Households bothered by the smell of hot oil
You’re looking for another way to prepare crispy food. An air fryer may suit your needs, as long as you don’t expect it to eliminate all cooking smells.
Who are these options suited to?
People who want to make cleaning easier
You care about how easy it is to reach the basket, drawers and racks after a meal. Check whether the parts of the specific model you’re considering are dishwasher-safe.
Households that cook two dishes at once
You often prepare a main dish and a side with different settings. Two cooking zones can make this easier, provided the capacity of each zone and the size of the appliance suit your needs.
What should you look for before buying?
When weighing up deep-fat frying and air frying, consider the results you want as well as the smells you’d like to avoid.
Deep-fat fryer
Worth considering: if the flavour, texture and crispiness of traditional frying matter most. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the continued appeal of this method for fans of chips.
Bear in mind: the smell of hot oil and the need to maintain the oil, as well as the filter if the appliance has one.
Air fryer
Worth considering: if avoiding a bath of hot oil matters more than consistently recreating traditional fried food.
Bear in mind: cooking can still produce smells, and results vary depending on the food and the model, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
| Consideration | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Frying smells | Compare deep-fat frying with air frying; don’t confuse ‘oil-free’ with ‘odour-free’. | If the smell of frying bothers your household, avoiding hot oil becomes the main priority. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Cleaning | Check how easy it is to access removable parts and follow the cleaning instructions for the exact model. | If cleaning after every use puts you off using the appliance, ease of maintenance comes first for around 29% of consumers. |
| Portions and cooking at the same time | Compare the surface area and capacity of each drawer; check for separate settings if you need them. | If you want to prepare a main dish and a side without cooking multiple batches, capacity or the ability to cook at the same time is the priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Noise and size | Look for a comparable noise measurement, and check the dimensions and clearance requirements in the manual. | In an open-plan kitchen or a space with limited room, ease of installation and use matters most to around 14% of consumers. |
Which mistakes should you avoid?
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Assuming ‘oil-free’ means ‘odour-free’
An air fryer avoids a bath of hot oil, but cooking can still produce smells.
Choose this method to avoid the smell associated with deep-fat frying, while still planning to ventilate the kitchen.
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Choosing two drawers based on total capacity alone
The capacity is split between the zones and, according to UFC-Que Choisir, cooking results can vary from one compartment to another.
Check the usable space in each drawer, the independent settings and the synchronisation feature if you want to serve both dishes at the same time.
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Forgetting about the fan in an open-plan kitchen
UFC-Que Choisir draws attention to the noise made by air fryers, which may influence your choice if you use one near your living space.
Look for a noise measurement carried out using a clearly stated method rather than relying on a brief demonstration.
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Assuming every part is dishwasher-safe
Instructions vary by model and accessory. Non-stick coatings also need appropriate care.
Check the instructions for the parts in question and let the appliance cool down before cleaning it.
Brands to know
Philips
Philips offers air fryers with adjustable drawers, as well as models with two baskets.
- For the NA150/00 Série 1000, UFC-Que Choisir describes a 7.1 l bowl that can be divided into two 3.55 l compartments.
- For cleaning, follow Philips’ instructions for the appliance and its removable parts, especially those with a non-stick coating.
Moulinex
The Easy Fry Dual range includes appliances designed for cooking in two drawers.
- Moulinex states that the Easy Fry Dual EZ901N20/K2A has 5.2 l and 3.1 l drawers, as well as a synchronisation function.
- The manufacturer says that this model’s drawers and racks are dishwasher-safe. This doesn’t tell you how noisy it is or how every type of food will cook.
Ninja
Ninja is among the air fryer brands reviewed by UFC-Que Choisir, including the Crispi FN101.
- The different formats available make it worth comparing the number of cooking zones and the space you have, based on the meals you prepare.
- Noise levels and cooking results should be assessed model by model, rather than inferred from the brand name alone.
Air fryers for different meals
These air fryers cover everything from compact portions to larger meals and cooking in two drawers. Their stated features don’t guarantee that they’ll be odour-free.
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Ninja Dual Zone Digital DZ300EU, two drawers, 7,6 L
Worth considering if you prepare two foods using different settings. The product listing states that it has two drawers and a total capacity of 7,6 L. Check how much space you’ll need in your kitchen and the model’s cleaning instructions.
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Midea Air Fryer 2 L, 1150 W
This single-drawer model is worth considering for smaller portions; make sure its 2 L capacity is enough for the food you prepare. The product title mentions a non-stick basket and a 60-minute timer. Check the manual to see which parts are dishwasher-safe.
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Cuisinart Compact Max AFS8OBLE, 7,6 L
Worth considering if you want to prepare several portions in an air fryer rather than split your meal between two drawers. Its stated capacity is 7,6 L. Also compare the cooking surface, dimensions and cleaning instructions with your needs.
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KITCHENCOOK AIRMED7W, 7 L
The stated 7 L capacity may suit a household that prepares several portions. The product title mentions a digital display and viewing window. Check the manual for basket care instructions and confirm the dimensions before buying.
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ROUNY T3, 5 L, with viewing window
Compare this 5 L air fryer with the portion sizes you usually cook. The product title mentions a non-stick basket and a viewing window. Check the manual for cleaning instructions and how much space to leave around the appliance.
Frequently asked questions
Does an air fryer eliminate cooking smells?
No. Choosing air frying to avoid hot oil doesn’t mean you can cook without producing any smells. UFC-Que Choisir describes reducing smells as a reason for choosing an air fryer, not as a guarantee that they’ll disappear.
How can you assess an air fryer’s noise level before buying?
Look for a test that explains how the noise was measured, then compare results obtained under similar conditions. UFC-Que Choisir measures noise at 0,50 m, among other distances, and points out that the fan may be bothersome in an open-plan kitchen or small space.
How can you clean an air fryer without damaging its parts?
Start by following the instructions for the model and each accessory. For the Airfryer models covered by its support guidance, Philips recommends letting the appliance cool for around 30 minutes and avoiding abrasive sponges or utensils on the non-stick coating. Check separately whether the parts are dishwasher-safe.
What should you do with an electric fryer at the end of its life in France?
Take it to a dedicated electrical and electronic equipment collection point rather than putting it in household waste. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition outlines take-back and in-store collection schemes for eligible products. Find out which option is available near you.