To choose between a traditional stovetop deep fryer, an electric deep fryer and an air fryer, start with the dishes you’ll make most often and the space you have available. The first uses a hob, the second may offer filtration features depending on the model, while an air fryer can also roast or grill. In each case, check the usable capacity, cleaning requirements and how smells are managed.
If you want to brown food without handling a bath of hot oil, consider an air fryer. For deep-frying, compare the removable parts and filtration features of the specific model: not all electric deep fryers have them.
If deep-frying is your main cooking method, choose a capacity that suits your batches and check how the appliance lets you control the cooking, handle the oil and clean the parts. Que Choisir includes smells and safety among its criteria for assessing electric deep fryers.
An air fryer can be used to brown, roast or grill food, as Que Choisir points out. However, it takes up worktop space: measure the appliance and allow room to open its drawer before choosing a capacity.
Consider it: for occasional deep-frying, if you have a hob that’s compatible with the pan.
Bear in mind: the hob will be in use while you’re cooking, and the oil will need to be handled and disposed of properly afterwards.
Consider it: if you regularly deep-fry in oil and would prefer an appliance dedicated to this type of cooking.
Bear in mind: you’ll still need to manage the oil; filtration and dishwasher-safe parts depend on the model.
Consider it: if you’d also like to roast or grill using an appliance that sits on your worktop.
Bear in mind: consider the space it takes up and how noisy it is; air frying won’t necessarily produce the same results as deep-frying in oil.
Once you’ve chosen a cooking method, compare your usual batch sizes with the appliance’s dimensions, cleaning requirements and safety precautions.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Smells and cleaning | Removable parts and cleaning instructions; oil filtration if you choose an electric deep fryer. | If cleaning after cooking affects my choice, I want to minimise handling oil and dealing with splashes. Around 31% of consumers would make ease of cleaning their priority. |
| Capacity and batches | Food capacity to suit your portions, external dimensions and the space needed to open the appliance. | If I often prepare several portions, I want to avoid cooking multiple batches without taking up too much space in my kitchen. Around 31% of consumers would put capacity first. |
| Cooking modes | The cooking methods listed for the model and any accessories needed for the dishes you have in mind. | I want to brown food, but also roast or grill with the same appliance. Around 23% of consumers would prioritise this versatility. |
| Safety and oil | Stability and protection from hot surfaces; the draining method for an oil deep fryer. | When I cook with hot oil, I want to be able to handle the appliance and dispose of used oil safely. This would be the top priority for around 15% of consumers. |
An incompatible pan may not work on an induction hob; the appliance also needs to remain stable while you’re cooking with hot oil.
Check that the pan material is compatible with your hob and follow the installation instructions supplied with the appliance.
A large-capacity air fryer can take up a lot of space, even if it’s described as compact.
Compare its width, depth and height, and remember to allow enough room to open the drawer.
SEB describes its Oleoclean Pro FR804000 as having an oil filtration and storage system, while the removable parts of its Smart Clean FR460000 are dishwasher-safe. These features are specific to the models mentioned.
Check the filtration system, oil storage and which parts you can actually remove and wash separately.
ADEME advises that frying oil must not be poured down the sink or toilet, or discarded in the environment.
Let it cool, put it in a sealed container and follow your local authority’s collection arrangements.
SEB offers electric deep fryers as well as Actifry appliances. If filtration or removable parts matter to you, compare the features of each model individually.
The Easy Fry range includes air fryers in different capacities. Compare them based on the portions you prepare and the space you have available.
Philips Airfryers include models with time and temperature settings, and some come with removable parts that are dishwasher-safe.
These models offer two ways to cook at home: air frying for a wider range of dishes, and electric deep frying for cooking in oil. Compare the stated capacity with your usual portions, then check the space and cleaning requirements for each model.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’d like to divide your food between two baskets rather than cook it all in one. The stated capacity is 9 L; check the dimensions and allow enough room to open it before setting it up.
Image unavailable
Its two drawers are useful for keeping different dishes separate. The model has six functions and a total capacity of 9.5 L; its baskets are listed as dishwasher-safe. Check that it will fit on your worktop.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to keep deep-frying in oil with an electric appliance. Its stated capacity is 3.5 L. Always allow time for the oil to cool, and handle and dispose of it safely after use.
Image unavailable
Consider this if you’re looking for several cooking settings in a 4 L air fryer. The model has a stated temperature range of 35 to 200 °C and a 60-minute timer; check the instructions to find out which parts are dishwasher-safe.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to keep two batches of fried food separate: the model has two independent thermostats and odour filters. Measure the space you have available and check how much food each basket can hold; the filters don’t remove the need to manage used oil.
Yes, as long as its pan is compatible with induction. Check the material listed for the model and make sure the fryer sits stably on your hob; Que Choisir specifically advises against using aluminium-cast pans for this purpose.
Let it cool, pour it into a sealed bottle or container, then use the collection service provided by your local authority. ADEME says it must not be poured down the sink or toilet, or discarded in the environment.
No, it depends on the parts and the model, so check the instructions before you buy. For the non-stick coatings concerned, Philips also recommends avoiding metal utensils and abrasive cleaning products.