For occasional cooking, an air fryer is worth considering first if you want to avoid the odours associated with deep-frying and the hassle of dealing with used oil. However, UFC-Que Choisir points out that air fryers can be bulky and noisy, and that they produce different results from deep-frying when it comes to fresh chips. If you prefer deep-frying, an electric fryer may make some maintenance tasks easier, depending on the model. A traditional fryer, meanwhile, needs a pan that’s compatible with your hob.
If you make small portions and want to avoid dealing with used oil, consider an air fryer. UFC-Que Choisir notes, however, that you’ll need space on your worktop and have to put up with some noise. Check that the basket is big enough for your portions, too.
Depending on the model, an electric fryer may offer features such as a thermostat, a removable bowl or residue filtration. These can make it easier to use and maintain, but you’ll still need to handle and dispose of hot oil.
If you’re considering a traditional fryer, check that the exact model’s pan is suitable before you buy. UFC-Que Choisir recommends steel for induction and says that a cast-aluminium pan isn’t suitable for this type of hob.
Consider it: for occasional deep-frying if you’re happy to use your hob and have a compatible pan.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir notes that oil may splash when you lower the basket into the pan, and that this option has no odour filter.
Consider it: if you want to keep deep-frying and choose a model with maintenance features that suit you.
Bear in mind: even with a lid or filtration system, you’ll still need to deal with hot oil and its disposal. Don’t expect it to eliminate odours.
Consider it: if avoiding a pan of oil matters more to you than getting exactly the same results as traditional deep-frying.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir highlights limited capacity, bulky designs and varying results between models, particularly for fresh chips.
| Factor | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Odours | Compare the cooking method, whether there’s a lid and the information provided for the specific model. UFC-Que Choisir says hot-air cooking produces fewer odours than deep-frying, but doesn’t promise to eliminate them. | In a small kitchen, I want to keep odours down without assuming a filter or air fryer will make cooking odour-free. |
| Cleaning and maintenance | Check which parts are removable and which the instructions say are dishwasher-safe. With a deep-fat fryer, you’ll also need to plan where to store the oil temporarily and how to dispose of it. | After occasional use, I’d like to know whether I’ll just have a basket to wash, or oil to filter and take away as well. |
| Safety | Check the instructions for using the basket and lid, and for cleaning the appliance once it has cooled. SEB recommends wearing gloves when dipping batter directly into the oil in its Filtra One. | I sometimes make doughnuts or cook battered and breadcrumbed food, so I want to be prepared for splashes and for handling hot parts. |
| Space and hob compatibility | Check the appliance’s dimensions and where you’ll use it. For a traditional fryer on an induction hob, UFC-Que Choisir recommends a steel pan rather than one made from cast aluminium. | My worktop space is limited, or I only have an induction hob, so the size and pan need to suit my kitchen. |
| Portions and cooking | Check the basket capacity against your portion sizes and look for tests of the model using the foods you cook. UFC-Que Choisir has found that air fryers don’t all perform equally well. | For fresh chips or several portions, I don’t want to assume the cooking results from the stated capacity alone. |
A deep-fat fryer still uses a pan of oil, and odours can be released when you lower the basket in or lift it out. A filter doesn’t mean your kitchen will stay odour-free.
If odours are your main concern, compare hot-air cooking too, while checking its capacity and the results you can expect for the food you cook.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a traditional pan made from cast aluminium isn’t suitable for an induction hob.
Check the material and compatibility information for the exact pan. The guide recommends steel for this type of hob.
Deep-frying means storing the oil once it has cooled, then taking it to an appropriate collection point. ADEME advises against pouring it down the sink or toilet, or into the environment.
Before choosing this cooking method, find out what collection options are available near you.
Allow for a sealed container and time to take the oil to a collection point.
UFC-Que Choisir has found that air fryers don’t all perform equally well, and notes that fresh chips won’t turn out the same as they do when deep-fried.
Compare the usable capacity and, for the foods you cook most often, look for test results for the specific model.
These examples highlight features of specific ranges and models; they don’t necessarily reflect the appliances featured below.
Worth considering if you’re looking for an electric deep-fat fryer with filtration and removable parts to suit your cleaning needs.
Worth considering if you’re looking at an air fryer and cleaning the basket, pan and accessories is an important factor.
Worth considering depending on whether you want a deep-fat fryer with residue filtration or an Actifry appliance that uses hot air circulation.
These appliances are hot-air options to consider if you want to reduce your reliance on deep-frying. Compare their sizes and capacities with your portion sizes and available space. This selection doesn’t replace a comparison with the two oil-based options.
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The two drawers may suit households that want to cook different foods at the same time. The model name gives a total capacity of 7,6 L and six functions. Check how much space it needs and whether each drawer is large enough for your portions.
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Check the 2 L basket against the size of the portions you usually cook. The product name lists a 60-minute timer and a non-stick basket described as dishwasher-safe. Check the care instructions for this model, too.
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The stated 7,6 L capacity may be worth considering if you cook several portions. Before choosing this size, check its dimensions against the space you have and look for cooking results for this specific model.
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This hot-air model offers a way to cook without having to dispose of a pan of oil. For your usual portions, check the containers supplied, their capacities, the dimensions of the whole appliance and the cleaning instructions.
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Compare the stated 7 L capacity with the amounts you usually cook. The product name mentions a digital display and cooking window. Check how much worktop space it needs, too.
Yes, as long as the pan is compatible. UFC-Que Choisir recommends steel for induction and says that a cast-aluminium pan isn’t suitable. Check the manufacturer’s guidance before you buy.
No. A filter doesn’t guarantee odour-free cooking, especially when you lower the basket into the oil or lift it out. If this is a key consideration, compare a hot-air fryer too, but don’t expect it to eliminate odours completely.
ADEME recommends letting the oil cool, pouring it into a sealed bottle or container, then checking what local collection options are available, often at a household waste recycling centre. Don’t pour it down the sink or toilet, or into the environment.
Follow the instructions for your model and wait for it to cool before cleaning. SEB recommends wearing gloves when dipping batter directly into the oil in its Filtra One. Philips advises letting its Airfryer models cool for around 30 minutes before cleaning them.
No. It saves you from draining a pan of oil, but you’ll still need to clean the basket, pan and any residue inside. For its Airfryer models, Philips advises avoiding metal utensils and abrasive cleaners on the coatings.