If your priority is making chips or breaded foods without having to deal with a pan of oil, an air fryer is the most straightforward option. However, check how it performs with the recipes you make, how much space it needs, how easy it is to clean and how noisy it is: UFC-Que Choisir has found differences in cooking performance between models. A traditional deep-fat fryer is still an option if you’re happy to handle the oil. An oven or frying pan you already own means you can avoid buying a dedicated appliance, but you shouldn’t assume the results will be the same.
You’d like to make chips or breaded foods without filling a bowl with oil, then waiting for it to cool before storing or disposing of it. ADEME advises that used cooking oil should not be poured down the sink or toilet.
How much you cook at each meal matters just as much as the stated capacity. Compare the shape of the baskets, whether you can cook two dishes at once and how much space the appliance will take up.
Fan noise, the space the appliance takes up and how easy it is to clean after cooking may matter more to you than the number of programmes. UFC-Que Choisir recommends taking noise into account before buying an air fryer.
If you want to avoid a pan of oil, start with the cooking method, then compare the results you can expect with your favourite foods and the practicalities of each appliance. These three options require different equipment and levels of maintenance.
Consider it if: you regularly make chips or breaded foods and don’t want to fill a bowl with oil.
Bear in mind: the fan makes a noise, and results vary depending on the model and food. UFC-Que Choisir has found differences in cooking performance between air fryers.
Consider it if: you want to deep-fry food and are happy to handle the oil, then store or dispose of it.
Bear in mind: you’ll still need to manage the oil, even with a model that has a filtering and storage system.
Consider it if: you only make these foods occasionally and would rather use equipment you already own.
Bear in mind: these are different cooking methods, so don’t assume they’ll produce the same results or work in the same way as an air fryer.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Handling oil | Check the cooking method and whether your recipes call for any added oil. With a traditional deep-fat fryer, look at how the oil is filtered and stored. | I want to cook foods that are usually deep-fried without having to store and dispose of a pan of oil; around 31% of consumers rank this as their top concern. |
| Cooking results | Look for a test of the exact model using the foods you cook, especially to check how evenly it cooks chips and how well it handles breaded foods. | If my chips cook unevenly, avoiding a pan of oil isn’t enough to satisfy me; consistent results are a priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Portions, space and noise | Check that the basket shape suits your portions, measure the space available and look for a noise rating if you have an open-plan kitchen. | I cook several portions, but the appliance needs to fit on my worktop without disturbing nearby activities; around 19% of consumers put this balance ahead of other criteria. |
| Cleaning | Check which parts are removable and dishwasher-safe, as well as the care instructions for the model. | After cooking, I want to clean the parts I’ve used without having to go through lots of steps; easy cleaning is a priority for around 25% of consumers. |
UFC-Que Choisir’s tests show differences between models, including in how evenly they cook chips. A pre-set programme alone won’t tell you how your recipes will turn out.
Look for a test of the exact model using the foods you cook most often.
Convection cooking comes with fan noise. UFC-Que Choisir points out that this is worth considering, particularly if the appliance will be used near a living area.
If noise is a concern, check the noise rating for the model you’re considering and think about where you’ll put it while it’s cooking.
A large capacity in litres doesn’t tell you how much room there is in the basket. The appliance also needs to fit on your worktop.
Before choosing a capacity, compare the external dimensions, the shape of the basket and how much you usually cook.
With a deep-fat fryer, cleaning up doesn’t end when the food is cooked. In France, ADEME advises that used oil should not be poured down the sink or toilet, or released into the environment.
Let it cool, store it in a sealed container and check where you can take it for disposal locally.
This option also takes time to cool, package and dispose of the oil.
The Airfryer range includes hot-air models with a 4.1 L capacity, as well as other sizes.
The Easy Fry range includes air fryers in different sizes, including models that combine hot-air cooking with grilling.
SEB offers deep-fat fryers as well as Actifry appliances that use different amounts of oil, depending on the model.
These hot-air appliances let you cook without filling a bowl with oil. To compare their sizes, check the capacity stated in the model name against your usual portions and the space you have available. If the results for chips or noise levels are important to you, look for a test of the exact model.
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Worth considering if you want to cook two dishes in separate drawers using hot air, without filling a bowl with oil.
Two drawers; stated total capacity of 7,6 L; six functions listed in the product name. Check how much space it needs and look for a cooking test of the DZ300EU using the foods you usually make.
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Worth a look if you’d prefer an air fryer for cooking without a pan of oil.
Before choosing the FN101EUGY, compare the size of its containers with your usual portions. If the results matter particularly to you, look for a test using chips or breaded foods.
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Worth comparing for hot-air cooking if you’re looking for a stated capacity of 7,6 L rather than a small basket.
Check the external dimensions and the shape of the cooking area: capacity alone doesn’t determine how much food you can fit in at once.
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Worth considering if you cook small quantities and want to avoid dealing with a pan of oil.
The product name lists a 2 L basket and a 60-minute timer. Measure the space you have available and check that the basket size suits the portions you cook.
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Worth a look if you want to cook two foods in separate compartments without using a pan of oil.
The product name lists a stated total capacity of 9 L and ten functions. Compare the dimensions and the space in each compartment with the foods you usually make.
No. Choosing an air fryer doesn’t guarantee that there’ll be no cooking smells. Manufacturers’ claims about reducing odours depend on the model and how it’s used. If you’re comparing appliances, look for an independent test that covers this.
Compare your usual portions with the shape and surface area of the basket, then measure the space available for the appliance. The stated capacity in litres isn’t enough to tell you how much you can cook in one batch.
Unplug the appliance, let it cool completely and follow its care instructions. Use non-abrasive accessories and check exactly which removable parts of your model are dishwasher-safe.
No. ADEME advises that cooking oil should not be poured down the sink or toilet, or released into the environment. Let it cool, store it in a sealed container and check which recycling centre or collection points are available in your area.