To reduce lingering smells, cleaning and handling oil when cooking occasionally, an air fryer is generally the most suitable option, provided you are happy with a smaller capacity and a different result from deep-fat frying. An electric oil fryer is still the right choice if you specifically want this cooking method, but check the filtration system, sealed oil storage and washable parts on the exact model.
If you occasionally prepare chips, breaded foods or doughnuts in a small kitchen, start by considering an air fryer. UFC-Que Choisir states that hot-air cooking reduces smells associated with deep-fat frying, although it cannot guarantee the same result for every recipe.
If you want to keep using immersion frying, look for a fryer whose instructions confirm filtration, a sealed storage container, an odour filter and washable components. These features depend on the model you choose.
For very occasional frying, first compare your oven or frying pan with a traditional fryer, then consider an air fryer if its use justifies the worktop space it will take up.
Start with the cooking method that suits you, then check capacity, cleaning and the practicalities of handling oil before choosing an appliance.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Smells | Cooking method; whether it has a lid and filter, plus how the filter is maintained; oil storage after use. | I want to reduce smells associated with deep-fat frying in a poorly ventilated kitchen. UFC-Que Choisir presents an air fryer as an option to consider for this purpose, without promising a completely odour-free experience. |
| Cleaning | Removable parts; dishwasher compatibility stated by the manufacturer; access to the interior and heating element. | After occasional use, I would rather avoid cleaning an oil tank or transferring oil between containers. A washable basket does not remove the need to clean the inside of the appliance. |
| Cooking results | Basket capacity and surface area; temperature and cooking-time settings; the foods you actually prepare. | I want to choose according to my usual recipes, whether frozen foods, breaded foods, roasted vegetables or fresh chips. UFC-Que Choisir’s tests indicate that an air fryer does not necessarily reproduce oil-fried results for fresh chips and large quantities. |
| Oil management | Safety instructions; a storage solution for cooled oil; an accessible collection point or recycling centre. | I want to avoid oil disposal becoming a disproportionate chore for just a few uses a year. ADEME advises against pouring used oil down the sink, toilet or into the environment. |
UFC-Que Choisir’s tests show that results vary depending on the model and recipe, particularly with fresh chips and large quantities.
Start with the foods you actually cook: frozen foods, breaded foods, roasted vegetables, doughnuts or fresh chips. Choose an air fryer for its cooking method and ease of cleaning, not as a guaranteed equivalent to an oil fryer.
Filtration, a cold zone and a sealed storage container are features found on certain oil fryers. They do not change the fact that food is cooked in hot oil.
Check the instructions to confirm that the filter is included, how it should be maintained and how the oil is stored. If reducing smells is your top priority, compare the fryer directly with an air fryer.
Even when the basket or drawer is dishwasher-safe, residue can remain inside the appliance or around the heating element.
Check the cleaning instructions before buying. Clean the appliance once it has been unplugged and cooled, using non-abrasive tools suitable for the coating, as recommended by Philips and Moulinex for their appliances.
Used frying oil must not be poured down drains, toilets, into the environment or into compost. ADEME recommends allowing it to cool and placing it in a sealed container before taking it to a collection point.
Before choosing a deep-fat fryer, identify your local collection or recycling-centre option. If this practical consideration does not suit how often you cook, compare an air fryer or your existing oven.
Worth considering for electric oil fryers which, depending on the Oleoclean model, feature filtration, an Oil Box for storage and filters designed to reduce smells.
Worth considering when comparing hot-air fryers, checking the capacity, features and cleaning requirements of the drawer, basket and interior separately.
A useful benchmark for comparing air fryers with different capacities, from compact formats to models designed for several portions.
These Joybuy options are hot-air fryers for occasional cooking when you want to avoid deep-fat frying. Above all, compare the basket volume, available space and cleaning instructions for the model you choose.
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A compact format for small portions and smaller kitchens, with a 2 L basket stated to serve one to two people.
60-minute timer, adjustable temperature, removable non-stick basket and components stated to be dishwasher-safe. Check the instructions for cleaning the interior and heating element.
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This 5 L capacity is suitable for larger portions than a compact model, without using a deep-fat fryer.
1450 W power, six programmes, touch controls, timer and a range of 80 to 200 °C; the non-stick basket is stated to be dishwasher-safe. Check the dimensions and interior cleaning instructions before buying.
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An option for cooking several portions or two dishes at the same time, with a stated configuration of 12 L or two 6 L zones.
Sync and Dual modes, cooking window, light, a range of 80 to 200 °C and removable parts stated to be dishwasher-safe. Check the footprint, noise level and access to the heating element.
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Its stated 7 L capacity is designed for preparing several portions without deep-fat frying.
A digital display, seven programmes, cooking window, cool-touch handle and overheat protection are listed. Check whether the basket is dishwasher-safe and review the cleaning instructions before buying.
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A 4 L compromise for medium-sized portions, with several cooking modes without deep-fat frying.
Eight pre-set modes, a range of 35 to 200 °C, a 60-minute timer and shake alert are listed. Check the instructions for removable parts, dishwasher use and interior cleaning.
No. ADEME states that used frying oil must not be poured down the sink, toilet or into the environment. Once cooled, place it in a sealed bottle or container and check with your local authority for recycling centres or collection points.
No. On some oil-fryer models, the manufacturer states that filtration or odour reduction is provided by the filter and cold zone, but the food is still cooked in hot oil. If reducing smells is your main priority, compare an air fryer as well.
Check the instructions for the exact model to see whether the drawer and basket are removable and dishwasher-safe, then review the guidance for cleaning the interior and heating element. Philips and Moulinex recommend unplugging the appliance and allowing it to cool, while avoiding abrasive tools.
Not necessarily. It can cook, roast or grill and reduces smells associated with deep-fat frying according to UFC-Que Choisir, but its capacity is limited, and fresh chips or large quantities do not necessarily produce results comparable to oil frying. It is best suited to portions and recipes that fit its drawer.