If you want to avoid dealing with a pan of hot oil, start by comparing air fryers based on the space you have, the portions you need to prepare and the parts that can be washed. If you prefer deep-frying, an electric deep fryer with removable parts may make cleaning easier, but it won’t eliminate odours or the need to handle oil. If you only cook these foods occasionally, check whether your oven or frying pan will do the job before adding another appliance to store.
If you cook chips, breaded foods or doughnuts, smells, steam and splashes may matter more to you than capacity. Que Choisir recommends considering hot-air cooking; some oil fryers also have a model-specific filtration system.
If washing up and handling oil put you off using an appliance, check which parts can actually be removed and which are dishwasher-safe. Features vary between models, even within the same brand.
If you’re short on worktop space or rarely cook these foods, compare the appliance’s footprint and useful capacity with what your oven or frying pan can already do. You’ll also need somewhere to store a dedicated appliance between uses.
First choose the cooking method you’re happy with, then compare appliances based on the factor that matters most in your kitchen.
Worth considering : if you want to deep-fry occasionally and are happy to keep an eye on the food on your hob.
Bear in mind : you’ll still need to manage the oil, deal with possible splashes and clean the pan.
Worth considering : if you want to deep-fry without taking up a hob ring.
Bear in mind : even when some models have a filtration system, the oil and odours still need attention.
Worth considering : if you prefer hot-air cooking and want to avoid dealing with a pan of hot oil.
Bear in mind : Que Choisir says these appliances can be bulky and noisy, and the results you get with chips vary between models.
Worth considering : if you only cook these foods occasionally and don’t want another appliance to store.
Bear in mind : a frying pan won’t prevent oil splashes. Also check that your oven is suitable for the dishes you want to make.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Odours and splashes | The cooking method and, for an oil fryer, whether the specific model has a lid or filter. | When frying smells linger in my kitchen, my main priority is to reduce the nuisance and limit splashes. Around 37% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Cleaning | Removable, dishwasher-safe parts and, for deep-frying, the procedure for draining or filtering the oil. | If washing up after cooking puts me off using the appliance, I look for one that’s easier to clean. This is the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Capacity and batches | The amount of food you usually cook; for an air fryer, the number and layout of the drawers. | When I’m preparing several portions or two foods for the same meal, I want to avoid cooking multiple batches. Around 18% of consumers put capacity at the top of their list. |
| Space and how often you’ll use it | The space available to use and store the appliance, and whether your oven or frying pan can handle these dishes. | If I rarely cook chips or breaded foods, I don’t want to clutter up my kitchen with an appliance I hardly use. Space and occasional use are the main priorities for around 18% of consumers. |
An unsuitable pan may not work as intended, particularly on an induction hob. Que Choisir notes that an aluminium cast pan is not suitable for this use and recommends looking for steel.
Before buying, check that the pan you’ve chosen is compatible with your hob.
Hot-air cooking isn’t the same as deep-frying. Que Choisir found that results for chips vary between appliances. Reducing oil-related odours doesn’t mean there’ll be no cooking smells at all.
Choose the cooking method that suits you, then check the instructions and test results for the model you’re considering.
A large total capacity doesn’t tell you how much room there is for each food. With two drawers, how the capacity is divided also matters for the portions you prepare.
Compare your usual quantities with the size of each basket or pan, and measure the space you have for the appliance.
Dishwasher compatibility may apply only to the basket, a tray or other removable parts. Depending on the model, the pan and heating elements may need to be cleaned differently.
Check the manual to see which parts can be removed and how each one should be cleaned.
Tefal offers electric oil fryers and air fryers, including compact models and oil fryers with filtration.
Its dual-drawer air fryers may appeal to households that want to cook two different dishes separately.
Philips offers family-sized air fryers, as well as models with removable parts.
These Joybuy models cover two of the options discussed here: electric deep fryers and air fryers. Compare their size and cleaning requirements with the portions you usually prepare before deciding whether a dedicated appliance would be useful.
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Worth considering if you want to keep deep-frying and watch your food through an XL anti-mist window. Check the manual to see which parts need cleaning and the conditions behind any claims about reducing odours. These claims don’t mean you can cook without any smells.
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The two drawers let you cook two different dishes without using a pan of oil. The title lists a total capacity of 7.6 L and six functions. Before relying on the dishwasher for cleaning, check the manual to confirm which parts are dishwasher-safe.
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The two baskets and independent thermostats are worth considering if you want to deep-fry two different foods. The title lists a power rating of 3 600 W and odour filters. These filters don’t remove the need to manage the oil or allow for cooking smells. Also measure the space you’ll need to set it up.
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Compare this size with the smaller portions you usually cook before adding another appliance to your kitchen. The title lists a power rating of 1 150 W, a 60-minute timer and a non-stick basket described as dishwasher-safe. Check the dimensions to make sure it’ll fit in your storage space.
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The two baskets and independent temperature controls are worth considering if you want to cook two different dishes. The title lists a total capacity of 9 L, a power rating of 2 400 W and eight programmes. Measure the space you have and check the manual for instructions on cleaning the baskets.
Yes, as long as its pan is compatible with induction. Que Choisir advises against using an aluminium cast pan for this purpose and recommends steel. Check that your chosen pan is compatible with your hob before buying.
Check the manual for the specific model to see how to clean the pan, basket, tray or rack, and heating elements. For an oil fryer, also find out how to filter, drain and store the oil.
Not necessarily if you only cook these foods occasionally or are short on space. Que Choisir points out that an air fryer can do some of the same things as an oven. Compare the portions you want to prepare, the space it takes up and the cleaning involved before adding another appliance.
Check which model the claim applies to and the conditions used for comparison. It doesn’t mean there’ll be no odours. For example, Tefal says its Clear Duo FR600810 reduces odours compared with a specific model without an active air system. This comparison doesn’t apply to all fryers.