People bothered by the smell of frying
You sometimes make chips or battered food, but the smell of oil is unpleasant in your small kitchen. UFC-Que Choisir notes that these smells can put people off.
Who is this guide for?
People short on space
You already have an oven and want to know whether a new appliance will replace it for your usual cooking or take up more worktop space. UFC-Que Choisir points out that how much room an appliance takes up depends in part on how you use it.
People who prefer deep-fried food
You prefer the results you get from chips cooked in oil, but also need to consider space, cleaning and what to do with the oil. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes these results from those achieved with an air fryer.
What to compare
Traditional deep-fat fryer
Worth considering: if you make chips occasionally, prefer the results of deep-frying and have a suitable hob.
Bear in mind: you’ll still need to deal with the oil, smells and cleaning; check that the pan is compatible with your hob.
Electric deep-fat fryer
Worth considering: if you want to keep deep-frying without using a hob while you cook.
Bear in mind: a carbon filter, such as the one listed for the Tefal Super Uno FR314030, is designed to reduce smells without eliminating the need for oil.
Air fryer
Worth considering: if you want to cook or roast small quantities without deep-frying. UFC-Que Choisir reports fewer unpleasant smells in small kitchens with this type of appliance.
Bear in mind: capacity may be limited and you may hear the fan; chips won’t necessarily turn out the same as when cooked submerged in oil.
Your existing oven
Worth considering: if you only cook these foods occasionally and your oven already meets your needs.
Bear in mind: using your oven avoids adding another appliance, but it won’t replace deep-frying.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking smells | Distinguish air frying from deep-frying; for an electric deep-fat fryer, check the filter and how to replace it for the exact model. | When I cook in a small room, I want to reduce smells without assuming they’ll disappear altogether. Around 28% of consumers put smells at the top of their list. |
| Space and overlap with your oven | Measure the space you have for using and storing the appliance, then work out which oven tasks it would actually replace. | If my oven already does the job, I’d rather not clutter the worktop. Around 28% of consumers make space their top priority. |
| Results and portion size | Compare the amount you want to cook in each batch; distinguish capacity in litres from the stated amount of chips and test results. | To serve the amount I want and get the results I enjoy, I compare portion sizes and cooking methods. Around 17% of consumers prioritise results and batch size. |
| Cleaning and used oil | Check which parts are dishwasher-safe and find out how used oil is collected in your area. | After cooking occasionally, I want to know which parts need washing and what to do with the oil. Around 16% of consumers prioritise easy cleaning. |
| Noise | Look for a sound test of the exact model and check that the distance and measurement method are stated. | If my kitchen opens onto a living area, the fan noise could affect my choice. Around 11% of consumers put quiet cooking first. |
Pitfalls to avoid
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Expecting an air fryer to make chips just like a deep-fat fryer
UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes the taste and texture of chips cooked submerged in oil from the results of air frying, which can also be uneven depending on the food and quantity.
Decide whether you prefer the results you get with fresh chips or cooking without deep-frying, then look for tests covering the model and quantity you’re interested in.
If you want to cook more than the amount that gives a satisfying result, you may need to make several batches.
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Confusing an odour filter with oil-free cooking
The carbon filter listed for the Tefal Super Uno FR314030 is designed to reduce smells, but the appliance still uses oil.
Check the cooking method, as well as the washable parts and consumables, for the exact model.
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Adding an air fryer without checking whether you need one as well as your oven
An extra appliance could clutter your worktop if you still use your oven to cook the same foods.
List the tasks the air fryer would actually replace, then check the space available for using and storing it.
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Assuming a small air fryer will be quiet
UFC-Que Choisir notes that the fan can be a source of noise, so the appliance’s size alone won’t tell you how noisy it is.
Compare sound measurements for the exact model where available, taking the measurement distance into account.
Brands to consider for these uses
Moulinex
The Easy Fry Essential EZ130810 is worth considering if you’re comparing a drawer-style air fryer for occasional portions.
