If you want to avoid deep-frying in oil, an air fryer could be a good option, provided its basket is large enough for your portions. Stick with a deep-fat fryer if you want traditional fried food. Before adding another appliance to a kitchen that already has an oven, consider the space it will take up, how noisy it is, how easy it is to clean and how often you’ll use it. UFC-Que Choisir’s energy-use comparisons don’t show that every household or recipe will save energy.
You cook foods that are usually fried, but would rather not heat up a pan of oil. Compare the cooking results you want with the cleaning and space an air fryer requires. UFC-Que Choisir identifies cooking smells as one reason people choose electric or oil-free fryers.
You need to serve several people or cook a main and a side dish at the same time. The usable capacity of each basket matters more than the total capacity alone. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the variety of sizes available, including models with two drawers and larger-capacity appliances.
You already have an oven or an open-plan kitchen. Check whether frequent small-scale cooking justifies an extra appliance, and consider its noise and how much worktop space it will take up. UFC-Que Choisir notes that noise levels vary between models.
First decide whether you want to keep deep-frying in oil or switch to hot-air cooking. Then check portion sizes, available space and how the appliance will complement your existing oven.
| Priority | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Smells and cooking method | Check whether your usual dishes need to be cooked in a pan of oil. An “oil-free” appliance doesn’t necessarily mean cooking without smells. | When I’m bothered by the smell of frying, I want to change how I cook without giving up the dishes I make often; around 28% of consumers prioritise avoiding deep-frying in oil and the associated smells. |
| Portions per batch | Compare the recommended quantity for your recipes with the capacity of each basket or drawer. | If I’m cooking for several people without wanting to make multiple batches, I look at how much each basket can really cook; around 22% of consumers put portions per batch first. |
| Space and noise | Measure the space where you plan to put the appliance and check that you can access the drawer. Look for comparable noise measurements rather than relying on marketing terms. | In an open-plan kitchen or on an already crowded worktop, I need to be able to fit the appliance and live with the noise; nearly 17% of consumers make space or noise their top priority. |
| Traditional deep-frying | Make a list of the dishes you want to cook in a pan of oil, and check the instructions to see which parts need cleaning. | If I want the results of traditional deep-frying, I’d rather stick with this method than switch to another way of cooking; around 17% of consumers put it at the top of their list. |
| How it compares with your oven | Compare your recipes, portions and how often you’ll use the appliance. To compare energy use, make sure you’re looking at equivalent cooking methods and quantities. | If I already have an oven, I want a new appliance that I’ll use for different or frequent cooking tasks; around 16% of consumers prioritise having an appliance that offers something extra compared with their oven. |
The right quantity depends on the recipe and the instructions. Two separate drawers don’t necessarily make one large cooking space.
Before choosing, compare the quantities recommended for your usual dishes with the usable dimensions of each compartment.
Hot-air cooking is different from deep-frying in oil, and results can vary between appliances. UFC-Que Choisir points out that switching isn’t necessarily right for people who want their chips to taste the way they’re used to.
First decide which dishes you’d be happy to cook differently and which ones you want to make using traditional deep-frying.
UFC-Que Choisir’s energy-use comparisons cover specific appliances and recipes, so the results don’t apply to every use. A new appliance could also duplicate what your existing oven can do.
Compare your recipes and how often you’ll use the appliance, then measure the available space before you buy.
An electric model with a filtration system still uses a pan of oil. A filter or cool zone doesn’t guarantee that there will be no cooking smells.
Choose this option if you want to keep deep-frying in oil and make certain tasks easier, but don’t assume it promises smell-free cooking.
A range of air fryers with published specifications, including compact models and one with a flexible basket configuration. Compare them based on the portions you need and the layout you’re looking for.
A range of air fryers with two drawers, including the DoubleStack SL300EU with stacked drawers, to consider for cooking separate dishes.
The range includes air fryers with two drawers and a freestanding mini oven. These appliance types are designed for different uses.
Oleoclean electric deep-fat fryers let you carry on cooking in oil while considering filtration and storage options.
Cool Zone deep-fat fryers are worth considering if you want to stick with traditional deep-frying.
This selection includes air fryers with one or two compartments, as well as a mini oven air fryer, for households looking to rely less on deep-frying in oil. Compare portion sizes, how much space each appliance takes up and the dishes you’ll actually cook.
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Its two drawers could be a good fit if you regularly cook two dishes with different settings.
Two drawers, each with a capacity of 4,75 L. The compartments are separate and don’t form one large cooking space.
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Its mini oven design may be worth considering if you’d prefer a cooking cavity to standard drawers.
Stated capacity of 23 L, two cooking zones, a touchscreen and 15 programmes. A removable divider is also described.
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The convertible design could suit households that alternate between cooking two dishes and using a larger cooking space.
Stated capacity of 10 L, configurable as two 5 L zones or one combined compartment. Wi-Fi controls and a stated temperature range of 35 to 240 °C.
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Its two chambers could be a good fit if you want to cook two different dishes at the same time.
Two independent chambers with a total capacity of 12 L and 10 stated programmes. The capacity is split between the two compartments.
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Its single basket could be worth considering if you’re looking for an appliance without separate drawers for your usual dishes.
Stated capacity of 7 L, seven programmes, a viewing window and a removable basket.
Start with the quantity you need for a particular recipe and compare it with the amount recommended in the instructions. If you’re considering a model with two drawers, check each one separately: the total capacity doesn’t guarantee that a large dish will fit in one compartment.
Measure the available space and check the instructions for guidance on positioning the appliance and which parts can be washed. A deep-fat fryer also involves handling and storing oil. For the FR804000, SEB specifies which parts are dishwasher-safe.
No. Results depend on the appliance, the recipe and the quantity you’re cooking. UFC-Que Choisir reports differences between models and dishes. To assess your own use, compare equivalent cooking tasks and consider how often you’ll use the appliance.
The legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to an individual. According to the Ministry of the Economy and Finance, you have two years from delivery of the goods to make a claim. This guarantee is provided by the seller and is separate from an optional commercial guarantee.
No. The DGCCRF explains that the CE marking shows the manufacturer’s commitment to meeting the relevant European requirements. It isn’t a certification mark and doesn’t prove the claimed cooking performance.