Regularly making fried food and doughnuts
If you often make chips, breaded food or doughnuts, choose according to your recipes: hot-air cooking is not the same as deep-frying in oil.
Who are these options for?
Kitchens where cooking smells are a concern
If cooking smells and cleaning matter in your kitchen, compare the cooking methods, as well as noise levels and how much space the appliance takes up. Que Choisir describes hot-air cooking as reducing smells, but does not promise to eliminate them.
Two dishes for the same meal
If you want to cook a main and a side separately, check the capacity of each basket and whether the cooking times can be synchronised, rather than looking only at the total capacity.
What should you compare?
Start with the results you want for your recipes, then compare the space the appliance takes up, how easy it is to maintain and the everyday steps involved.
| Consideration | What to check before buying | Who places the most importance on it |
|---|---|---|
| Results and recipes | Understand the difference between deep-frying in oil and hot-air cooking, then check the results or recipes for the foods you make. Que Choisir reports that air fryers vary in how they cook chips. | If I want the results I expect from my usual recipes, I choose the cooking method that suits them. Around 29% of consumers prioritise results and recipes. |
| Smells and noise | Consider cooking smells, noise and your kitchen environment. Que Choisir describes hot-air cooking as reducing smells, but also notes that appliances can be bulky and a little noisy. | If smells and noise are a concern in my kitchen, I consider both rather than relying on a promise of quiet operation. Around 23% of consumers put this kind of comfort first. |
| Portions and space | Compare the quantities you need to cook, the capacity of each cooking zone and the space required to use and store the appliance. | To prepare the portions I need without cluttering my kitchen, I look at the usable capacity of each zone. Around 18% of consumers prioritise portions and space. |
| Cleaning | Check the instructions for each part: removable or dishwasher-safe components do not mean the whole appliance can go in the dishwasher. | After regular cooking, I want to know which parts are easy to clean without damaging them. Around 18% of consumers put everyday maintenance first. |
| Handling and safety risks | Check the exact instructions for installation and maintenance. If you have an induction hob, make sure the bowl of a traditional deep fryer is compatible with it. | If I want to handle the appliance safely, I check its instructions before choosing a cooking method. Around 12% of consumers make this their top priority. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming an air fryer will give the same results for every recipe
Que Choisir found that chips cook differently in different models. An appliance’s versatility does not guarantee results equivalent to deep-frying in oil.
Start with the foods you make most often and look for recipes suited to the cooking method you are considering.
Depending on your recipes, you may need to adapt them or keep another cooking option.
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Confusing total capacity with the capacity of one basket
The Philips NA352/00 divides its 9 L capacity between two baskets of 6 L and 3 L: the total capacity is not the same as a single 9 L bowl.
Compare the size of each zone with the quantities you want to cook in it.
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Assuming the whole appliance is dishwasher-safe
For the Filtra Pro described in its product information, Tefal says the heating unit is not dishwasher-safe. Instructions vary by model and component.
Before cleaning it for the first time, check the manual and the instructions for each part.
Washing a part against the instructions could damage it.
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Confusing a repairability period with a free warranty
Moulinex says the Easy Fry Silence is repairable for 15 years “at a fair price”. This does not mean repairs will be free during that period.
Distinguish between the repairability commitment, your statutory rights and any commercial warranty, then read the terms of the latter.
Repairs may be chargeable, depending on the applicable terms.
Brands to consider
Tefal
Worth considering if you are looking for an electric deep fryer that uses oil.
- The French manual for the FR516110 specifies 4 L of oil and up to 1,3 kg of chips.
- Separate product information for the Filtra Pro says the heating unit is not dishwasher-safe. This does not automatically apply to every variant.
Moulinex
The Easy Fry Silence EZ552DF0 is an air fryer to consider if you are interested in the manufacturer’s Silence technology.
- Moulinex states that it has a 5 L capacity and is repairable for 15 years “at a fair price”.
- Silence is the manufacturer’s claim, not an independent noise measurement or a promise of free repairs.
Philips
The Series 3000 NA352/00 is an air fryer with two baskets of different sizes.
- Philips specifies one 6 L basket, one 3 L basket and a synchronisation function.
- For maintenance, follow Philips’ recommendations for the coatings and components concerned.
Beka
The Pro Induc range is worth considering if you are looking at frying-pan cooking on an induction hob.
- Beka states that the Pro Induc frying pan is compatible with induction hobs.
- The manufacturer recommends hand-washing and says this frying pan is not oven-safe. These features apply to this range, not the entire brand.
Joybuy products for these uses
These products include electric deep fryers that use oil and air fryers for home cooking. Choose according to the cooking method and the features listed for each model.
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Livoo DOC240, 1,5 L deep fryer, 900 W
For home cooking with oil if your recipes call for deep-frying.
Features listed in the name: 1,5 L and 900 W.
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Livoo DOC217, double deep fryer, 2 × 3 L, 3 300 W
For cooking food in oil in a dedicated electric deep fryer.
Features listed in the name: two 3 L bowls, 3 300 W and a stainless steel finish.
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Tefal Clear Duo, 3,5 L deep fryer
For recipes that need to be cooked in hot oil.
Features listed in the name: 3,5 L capacity and an XL anti-mist viewing window.
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Ninja DZ300EU, 7,6 L air fryer with two drawers
For hot-air cooking in an appliance with two drawers.
Features listed in the name: 7,6 L capacity, six functions and baskets stated to be dishwasher-safe.
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COSORI TF101S Dual Blaze Twinfry, 10 L air fryer
For comparing hot-air cooking with deep-frying in oil.
Feature listed in the name: 10 L capacity.
Frequently asked questions
How should I care for the coating on a Philips air fryer?
For the relevant components, Philips recommends letting the appliance cool for around 30 minutes and avoiding metal utensils and abrasive cleaners. Check the manual for your model too: this waiting time does not apply to an oil fryer.
Can an electric deep fryer’s heating unit go in the dishwasher?
Not for the Filtra Pro described in the cited Tefal product information: the manufacturer says the heating unit is not dishwasher-safe. Check the instructions for each component of your model.
What should I check before using a deep fryer on an induction hob?
For a traditional deep fryer, check that the material of its bowl is compatible with your hob. For an electric appliance, consult its manual for information about positioning and installation.
What should I do if cooking oil catches fire?
The SDIS de la Loire warns that using water or moving a pan that is on fire can quickly make the situation worse and cause serious burns. The SDMIS recommends calling 18 or 112 and following the emergency services’ instructions.
Does a commercial warranty replace your statutory guarantee?
No. According to the Ministry of the Economy, a commercial warranty is in addition to your statutory rights; it does not replace them. Read the terms before taking out an extended warranty.