Occasional cooks who are sensitive to smells
If you sometimes make chips, breaded food or doughnuts, it’s worth comparing an air fryer with cooking in a pan of oil. However, using less oil doesn’t mean you’ll get the same result.
Who are these options for?
Anyone looking to make cleaning easier
Check which parts are removable and dishwasher-safe for the specific model. A dishwasher-safe basket doesn’t mean you can ignore the care instructions for the rest of the appliance.
Small kitchens where the hob is already in use
An electric oil fryer or air fryer leaves your hob free while it cooks. However, measure how much worktop space it will take up and make sure its capacity suits your portion sizes.
What sets fryers apart?
First decide which cooking method you’re comfortable with, then consider the cleaning involved and how much room the specific appliance needs.
Traditional pan fryer
Worth considering: for occasional frying, if you have a hob ring and a pan that’s compatible with your hob.
Bear in mind: it takes up a hob ring and involves handling hot oil, with a risk of splashes.
Electric deep-fat fryer
Worth considering: if you want to keep cooking in oil while leaving the hob free for another dish.
Bear in mind: you’ll still need to handle hot oil and clean the fryer; features such as a filter or cool zone depend on the model.
Air fryer
Worth considering: if avoiding a pan of oil and the cleaning it involves matters more than recreating traditional deep-fried food.
Bear in mind: Which? notes that these appliances can be bulky and a little noisy, and that results vary between air fryer models.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Smells and splashes | Compare the cooking methods. For a pan of oil, check the lid and any features listed in the instructions. | When I fry food, I mainly want to reduce oil smells and splashes. Around 33% of consumers put this need first. |
| Cleaning and oil | Find out which parts are removable and specifically listed as dishwasher-safe. If applicable, check the instructions for caring for the oil. | After occasional cooking, I’d rather avoid lengthy cleaning and having to manage a pan of oil regularly. Cleaning is the main concern for around 27% of consumers. |
| Hob space and appliance size | Measure the space you have available. If the fryer sits on a hob ring, check that it’s compatible with your hob. | My hob is already in use for the rest of the meal, but I don’t want to clutter my worktop either. Around 20% of consumers put keeping this space free first. |
| Cooking results and portions | Match the capacity to your portion sizes and look for reviews of the model cooking the foods you plan to make. | For chips, breaded food or doughnuts, I want to choose based on the results I’m looking for and how much I need to make. Around 20% of consumers prioritise results and portion sizes. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Expecting an air fryer to give the same results as deep-frying
The cooking methods are different. Which? has found that results vary between air fryers, so the appliance’s name alone won’t tell you what to expect from a particular model.
If chip texture matters to you, read reviews of the model you’re considering and check its loading recommendations.
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Overlooking your hob when choosing a traditional fryer
A pan designed to sit on a hob ring needs to be compatible with your hob and stable when you’re using hot oil.
Check the manufacturer’s stated compatibility, especially for induction, as well as the size of the hob ring and how stable the whole set-up is.
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Assuming dishwasher-safe parts mean the appliance needs no cleaning
Dishwasher compatibility applies to the parts specified, not necessarily the whole appliance. An oil fryer also needs to be maintained according to the instructions for its oil.
Check the manual for dishwasher-safe parts, cooling times and approved cleaning tools.
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Choosing a large capacity without measuring your space
An electric appliance frees up the hob, but takes up worktop space. Which? notes that air fryers in particular can be bulky.
Compare the external dimensions, the space needed to use and store the appliance, and the capacity that suits your portion sizes.
Brands to know when comparing models
SEB
SEB offers electric deep-fat fryers as well as Actifry models. The brand gives you the option to compare these two cooking methods without assuming that features apply across the entire range.
- SEB says its Filtra One FF162100 filters out food residue.
- This feature doesn’t remove the precautions needed when handling and maintaining hot oil.
Tefal
The Easy Fry range includes air fryers in different sizes. Compare models based on the portions you plan to make and the parts you’ll need to clean.
- Tefal lists a 4.2 L capacity and a temperature range of 80 to 200 °C for the Easy Fry EY201815.
- These specifications don’t guarantee particular cooking results or a certain level of odour control in other models.
Philips
Philips also offers air fryers with dual baskets, which may be worth considering if you’re preparing several parts of a meal.
- Philips says that parts of its NA352/04 model are dishwasher-safe.
- Check which parts this applies to and the capacity of the model you choose; it doesn’t apply to the electrical unit.
Air fryers and electric fryers on Joybuy
These models include air fryers in different capacities and an electric deep-fat fryer. Compare them based on how you want to cook, your portion sizes and the space you have available.
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Midea Air Fryer 2 L, 1150 W, black
Worth considering if you make small portions and want to avoid a pan of oil. The product name lists a 2 L capacity, 1150 W power, a 60-minute timer and a non-stick basket described as dishwasher-safe. Check that the capacity and dimensions suit your kitchen.
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Cuisinart Compact Max AFS8OBLE, 7.6 L
Consider comparing this air fryer if you need to make several portions. Its stated capacity is 7.6 L; measure your available space before choosing this size.
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NINJA FN101EUGY Crispi Air Fryer
Worth comparing if you’d rather cook with hot air than manage a pan of oil. Before choosing this model, check what quantities it can handle for your meals, its dimensions and the cleaning instructions for its containers.
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Hkoenig DFX600, two 3 L baskets
This model is for anyone who wants to keep cooking in a pan of oil without taking up a hob ring. Its name lists two 3 L baskets, 3600 W power, two independent thermostats and anti-odour filters; the filters don’t guarantee that there’ll be no smells. Remember to allow for handling and maintaining hot oil.
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Bear QZG-F24F1, dual basket, 9 L
Worth comparing if you want to cook two foods at different temperatures without using a pan of oil. The product name lists a total capacity of 9 L, 2400 W power and eight programmes. The total capacity alone won’t tell you how much will fit in each basket. Check the dimensions and cleaning instructions too.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a traditional fryer on an induction hob?
Yes, if the pan is explicitly stated to be compatible with induction. Check the manufacturer’s guidance for the specific fryer and make sure it’s the right size for the hob ring you’ll use.
Should I wait before cleaning an air fryer?
Yes, let it cool down as instructed in the manual. Philips recommends waiting around 30 minutes for the Airfryer covered by its cleaning instructions. For its non-stick parts, the brand recommends using a non-abrasive sponge and advises against metal utensils.
Does a dishwasher-safe basket mean I can wash the whole appliance that way?
No. This only applies to the parts named by the manufacturer, not the electrical unit. Check the manual for the model you choose to see which parts are dishwasher-safe.