Choose a deep-fat electric fryer if immersion cooking is your priority and you are happy to manage the oil, cleaning and ventilation. Opt for an air fryer if you want to avoid deep-frying oil and simplify everyday cleaning, while checking the model’s footprint, usable capacity and cooking consistency. For occasional use, an oven or hob-top fryer may be all you need, without adding a dedicated appliance.
If chips, breaded foods or doughnuts leave a lingering smell, compare an air fryer with an oil fryer fitted with a filter. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a filter can help depending on the appliance, but it will not prevent every smell when handling the basket.
For preparing family-sized portions frequently, look for a deep-fat fryer with a suitable capacity, a thermostat, an oil-draining system or removable bowl, and components that are genuinely dishwasher-safe.
If space is limited or you only fry food occasionally, check whether a hob-top fryer, oven or compact air fryer already covers your usual portions without taking over your worktop.
Start with how often you cook and the portions you prepare, then consider cleaning, available space and safety requirements before choosing a technology.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Odours and ventilation | Check your kitchen’s ventilation, whether an oil fryer has a filter and the conditions for using it. A filter may reduce smells during cooking, but not those released when food is immersed or the basket is removed, according to UFC-Que Choisir. | I want to limit the smell of frying in my home. An air fryer is worth considering if avoiding odours matters more than immersion cooking. |
| Cleaning and oil | Check the bowl, basket, lid and heating unit separately: not all of them are necessarily dishwasher-safe. A removable bowl or draining system can also save you from having to lift the oil. | After cooking, I want to reduce disassembly, degreasing and handling hot oil. |
| Capacity and footprint | Compare the amount of food per batch with your usual portion, rather than looking only at the stated litre capacity. Also measure the space available for an air fryer or large fryer. | I am looking for an appliance that will not require endless batches, while also avoiding an oversized appliance that sits unused on the worktop. |
| Safety | Choose a clearly identified model, read the instructions and place the appliance on a stable surface. Also check RappelConso alerts before and after buying. | I want to reduce the risk of splashes, burns and electrical problems, especially when buying an appliance online. |
Smells can still escape when the basket goes into or comes out of the oil. In a small, poorly ventilated home, a filter alone may therefore not meet your expectations.
Think of the filter as an aid and use an extractor hood or ensure good ventilation. If odour is your main concern, compare air fryers first.
A large oil fryer may suit family meals, but it also means managing a bath of oil and the associated cleaning routine. The De’Longhi Cool Zone F44532CZ, for example, states a capacity of 5 L of oil and 1.5 kg of food.
Note your usual portion size, cooking frequency and which components are genuinely washable before choosing. With a deep-fat fryer, a removable bowl or draining system can make handling easier.
With a deep-fat fryer, the oil needs to be filtered, stored and replaced.
UFC-Que Choisir reports that results vary between models: some chips may be overcooked on top while others remain pale at the bottom.
Read tests covering the exact model, adjust the basket load and shake or turn the food when recommended in the instructions.
Recalls published by RappelConso in 2026 concerned air fryers presenting risks including electric shock, fire, burns or excessive overheating.
Keep the exact model reference and check RappelConso before buying and after delivery. If an alert concerns your model or batch, stop using it and follow the official procedure.
In France, Tefal offers Easy Fry air fryers in single-drawer, dual-drawer and large-capacity formats.
Moulinex offers both electric oil fryers and air fryers, making it easier to compare the two technologies from the same manufacturer.
De’Longhi offers traditional electric fryers, including models focused on a cool zone and oil drainage.
Joybuy options for air frying or deep-fat frying, to compare according to your portions, available space and the time you are prepared to spend cleaning.
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For family meals or varied dishes without using a bath of oil.
Stated capacity of 11 L, up to 6 portions, temperature range from 45 to 200 °C and 8 programmes. The removable components are stated to be dishwasher-safe; allow space for an 8 kg appliance and check the exact FW5018/FW501815 reference before buying.
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An intermediate size for cooking chips and everyday dishes for several people.
Stated 5 L bowl, 1450 W power, temperature range from 80 to 200 °C, six programmes and a dishwasher-safe non-stick basket. Check the required clearance around the appliance and the instructions relating to hot steam.
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Worth considering for larger quantities, with a window that lets you monitor cooking.
Stated capacity of 7 L, touchscreen, seven programmes, removable non-stick basket, cooking window, stop function when the basket is removed and overheat protection. Check the dimensions, noise level and basket-care instructions.
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For one or two people and kitchens where every centimetre of worktop space matters.
Stated 2 L basket, 1150 W power, 60-minute timer, temperature adjustment and non-stick basket. The removable parts are stated to be dishwasher-safe; allow for several batches when preparing family-sized portions.
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An option for small batches of chips cooked in a bath of oil.
Stated capacity of up to 400 g with 1.5 L of oil, thermostat adjustable up to 190 °C, removable basket, draining position, and lid with window and odour filter. The bowl is stated to be fixed: allow time for the oil to cool, filter and store it.
No. UFC-Que Choisir states that filter performance varies between appliances and that filters cannot prevent smells escaping when the basket enters or leaves the oil. Use the appliance in a well-ventilated room or under an extractor hood; if odour is your main concern, give air fryers serious consideration.
Check the bowl, basket, lid, handle and heating unit separately. According to Moulinex, on the Easy Pro, every component except the heating unit is dishwasher-safe; other models may offer a removable bowl or draining system.
Compare the stated amount of food with your usual portion and the number of batches you are willing to prepare. A 7 L air fryer may state that it holds up to 1.2 kg of chips, while an oil fryer may list 1.5 kg of food and 5 L of oil: the space required and cleaning routine are not the same.
Yes, particularly when the model is little known or bought online. In 2026, RappelConso published recalls of air fryers presenting risks including electric shock, fire and burns; search for the brand, exact model and, where available, the GTIN. If a matching recall is found, stop using the appliance and follow the instructions provided in the official notice.