If cooking smells and handling a pan of hot oil put you off, an air fryer is the first option to consider. Que Choisir reports a marked reduction in unpleasant smells with this cooking method, but doesn’t promise they’ll disappear altogether. A deep-fat fryer is a better fit if you want fresh chips cooked in oil, but you’ll still have to deal with the oil. If you only fry food occasionally, using an oven you already own means you won’t need another appliance. Whichever you choose, check how much food you can really cook at once, how easy it is to clean and how much space you’ll need.
If cooking smells and handling hot oil are your main concerns, consider cooking with hot air. Que Choisir reports a significant reduction in unpleasant smells, particularly in small kitchens, but also points out that air fryers can take up quite a bit of space.
If you want the results you get from fresh chips cooked in oil, start by comparing deep-fat fryers. According to Que Choisir, air-fried chips don’t deliver the same result. In return, you’ll need to be comfortable handling and maintaining the oil.
Before choosing a large drawer, two drawers or an oven, check how much food you can cook in one batch. Que Choisir’s testing distinguishes between the optimum quantity stated in the instructions and the maximum load, so the advertised capacity alone doesn’t tell you everything.
Worth considering: if you fry food occasionally and already have a suitable hob, as Que Choisir suggests.
Bear in mind: you’ll still have a pan of oil, and, depending on the design described by Que Choisir, there may be no cool zone or odour filter. Check that the pan is compatible with your hob too.
Worth considering: if cooking in oil is still your priority and you’d rather not use up space on the hob.
Bear in mind: possible smells, handling the oil and letting it cool before cleaning. Check the instructions for the model.
Worth considering: if keeping smells down and avoiding a pan of oil matter more to you than recreating fresh chips cooked in oil.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to check how much food you can cook at once, as well as the space it takes up and the noise levels noted by Que Choisir.
Worth considering: if you only occasionally cook foods that are usually fried and already have a suitable oven.
Bear in mind: results depend on the food and the oven you use. Check that your oven meets your needs before adding another appliance to your worktop.
To narrow down your options, start with the compromise you’re least willing to make: smells and oil, the result you get with chips, the amount you can cook at once or the space the appliance takes up.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking smells and hot oil | Compare the cooking methods and, for a deep-fat fryer, check whether it has a lid or filter. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to keep smells down and avoid handling a pan of hot oil. Around 33% of consumers would put this need first. |
| Cooking results | Distinguish between fresh and frozen chips, and look for tests covering the model and the quantity prepared. | If I mainly want chips like those cooked in oil, I don’t want to assume hot air will give me the same result. Around 27% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Amount you can cook at once | Look for the recommended load in the instructions rather than comparing litres alone. Consider whether two drawers would suit the way you prepare meals. | If I’m serving several portions or cooking two dishes at once, I want to know how much I can cook without having to do batch after batch. Around 20% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Cleaning and space | Check which parts of the exact model can be washed, and measure the space you’ll need to use and store the appliance. | I’d rather have an appliance that’s easy to clean and store in my kitchen than one that has to stay on the worktop. Around 20% of consumers would put this need first. |
Que Choisir distinguishes between the two results and notes that air-fried chips can cook unevenly, depending on the model and the amount cooked.
If fresh chips cooked in oil are your benchmark, compare tests that use this food. For an air fryer, check the recommended quantity and whether the instructions say to shake or turn the food during cooking.
The basket’s volume doesn’t necessarily tell you how many chips will cook well in one go. In its testing, Que Choisir separately assesses the optimum quantity given in the instructions and a maximum load.
Check the recommended load for the foods you cook, the basket dimensions and how many batches you’ll need to prepare a meal.
This depends on the parts and the model. Philips says that the removable parts of the NA332/00 are dishwasher-safe, but that doesn’t apply to every appliance in its range.
Check the instructions for the pan, basket, rack and accessories individually. Before cleaning, follow the manufacturer’s guidance on unplugging the appliance, letting it cool and which utensils to use.
If you only plan to use it occasionally, an extra appliance could take up permanent space on your worktop. Que Choisir notes that air fryers can be bulky.
First, think about your usual portions and the space you have available. Then decide whether your oven already meets your needs.
These ranges give you some useful points of comparison. Check the capacity, cleaning requirements and cooking results for each model.
The 2000 and 3000 Series include air fryers in a range of sizes.
The Easy Fry range includes models with one or two drawers, giving you different formats to compare.
Ninja air fryers are among the brands covered in Que Choisir’s comparison.
These appliances include both air fryers and electric deep-fat fryers. Compare air fryers by the number of baskets and their advertised capacity. If you prefer cooking in oil, also consider the practicalities of handling and cleaning the fryer.
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Worth considering if you’d like to cook two foods in one air fryer.
Two drawers, six functions and an advertised total capacity of 9,5 L. Check the recommended load for chips and make sure you have enough room to use the drawers.
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Worth comparing if two baskets suit the way you like to prepare a meal without using oil.
Advertised total capacity of 9 L. Check the recommended quantity for each basket and make sure you have room to open them.
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Another two-drawer option for cooking food with hot air.
Six functions and an advertised total capacity of 7,6 L. Compare the recommended load and dimensions with those of the other Ninja model.
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Worth considering for smaller portions if you prefer air frying to cooking in oil.
Advertised capacity of 3,2 L. Check the recommended load for chips and how much clearance the appliance needs before deciding where to put it.
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Worth comparing if you want to keep cooking in oil despite the practicalities involved.
Advertised capacity of 3,5 L. If smells are a key concern, check the filter specifications and look for tests of this model. Let the oil cool before cleaning, as directed in the instructions.
No. Que Choisir reports a significant reduction in unpleasant smells when cooking with hot air, particularly in small kitchens, but not their complete disappearance. The result can also depend on the food you prepare and how well you maintain the appliance.
Unplug the appliance and let it cool before following the instructions for your model. Moulinex advises against using metal scouring pads and hard brushes on the relevant coatings. Check which parts are dishwasher-safe too.
No. Litres tell you the volume, not how many chips you can cook in one batch. In its tests, Que Choisir distinguishes between the optimum quantity stated in the instructions and a maximum load. Check the recommended load and work out how many batches you’ll need for your meals.
Check the appliance identification and instructions in French, then review the compliance information that applies to the model. The DGCCRF points out that the CE mark is not an independent certification mark.