If you want to avoid a vat of hot oil and reduce cooking smells, start by comparing air fryers. Que Choisir describes them as less smelly and easier to clean, but also bulky and a little noisy. If deep-frying is more important to you, an electric deep fryer may have a lid, a filter and removable parts, depending on the model. Traditional deep-frying still comes with the smells and splashes highlighted by Que Choisir.
If you want to cook foods that are usually deep-fried without dealing with a vat of oil, consider an air fryer. Que Choisir describes air fryers as less smelly, but doesn’t claim that every cooking session will be odour-free. If you still want to cook food submerged in oil, compare the filtration features of electric deep fryers model by model.
An electric deep fryer lets you keep cooking this way. Depending on the model, a lid, filter, removable bowl or dishwasher-safe parts may make some aspects easier, but none of these features removes the need to deal with used oil.
Before choosing a traditional deep fryer, check that the bowl is stable and compatible with your hob. Que Choisir also flags possible splashes and cooking smells. With an air fryer, consider how much worktop and storage space it will take up, even if it’s described as compact.
First decide how you want to cook. Then compare the features and dimensions of specific models.
Consider it if: you only fry occasionally and have a hob that’s compatible with the bowl.
The trade-off: Que Choisir notes that there’s no odour filter, and highlights the risk of splashes and the need to check that the fryer is stable.
Consider it if: you want to keep deep-frying but are looking for a lid, filter or removable parts, depending on the model.
The trade-off: you’ll still need to clean the oil and dispose of it properly. A filter can’t guarantee that there’ll be no smells.
Consider it if: avoiding a vat of oil and reducing cooking smells matter more to you than deep-frying.
The trade-off: Que Choisir highlights their bulk and noise, and notes that chips may not cook evenly in some models.
| Feature | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Smells and splashes | Compare the cooking method, whether there’s a lid and the type of filter on the specific model. If you’re cooking with oil, also consider how the basket is handled. | I want to reduce smells in my kitchen without assuming a filter or air fryer will get rid of them completely. If I use hot oil, splashes are a concern too. |
| Cleaning and oil | Check which removable parts are actually dishwasher-safe. For a deep fryer, find out how to filter, empty and store the oil before disposing of it. | After cooking, I’d rather clean accessible parts than handle more oil and leftover food. |
| Portions and space | Match the stated capacity in L or kg to your usual portions, then measure the appliance and its storage space. For a multi-zone air fryer, check the size of each basket. | I need enough room for the food I’m making, but the appliance also needs to fit on my worktop. |
| Noise | For an air fryer, look for a test of the exact model. Que Choisir measures noise at 0,50 m as part of its testing protocol. Don’t assume you can tell how noisy it is from its capacity alone. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to know whether the noise during cooking might bother me. |
| Handling and heat | For a deep fryer, check its stability, lid and basket. Look for electrical and thermal safety test results for the model. If it’s a traditional fryer, also check that its bowl is compatible with your hob. | I want to be able to handle the appliance safely, bearing in mind hot surfaces and, for a deep fryer, the risk of splashes. |
Cooking in oil will always produce smells and steam. Moulinex describes the charcoal filter in its Super Uno as a way to reduce smells. This claim applies to that model, not to every deep fryer with a filter.
Check the type of filter, the lid and any test results for the model you’re interested in, and don’t forget to consider ventilation in your kitchen.
If the charcoal filter is replaceable, check that it’s available and find out how often it needs replacing.
An air fryer cooks by circulating hot air rather than using a vat of oil. Que Choisir notes that chips may cook unevenly, depending on the model.
If chips are a deciding factor for you, check test results for the model and compare its capacity with your usual portions.
Que Choisir describes air fryers as bulky and a little noisy. A capacity in litres alone won’t tell you how much space you’ll need or how noisy the appliance will be.
Measure the space available on your worktop and in your cupboards, then look for a noise test of the model you’re considering.
ADEME advises against pouring frying oil down drains or disposing of it in the natural environment.
Let it cool, pour it into a sealed bottle or container, then find out where your nearest suitable household waste recycling centre or local collection point is.
These examples give you an idea of specific ranges and features. A brand’s inclusion here doesn’t mean that every model it makes has the same features.
Philips offers air fryers in its 3000 Series, including 4,1 L and 6,2 L models. Consider these capacities alongside your portion sizes and available space.
Moulinex makes electric deep fryers, with cleaning and filtration features that vary by model.
Tefal’s electric deep fryers have filtration features and removable parts on some models.
These hot-air appliances are an option if you want to cook without a vat of oil. Focus on the number of baskets and the stated capacity in relation to your portion sizes. These features alone aren’t enough to tell you how much smell or noise a model will produce.
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The two drawers let you cook separate dishes without using a vat of oil. The model name gives a total capacity of 7,6 L and six functions. Check the space it needs and look up cooking results if these are important to your choice.
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This two-basket model may suit households that want to cook separate dishes without using a vat of oil. Its stated total capacity is 9 L. Compare the basket sizes and overall dimensions with your actual needs.
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Compare its stated capacity of 3,2 L with your portion sizes before choosing an air fryer of this size. Also allow for enough space around the appliance and check the installation instructions.
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Compare the stated 2 L capacity with the size of the smaller portions you usually prepare. The product name says the non-stick basket is dishwasher-safe. Also measure the space you have for the appliance before choosing this size.
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Compare the stated 7 L capacity with your portion sizes. The viewing window lets you keep an eye on your food without removing the basket. Check the external dimensions and cleaning instructions if space and ease of cleaning are important to you.
No. Que Choisir describes air fryers as less smelly than traditional deep fryers, but doesn’t promise an odour-free kitchen for every food or model. If this is a deciding factor, look for a test of the model you’re considering and take your kitchen’s ventilation into account.
No. For example, Tefal says the mesh filter in its Filtra Pro removes residue after frying, but you’ll still need to dispose of the used oil. In France, ADEME advises letting it cool, putting it in a sealed container and generally taking it to a household waste recycling centre or local collection point, rather than pouring it down the drain.
For a deep fryer, check its stability and how the basket and lid are handled to avoid splashes. For electric deep fryers and air fryers, look for tests covering electrical safety and surface temperatures. These are among the criteria in Que Choisir’s testing protocols.
Only if its bowl is induction-compatible. Que Choisir notes that a cast-aluminium bowl isn’t suitable, so check the material and the stated compatibility of the model you’re considering.
Yes, especially if you have an open-plan kitchen. Que Choisir describes these appliances as a little noisy and measures noise at 0,50 m as part of its testing protocol. Look for a measurement or test of the exact model rather than assuming a small appliance will be quiet.