If you want to avoid dealing with a pan of hot oil and your food fits in the basket, an air fryer is worth considering. Just bear in mind that the result won’t have the same texture as food deep-fried in oil, and that it won’t eliminate smells entirely. If you prefer frying in oil, an electric fryer with removable parts can make some tasks easier. For occasional use, a pan compatible with your hob means you don’t need a dedicated electrical appliance, but you’ll need to handle the hot oil and deal with it afterwards.
You want to make crispy food without regularly dealing with a pan of hot oil, and you’re happy with a different result from deep-fried food. Que Choisir considers smells as a factor when choosing, while also highlighting the limitations of filters.
You prefer food cooked in oil and want to reduce some of the handling involved, without assuming that a filter will eliminate smells. Que Choisir notes that smells can escape when you handle the basket.
You rarely cook this kind of food and want to weigh up how much room an appliance will take up, taking your hob and oil disposal into account. Que Choisir says a traditional option may suit occasional use; the De Buyer La Lyonnaise pan, for example, is not suitable for induction hobs.
When choosing between a pan of hot oil, an electric deep-fat fryer and an air fryer, weigh up the cooking method, cleaning and how often you’ll use it. None of these factors alone guarantees an odour-free kitchen.
| Consideration | What to check | Who cares most about it |
|---|---|---|
| Smells | Compare cooking with oil and hot air; check the ventilation guidance and the limitations of the filter on the specific model. | If I want to keep smells to a minimum while making crispy food, I don’t take a filter’s claims as a guarantee that there’ll be no smells. Around 36% of consumers put smells first. |
| Cleaning and used oil | Check which parts are dishwasher-safe and how to collect and dispose of the oil. | When I want to make cleaning easier, I consider both the parts that need cleaning and what I’ll need to do with the oil afterwards. Around 29% of consumers prioritise ease of cleaning. |
| Results and frequency of use | Decide whether deep-frying is important for the food you make and check the settings on the model you’re considering. | If I want the results of food fried in oil, I check that cooking with hot air will meet my expectations before switching methods. Around 21% of consumers prioritise the results of frying. |
| Space and occasional use | Measure your storage space and check that your hob is compatible if you’re considering a traditional pan. | If I rarely cook fried food, I weigh up how much space a dedicated appliance will take against how often I’ll actually use it. Around 14% of consumers prioritise space and occasional use. |
An air fryer means you don’t have to deal with a pan of hot oil, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be any smells. For deep-fat fryers, Que Choisir notes that smells can escape when you handle the basket, even when there’s a filter.
First choose the cooking method that suits you, then check the ventilation guidance and filter maintenance instructions for the model you’re considering.
The stated capacity isn’t enough to tell you whether the basket will suit your portions or whether the appliance will fit on your worktop.
Compare the dimensions and basket design with the quantities you usually prepare.
A dishwasher-safe bowl or removable parts won’t take care of disposing of used oil. ADEME says it must not be poured down the sink or toilet, or into the environment.
Check which parts are dishwasher-safe, the reference for any replacement filter and your local used-oil collection guidance.
Remember to factor in the cost of oil and, depending on the model, replacing the filter.
The De Buyer La Lyonnaise Ø28 cm pan is not suitable for induction hobs and does not come with a basket; these features may not apply to all pans.
Before buying, check that the model you choose is compatible with your heat source.
The La Lyonnaise pan is a traditional option for frying on a compatible hob, rather than an electric fryer.
The Super Uno AM314010 is an electric deep-fat fryer with removable parts.
The Oleo Clean Inox & Design FR804015 is an electric deep-fat fryer with oil filtration and storage.
The Airfryer 2000 Series NA210/00 cooks with hot air in a 3.2 L basket.
This selection includes an electric deep-fat fryer and hot-air fryers, with a range of capacities and designs. Compare their cooking methods, cleaning requirements and the space you have available, based on the food you usually prepare.
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Worth considering if you prefer deep-frying and want to keep an eye on your food without opening the lid.
The listing specifies a viewing window, a timer and removable, dishwasher-safe parts. The manufacturer’s claims about reducing smells don’t guarantee there’ll be no smells, particularly when you handle the basket.
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Worth considering if you want to cook with hot air without dealing with a pan of hot oil, and a two-zone design suits the food you make.
The listing specifies a convertible 10 L basket that can be used as two independent 5 L zones, with an adjustable temperature. Cooking with hot air won’t necessarily recreate the texture of food deep-fried in oil.
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Worth considering if your dishes suit a 3.2 L basket and you’d rather not deal with a pan of hot oil.
The listing specifies a timer and removable, dishwasher-safe parts. Cooking with hot air doesn’t guarantee the same results as deep-frying in oil.
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Worth considering for small portions if you want to avoid dealing with a pan of hot oil. The listing recommends it for one or two people and smaller kitchens.
The title states a power rating of 1150 W. The listing also mentions a non-stick basket, removable, dishwasher-safe parts and a 60-minute timer.
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Worth considering if you want to cook two dishes at the same time without using a pan of hot oil, as long as you have enough room for the appliance.
The listing specifies two independent 5.2 L zones and dishwasher-safe baskets. Cooking with hot air won’t necessarily recreate the texture of food deep-fried in oil.
No. Que Choisir notes that effectiveness varies by appliance, and smells can escape when you handle the basket. A replaceable filter is a feature to check, not a guarantee that there’ll be no smells.
For a pan, check that it’s compatible with your hob: the De Buyer La Lyonnaise Ø28 cm, for example, is not suitable for induction. For an electrical appliance, follow the instructions for your model, particularly the guidance on where to place it and how to clean it. Appliances can pose a risk of burns and fire.
ADEME advises that you must not pour it down the sink or toilet, or into the environment. Let it cool, put it in a sealed container, then contact your local authority to find out about a suitable household waste recycling centre or collection point.
The legal guarantee of conformity applies when you buy from a professional seller. According to the DGCCRF, you have two years from delivery of the goods to bring a claim; an optional commercial warranty does not replace your statutory rights.
No. The DGCCRF explains that the CE mark is compulsory for products covered by the applicable European regulations. It indicates the manufacturer’s commitment and is not independent certification. In France, information needed to choose and use a product safely, including its instructions, must be provided in French; check the documents supplied with the product in question.