Households bothered by the smell of frying
If handling a pan of hot oil puts you off, compare an air fryer with the oven you already use. Neither cooking method can guarantee a smell-free kitchen.
Who are these options for?
Fans of traditional frying
If the texture you get from deep-frying is important to you, consider an electric deep-fat fryer or a pan to use on the hob. Either way, you’ll need to handle and maintain the oil.
Small kitchens
If you cook small portions or only use an appliance occasionally, measure the space a new one would take up. UFC-Que Choisir points out that an air fryer can be bulky and also performs some of the functions of an oven.
How do the different cooking methods compare?
Start with the result you’re looking for, then consider what each option means for cooking smells, cleaning and the space you have available.
| Criteria | What to check | Depending on your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Smells | Work out whether the smell mainly comes from the pan of hot oil. According to UFC-Que Choisir, fryer filters vary in effectiveness, and smells can escape when you handle the basket. Air frying doesn’t promise a smell-free kitchen either. | I want to avoid smells caused by handling a pan of hot oil, but I don’t expect any appliance to eliminate all cooking smells. |
| Texture | Choose between deep-frying and air frying based on the result you want. UFC-Que Choisir’s tests show that the appearance and evenness of air-fried chips vary depending on the appliance and the amount cooked. | The crispness of traditional deep-fried food matters more to me than avoiding a pan of oil, so I’ll keep deep-frying among my options. |
| Cleaning and maintenance | For a deep-fat fryer, check how to filter, store and dispose of the oil. For an air fryer, read the instructions for cleaning the basket and drawer, caring for their coating and accessing the heating element. | If I want to avoid dealing with used oil, I’ll consider air frying, while allowing time to wash the parts after use. |
| Portions | Compare how much food you can actually cook in one batch, how it fits in the appliance and, if there are two baskets, their individual sizes. UFC-Que Choisir also tests air-fried chips in different quantities. | I sometimes cook two dishes at once, so how the food is divided between the baskets matters as much as the stated total capacity. |
| Space available | Measure the space you have and allow room to handle the appliance. If your oven is already suitable for your recipes, compare using it with using an air fryer before adding another appliance. | In a small kitchen, I’d rather try using my oven for occasional meals before making permanent space for an air fryer. |
| Hob and safety | For a traditional fryer, check that the pan is stable and compatible with your hob, particularly if it’s induction. For an electric appliance, follow the instructions and let it cool before cleaning. | If I choose a pan, it needs to be suitable for my hob. If I choose air frying, I won’t assume the appliance is cool straight after cooking. |
What should you look out for before choosing?
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Assuming a filter gets rid of all cooking smells
According to UFC-Que Choisir, filters vary in effectiveness, and smells can escape as the basket goes into or comes out of the oil.
Check the filter and its maintenance instructions for the specific model. If the smell of hot oil is a deal-breaker, compare options that don’t involve deep-frying.
Depending on the model, the filter may also need cleaning or replacing.
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Assuming air frying means no cleaning
The basket and drawer still need washing. UFC-Que Choisir’s tests also show that cooking results vary between appliances and according to the amount prepared.
Check the model’s cleaning instructions and look for tests covering the foods and portion sizes you’re interested in.
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Buying an air fryer without comparing it with your oven
UFC-Que Choisir highlights that an air fryer also performs some of the functions of an oven and can take up quite a bit of space.
Try your oven for the recipes you have in mind, then measure the space available if you’d like a separate appliance.
Which brands should you consider?
Tefal
Worth considering if you’re looking for an electric deep-fat fryer with an oil collection system.
- For the Oleo Clean FR804015, Tefal describes a filtration system, an oil storage container and removable parts that are dishwasher-safe.
- These features of the FR804015 don’t mean that all Tefal fryers prevent cooking smells.
Philips
The Airfryer range includes models with two baskets for you to compare.
- Philips lists one 6 L basket and one 3 L basket for the NA352/00.
- Philips provides separate instructions for washing the baskets and cleaning the heating element, so check the guidance for the model you choose.
Moulinex
The Easy Fry range is worth considering if a removable basket is one of your priorities.
- Moulinex describes the baskets in this range as removable and non-stick.
- Features and cleaning instructions vary by model, so check the manual for the one you choose.
Ninja
The Ninja Crispi features in a selection of air fryers published by Capital’s Labo Conso in September 2026.
- This model could be a useful point of comparison if its size suits the food you prepare.
- Its inclusion in this selection doesn’t assess cooking smells or describe the features of other Ninja models.
Air fryers available on Joybuy
These air fryers let you compare different designs and capacities if you’d like to cook without a pan of oil. They’re not a substitute for comparing them with your oven or, if deep-frying is your priority, with a deep-fat fryer.
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Philips Series 3000 NA351/00, two baskets, 9 L
Consider this if you’d like to divide your food between two baskets rather than cook everything in one drawer. The stated total capacity is 9 L. Check that you have enough worktop space and read the model’s cleaning instructions.
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Ninja Dual Zone DZ400EU, two drawers, 9.5 L
The two drawers are worth considering if you prepare two different foods as part of the same meal. This model is listed with a total capacity of 9.5 L and six functions. Measure the space available and check the instructions for cleaning the drawers.
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Ninja Dual Zone DZ300EU, two drawers, 7.6 L
Compare this two-drawer model with the DZ400EU based on the portions you cook. Its stated total capacity is 7.6 L, and it has six functions. Air frying won’t necessarily give you the same texture as deep-frying.
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KitchenCook AIRMED W, 10 L
Its stated 10 L capacity is worth comparing if you cook larger portions. Before choosing, check how this capacity is arranged inside the appliance, how much space it takes up and how to wash the baskets.
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Bear QZG-F24F1, two baskets, 9 L
The two baskets let you cook different foods separately. The model name indicates a 9 L capacity, 2 400 W, touch controls and eight programmes. To understand what cleaning involves, check the instructions for the baskets.
Frequently asked questions
Does an air fryer make chips like a deep-fat fryer?
Not necessarily: the cooking methods are different. UFC-Que Choisir notes that how evenly air-fried chips cook varies by model. If texture is your priority, compare tests using foods and quantities similar to your own.
What should I check before using a traditional fryer on an induction hob?
Check that the pan material is suitable for induction and that the pan is stable. UFC-Que Choisir notes in particular that a cast-aluminium pan isn’t suitable for this use.
How do I clean an air fryer after cooking?
Unplug the appliance, let it cool and follow the instructions for your model. Moulinex highlights these precautions. Philips recommends using a non-abrasive sponge on the drawers and baskets of its Airfryer models, and gives separate instructions for cleaning the heating element.
How should I dispose of used frying oil in France?
According to ADEME, don’t pour it down the sink or toilet. Let it cool, put it in a sealed container, then generally take it to a waste disposal centre or a dedicated collection point, if there’s one near you.
How can I check whether a fryer has been recalled in France?
Search for the exact model reference on RappelConso. The DGCCRF says that this official platform publishes recall alerts and product withdrawals.