If you only prepare breaded foods occasionally, start by comparing the oven or frying pan you already own with a traditional deep-fat fryer, if you’re happy to manage a pan of oil. For regular batches, an electric deep-fat fryer may make certain tasks easier, depending on its features. An air fryer avoids the oil bath, but its usable capacity, footprint and noise deserve just as much consideration as cleaning.
If you rarely make chips or other breaded foods, start by comparing the oven and frying pan you already have with a traditional deep-fat fryer. You’ll also need to find somewhere to store a dedicated appliance between uses.
If frying smells, splashes or handling oil are important factors in your decision, consider the cooking method and which parts need cleaning. Whichever option you choose, check the requirements of the specific model.
When you’re cooking for several people, the recommended amount per batch matters more than the stated capacity alone. Also compare the number of batches you’ll need to cook and the cleaning involved afterwards.
Your choice depends first on whether you’re happy to cook in an oil bath, and then on how often you’ll use the appliance. UFC-Que Choisir lists the oven, frying pan and different types of fryer as options to compare when making chips, each with its own considerations.
Worth considering: for occasional frying if you’re happy to use a hob.
The trade-off: you’ll still need to manage and maintain the oil bath, as well as deal with splashes.
Worth considering: if you want to keep using an oil bath but would like features such as a filtration system or storage container on selected models.
The trade-off: these features vary by model and don’t remove the need to deal with used oil.
Worth considering: if you want to cook breaded foods without an oil bath and clean a basket after use.
The trade-off: check how much you can cook per batch, how much space you’ll need and how noisy the fan is.
Worth considering: for occasional use if your existing equipment suits the food you want to prepare.
The trade-off: the result may differ from food cooked in an oil bath or with hot air.
| Criteria | What to check | Relevant to |
|---|---|---|
| Frying smells | Compare the cooking methods. For a deep-fat fryer, check whether it has an odour filter and how to maintain it. Don’t assume that a filter or an air fryer will eliminate all smells. | In a home where frying smells are a nuisance, my main priority is to keep them to a minimum. Around 29% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Cleaning and oil | Check which parts are removable and dishwasher-safe. If you’re using an oil bath, also look at how to drain and store the oil. | After each time I cook, I want to minimise the handling and washing up left for me to do. This would be the priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Space and occasional use | Measure the space you have for cooking and storage, then compare it with the appliance’s dimensions and the room needed to open its basket or lid. | If I only cook breaded foods now and then, I don’t want a dedicated appliance taking up space in my kitchen all the time. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise space. |
| Portions per batch | Compare the amount recommended in the manual, not just the stated capacity in litres. Check whether you need to stir the food during cooking. | When several people are eating together, I want to avoid cooking batch after batch. This serving capacity would be the main concern for around 21% of consumers. |
Cooking with hot air or using a filter on a deep-fat fryer doesn’t guarantee an odour-free kitchen. Fan noise may also matter in an open-plan kitchen, as UFC-Que Choisir points out when discussing air fryers.
Check the specific model’s features and look for independent tests of noise or odours, where available.
An appliance designed for several portions also needs to fit on your worktop and be easy to store after cooking. UFC-Que Choisir describes air fryers as bulky.
Measure the space you have and start with the portions you usually cook before choosing a capacity.
A deep-fat fryer means you’ll need to store or dispose of the oil after use. ADEME advises against pouring it down the sink or toilet, or into the natural environment.
Check your local authority’s guidance on collecting used oil and find out how the model lets you drain or store it.
The recommended amount may differ from the basket’s physical capacity. UFC-Que Choisir’s air fryer testing procedure includes stirring the chips at least once during cooking.
Read the manual to find out the recommended load and whether you need to stir the food, especially if you’re cooking several portions.
The Easy Fry range includes hot-air appliances in several sizes.
Philips offers air fryers as well as replacement baskets and bowls for selected series.
SEB offers electric deep-fat fryers as well as hot-air appliances.
The brand offers deep-fat fryers with filtration and draining features that vary by model.
These models are designed for hot-air cooking or electric deep-fat frying. Compare their capacity with your portion sizes and consider the maintenance involved. If you’ll only use an appliance occasionally, the oven, frying pan and traditional deep-fat fryer are also worth considering.
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Worth considering if you want to prepare breaded foods without an oil bath. Check how much worktop space you’ll need and how noisy it is if you have an open-plan kitchen.
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The two drawers may suit households that want to cook two portions or dishes at the same time. Its stated capacity is 7.6 L; compare this with the recommended amount per batch and allow room to open the drawers.
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If you usually cook small amounts, compare the 2 L basket with your usual portion sizes. The stated power is 1,150 W. Measure the space you have too, rather than relying on the word “compact”.
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Worth considering if you want to keep cooking with an oil bath. The stated oil capacity is 3.5 L, so allow for the maintenance and disposal involved. If the filter is a key reason for your choice, check how it can be replaced.
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Its stated capacity of 7.6 L is worth considering if you cook several portions. Before choosing this model, check the recommended amount for breaded foods, its external dimensions and that its voltage is suitable for your home.
No, an air fryer doesn’t guarantee odour-free cooking. If smells are one of the reasons you’re considering buying one, also check how much space it needs and how noisy the fan is. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the latter point.
Let it cool, put it in a sealed container and check your local authority’s collection guidance. In France, ADEME advises against pouring it down the sink or toilet, or into the natural environment.
A removable bowl, a convenient draining system or parts that are dishwasher-safe can reduce the amount of handling involved, provided these features are included on the model you choose. De’Longhi recommends cleaning a deep-fat fryer when it’s cold and unplugged. Check the manual too to see which parts can be washed separately.