For regularly preparing chips or breaded foods without dealing with a deep-frying oil bath, an air fryer is generally the most suitable choice. However, you will need to make room for it on your worktop, accept that it may be noisy and choose a capacity suited to your usual portions. A deep-fat fryer is better suited to people who want to retain immersion cooking, while an oven or frying pan avoids the need to buy a dedicated appliance.
You regularly prepare chips, breaded products or similar foods, but want to reduce the inconvenience of smells, splashes, filtering and disposing of oil. Que Choisir notes in particular that the smell of frying oil can put some users off.
You are looking for a compact appliance or an alternative to the oven for small portions, while weighing up capacity, worktop space, noise and how often you will use it.
You want a large capacity or two cooking zones so you can prepare a side dish and a main course at the same time. Compare the actual distribution of space between the drawers, not just the advertised total capacity.
Start with the cooking method you are happy to use, then check the cleaning requirements, the portions you actually prepare and the installation conditions for your chosen model.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Smells and hot oil | Compare the cooking method, whether an oil bath is used, the appliance’s stability and how the basket is handled. On a deep-fat fryer, a filter will not necessarily trap smells when food is lowered into or removed from the oil. | I want to limit frying smells, splashes and handling hot oil. An air fryer addresses this concern more directly than immersion cooking. |
| Routine cleaning | Check which removable parts are washable, the cleaning instructions for the cooking chamber and, for a deep-fat fryer, the filtration system and tank. Dishwasher compatibility does not remove the need to clean away residue as instructed. | After using it several times a week, I would rather avoid filtering, storing and replacing oil. Removable, washable parts can make maintenance more convenient. |
| Capacity and size | Relate the advertised litres or kilograms to the portions you will actually prepare. For two recipes at once, check the capacity of each drawer, the appliance’s dimensions and the space needed for storage. | My portions are sometimes modest, but I may also want to serve a main course and its side dish at the same meal. Two drawers are only useful if their capacity suits each preparation. |
| Safety and product information | Choose a clearly identified model with accessible instructions. Check the connection requirements, the stable, unobstructed space requested by the manufacturer and the model-specific maintenance guidance. | I want to be able to install and use the appliance by following clear instructions. DGCCRF reminds consumers that electrical appliances can pose risks of electric shock, fire or burns. |
Advertised capacity, a dual drawer or a large number of programmes do not on their own guarantee even cooking or an ergonomic design that suits you. Que Choisir reports that performance, noise, build quality and safety can vary significantly between air fryers.
First define your usual portions, whether you need to cook two preparations at the same time and how much space you have. Then consult the instructions and, where possible, look for a test of the exact model.
A filter can trap some vapour and grease, but it does not eliminate smells when the basket enters or leaves the oil. Que Choisir highlights that filter effectiveness varies considerably between appliances.
If smells are your priority, opt for air cooking. With a deep-fat fryer, check the type of filter and cook in a well-ventilated room or use a suitable extractor hood.
Depending on the model, the filter may also require maintenance time and replacement consumables.
A traditional or electric deep-fat fryer requires you to filter the oil to remove crumbs, replace it when it deteriorates and store it between uses. Oil must not be poured down the sink or toilet.
Choose deep-frying only if you are happy with this routine, and arrange a suitable way to collect or dispose of the oil.
This method also involves storing, filtering and replacing the oil.
Connection, cleaning and usage requirements vary between models. DGCCRF has reported safety and labelling defects among the electrical products it inspected.
Before buying, check the brand, model, access to the instructions, the seller’s identity and the compliance, warranty and spare-parts information.
The Easy Fry range includes compact appliances, large-capacity models and dual-drawer versions for domestic air cooking.
The Airfryer range includes the 2000 Series NA231/00, a single-basket model with a 6.2 L capacity.
The hot-air Actifry range with stirring paddle includes models with capacities of around 1 kg, as well as versions that allow you to cook two preparations.
This selection brings together single-basket and dual-drawer Joybuy air fryers for households that want to prepare foods usually cooked by deep-frying without using a deep-frying oil bath.
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Worth considering if you want to prepare a main course and side dish simultaneously without a deep-frying oil bath.
Two baskets, synchronisation function, advertised total capacity of 9 L and removable dishwasher-safe parts.
Check the available space: the stated dimensions are 382,5 × 443,9 × 314,2 mm. Also check how capacity is divided between the baskets to ensure they suit your portions.
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This format suits households that want to cook two separate preparations as part of the same meal.
Two independent 4.75 L drawers, six advertised modes, and dishwasher-safe baskets and crisper plates.
The stated dimensions are 32,5 × 41,5 × 27 cm; each zone needs to be large enough for your main preparation.
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An option for keeping your main course and side dish separate, with different cooking times and temperatures.
Two independent 3.8 L drawers, six advertised functions and non-stick, dishwasher-safe components.
The stated dimensions are 31,5 × 38 × 26,5 cm. With 3.8 L per drawer, large portions may require several batches.
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This single-basket model is designed for moderate portions and kitchens where space is at a premium.
3.2 L capacity, adjustable temperature up to 200 °C, 30-minute timer and removable dishwasher-safe basket.
The stated dimensions are 368 × 273 × 293 mm. A minimum clearance of 100 mm on all sides is specified.
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A mid-sized single-basket model for regular home use without a deep-frying oil bath.
5 L capacity, 1450 W power, temperature range from 80 to 200 °C, timer and six advertised automatic programmes. The non-stick basket is stated to be dishwasher-safe.
Check the dimensions and weight before buying. The product information calls for a distance of 30 cm from flammable objects and advises against using it beneath wall-mounted cupboards.
No. An air fryer uses circulating hot air and suits people who want to avoid a deep-frying oil bath, while a deep-fat fryer retains immersion cooking, along with the associated smells, maintenance and handling of hot oil. Choose according to the cooking method you are happy to use, rather than relying solely on the word “fryer”.
Check the instructions for the exact model, the stable, unobstructed space available, storage requirements and the connection conditions specified by the manufacturer. Also make sure the product and seller are clearly identifiable: DGCCRF reminds consumers that electrical appliances can pose risks of electric shock, fire or burns.
No. This compatibility can make washing removable parts easier, but it does not replace cleaning the cooking chamber, heating elements or splashes according to the manufacturer’s instructions. With a deep-fat fryer, you also need to allow for filtering and replacing the oil.
Always compare the same recipe and quantity. In Que Choisir tests involving a small quiche, air fryers used an average of 36% less electricity than a mini oven for the same quantity. This result cannot be taken as representative of every family meal or every oven.