For occasional small portions when the smell of oil is a concern, start with the oven you already have if you’re happy with the results. An air fryer avoids a bath of oil, but largely overlaps with what your oven can do and takes up space. If you prefer deep-fat frying, a traditional fryer may suit occasional use, while an electric model can make handling the oil easier without eliminating all the odours, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
If you want to avoid heating a bath of oil for small portions, compare an air fryer with the oven you already own—but don’t expect a completely odour-free kitchen. UFC-Que Choisir discusses the trade-offs between cooking methods.
If you’ll only use it occasionally, check that your planned portions fit in the basket and consider where you’ll store the appliance; your oven may already handle similar dishes. UFC-Que Choisir warns against buying more equipment than you need.
If you prefer the results of food fried in oil, you may be happy to handle the oil, cleaning and odours to keep this cooking method. UFC-Que Choisir describes a traditional fryer as a straightforward option for occasional use.
Worth considering: if you rarely deep-fry and can use a pan that’s compatible with your hob.
Be prepared for: odours, splashes and handling hot oil.
Worth considering: if you want to keep deep-frying without using a hob ring.
Be prepared for: a filter won’t trap all odours, especially when handling the basket, and you’ll still need to dispose of used oil.
Worth considering: if your portions fit in the basket and you’re happy with roasted or hot-air-cooked food.
Be prepared for: the appliance takes up space and may not produce the same results as deep-fat frying.
Worth considering: if you cook occasionally and can prepare your planned portions in your oven.
Be prepared for: an oven can bake or roast, but it won’t replace deep-fat frying.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who prioritises it? |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking odours | Choose a cooking method; if you’re considering an oil fryer, check the filter and how to maintain it. | If the smell of oil bothers you, you may prefer cooking without a bath of oil—but don’t expect a filter to remove every odour. Around 33% of consumers put odours first. |
| Space and frequency of use | Measure the space and check your portions against the basket’s shape and capacity; try using your existing oven. | For occasional cooking, I’d rather avoid another appliance taking up space in the kitchen. Around 27% of consumers prioritise available space and whether the purchase will be useful. |
| Frying results | Identify which recipes really need to be immersed in oil. | If I want the results of deep-fat frying, I need to accept that hot-air cooking produces something different. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this result. |
| Cleaning and used oil | Check which parts can be removed and washed in the dishwasher; plan how to dispose of the oil after use. | If I want to cut down on cleaning after cooking, I look at both the basket and how to handle the oil. Around 20% of consumers prioritise ease of maintenance. |
UFC-Que Choisir says that filter performance varies between appliances and that odours can escape when the basket is put in or taken out.
If you’re particularly sensitive to odours, don’t choose an oil fryer based on the filter alone; remember to ventilate the room too.
Hot-air cooking and immersion in oil don’t necessarily produce the same results. UFC-Que Choisir also notes that chips can cook differently depending on the model.
Decide which recipes really need to be deep-fried before choosing an appliance.
The stated capacity doesn’t tell you whether the shape and quantity of your food will fit in the basket, or how much space you’ll need in the kitchen.
Measure the space and check the basket against your usual portions before buying.
The OleoClean range, including the FR804110, combines deep-fat frying with oil management features.
The Airfryer 2000 Series includes the NA210/00, a 3,2 L hot-air model.
The Easy Fry Compact EZ145820 is a 3 L hot-air fryer with a basket.
The ActiFry Genius XL AH960800 is an example of a hot-air fryer with automatic stirring, as stated by the manufacturer.
These hot-air models let you compare different formats for cooking without a bath of oil, provided the basket suits your portions and recipes.
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Worth considering if you’d rather cook with hot air than a bath of oil.
The title specifies a power rating of 2000 W and a non-stick basket.
Two baskets are described, with independent temperature settings and synchronised or separate cooking modes.
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Worth considering if you want to cook with hot air without a bath of oil.
The drawer and basket are stated to be dishwasher-safe.
According to the product description, leave at least 100 mm of clear space on each side of the appliance.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a hot-air appliance with several cooking functions.
The title specifies a power rating of 1500 W and a temperature range of 35 to 200 °C.
Eight functions are listed in the description; the basket is stated to be dishwasher-safe.
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Worth considering for cooking small portions with hot air; the description says the basket is designed for one or two people.
The title specifies a power rating of 1150 W. The basket and removable parts are stated to be dishwasher-safe.
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Worth considering if you want to cook two foods separately using hot air.
The description lists two baskets, independent temperatures and separate or synchronised cooking modes.
No, a filter won’t trap every odour. UFC-Que Choisir says its effectiveness varies between appliances and that odours can escape when the basket goes into or comes out of the fryer. Remember to ventilate the room too.
Follow the instructions for your model and check which parts are dishwasher-safe. Tefal says the removable parts of the FR804110 can go in the dishwasher, except for the heating element; Moulinex says the same of the EZ145820 basket. For an oil fryer, UFC-Que Choisir also recommends filtering the oil to remove crumbs.
ADEME advises against pouring it down the sink or toilet, or into the natural environment. Let it cool, put it in a sealed container and check your local authority’s guidance; taking it to a recycling centre is the most common option, although there may also be a dedicated collection point.
The statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new goods bought in France from a professional seller. According to DGCCRF, claims must be made within two years of delivery; this guarantee is separate from any optional commercial extended warranty.
No, it depends on factors including the recipe and the appliances being compared. In Que Choisir’s tests, small batches often favoured certain air fryers, but these results don’t let us calculate the savings for your oven and portions.