If odours and dealing with oil matter more to you than the results of traditional deep-frying, start by comparing air fryers. UFC-Que Choisir reports a lower risk of unpleasant smells, but no guarantee that they’ll disappear completely. To get food cooked in hot oil, a traditional or electric deep-fat fryer still involves handling hot oil. If you rarely cook this way and space is limited, consider whether the oven or frying pan you already own would do the job.
An air fryer is worth comparing with deep-frying if cooking smells bother you. UFC-Que Choisir reports a lower risk of unpleasant smells when cooking with hot air, but doesn’t promise an odour-free kitchen.
If you only occasionally make chips or cook breaded food, first consider what your oven, frying pan or a traditional hob-compatible fryer can do before making space for another appliance.
It’s not just about the cooking method. Check which parts can be removed, which are dishwasher-safe and how long the appliance needs to cool before you clean it.
Start with the results you want and how comfortable you are with hot oil. Then consider each appliance in relation to your portions, kitchen space and cleaning routine.
Worth considering: for occasional traditional deep-frying, if you have a suitable hob and pan.
The trade-off: cooking takes up a hob ring, and hot oil needs to be handled with care.
Worth considering: if you want to keep cooking in hot oil while leaving your hob free.
The trade-off: the oil still needs to cool before you store or dispose of it. Odour-control features vary by model.
Worth considering: if you’d rather cook with hot air than manage a pan of oil, and want to reduce the associated smells.
The trade-off: fresh chips may not turn out like they do when deep-fried. Capacity, size and noise are also worth considering.
Worth considering: if you already own one and rarely cook fried or breaded food.
The trade-off: don’t assume the results or cleaning will be the same as with a deep-fat fryer.
| Priority | What to check | What matters to me |
|---|---|---|
| Odours and splashes | Compare the cooking methods, then check whether the specific model has a filter, lid or splash guard. According to UFC-Que Choisir, hot-air cooking reduces the risk of unpleasant smells, but doesn’t eliminate them. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to reduce smells without assuming that cooking will be completely odour-free. |
| Cleaning and used oil | Check which parts are removable and whether they’re dishwasher-safe. If you’re deep-frying, allow time for the oil to cool and plan how to dispose of it: ADEME advises against pouring used oil down the sink or toilet, or into the environment. | After a meal, I want to know which parts need washing and what to do with the oil, especially if I use the appliance often. |
| Space, portions and noise | Check the dimensions, the clearance needed to open the appliance and the portions it can handle for the foods you prepare. The stated capacity in litres alone doesn’t tell you how much you can cook. UFC-Que Choisir also highlights the size of air fryers and fan noise. | My worktop space is limited, and I don’t want to cook several batches just to feed everyone. |
| Cooking results | Bear in mind that deep-frying in oil is different from cooking with hot air, which is similar to using a small fan oven. For fresh chips and breaded food, look for tests using the portions and model you’re considering. | If a traditional deep-fried texture is essential, I won’t choose an air fryer just because it has “fryer” in the name. |
UFC-Que Choisir reports that results with fresh chips can vary depending on the quantity, and may not match those of traditional deep-frying.
If texture is your priority, compare the cooking methods before looking at the advertised programmes, and search for tests using the portions you typically prepare.
A filtration claim applies to a particular model and set of comparison conditions. Cooking with hot air doesn’t guarantee an odour-free kitchen either.
For an oil fryer, check whether it has a filter, how to maintain it and which parts are washable rather than assuming a claim applies to an entire range.
The stated capacity doesn’t tell you exactly how much food you can cook at once. The appliance also takes up space, and UFC-Que Choisir recommends considering fan noise too.
Measure the space available, check that the drawer can open fully and compare the suggested portions for the foods you cook.
Hot oil can splatter and must cool before you handle it. ADEME says used oil must not be poured down drains or released into the environment.
Follow the instructions, never leave the fryer unattended while it’s on, and find out about local oil collection options.
These examples are intended to help you assess specific model features; they don’t apply to every fryer made by each brand.
The Tefal Clear Duo FR600810 deep-fat fryer is an example of a model with filtration advertised by the brand.
Philips support provides cleaning advice for its Airfryers, including the pan and basket.
Moulinex lists the Easy Fry Essential EZ130810 as having a capacity of 3.5 L.
These models use hot-air cooking. Compare their sizes and advertised features if you’d rather not manage a pan of hot oil. When making your decision, also consider an oil fryer, your oven or your frying pan.
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Worth considering if you’d like to cook with hot air in two drawers rather than manage a pan of oil. The model name indicates six functions and dishwasher-safe baskets. Check its dimensions and noise level if you’ll be using it in an open-plan kitchen.
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This two-drawer model may suit a household that cooks different foods using hot air. The name indicates six functions and dishwasher-safe baskets. Compare the space it takes up with the DZ400EU, and check the noise level for your kitchen.
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Compare its stated 7.6 L capacity with your usual portions, bearing in mind that suitable quantities vary by food. If space is limited, check the dimensions and clearance needed before choosing this air fryer.
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When choosing this air fryer, compare its containers with the quantities you usually prepare, and check how much space you’ll need while cooking and when storing it. As with any air fryer, don’t assume the results will be the same as deep-frying.
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Compare the stated 2 L capacity with your usual portions if you’re looking for a compact air fryer. The name indicates a dishwasher-safe non-stick basket and a 60-minute timer. Also check how much space it needs and how noisy it is when running.
No. UFC-Que Choisir reports that cooking with hot air reduces the risk of unpleasant smells, which can be particularly useful in a small kitchen, but doesn’t eliminate them. The food you cook and how you clean the appliance matter too.
Follow the model’s instructions and let it cool before cleaning. For its Airfryers, Philips recommends letting the appliance cool for around 30 minutes and using a non-abrasive sponge on the pan and basket. Avoid using metal utensils on the coating.
No. ADEME advises against pouring used frying oil down the sink or toilet, or disposing of it in the environment. Let it cool, put it in a sealed container and check what collection options are available in your local area.
Choose a stable location, follow the instructions and never leave the fryer unattended while it’s on. Hot oil can splatter, so allow it to cool before handling or disposing of it after use. The INRS highlights the risk of burns in its guidance for catering professionals.
Not for every use: its capacity and the space available for food may limit how much you can cook. If you already have an oven, think about the dishes and portions you actually prepare in it before adding another appliance to your worktop.