- Moulinex states that it has a capacity of 3.5 L and a dishwasher-safe basket.
- Capacity and the word ‘compact’ don’t tell you on their own which portion sizes are suitable or how much room you actually have in your kitchen.
Tefal
The Super Uno FR314030 is an electric deep-fat fryer with a removable bowl and carbon filter to consider.
- Tefal states that the bowl is removable, some parts are dishwasher-safe and the replaceable filter is designed to reduce smells.
- The filter doesn’t eliminate the need for oil, and you may need to cook several batches to make the number of portions stated by the manufacturer.
Philips
The 2000 Series NA229/00 is a single-drawer air fryer to compare against the quantity you want to prepare.
- Philips lists a capacity of 4.2 L, several cooking modes and manual settings.
- These features alone can’t tell you what to expect in terms of smells, noise or the results you’ll get with chips.
Severin
The FR 2431 is worth considering if you’re comparing the oil capacity and removable parts of an electric model.
- Severin lists a removable container, a dishwasher-safe basket, a capacity of around 3 L and a frying quantity of around 400 g.
- Litres and grams describe different things; the product information doesn’t show that smells will disappear.
Ninja
The Air Fryer AF100EU is a compact model to consider based on the basket size you need.
- In its review published in October 2026, Les Numériques notes that this model heats up quickly.
- Les Numériques also finds its basket rather small; this finding applies to this model, not the brand as a whole.
Air fryers available on Joybuy
This selection features air fryers to compare based on the space available, portion sizes and the features of each model. Air frying avoids the need for a bath of oil, but doesn’t guarantee there will be no smells.
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Philips NA210/00 2000 Series Air Fryer, 3.2 L
Worth considering if you’d prefer air frying to deep-frying; this doesn’t guarantee there will be no smells.
Stated capacity: 3.2 L.
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ROUNY Air Fryer, 5 L, with viewing window
Worth considering if you want to cook with hot air and keep an eye on your food through the window without opening the basket.
The product name lists a 5 L capacity, touch controls and a non-stick basket.
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Midea Air Fryer, 4 L, with LED touchscreen
Worth comparing if you’re looking for an air fryer with a stated capacity that suits your usual portions.
The product name lists 1,500 W, eight cooking functions, a temperature range of 35 to 200 °C and a dishwasher-safe basket.
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Midea Air Fryer, 2 L, 1,150 W
Worth considering for small portions when space is limited; check that the stated capacity meets your needs.
The product name lists a non-stick basket and dishwasher-safe parts.
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OYAJIA Air Fryer with dual baskets
Worth considering if you want to cook several foods at once; check that the appliance’s size suits your space.
The product name lists two baskets with independent temperature controls.
Frequently asked questions
Does an air fryer make chips just like a deep-fat fryer?
No, the results aren’t necessarily the same: UFC-Que Choisir considers the taste of fresh chips cooked in oil superior and notes that air-fried chips can cook unevenly. Compare tests covering the foods and quantities you usually prepare.
What should I check before setting up an appliance in a small kitchen?
Measure the available space and check the installation requirements in the model’s instructions. If you’re considering a traditional deep-fat fryer on an induction hob, also check that the pan is compatible.
How should I dispose of used cooking oil in France?
ADEME advises against pouring cooking oil down the sink or toilet, or into the environment. Find out what collection options are available in your area.
Does a commercial guarantee replace the statutory guarantee for an appliance bought in France?
No. For a purchase from a professional seller, the DGCCRF distinguishes between the statutory legal guarantee of conformity and an optional commercial guarantee. It states that a claim under the statutory legal guarantee of conformity must be brought within two years of the goods being delivered.
What should I do with an old electric deep-fat fryer I no longer use?
For an appliance that still works, ADEME recommends repairing it, donating it or selling it on. To dispose of it, find out about local collection points, including those at shops or recycling centres.