Fans of deep-fried food
If you mostly make chips, breaded food or doughnuts, a deep-fat fryer is designed for this cooking method. You should also consider handling and maintaining the oil, as Que Choisir’s guides point out.
Who are these appliances for?
Households that prepare meals in two parts
If you want to cook a main and a side separately, check the size of each compartment and whether the appliance has a synchronisation function. Philips describes these features for the NA352/00 and NA461/00 models.
Kitchens that already have an oven
If you’re looking for an additional appliance, compare its size and layout with the way you usually prepare meals. Que Choisir notes that an air fryer overlaps with some oven functions, so having an oven is not, by itself, a reason to buy another appliance.
What should you look for before buying?
Start by choosing your cooking method, then check the quantities and compartment layout against your usual meals and the space you have available.
| What matters to you | What to check before buying | Who prioritises it most |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking method | Decide whether you want to cook food immersed in oil or with circulating hot air. For chips, also consider how they’re prepared and which model you choose. | If I want the traditional deep-frying method, I don’t confuse a bath of oil with hot-air cooking. Around 28% of consumers put the cooking method first. |
| Quantities and compartments | Distinguish food capacity from oil capacity, and check the volume of each drawer rather than just the total capacity. | When I’m preparing a main and a side, I check that they’ll fit in compartments suited to the quantities I need. Around 22% of consumers prioritise quantities and cooking foods separately. |
| Space and usefulness alongside an oven | Compare the appliance’s size with the space available and the types of food you already cook in your oven. | If my oven already meets my needs, I look for a clear difference in size or layout before adding another appliance. Around 17% of consumers prioritise available space or avoiding duplication. |
| Disruption in the kitchen | If you have an open-plan kitchen, look for model-specific information about noise. With a deep-fat fryer, consider cooking smells. | In an open-plan living space, I might want to limit smells or noise, but I don’t assume that an air fryer is silent or odour-free. Around 17% of consumers prioritise these potential nuisances. |
| Cleaning and safe use | Check which parts can be removed, which are dishwasher-safe, and the manufacturer’s instructions for handling and cleaning the appliance. | If I want to make cleaning easier or reduce the challenges of handling hot oil, I check the instructions for the exact model. Around 16% of consumers prioritise cleaning and safe use. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Comparing litre measurements that mean different things
Oil volume, food quantity and the capacity of each basket are different measurements. Confusing them could lead you to choose an appliance that’s too small for the quantities you prepare.
Compare the stated food capacity and the usable volume of each compartment separately. If one basket isn’t big enough for your meal, you may also need to cook in batches.
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Buying an air fryer based only on promises of savings
An air fryer overlaps with some oven functions, and Moulinex’s comparisons were based on tests using frozen chips in 2023. Those results won’t necessarily apply to every dish.
Think about the foods you’ll prepare regularly and how the basket-style design will fit into your kitchen, rather than generalising from the results of one specific recipe.
An extra appliance could duplicate what your oven does if you’d use them in similar ways.
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Confusing repairability with a long-term guarantee
A repairability commitment, such as one announced by Tefal for a particular model, doesn’t mean repairs will be free or that the appliance will work for the entire period stated.
Check the terms of the commitment, the repair arrangements and the guarantee that applies with the retailer.
Brands and models to know
SEB
The Oleoclean Compact FR701602 is a model to consider if you’re looking for a deep-fat fryer with integrated oil filtration and storage.
- SEB describes an automatic filtration system and several parts that are dishwasher-safe.
- The electrical base must not be put in the dishwasher. Check the instructions for this specific model.
Tefal
The Oleo Clean FR804015 is a model to consider for deep-fat frying, with a documented food capacity.
- Tefal states that it can hold 1.2 kg of food, and features oil filtration and storage.
- The brand offers a 15-year repairability commitment. This doesn’t guarantee 15 years of use or free repairs.
Philips
The NA352/00 and NA461/00 models illustrate two hot-air cooking layouts: asymmetrical or stacked baskets.
- Philips describes a synchronisation function and documented individual capacities for these models.
- The total capacity alone won’t tell you whether each compartment is suitable for your food or will ensure even cooking.
Moulinex
The Dual Easy Fry & Grill 8,3 L range splits cooking between two drawers of different sizes.
- Moulinex describes one 5,2 L drawer and another measuring 3,1 L, as well as parts that are dishwasher-safe.
- The brand’s claims about saving time and energy are based on tests carried out in 2023 using frozen chips; they don’t reflect every meal.
Joybuy products for these uses
This selection includes electric deep-fat fryers and air fryers, with options for smaller quantities or cooking different foods separately.
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Livoo DOC240, 1,5 L fryer, 900 W
For preparing small quantities of deep-fried chips, with a removable basket and viewing window.
The stated capacity is up to 400 g of chips per batch, and the thermostat can be adjusted up to 190 °C. This appliance uses a bath of oil: let it cool completely before cleaning and never leave it unattended while in use.
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Livoo DOC217, double fryer 2 × 3 L, 3 300 W
For cooking two different foods at the same time in separate baths of oil.
The two 3 L tanks have independent thermostats, adjustable up to 190 °C. The stated capacity is up to 1,6 kg of chips, and both the tanks and baskets are removable. Let the appliance cool before cleaning and never leave it unattended while in use.
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Tefal Clear Duo, 3,5 L fryer with anti-fog viewing window
For keeping an eye on food as it fries without opening the lid, with a timer and removable parts.
The product description states that it has a 30-minute timer, a thermostat adjustable up to 190 °C and removable parts that are dishwasher-safe. The appliance and oil get very hot; never leave it unattended while in use.
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Ninja FN101EUGY Crispi, air fryer
For switching between air frying, roasting, keeping food warm and reheating it until crisp, according to the functions listed.
The description mentions two glass containers, with capacities of 1,4 L and 3,8 L, as well as containers and accessories that are dishwasher-safe. The containers and trays can get hot; handle them with suitable protection.
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Ninja Dual Zone Digital DZ400EU, 9,5 L air fryer
For cooking two different foods with hot air at the same time, using independent settings.
The two 4,75 L drawers have independent time and temperature settings. The drawers and crisper plates are stated to be dishwasher-safe; the two compartments do not combine to make one continuous large basket.
Frequently asked questions
Does an air fryer offer a function that my oven doesn’t have?
Not necessarily: both appliances use circulating hot air. An air fryer’s value depends more on its size and how it fits into the way you usually prepare food. Don’t assume it will always save you money.
How should I choose one for a main and a side?
Check the volume of each drawer and whether the appliance has a synchronisation function. The Philips NA352/00 has asymmetrical compartments, so its total capacity doesn’t mean that both baskets are the same size.
Can the whole appliance go in the dishwasher?
No, it depends on the parts and the model. Several removable parts of the SEB FR701602 are stated to be dishwasher-safe, but not the electrical base. Follow the list and instructions in the manual for your specific model.
What should I check about the basket and its coating?
Look separately at information about the materials, whether they’re suitable for food contact and the cleaning instructions. The DGCCRF points out that the transfer of substances to food must meet the applicable requirements; a commercial name for a coating doesn’t, on its own, prove that it complies.
Is an air fryer risk-free because it doesn’t use a bath of oil?
No. A 2025 recall of the Tower T17087, published by RappelConso, flagged a risk of overheating and fire caused by an insulation fault on this model. If your appliance exactly matches this recall notice, stop using it and contact the retailer. The recall doesn’t apply to all air fryers.