Priority: odours and cleaning
If you want to avoid the hassle of a pan of hot oil, compare hot-air cooking and the cleaning it involves with other methods. Tefal claims its Filtra Pro reduces odours, but that doesn’t guarantee an odour-free kitchen.
Who are these options for?
Occasional deep-frying
If you prefer to fry in oil from time to time, check that the deep fryer is compatible with your hob and consider how you’ll handle the container. Que Choisir says a traditional deep fryer may be enough if fried food is rarely on the menu.
A well-equipped kitchen with little space
If you already have an oven, compare its functions with the portions you prepare before adding another appliance to store. Que Choisir notes that an oven and an air fryer may have overlapping functions.
Which criteria should you compare?
Start by choosing the cooking method you’re prepared to maintain, then check portion sizes, available space and the instructions for the specific model.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking odours | Compare the cooking method and filtration features. A manufacturer’s claim that a product reduces odours doesn’t mean they’ll disappear. | If I want to limit lingering smells after cooking, I’ll compare the methods without assuming any of them are odour-free. Around 29% of consumers put reducing odours at the top of their list. |
| Cleaning | Check which parts can be removed and are dishwasher-safe; distinguish accessories from the interior and heating unit. Tefal and Philips provide cleaning instructions for their appliances. | If I want to cut down on cleaning after occasional use, I’ll also check which parts need to be cleaned by hand. Around 23% of consumers prioritise ease of cleaning. |
| Space and storage | Consider the space the appliance takes up on the hob while cooking as well as the space needed to store it. Compare its functions with those of your oven, as Que Choisir advises. | If my kitchen is already well-equipped or short on space, I want to avoid an appliance that duplicates something I already have. Around 18% of consumers put available space at the top of their list. |
| Portions per batch | Compare the stated quantities for the foods you prepare. The litres of oil in a deep fryer and the litres of capacity in an air fryer measure different things. | If I want to serve all my portions at once, I’ll look for a stated quantity for the food I’m preparing, rather than relying on capacity in litres alone. Around 18% of consumers prioritise the amount they can cook per batch. |
| Set-up and handling | For a hob-top deep fryer, check that the exact model is compatible with your hob and set it up securely. For any appliance, follow the cooling and cleaning instructions. | If I want to be confident about setting up and handling the appliance, I’ll check the instructions for the cooking method before choosing. Around 12% of consumers prioritise these factors, but safety precautions matter to everyone. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming “less odour” means “no lingering smells”
A claim that a product reduces odours doesn’t tell you how long smells will linger in your home or guarantee that they’ll disappear.
Compare the cooking method and the features of the model. Don’t treat a manufacturer’s claim as a guaranteed result.
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Directly comparing litres of oil with an air fryer’s capacity
The 3 L of oil stated for the Tefal FR511170 and the 6,2 L capacity stated for the Philips HD9280/90 relate to different cooking methods.
Look for the stated quantity for the food you’re preparing and a test of the exact model, rather than comparing these capacities as if they represented equivalent portions.
If the amount you can cook per batch isn’t enough for your needs, you may have to cook in several batches.
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Assuming “dishwasher-safe” applies to the whole appliance
For the FR511170, Tefal says the heating unit is not dishwasher-safe. Philips also explains how to clean the inside of its air fryers.
Check each part to see what can go in the dishwasher, and follow the model’s cooling and cleaning instructions.
Some parts need to be cleaned by hand.
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Buying an air fryer without checking what your oven can already do
An air fryer may offer some of the same functions as an oven, so you could end up adding an appliance without gaining a distinct benefit.
Before choosing an additional appliance, compare your usual portions and dishes with the functions you already have available.
An extra appliance also takes up storage space.
Brands to know when comparing ranges
Tefal
The Filtra Pro range includes electric deep fryers that use oil; the features below relate to the FR511170.
- Tefal lists a filtration sieve, a thermostat ranging from 150 to 190 °C, and dishwasher-safe parts, with the exception of the heating unit.
- Odour reduction is a claim made by Tefal, not an independent measurement or a guarantee of an odour-free kitchen.
Philips
The HD9280/90 is a single-basket air fryer with a capacity of 6,2 L.
- Philips says this model can cook up to five portions.
- This doesn’t guarantee the same quantity for every type of food. Philips also provides instructions for cleaning the interior, which you should follow for the model in question.
Menastyl
The 20 cm enamelled-steel traditional deep fryer is an option for use on a hob.
- Menastyl lists a stainless-steel basket, a glass lid and compatibility with induction hobs and dishwashers.
- These features don’t remove the drawbacks of cooking with a pan of hot oil; no odour-reducing effectiveness has been established for this product.
Air fryers available on Joybuy
This selection covers air fryers for hot-air cooking, with a range of sizes and configurations to compare based on your portion sizes, available space and cleaning preferences.
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Ninja Crispi FN101EUGY Air Fryer
Worth considering if you’re looking for two containers in different sizes for hot-air cooking.
The borosilicate glass containers have capacities of 1,4 L and 3,8 L. The stated functions include Air Fry and Roast; the containers and accessories are listed as dishwasher-safe.
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Ninja Dual Zone Digital Oil-Free Air Fryer DZ300EU, 7,6 L
Worth considering if you’d like to cook two dishes with different settings.
The stated total capacity is 7,6 L, with two independent zones. Functions include Air Fry, Roast, Bake and Reheat; the drawers and crisper plates are listed as dishwasher-safe.
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KitchenCook AIRMED W 10L Air Fryer
Worth considering if you’d like to cook two foods at the same time using different settings.
The description lists two baskets and independent settings. The stated programmes include a chips setting.
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Philips NA210/00 Airfryer 2000 Series, 3,2 L
Worth considering if you’re looking for a model described as compact for hot-air cooking.
The stated capacity is 3,2 L, with a maximum temperature of 200 °C and a 30-minute timer. The drawer and basket are listed as dishwasher-safe.
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ROUNY T3 Air Fryer, 5 L
Worth considering if you’d like to keep an eye on your food through a viewing window.
The stated capacity is 5 L. The title and description list eight programmes, temperature and timer settings, and a non-stick basket.
Frequently asked questions
Can you rely on the stated number of portions alone?
No. Treat the number of portions as the manufacturer’s estimate for that particular model. Philips says the HD9280/90 can cook up to five portions; the right quantity also depends on the food you’re preparing.
What needs cleaning on an air fryer besides the basket?
You may also need to clean the interior and heating element. Philips recommends unplugging the appliance and checking that it has cooled down before cleaning. Follow the non-abrasive cleaning methods specified for your model.
Can you keep the oil from a deep fryer you use rarely?
For the Filtra Pro FR511170, Tefal’s FAQ recommends transferring the oil to a separate container and cleaning the deep fryer if it won’t be used for a long time. This advice doesn’t set a universal time limit.
What protection applies if an appliance bought in France develops a fault?
If a private buyer purchases from a professional seller, the French legal guarantee of conformity may apply to a fault that appears within two years of delivery, subject to its conditions. This statutory guarantee is separate from an optional commercial warranty, as explained by Service Public.
What should you do if cooking oil catches fire?
Never pour water on an oil fire or move a burning container. First Incendie advises cutting off the power and smothering the fire only if it can be done safely; otherwise, evacuate and call 18 or 112.