For the occasional fried meal, start by seeing what your oven or frying pan can already do. A traditional fryer for use on the hob is another option if you want to cook in a bath of oil. If you fry food often, an electric deep-fat fryer can make it easier to control the cooking and, depending on the model, manage the oil. An air fryer is better suited to preparing a range of dishes without a bath of oil, provided you’re happy with the space it takes up and a result that doesn’t always replicate deep-frying.
If you regularly make chips, doughnuts or breaded food, compare an electric deep-fat fryer with an oil filtration system against a traditional fryer. The former can make some tasks easier, but both mean you’ll need to deal with the oil after cooking.
If a bath of oil is your main concern, look at hot-air appliances. Que Choisir points out, however, that they take up space. Check the capacity and which parts of the model you’re considering can be washed, too.
For the occasional fried meal, Que Choisir says a traditional fryer may be enough. Before choosing a fryer to use on an induction hob, check that the specific model and its base are compatible with your cooking zone.
Your choice depends first on the result you want and how often you fry food. This will help you decide whether a bath of oil or a dedicated appliance has a place in your kitchen.
Consider it: for occasional frying if you want to cook in a bath of oil without a dedicated electric appliance.
Bear in mind: it takes up a cooking zone, and you’ll need to keep an eye on the food and manage the oil. The fryer must be compatible with an induction hob. Que Choisir notes that a cast aluminium fryer is not suitable for induction.
Consider it: if you fry food often and the appliance’s controls or built-in filtration meet your needs.
Bear in mind: you’ll still need to look after the oil and store or dispose of it. According to Que Choisir, filters don’t trap all smells.
Consider it: if you want to prepare a range of dishes using hot air without dealing with a bath of oil.
Bear in mind: Que Choisir describes these appliances as bulky and a little noisy. Its tests also show that chips may cook unevenly, depending on the model.
Consider it: if you rarely cook this kind of food and your existing equipment already works for your recipes.
Bear in mind: an oven and a frying pan aren’t dedicated fryers. The result depends on the food, the recipe and the cookware you use.
| Criterion | What to check | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Results and frequency | Decide whether you want to deep-fry food in oil or cook it with hot air. Compare the amount of food each option can handle for your meals. | If I regularly fry doughnuts or breaded food, the cooking method matters more to me than having a versatile appliance. Around 31% of consumers would prioritise dedicated, frequent frying in this way. |
| Oil, smells and maintenance | Check how the appliance filters and stores oil, or which parts can be removed and how they should be washed. | When smells and greasy cleaning make mealtimes more difficult, I’d rather reduce the hassle of using a bath of oil. This would be the main concern for around 31% of consumers. |
| Space and portions | Compare the appliance’s footprint, the usable surface area of the basket and, if needed, whether you can cook two dishes at once. | When serving several items as part of the same meal, I want portions that suit my needs without taking up too much kitchen space. Around 23% of consumers would prioritise this capacity and versatility. |
| Existing equipment | Check what your oven and frying pan can already do. For a traditional fryer, make sure it’s compatible with your hob, especially if you have an induction model. | If I rarely fry food, I’d first look to use my hob or oven rather than add a dedicated appliance. Around 15% of consumers would put the simplicity of this option first. |
The cooking methods are different. In its tests, Que Choisir found that hot-air cooking can produce uneven results with chips, leaving those on top overcooked and those at the bottom still pale.
Start by deciding what kind of cooking result you want. Then check how the specific model performs with the foods you prepare and make sure its basket is the right size.
A fryer that isn’t suitable for your hob won’t work as intended. Que Choisir notes, for example, that a cast aluminium fryer can’t be used on an induction hob.
Look for an explicit statement that your chosen model is induction-compatible, and check that its base suits your cooking zone.
Even with a filtration system, you’ll need to manage the oil between uses. Que Choisir also points out that odour filters don’t trap all smells, particularly when you handle the basket.
Compare how the appliance filters and stores oil, as well as which parts can be removed, then check the care instructions.
If the appliance instructions allow it, set aside space to store the oil, as well as time to maintain and replace it.
A capacity in litres or a stated number of servings doesn’t tell you on its own how food will fit in the basket or what portion sizes will suit your recipe.
Check the maximum quantity recommended for the foods you usually cook and the basket’s surface area. A model with two drawers is worth considering if you genuinely prepare two items as part of the same meal.
The electric deep-fat fryer range includes the Oleo Clean Inox & Design FR804015, worth considering if oil management is important to you.
The Easy Fry range includes hot-air appliances for households looking to compare capacity and cleaning options.
Among its hot-air appliances, the 3000 Series NA352/24 is designed for households considering cooking two dishes at once.
This cookware brand may appeal to households that would rather consider cooking in a frying pan than buying another electric appliance.
These models let you compare two electric deep-fat fryers, two hot-air appliances and an induction-compatible frying pan. To choose between them, start with your recipes, the portions you want to make and the space you have available.
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Worth considering if you want an electric fryer for cooking in a bath of oil. The bowl is listed as 3.5 L; check how much food it can handle for your portion sizes and follow the instructions for looking after the oil.
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Worth a look if you prepare two foods in separate baths of oil. The model name indicates two 3 L baskets, a power rating of 3,600 W and two independent thermostats. Check its dimensions and how much food each basket can hold.
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Compare it if you’re considering hot-air cooking for a range of dishes. The model is listed as 4 L and 1,500 W, with eight pre-set programmes and a temperature range of 35 to 200 °C. Check that the basket suits your portion sizes and that this cooking method will give you the result you want.
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Compare it if you want to cook with hot air rather than a bath of oil. Its stated capacity is 3.2 L. Check the portion sizes it can handle, how much space you’ll need around the appliance and the washing instructions for its parts.
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Consider it if you’d rather cook on your hob than use an electric deep-fat fryer. This ceramic-coated pan is described as induction-compatible, but it isn’t a basket-style fryer. Check that its depth, base and instructions suit your recipe and hob.
Compare one with your existing equipment if you fry food regularly and want dedicated cooking or oil-management features. For occasional use, Que Choisir says a traditional fryer may be enough. Also consider what you can already make with your oven or frying pan.
Yes, as long as the fryer is explicitly described as induction-compatible and suits your cooking zone. Que Choisir notes that a cast aluminium fryer isn’t suitable for induction and recommends looking at steel models.
No. Que Choisir says filter performance varies, and smells can escape when the basket is put into or taken out of the oil. Make sure the room is well ventilated, even if your fryer has a filter.
Unplug the appliance and let it cool before following the instructions for your model. Moulinex advises against using metal scourers and hard brushes on non-stick surfaces. Check exactly which parts are dishwasher-safe.