For varied small or medium-sized batches, an air fryer is a good choice when you want to limit frying-related odours and avoid having oil to manage. A deep-fat fryer remains suitable if you are primarily looking for the results of traditional deep-frying; size, noise, the quantity you can actually cook and cleaning requirements should all be compared. Que Choisir also reports that, for a small quiche in equal quantities, the air fryers tested used an average of 36% less electricity than a mini oven. This result applies only to that recipe and those test conditions.
You prepare fried or breaded food at home, but odours, steam and splashes make you reluctant to use a pan of oil. An air fryer and a deep-fat fryer with a filtration system meet different needs, so check the specifications of the model you choose.
You are looking for an appliance for frozen chips, vegetables, breaded food or roasted dishes, without necessarily having to heat up a full-sized oven. Usable capacity, whether you need to shake the food and the basket’s surface area matter more than the stated volume alone.
You are happy to cook crispy food but want to avoid manually filtering, transferring and frequently disposing of oil. Compare removable parts, dishwasher compatibility, the required cooling time and, for a deep-fat fryer, the filtration or draining system.
Start with the cooking result you want, then check the practical capacity, maintenance requirements and available space in your kitchen.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Odours and splashes | Compare the cooking method, lid and filtration system where provided. Check the exact conditions behind claims of reduced odours or smoke. | I want to cook in a small kitchen or frequently without assuming that an appliance will eliminate all odours. |
| Maintenance and used oil | Look at removable parts, dishwasher compatibility and the cleaning process. For a deep-fat fryer, check how the oil is filtered, drained and stored once cooled. | I would rather cleaning was not simply replaced by filtering, storing or disposing of oil. |
| Capacity and size | Consider the usable surface area of the baskets, the appliance dimensions and the number of cooking zones. A dual basket divides the volume between two compartments. | I want to prepare my usual quantity without having to cook multiple batches or unnecessarily cluttering the worktop. |
| Cooking results | Read tests covering the recipes you cook. For any consumption data, compare the quantity, cooking time and reference appliance. | I choose based on the texture and type of recipe I want, rather than on a general claim. |
Que Choisir reports that the quantity of potatoes needs to be reduced to achieve a visually appealing result, and that the taste does not necessarily replicate that of chips cooked in a pan of oil.
Choose an air fryer for varied small or medium-sized batches and reduced oil management. Stick with deep-frying if the result of traditional frying is your priority.
Performance varies depending on the appliance and recipe. Que Choisir’s measurements relate to specific recipes and comparison appliances, while Tefal’s figures are based on a defined manufacturer comparison.
Before using a percentage as a deciding factor, check the type of food, quantity prepared, appliance used for comparison and measurement conditions.
An air fryer can take up a permanent space on the worktop, while a small basket may mean cooking several batches. Two drawers do not necessarily provide one large cooking surface.
Measure the available space and base your choice on the portions prepared at the same time, not just the total volume or number of programmes.
ADEME advises that frying oil must not be poured down the sink, flushed down the toilet, poured in the garden or added to compost. Cleaning an appliance while it is still hot, or using abrasive accessories, can also damage the coating or cause burns.
Keep a sealed container ready for cooled oil, find out where your local collection point is and follow the instructions for cleaning once the appliance has cooled down.
Tefal offers electric deep-fat fryers with filtration, as well as models designed to limit smoke and odours under the conditions stated by the brand.
Moulinex offers compact and family-sized air fryers, including models with some parts advertised as dishwasher-safe.
Philips offers, among other options, dual-basket air fryers for coordinating a main dish and side dish with different cooking times.
Joybuy options for cooking with hot air or maintaining deep-frying, depending on the available quantity, maintenance requirements and space.
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For preparing two foods at the same time using hot-air cooking.
Two independent compartments, a stated total capacity of 9 L, temperature control and 10 menus. The baskets and non-stick coating are advertised as removable.
Check the surface area of each compartment, the external dimensions and noise level to ensure they suit your portions and worktop.
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Suitable for two dishes with different cooking times.
Two 4.5 L baskets, an advertised Sync function, touchscreen, eight programmes and independent temperature settings. The baskets are advertised as non-stick.
Check the dimensions, noise level and dishwasher compatibility before choosing this dual-basket format.
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A single-basket format for chips, vegetables or roasted dishes cooked with hot air.
Stated capacity of 5 L, power rating of 1450 W, adjustable temperature from 80 to 200 °C, six programmes and a basket advertised as dishwasher-safe.
Automatic programmes alone cannot guarantee even cooking: adjust the quantity and cooking time to suit the recipe.
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For traditional deep-frying with a lid and parts advertised as washable.
Stated capacity of 3.5 L, carbon filter, air circulation, XL anti-fog viewing window, timer, thermostat and removable parts advertised as dishwasher-safe.
According to Tefal, the reduction in smoke and odours is compared with cooking frozen chips in a model without an active-air system. Also allow for the 50.3 cm width and the need to manage used oil.
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For cooking two foods or preparing two batches using oil frying.
Two 3 L tanks, two independent thermostats up to 190 °C, viewing windows, advertised odour and smoke filters, removable baskets and overheating protection.
The filters are advertised as helping to limit odours and smoke; consult the instructions for maintenance or replacement. The appliance can use up to 6 L of oil in total.
No. Que Choisir states that hot-air cooking can considerably reduce the risk of unpleasant odours, particularly in small kitchens, without concluding that it eliminates them entirely. A deep-fat fryer with filtration may also claim to reduce odours, but this should be assessed according to the model and its comparison method.
No. Filtration can remove residue and make it easier to store the oil with some models, but the oil will eventually need to be disposed of. In France, ADEME recommends allowing it to cool, placing it in a sealed bottle or container, then generally taking it to a recycling centre or local collection point where available.
No. ADEME states that frying oil must not be disposed of down the sink, down the toilet or in the natural environment; it must not be poured in the garden or added to compost either.
Unplug the appliance, allow it to cool, then clean the drawer and basket with hot water, washing-up liquid and a soft, non-abrasive sponge. Avoid metal utensils, hard brushes and abrasive products, then check the instructions to see which parts are dishwasher-safe.
Place the appliance on a stable surface, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and never leave it unattended while it is operating. In its guidance for catering professionals, INRS recommends using safe equipment and following the manufacturer’s procedures; these principles are also useful at home for reducing the risk of burns and splashes.