Fans of deep-fried food
If the result matters more to you than the cleaning, compare oil fryers by food capacity and thermostat. Also check how to handle the parts once they have cooled, and how to filter or drain the oil.
Which approach is right for you?
Households mindful of odours and cleaning
If you’d rather not handle a bath of oil, consider an air fryer. However, Que Choisir notes that these appliances can be bulky and noisy, so check the dimensions and the parts that need cleaning before you choose.
Small kitchens and occasional use
If you rarely make chips or breaded food, using the oven or frying pan you already own could save you from having to find room for another appliance. Cooking in a frying pan requires attention and doesn’t prevent splashes.
What sets the different options apart?
First decide whether you want to deep-fry in oil, cook with hot air or use an appliance you already own. Then weigh up the amount of food you need to prepare against the space available and the level of cleaning you’re happy to take on.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Results from deep-frying | For an oil fryer, compare its food capacity and thermostat, as well as how the oil is filtered or drained. | If I mainly want chips or doughnuts cooked in a bath of oil, I’m happy to manage the oil afterwards. Around 27% of consumers would prioritise this result. |
| Odours and cleaning | Check which parts are removable, the cleaning instructions and whether the specific model is dishwasher-safe. | I want to cook breaded food without having to handle and maintain a bath of oil. This would be the top concern for around 27% of consumers. |
| Batch size and other uses | Compare the stated food capacity, cooking surface and, for an air fryer, the number of drawers. | I need suitable batch sizes for several people, and may also want to cook different foods. Around 20% of consumers would prioritise this versatility. |
| Kitchen space | Measure the external dimensions and the clearance needed to open the drawer or lid. | In a small kitchen, I’d rather use my oven or frying pan than make room for another appliance. Keeping the space clear would be the top priority for around 13% of consumers. |
| Handling and maintaining the oil | For an electric fryer, check its stability, handles and lid, as well as the instructions for cooling and draining. | If I choose an oil fryer, I want to minimise contact with hot parts and maintain the appliance properly. Around 13% of consumers would put these precautions first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Expecting an air fryer to produce the same results as deep-frying
Cooking with hot air and frying in oil work in different ways. Que Choisir also found that results varied between the air fryers it tested, so the category name alone won’t tell you how a particular model performs.
Decide what kind of cooking you’re looking for, then check the cooking results and loading instructions for the model you’re considering.
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Choosing based on capacity in litres alone
Capacity alone doesn’t tell you the available cooking surface, how much food fits in a batch or how much space the appliance takes up.
Compare the stated food capacity with the external dimensions and the space needed to open the drawers or lid.
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Underestimating the cleaning involved
Filtering the oil doesn’t mean you can avoid managing it in an oil fryer. For appliances with a non-stick coating, cleaning methods must also follow the instructions.
Check which parts can be removed and are dishwasher-safe, and how to clean the bowl, basket or filters.
Allow time for the appliance to cool and, for an oil fryer, for filtering or replacing the oil.
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Overlooking the instructions and appliance identification
The DGCCRF notes that electrical appliances can pose risks including electric shock, fire and burns. It also clarifies that the CE marking is not a certification mark.
Before buying, check the exact model, its instructions and the seller’s contact details. Don’t treat the CE marking as an indication of cooking quality.
Brands to consider
Tefal
A brand to look at if you’re after an electric oil fryer for family-sized batches.
- Depending on the model in its Filtra and OleoClean ranges, Tefal describes filtration systems and removable parts.
- Capacity and cleaning options vary by model, so check the product details and instructions for the one you choose.
Moulinex
A brand to compare if you’re looking for air fryers in different capacities and configurations.
- Moulinex product pages highlight features such as capacity and programmes, as well as removable parts for cleaning on some models.
- Check the dimensions, capacity for the food you plan to cook and which parts are dishwasher-safe for each model.
Philips
A brand to consider if an air fryer’s use and cleaning instructions are important to your decision.
- Philips publishes cleaning guidance for its appliances, including advice on cooling and caring for non-stick coatings.
- This guidance applies to the Philips appliances it covers, so check the instructions for the model you’re considering.
Ninja
A brand to look at if you’re interested in an air fryer with multiple cooking zones.
- Some models have multiple drawers, which you can compare against the quantity and types of food you prepare.
- Que Choisir found that performance varied between the air fryers it tested. Compare the results and size of the specific model, rather than relying on its configuration alone.
Oil fryers and air fryers on Joybuy
These models let you compare two types of appliance: an electric fryer for deep-frying in oil and an air fryer for cooking with hot air. If you’d rather use your oven or frying pan, consider how often you’ll cook and how much space you want to devote to it.
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Tefal Clear Duo, 3.5 L oil fryer with an XL anti-mist viewing window
Worth considering if you want to cook chips in a bath of oil while keeping an eye on them through the advertised viewing window.
You’ll still need to manage the oil and let the fryer cool before cleaning. Check the model’s care instructions.
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Ninja Dual Zone DZ400EU, 9.5 L air fryer with two drawers
The two drawers may suit a household that wants to cook two different dishes with hot air; the product details also list six cooking functions.
This cooking method won’t automatically produce the same results as deep-frying in oil. Check the dimensions and loading instructions before choosing this size.
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Ninja Dual Zone DZ300EU, 7.6 L air fryer with two drawers
This two-drawer model is worth comparing if you want to cook different foods separately using hot air; its product details list six functions.
Chip results depend in part on how the fryer is loaded. Compare the dimensions and available space, not just the stated capacity.
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Livoo DOC217, oil fryer with two 3 L bowls, 3,300 W
The two bowls are designed for anyone who wants to manage two separate batches of deep-fried food.
Make sure you have enough space and allow the bowls to cool before cleaning. Follow the instructions during use.
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Hkoenig DFX600, oil fryer with two 3 L baskets, 3,600 W
Its two removable baskets and independent thermostats are suited to cooking separate batches in oil. The product details mention odour filters, but these don’t guarantee that there will be no odours.
Check the suitable food quantity for each basket and the space needed for the appliance. The oil must cool before you clean it.
Frequently asked questions
Can an air fryer replace an oil fryer?
Not if you specifically want food cooked in a bath of oil: an air fryer cooks with hot air. It may suit you if you prefer this cooking method and want to avoid managing a bath of oil, but Que Choisir found that results vary between models. Check how the one you’re considering performs with the foods you plan to cook.
What should I check before using an electric oil fryer?
Check the appliance’s stability, thermostat, handles and lid, as well as how to filter or drain the oil once it has cooled. Que Choisir includes electrical and heat safety in its testing process. You should also consult the model’s instructions for guidance on use.
How can I clean an air fryer without damaging its coating?
Follow the instructions for your model and let it cool before cleaning. For the Philips appliances covered by its guidance, Philips recommends waiting around 30 minutes and avoiding metal utensils and abrasive products on non-stick parts.
Does the CE marking guarantee cooking quality?
No. According to the DGCCRF, the CE marking indicates the manufacturer’s commitment to meeting the applicable European requirements. It is neither a certification mark nor an indicator of cooking results. Compare the features and test results of the model you’re considering separately.
Which guarantees should I distinguish after buying in France?
Statutory guarantees, including the legal guarantee of conformity and the guarantee against hidden defects, are separate from any commercial guarantee. The DGCCRF explains this distinction for consumer electronics. Before buying, identify the seller and read the terms of any commercial guarantee offered.