Smaller households that make chips often
For one or two people, the appliance’s size, ease of use and cleaning matter just as much as its stated capacity. UFC-Que Choisir recommends taking these factors into account when choosing an air fryer.
Who are these options for?
Households serving larger batches
If everyone eats at the same time, check the maximum weight of chips per batch and the cooking surface. UFC-Que Choisir recommends at least 6 L for an air fryer intended for four people, while also advising you to check its usable capacity.
People who already have an oven
If you only make chips occasionally or your kitchen is short on space, carrying on using your oven or mini oven can save you from buying another appliance. Whether another appliance is worthwhile will depend on the portions you make and how else you would use it.
What sets these appliances apart?
If you regularly make chips at home, start with your main consideration: the batch size you need to serve, the space you want to save, cleaning or the energy used for a small cooking task.
Air fryer
Consider it: if you often make small or medium portions and have a dedicated space on your worktop.
Bear in mind: the amount of chips you can cook per batch depends on the basket’s usable capacity, and its parts need to be cleaned according to the instructions.
Electric deep fat fryer
Consider it: if you fry regularly and the model’s stated chip capacity suits the batches you make.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to handle, store and dispose of used oil, as well as clean the appliance.
Your existing oven or mini oven
Stick with it: if you already have a suitable oven and don’t want to make room for another appliance.
Check: how long your usual cooking takes and how much energy it uses before buying another appliance in the hope of reducing either.
| Consideration | What to check before buying | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and batch size | Compare the maximum weight of chips and usable capacity with the largest batch you usually make, rather than relying on the “XXL” label. | If several people are waiting to eat together, avoiding multiple batches becomes a priority; around 31% of consumers would put capacity at the top of their list. |
| Space and uses | Measure the space available, allowing for the clearances specified in the instructions, then compare the uses you have in mind with those of your oven. | In a kitchen where every bit of space counts, adding an appliance for a job your oven already does can make storage harder; around 25% of consumers would prioritise space and versatility. |
| Cleaning and oil | Check which parts are removable and dishwasher-safe. If you’re considering a deep fat fryer, also plan for handling used oil. | If cleaning the appliance after every batch or handling oil is your main concern, this will influence your choice; around 25% of consumers would make it their priority. |
| Electricity use | Look for comparable measurements based on the same recipe and quantity: the stated wattage alone won’t tell you how much energy one cooking session uses. | If you cook small portions repeatedly, you may want to compare the electricity used per batch; around 19% of consumers would make this their top consideration. |
What not to overlook
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Choosing based only on the “XL” or “XXL” label
A large stated capacity doesn’t tell you how many chips you can cook at once. UFC-Que Choisir recommends checking the usable capacity. A model that’s too small may mean cooking in several batches, while a larger appliance takes up more space.
Compare the model’s stated chip capacity and cooking space with the largest batch you usually make.
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Assuming every part is dishwasher-safe
This varies between appliances and parts. Moulinex instructions, for example, specify that some baskets, bowls or lids can go in the dishwasher, but that doesn’t apply to every appliance in the range.
Check the instructions for the exact model to see which parts are removable, hand-wash only or dishwasher-safe.
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Forgetting what to do with used frying oil
A deep fat fryer adds another task after cooking. ADEME says that used oil must not be poured down the sink or toilet, or discarded in the environment.
Let it cool, put it in a sealed container and find out where to take it for disposal in your local area.
You’ll also need somewhere to store the oil and, depending on local arrangements, may need to take it to a collection point.
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Assuming the stated wattage means lower electricity use
Wattage alone isn’t enough to establish how much energy is used to cook a batch. UFC-Que Choisir’s results for air fryers and a mini oven relate to specific appliances, quantities and recipes, not every way of cooking chips.
If electricity use will help you choose, compare kWh measurements for the same recipe and an equivalent quantity.
Brands to know when making your choice
There are no brand profiles to display in this section.
Air fryers and deep fat fryers to consider on Joybuy
These models give you the chance to compare air fryers and electric deep fat fryers for making chips at home. If your current oven already meets your needs, also weigh up whether a new appliance is worth the space it would take up and the extra cleaning it would involve.
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Ninja DZ300EU Dual Zone, two drawers, 7,6 L
Worth considering if you’d like to cook different foods in two drawers: the product title states a total capacity of 7,6 L and six functions. Check the maximum weight of chips for each drawer and the space you’ll need before relying on it for a large batch.
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Livoo DOC217, deep fat fryer with two 3 L bowls
Its two bowls may appeal to households that want to cook different foods. The product title states 2 × 3 L and 3 300 W; check the maximum weight of chips, the dimensions and which parts are dishwasher-safe. A deep fat fryer also means planning how to cool and dispose of the oil.
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KitchenCook K-FRY Semi-Professional 3 L
If you’re considering this size for small batches, first check the maximum weight of chips it can handle. Before buying, also confirm how it cooks: the product title uses “Air Fryer”, while the model is described as a deep fat fryer. Check the instructions for details on cleaning its parts, too.
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Ninja FN101EUGY Crispi Air Fryer
To see whether this size suits your portions, check how many chips each container can hold, how much space you’ll need to use and store it, and the cleaning instructions. Don’t assume several containers can cook at the same time unless the instructions confirm this.
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Midea Air Fryer 4 L, 1 500 W, 8 modes
For regular small portions, compare its stated 4 L capacity with the weight of chips you want to cook at once. The product title gives a temperature range of 35 to 200 °C; its 1 500 W power rating alone won’t tell you how much energy one batch uses.
Frequently asked questions
What size air fryer should I get for four people?
UFC-Que Choisir recommends at least 6 L for four people. For chips, also check the model’s maximum capacity by weight and its cooking surface: volume alone doesn’t guarantee a large enough batch.
Is an electric deep fat fryer always difficult to clean?
Cleaning depends on the model’s parts, but you’ll still need to handle the oil. Some deep fat fryers have a removable bowl, basket and lid that are dishwasher-safe; check the instructions for each part before buying.
Does an air fryer always use less electricity than an oven?
No. For a quiche lorraine cooked in the same quantity, UFC-Que Choisir measured an average of 36% less electricity with the air fryers tested than with a mini oven. This result doesn’t predict how much energy your chips will use: compare measurements for the same recipe and quantity.
How should I dispose of used frying oil?
Don’t pour it down the sink or toilet. ADEME also advises against disposing of it in the environment. Once it has cooled, put it in a sealed container and ask your local council where to take it for disposal.
What precautions should I take when using a deep fat fryer?
Read the instructions for your model, including guidance on filling it, keeping an eye on it, handling hot oil and cleaning. INRS highlights the risk of burns from contact with or splashes of hot liquid, and advises against leaving a deep fat fryer unattended while it’s switched on.