If you cook regularly and want to avoid dealing with a pan of hot oil, an air fryer is worth considering. It can help keep smells to a minimum and make cleaning easier, but it won’t promise the same results as deep-frying. If crisp chips and doughnuts are your priority, deep-frying remains an option, provided you’re happy to deal with possible splashes, ventilate the room and maintain the oil. If you only fry occasionally, using your oven or frying pan, or a traditional deep fryer, could save you from having to store another electrical appliance.
If you want to make chips or breaded foods without dealing with a pan of hot oil, consider an air fryer. UFC-Que Choisir highlights their benefits for reducing smells and making cleaning easier, while also noting that some models take up a lot of space and can be noisy.
If you often make chips or doughnuts and want the results of deep-frying, a deep fryer is still worth considering. Remember to factor in filtering the oil, cleaning the bowl and ventilating the kitchen.
If you rarely cook these foods or are short on storage space, using your oven or frying pan, or a traditional deep fryer, could save you from needing a dedicated appliance. If you’re using a traditional deep fryer on an induction hob, UFC-Que Choisir reminds readers that the bowl must be compatible.
Consider it: if you also cook other dishes and want to avoid maintaining a pan of hot oil.
Be prepared for: an appliance that takes up space, and chips whose results vary depending on the model and how much you cook at once, as noted by UFC-Que Choisir.
Consider it: if you often deep-fry but don’t want to take up space on the hob.
Be prepared for: possible smells, splashes and regular oil maintenance, even with a filter.
Consider it: for occasional frying on the hob, provided the bowl is compatible.
Be prepared for: taking up a cooking zone and dealing with splashes. If you have an induction hob, the bowl must be compatible.
Consider them: if you rarely cook these foods and don’t want to store another deep fryer.
Be prepared for: results to depend on the method you choose. Don’t assume they’ll be the same as deep-fried food.
| Criteria | What to check before buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Smells and splashes | Compare the cooking methods and, for deep-frying, check whether the appliance has a lid or filter. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a filter won’t eliminate all smells when the basket goes into or comes out of the oil. | When I fry food in my kitchen, my main priority is to keep oil smells and splashes to a minimum. Around 31% of consumers would put these nuisances at the top of their concerns. |
| Cleaning and oil | Check which parts can be removed and are dishwasher-safe. If you’re using a pan of hot oil, also look at how the oil is filtered and drained. | After cooking, I’d rather not have to filter and store the oil every time. Ease of maintenance would be a priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Results for chips | Check the recommended quantities, instructions for shaking or stirring the food, and test results for chips. UFC-Que Choisir says that results vary between air fryer models. | If I often make chips or doughnuts, their texture matters more to me than easy cleaning. Around 23% of consumers would put the results first. |
| Space and frequency of use | Measure the space available to use and store the appliance. If a traditional deep fryer will go on an induction hob, check that its bowl is compatible. | I rarely cook fried food and don’t want to clutter my worktop for the odd use. Around 15% of consumers would put the space required at the top of their list. |
UFC-Que Choisir says that filters vary in effectiveness and smells can escape when the basket is lowered into or lifted out of the oil.
Think of the filter as a convenience feature and make sure the room is well ventilated. If smells are a deciding factor for you, compare air frying too, but don’t assume it’s completely odour-free.
UFC-Que Choisir’s tests show that results can vary depending on the model. The amount of food in the basket and whether you shake it during cooking also make a difference.
Look for tests of the kind of chips you make and check the instructions for the recommended quantity and whether you need to shake or stir the basket.
A bowl that isn’t compatible with induction won’t work on an induction hob.
Before buying, check that the bowl is specifically listed as induction-compatible, as recommended by UFC-Que Choisir.
You’ll need to remove food residue and keep an eye on the condition of the oil. A built-in filter doesn’t mean you can skip cleaning the deep fryer.
Check how easy it is to access the bowl and remove the parts, then plan how you’ll filter, store and dispose of the oil after use.
The Easy Fry range includes air fryers, with some compact models designed for kitchens where space is limited.
The brand offers electric deep fryers that use a pan of oil. Their filters and removable parts vary by model.
Philips air fryers include single-basket models and dual-drawer designs. Compare them based on portion sizes and how you want to organise cooking.
The ActiFry range includes air fryers with stirring paddles. Capacity and programmes vary between models.
These models let you compare air fryers in different capacities with an electric deep fryer that uses a pan of oil. Start by choosing your preferred cooking method, then check the space available, the portions you plan to make and the cleaning requirements of each appliance.
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Worth considering if you’d like to cook in two separate drawers rather than a single basket. The product name lists a total capacity of 9.5 L, six functions and dishwasher-safe baskets. Check how much space it needs and the recommended quantities for chips.
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Worth a look if you’re after a compact model and are happy to check that its portions suit your needs. The product name mentions a non-stick, dishwasher-safe basket and a 60-minute timer. A 2 L capacity may mean cooking in several batches, depending on how much food you’re making.
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Worth a look if you want to adjust the cooking settings and have a reminder to shake the food. The product name lists a temperature range of 35 to 200 °C and a 60-minute timer. If ease of cleaning matters to you, check the basket’s care instructions.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a stated 7 L capacity and want to see your food as it cooks. The product name mentions a digital display and a clear window. Before choosing this size, check the recommended portions, dimensions and cleaning instructions.
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Worth considering if you prefer deep-frying and want to keep an eye on your food through a viewing window. This is an electric deep fryer that uses a pan of oil, not a bowl designed to sit on an induction hob. Make sure the room is well ventilated and check how to filter, drain and clean this model.
No. It can’t guarantee odour-free cooking. UFC-Que Choisir notes that air fryers produce fewer smells than cooking in a pan of oil, while a deep fryer’s filter won’t necessarily trap smells that escape when you handle the basket. Make sure you can ventilate the room.
No. Check the recommended quantity of food and the instructions for shaking or stirring it too. In its air fryer testing, UFC-Que Choisir considers the amount of food in the basket and stirs the chips according to the instructions. Basket capacity alone doesn’t predict how well they’ll cook.
Yes, if its bowl is compatible with induction. UFC-Que Choisir recommends checking the material; you should also look for an explicit compatibility statement for the specific model before buying.
Don’t pour it down the sink or flush it down the toilet. UFC-Que Choisir advises storing it in a suitable container before disposal. Check with your local council to find out whether it should be taken to a collection point or whether a sealed bottle can go in your household waste.