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Portions and available space | Compare the basket’s shape and surface area with your usual portions, then check the appliance’s dimensions. | I want to prepare enough food for my household without cooking several batches or taking up unnecessary space in the kitchen. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this balance. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Assuming filtration means no maintenance
A filter can catch food scraps, but a deep-fat fryer still needs cleaning and you’ll still need to dispose of used oil properly. ADEME advises against pouring it down the sink or flushing it down the toilet.
Check which parts can be removed, which are dishwasher-safe and how you can empty the bowl once it has cooled.
Remember to allow time for cleaning and changing the oil, too.
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Judging induction compatibility by how the bowl looks
Two traditional fryers that look similar may not have the same compatibility. Mathon lists the Baumalu Friteuse du Nord 28 cm as induction-compatible, whereas De Buyer says its La Lyonnaise collection is not suitable for induction hobs.
Check the compatibility details for the exact model you’re considering rather than relying on its metallic appearance.
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Choosing portion sizes based on the word “XL” alone
The stated capacity doesn’t tell you exactly how much of the food you usually cook will fit in the basket. A model that’s too small may mean cooking several batches, while a larger one takes up more space.
Compare the basket shape and your preferred portions with the appliance’s dimensions and the space you have in your kitchen.
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Assuming an air fryer is quiet
According to UFC-Que Choisir, fan noise is worth considering, particularly in an open-plan kitchen.
If this matters to you, look for a noise measurement or an independent review of the exact model.
Brands to know
Tefal
Tefal’s range includes Filtra Pro electric deep-fat fryers.
- For the Filtra Pro FR516070, Tefal lists a 4 L bowl, a filtering sieve and dishwasher-safe parts, except for the heating unit.
- These details apply to this model. Check them again if you choose another Filtra Pro fryer.
Moulinex
The Easy Fry range includes air fryers in different sizes.
- Moulinex lists a dishwasher-safe non-stick basket and a capacity of 3.5 L for the Easy Fry Essential EZ130810.
- Capacity and cleaning instructions vary by model, so don’t assume they apply to the whole range.
Philips
Philips sells Airfryers in a range of capacities, including models with removable parts.
- For the connected Airfryer 5000 Series HD9255/80, Philips lists a 4.1 L capacity and removable parts that are dishwasher-safe.
- Philips’ claim about this model reducing smells doesn’t guarantee the same results in every kitchen.
Baumalu
Baumalu is one of the brands that makes traditional fryers for use on a hob.
- Mathon describes the Baumalu Friteuse du Nord 28 cm as induction-compatible and supplied with a draining basket.
- Check compatibility separately for any other Baumalu model.
De Buyer
De Buyer offers frying pans and baskets for cooking on the hob.
- The La Lyonnaise collection offers a hob-top option without a dedicated electric appliance.
- De Buyer states that its La Lyonnaise frying pans are not suitable for induction hobs.
Appliances for different needs
These Joybuy models cover two of the options discussed here: air fryers for cooking without a pan of hot oil, and an electric deep-fat fryer for anyone who wants to keep frying in oil. Focus on basket size, maintenance and the space you’ll need, based on how you plan to use it.
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Ninja Dual Zone Digital DZ400EU, two drawers, 9.5 L, metallic grey
Worth considering if you want to cook two foods in separate drawers without a pan of hot oil. This model has six functions and dishwasher-safe baskets. Check its dimensions, how much food fits in each drawer and how noisy it is if you have an open-plan kitchen.
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Ninja Dual Zone Digital DZ300EU, two drawers, 7.6 L, metallic grey
Consider this model if you want two drawers for cooking different foods. It has six functions and dishwasher-safe baskets. Its total capacity of 7.6 L doesn’t tell you how much will fit in each drawer, so check the portion sizes and space you’ll need.
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KITCHENCOOK AIRMED7W, 7 L air fryer with cooking window
The window may appeal if you want to keep an eye on your food as it cooks without removing the basket. This model has a digital display. Check that its capacity suits your portions and read the basket’s cleaning instructions.
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Hkoenig DFX600, deep-fat fryer with two 3 L baskets
Worth considering if you fry food in oil and want to use two baskets. The model has a stated power output of 3,600 W, two independent thermostats and anti-odour filters. These don’t remove the need to maintain the fryer or deal with used oil.
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Midea Air Fryer, 4 L, 1,500 W, eight programmes
Compare this model if you’re looking for a 4 L air fryer rather than one with two drawers. It has a stated temperature range of 35 to 200 °C and a 60-minute timer. Check that the basket size suits your portions and read the cleaning instructions for its parts.
Frequently asked questions
What size air fryer do you need for four people?
UFC-Que Choisir recommends starting with at least 6 L for a family of four. Check the basket shape and your usual portion sizes, too: the stated capacity doesn’t guarantee that you can cook a whole meal in one batch.
Will a traditional fryer work on any induction hob?
No. You need to check whether the bowl of the exact model is compatible. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the importance of the material. For example, Mathon lists the Baumalu Friteuse du Nord 28 cm as induction-compatible, but that doesn’t apply to every traditional fryer.
Does filtering the oil mean you don’t need to clean the fryer?
No. Filtration can remove scraps between uses, but you’ll still need to clean the appliance’s parts and dispose of the oil once it’s no longer fit to use.
Does air fryer noise matter in an open-plan kitchen?
Yes, especially if you’re sensitive to noise while cooking. UFC-Que Choisir advises paying attention to the fan. Look for a noise measurement or an independent review of the model you’re considering.
Can you pour used frying oil down the sink?
No. ADEME advises against pouring frying oil down the sink, flushing it down the toilet or tipping it into the environment. Let it cool, put it in a sealed container and find out where your local oil collection points are.