If you’re put off by the smell of a deep-fat fryer and having to dispose of used oil, start by considering an air fryer. Just don’t expect completely odour-free cooking or the same results for every food. A deep-fat fryer could suit you if you’re happy to maintain it and want an appliance that matches the portions you cook. An oven or frying pan means no extra purchase, but may not be suitable for every dish.
In an open-plan or poorly ventilated kitchen, smells can influence your choice. Que Choisir points out that the performance of deep-fat fryer filters varies, so a filter lid doesn’t guarantee an odour-free kitchen.
If you’re serving chips, breaded food or doughnuts to several people, check how much food the appliance can cook in one batch and the shape of the basket, not just its stated capacity in litres.
An appliance that’s easy to clean can still be inconvenient if it takes up valuable worktop space. Check its dimensions, removable parts and fan noise if your kitchen opens onto a living area.
The cooking method determines whether you’ll need to manage a bath of oil. Portion sizes, cleaning and the space you have available then help you choose between appliances.
Consider it: for occasional cooking without a dedicated electric appliance, if you can keep an eye on hot oil.
Be prepared for: cooking smells and having to let the oil cool before disposing of it.
Consider it: if you regularly cook portions that suit the capacity you choose and are happy to maintain an oil-based appliance.
Be prepared for: a lid filter won’t necessarily prevent smells when the basket is lowered into or lifted out of the oil, as Que Choisir points out.
Consider it: if you want to cook with hot air without managing a bath of oil.
Be prepared for: an extra appliance, fan noise and results that vary depending on the model and the amount of food, as noted by Que Choisir.
Consider it: if your existing equipment suits the dishes you make and you’d rather avoid buying another appliance.
Be prepared for: these methods won’t automatically replicate every type of cooking. You’ll still need to keep an eye on a frying pan, which can also produce smells and splashes when you use oil.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Smells and oil | Cooking method; how effective you expect the filter to be and whether you can ventilate the room if you choose an oil fryer. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to avoid lingering smells and having to manage a bath of oil. Around 31% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Portions and cooking | How much food the appliance can cook in one batch; the shape of the basket and the results for your dishes, rather than capacity in litres alone. | When serving several people, I’d rather avoid cooking multiple batches without overcrowding the food. This would be the main concern for around 25% of consumers. |
| Cleaning | Which parts are actually removable and washable; the model’s cooling and cleaning instructions. | If I cook often, I want to be able to clean the bowl or basket without making every meal more complicated. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise ease of cleaning above all. |
| Space and noise | External dimensions, storage and fan noise; whether it’s useful alongside the oven you already have. | When worktop space is limited, I don’t want to add a bulky or inconvenient appliance. Around 19% of consumers would prioritise saving space. |
According to Que Choisir, filters vary in effectiveness, and smells can escape when the basket is lowered into or lifted out of the bath of oil.
If smell is your deciding factor, also compare hot-air cooking and make sure you have suitable ventilation, whichever method you choose.
Capacity in litres doesn’t tell you on its own how many chips the appliance can cook in one batch. Que Choisir also reports uneven cooking in some models when food is piled too thickly.
Compare the stated quantities for the foods you cook and look at the basket and test results for the specific model.
If you cook too much at once, you may need to make several batches.
Dishwasher compatibility may only apply to certain removable parts. Non-stick coatings also need to be cleaned according to the instructions.
Check the instructions for the exact model to see which parts can be washed and which make up the heating unit, and choose suitable cleaning accessories.
An air fryer can cook food in a similar way to an oven, but it also takes up space and makes fan noise, as Que Choisir notes.
Compare the small batches you usually cook with what your oven can already do, then check that you have space for an air fryer and that its noise level would suit you.
The range includes electric deep-fat fryers and Actifry hot-air models with a stirring paddle.
The Easy Fry range includes models with different capacities, so compare them according to your portion sizes and available space.
The Airfryer range includes hot-air models with baskets and features that vary by model.
The Easy Fry range includes a large-capacity model to consider if family-sized portions justify the space it takes up.
These models let you consider hot-air cooking without a bath of oil. Choose between a small basket, a large capacity and separate compartments to suit your portions, then check that the appliance will fit in your kitchen and is easy to maintain.
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Worth considering if you want to cook with hot air without a bath of oil. The stated capacity is 3,2 L; check how much food it can cook to suit your portions and how much space you’ll need around the appliance.
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The 2 L basket makes this model better suited to modest portions, but capacity alone doesn’t tell you how much food it can cook. The product name states that it has a 60 min timer and a dishwasher-safe non-stick basket; check the instructions to see which parts this applies to.
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The two baskets may suit a household that wants to cook two dishes separately. The stated capacity is 9 L; compare how much of each food the appliance can cook and how much space it takes up before choosing this size.
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The adjustable basket may suit you if you switch between cooking one dish and preparing two separately. The product name states that it has a 12QT capacity, a viewing window and 50 cooking liners; check the dimensions and portion sizes for each configuration.
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This hot-air model may be worth considering for larger portions, but its 7 L capacity alone doesn’t tell you how much food it can cook. The product name states that it has a digital display and cooking window; also check its dimensions and how to clean the basket.
No, a filter doesn’t guarantee there’ll be no smell. Que Choisir says effectiveness varies between appliances, and smells can also escape when you lower or lift the basket. Make sure you have suitable ventilation if you choose a deep-fat fryer.
Follow the instructions for your model and let it cool before cleaning. For its Airfryer models, Philips recommends waiting around 30 minutes and using a non-abrasive sponge rather than metal utensils or abrasive products on non-stick parts.
Let it cool and put it in a sealed container. Don’t pour it down the sink or toilet. In France, ADEME says it should usually be taken to a waste disposal centre; you can also check for local collection points.
Choose accessories suitable for contact with food and for the conditions in which your appliance is used. The DGCCRF stresses the importance of using utensils and containers designed for cooking; also check the instructions for any restrictions that apply to your model.