Households bothered by frying smells
You’d like to make chips or breaded food more often, but the smell of oil puts you off. The cooking method is your first consideration, but cleaning matters too if you want to stop residue lingering.
Who is this choice for?
People cooking in a small space
In an open-plan kitchen or where storage space for an appliance is limited, you need to consider both its size and how noisy it is in use. UFC-Que Choisir also advises taking air fryer ventilation into account.
Households making several portions
If you want to avoid cooking in several batches, check how much the basket can actually hold and how the food sits in it. The stated capacity alone is not enough to make a decision.
What should you look at first?
First, choose between deep-fat frying, hot-air cooking and using your oven. Then check the practical details of the model that matter to your household.
Air fryer
Worth considering: if reducing frying smells matters more to you than cooking food immersed in oil.
Bear in mind: the fan can be audible and the appliance takes up space, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
Electric deep-fat fryer
Worth considering: if cooking food immersed in oil gives you the results you want.
Bear in mind: hot oil needs care and attention, and you’ll still need to consider fumes and smells.
Convection oven
Worth considering: if you already own one and mainly cook roasted food rather than deep-fried dishes.
Bear in mind: check that its batch size and cooking results suit you before deciding against a dedicated appliance.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Smells | Compare the cooking methods. For a deep-fat fryer, check whether it has a lid or filter. | If the smell of oil puts you off making chips or breaded food, reducing it becomes your main priority. Around 31% of consumers put this first. |
| Batch size | Check the usable capacity, basket surface area and number of cooking zones against the portions you usually make. | If you want to serve several people without running consecutive cycles, the amount you can actually cook matters more than the size on the label. This is the priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Cleaning | Look for removable parts and check the instructions to see which ones are dishwasher-safe. | If cleaning after every use might put you off, easy access to the basket and other parts that need washing should come before other considerations. Around 25% of consumers prioritise ease of cleaning. |
| Noise and space | Measure the space available and, if possible, check the noise rating for the exact model. | In an open-plan kitchen or a small space, a noisy or awkward-to-store appliance can affect your choice. Around 19% of consumers prioritise quiet operation or a compact design. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing reduced smells with no smells
UFC-Que Choisir links air fryers to reduced smells, not their complete elimination. Residue can also affect day-to-day use.
Choose your cooking method based on how much smell you can tolerate, then clean the accessible parts as directed in the instructions.
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Choosing an XXL model based only on its litre capacity
The stated capacity alone doesn’t tell you how much room there is for food. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the importance of usable capacity when preparing the quantity you want.
Compare the basket surface area, number of zones, external dimensions and the portions you usually make.
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Overlooking ventilation in an open-plan kitchen
An air fryer’s operating noise can become irritating near a living area, even if its capacity suits you.
If a quiet kitchen matters, look for a noise rating for the exact model rather than judging by the appliance’s appearance alone.
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Assuming the whole appliance is dishwasher-safe
Just because a basket or another part is described as dishwasher-safe, it doesn’t necessarily mean the rest of the appliance is too.
Check the instructions for your chosen model to find out which parts can be washed and how to care for their coatings.
Brands to know
Moulinex
The Easy Fry range includes a variety of sizes. Moulinex lists a 7.5 L capacity and removable front panel among the features of its EZ866HF1 model.
- The removable front panel is worth looking at if easy access to parts for cleaning matters to you.
- Check the dimensions, noise level and cooking results of the model you’re considering: the EZ866HF1’s features don’t apply to the entire range.
Philips
Philips lists replacement baskets for some Airfryer models, including a QuickClean basket for the Essential XL.
- If long-term maintenance is important to you, it’s worth checking whether you can find a replacement basket.
- Check that the part is compatible with your exact model. Its availability tells you nothing about noise or cooking performance.
Air fryers to consider on Joybuy
These hot-air models offer a range of capacities and basket designs to compare if you want to reduce the smells associated with deep-fat frying. They don’t cook food immersed in oil, so check how much space you’ll need and the features of the model you’re interested in.
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Ninja Dual Zone DZ300EU, 7.6 L, two drawers
Worth considering if you’d like to cook two different dishes in separate drawers. The stated total capacity is 7.6 L. Check the space available and whether the capacity of each drawer suits your portions. If you have an open-plan kitchen, also look for a noise rating for this model.
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Cuisinart Compact Max AFS8OBLE, 7.6 L
Worth comparing if you cook several portions and want a 7.6 L air fryer. Before choosing, compare the stated capacity with the usable space for your food, and check the external dimensions if your worktop space is limited.
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Ninja Crispi FN101EUGY
Worth considering if you want to compare its design with a conventional basket-style air fryer. Check which containers come with this version, their usable capacity and the instructions for handling them after cooking. Don’t assume how much food it can make from the model name alone.
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Midea Air Fryer, 2 L, 1150 W
Worth considering for smaller portions if you’d prefer a 2 L basket. The product name lists a power rating of 1150 W and a 60-minute timer. Check that the capacity suits the food you want to cook, and read the instructions for cleaning the parts.
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KITCHENCOOK AIRMED7W, 7 L
Worth comparing if you’re looking for an air fryer with a stated capacity of 7 L. This model is listed with a digital display and a cooking window. Check the usable space and dimensions before relying on this capacity to avoid cooking in batches.
Frequently asked questions
Does an air fryer completely eliminate frying smells?
No. UFC-Que Choisir says air fryers reduce smells compared with conventional deep-fat frying, but doesn’t guarantee that there will be none. You’ll still need to clean away residue.
How do you choose the right capacity without relying on the XXL label?
Start with the portions you usually make, then check how much usable space there is in the basket and the appliance’s dimensions. UFC-Que Choisir points out that usable capacity determines how much you can actually cook.
What should you do before cleaning an air fryer?
Unplug it and let it cool completely, as Moulinex advises. Then check the instructions for your model to identify the removable parts and the right cleaning method for their coating.
Are air fryers covered by the repairability index?
The list published in July 2025 by the ministry responsible for the ecological transition does not include air fryers among the categories covered by this index. For a specific model, ask the manufacturer about spare parts and repair options.