Open-plan kitchens where odours are a concern
You prepare chips, breaded foods or doughnuts near your living area and want to limit lingering smells. UFC-Que Choisir notes that the smell of oil can put people off choosing a deep-fat fryer.
Who are these options for?
Small kitchens and occasional use
You rarely cook this kind of food and are unsure about storing a dedicated appliance. Your oven, available space and whether a hob ring will be occupied all matter just as much as the cooking method.
Fans of deep-fat frying
You prefer this cooking method and are happy to handle, store and dispose of used oil, as well as clean the bowl and basket after use.
What should you prioritise?
Air fryer
Consider it: if you want to avoid a dedicated deep-fat fryer and plan to use the appliance for other types of cooking.
Bear in mind: it takes up space, can be noisy, and results vary depending on the food and model, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
Electric deep-fat fryer
Consider it: if deep-fat frying is your priority and you want to free up a hob ring.
Bear in mind: possible odours, and the need to handle, maintain and dispose of the oil.
Stovetop deep-fat fryer
Consider it: for occasional frying, if it’s compatible with your hob and you don’t want to store a dedicated electric appliance.
Bear in mind: it occupies a hob ring, and you’ll need to take extra care to keep the bowl stable and handle hot oil safely.
Oven or frying pan
Consider it: if your existing appliances already meet your needs for occasional cooking.
Bear in mind: these methods may not give you the same results as deep-fat frying, and you’ll still need to ventilate the kitchen.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Odours in the room | Cooking method and available ventilation; don’t assume how a specific model will perform. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to stop frying smells lingering near my living area. Around 33% of consumers put this concern first. |
| Cleaning and oil | Access to the basket and bowl, cleaning instructions and, for deep-fat frying, how to drain the oil and find a local collection point. | After cooking, I don’t want to spend too long cleaning or have to deal with used oil. This is a priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Space and frequency of use | External dimensions, the space needed during use and whether a dedicated appliance is really worthwhile. | If I rarely prepare this kind of food, I’d rather save space in my kitchen. Around 20% of consumers put size and frequency of use first. |
| Desired cooking method | Results for the foods you want to cook; for a stovetop fryer, check compatibility and that the bowl is stable. | I’m mainly looking for deep-fat frying and am prepared to accept its drawbacks. Around 20% of consumers put the results of this cooking method first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Expecting a filter or air fryer to eliminate all odours
UFC-Que Choisir links air fryers with reduced odours, not their complete elimination. Smells can also escape from a deep-fat fryer when you handle the basket.
Think about how much odour you’re willing to tolerate, and use your cooker hood or other available ventilation while cooking. If your mechanical ventilation system (VMC) has a boost setting, check how to switch it on.
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Choosing a stovetop fryer without checking it’s compatible
A bowl that isn’t suitable for induction won’t work on an induction hob. The stability of the base also matters when you’re handling hot oil.
Before ordering, check that the fryer is explicitly listed as compatible with your hob and that the bowl is stable.
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Assuming all air fryers cook in the same way
UFC-Que Choisir reports that cooking results vary between models. Larger models and those with several zones may also need more space.
Check test results for the foods you cook, and compare the model’s dimensions, noise level and how easy it is to access the parts that need cleaning.
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Pouring used oil down the sink
ADEME says frying oil must not be poured down the sink or toilet, or discarded in the countryside.
Let it cool, put it in a sealed container and check with your local recycling centre or collection point.
Air fryer brands to consider
These brands feature among the appliances reviewed in UFC-Que Choisir comparisons. When choosing, compare the results and practical considerations for the specific model rather than relying on the brand name alone.
Ninja
Features in French air fryer comparisons, including the Ninja Crispi FN101.
- Lets you compare a specific model with other appliances that have been tested.
- A brand’s inclusion in a comparison doesn’t tell you how every model in its range performs.
Moulinex
Features with Easy Fry appliances and Cookeo multicookers with an air fryer function.
- Different formats to explore depending on what you plan to cook.
- A drawer-style model and a multicooker may have different space and cleaning requirements.
Philips
Features in French air fryer tests, including a Dual Stacked 4000 Series model.
- A model with several cooking zones could be worth comparing if you prepare more than one type of food.
- Check the size, noise, cleaning requirements and results for the specific model you’re considering.
Air fryers on Joybuy
These air fryers are an option if you want to avoid a dedicated deep-fat fryer. Choose based on the space you have, the food you plan to cook and the parts that need cleaning. Their inclusion here doesn’t guarantee any particular results when it comes to odours.
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Ninja Dual Zone Digital DZ300EU, 7,6 L, two drawers
Worth considering if you want to cook two different foods in one air fryer.
Advertised capacity of 7,6 L and six functions. Make sure you have enough room for this two-drawer model, and check cooking results for the foods you prepare.
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Midea Air Fryer 2 L, 1150 W, black
Worth considering for small portions if you’d rather not deal with deep-fat frying.
The removable non-stick basket is advertised as dishwasher-safe, and the timer runs for up to 60 minutes. Check the external dimensions and allow space around the air vents.
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Cuisinart AFD10XBLE XXL Dual-Zone, black
Worth considering if you want to cook food in two separate zones rather than a single compartment.
XXL model with two zones and viewing windows. Check how much worktop and storage space you’ll need, and take care when handling hot baskets.
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KITCHENCOOK AIRMED7W 7 L, with window
Worth considering if you want to see your food as it cooks in the air fryer.
Digital display and cooking window. Before choosing this 7 L model, check its dimensions, the space needed for ventilation and the cleaning instructions.
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KitchenCook CRISPX Panoramic, glass bowls
Worth considering if you prefer to watch your food cook through a glass bowl.
Handle the hot bowl carefully and let it cool before washing to avoid thermal shock. Also check how much space is needed for ventilation during use.
Frequently asked questions
Will an air fryer get rid of smells in an open-plan kitchen?
No. UFC-Que Choisir says air frying can reduce odours, not eliminate them. Use the ventilation available, and don’t assume how a particular model will perform just because it’s an air fryer.
Is an odour filter enough for a deep-fat fryer?
No. According to UFC-Que Choisir, smells can escape when the basket is lowered into or lifted out of the oil, even if there’s a filter. If you have an open-plan kitchen, check your ventilation options too.
Will any traditional deep-fat fryer work on an induction hob?
No. UFC-Que Choisir says an induction-compatible bowl must be made of steel; a bowl made of cast aluminium isn’t suitable. Check the model’s stated compatibility and that its base is stable.
What should I do with used frying oil?
Let it cool, then pour it into a sealed container to take to a suitable collection point. ADEME says not to pour it down the sink or toilet, or discard it in the countryside. Ask your local recycling centre or collection point for advice.