If you only deep-fry occasionally, a traditional stovetop fryer may be all you need, provided its pan works with your hob and you’re happy to handle hot oil. A basket-style air fryer is a better fit if you want to avoid a deep bath of oil, as long as you check you have room for it and can clean it easily. An electric deep-fat fryer lets you keep cooking with oil, with features that vary by model, but you’ll still need to manage the oil.
If you cook small portions, check which parts can be removed for cleaning and measure how much room the appliance will need. Que Choisir also points out that air fryers can be bulky and a little noisy – both worth bearing in mind in a small home.
If you want to stick with this way of cooking chips, breaded food or doughnuts, compare the pan, basket and features on each electric deep-fat fryer. A filter advertised as helping to reduce odours doesn’t mean you can forget about managing the oil, or checking the results for the model you choose.
If you only fry food now and then, a traditional fryer used on your hob can save you from having to keep an electric appliance out permanently. Check that the pan is compatible with your hob and plan how you’ll handle the oil after cooking.
When choosing a fryer for a flat, first decide whether you want to keep using a deep bath of oil. How often you’ll use it, how much space you have and which parts need washing can then help you choose the right format.
Worth considering: for occasional deep-frying, if the pan is compatible with your hob.
Bear in mind: it takes up a hob ring while you’re cooking, and you’ll need to handle hot oil.
Worth considering: if you want to keep deep-frying in oil without tying up a hob ring.
Bear in mind: the pan and cleaning features vary by model, and you’ll still need to dispose of used oil.
Worth considering: if you want to avoid handling a deep bath of oil, and can choose a basket that suits the portions you plan to cook.
Bear in mind: the results won’t necessarily be the same as deep-frying in oil. Que Choisir found differences in cooking performance between the models it tested.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning, oil and odours | Check which parts are dishwasher-safe. For an oil fryer, look at the pan and how to maintain any filter, without assuming it will get rid of odours. | After a small batch, I want to cut down on washing-up and handling oil, while also thinking about odours in my home. Around 36% of consumers would put these considerations first. |
| Available space | Measure the appliance and the room needed to open its drawer or lid. A traditional stovetop fryer takes up a hob ring while it’s in use. | My worktop is small, and I need to be able to use or store the appliance without getting in the way of meal prep. Space would be the main consideration for around 29% of consumers. |
| Portions and frequency of use | Compare the amount of food per batch, if stated, rather than looking only at the capacity in litres. Consider whether two baskets would genuinely be useful for your meals. | I regularly cook for several people or want to prepare two foods as part of the same meal. Around 21% of consumers would put capacity and how batches are organised at the heart of their choice. |
| Very occasional use | Before making room for an electric appliance, check whether a traditional stovetop fryer will work with your hob and whether you’re happy to manage the oil by hand. | I rarely make doughnuts or chips and prefer simple equipment, even if it means the hob is occupied while I cook. This would be the main consideration for around 14% of consumers. |
The capacity alone won’t tell you how many chips fit in a batch, or how much space the appliance needs with its drawer open. Two baskets may suit different types of food, but they also take up room.
Measure the space you have and compare the stated food capacity in grams or portions, if this is listed on the product page.
A filter may be described as helping to reduce odours, but that doesn’t guarantee they’ll disappear. Que Choisir also found significant differences between the air fryers it tested, so a general claim won’t tell you how every appliance performs.
If odours or the results matter to you, look for an independent test of the exact model and check how to maintain its filter, if it has one.
You’ll also need to budget for replacing a replaceable filter, following the model’s instructions.
With an oil fryer, you’ll need to let the oil cool before storing and disposing of it properly. ADEME advises against pouring it down the sink or toilet, or into the environment.
Have a sealed container ready for the cooled oil, and check your local council’s collection arrangements.
A traditional stovetop fryer won’t necessarily work on an induction hob. For this type of use, Que Choisir recommends a steel pan rather than one made from cast aluminium.
Check the material and compatibility markings for the model before you choose it.
These examples show features worth comparing on specific models, rather than making assumptions about an entire range.
The Super Uno FR314030 electric deep-fat fryer may appeal if you’re looking for a removable pan and features designed to make cleaning easier.
The Easy Fry Essential EZ130810 is one to consider for smaller meals without a deep bath of oil.
The NA120/00 and NA460/00 let you compare a single basket with two stacked baskets, depending on the portions you want to prepare.
This selection includes air fryers and oil fryers for small batches and larger meals. Before comparing the KitchenCook K-FRY with either type, confirm how it cooks.
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Worth a look if you cook small portions and want to remove the basket for cleaning.
2 L basket, 60-minute timer and removable parts listed as dishwasher-safe. Check the dimensions and clearance needed in the space you have in mind.
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One to consider for small batches deep-fried in oil, if you’re happy with a fixed pan.
The product information lists capacity for up to 400 g of chips, a removable basket and lid, and an odour filter. Check how to maintain and replace the filter. The fixed pan still needs cleaning, and you’ll need to dispose of used oil.
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Worth comparing if the 2 L basket is too small for the meals you have in mind.
The product information lists a removable basket, adjustable temperature from 35 to 200 °C and a 60-minute timer. Check whether the basket is dishwasher-safe and allow enough room to open it.
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If you’re looking for a batch of up to 600 g, first confirm how this model cooks.
The title describes it as an “Air Fryer”, while the full description lists a 3 L oil pan and removable dishwasher-safe parts. Check its dimensions too, before making room for it.
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Worth a look if you’re cooking two separate batches in oil, rather than making small portions occasionally.
The product information lists two independent thermostats, removable dishwasher-safe parts and odour filters. With a total capacity of 6 L, you’ll need to check you have enough room. The filters don’t remove the need to ventilate the room or manage used oil.
Yes, if the pan is compatible with induction. For this type of use, Que Choisir recommends a steel pan rather than one made from cast aluminium. Check the compatibility markings on the product page or in the instructions too.
No – it doesn’t guarantee the results in your flat. If odours are a deciding factor, look for an independent test of the specific model. For a fryer with a filter, check how it needs to be maintained too.
Let it cool, put it in a sealed bottle or container, then follow your local council’s collection arrangements. ADEME advises against pouring it down the sink or toilet, or into the environment.
Take it to a reuse or electrical appliance collection scheme rather than putting it in your household rubbish. Ecosystem lists electrical kitchen appliances among the items to recycle. Check which collection points and take-back options are available near you.