To keep the hob free while cooking in an oil bath, a freestanding electric deep fryer is the most directly suitable solution. If you mainly want to avoid managing an oil bath, an air fryer is a hot-air alternative worth comparing based on its worktop footprint, noise and how easy its parts are to clean.
If chips or breaded foods are cooking while a sauce, meat or side dish remains on the hob, a freestanding electric deep fryer or air fryer lets you keep the hobs free for the other preparation. Que Choisir highlights this benefit for electric deep fryers and hot-air appliances.
A traditional deep fryer may be suitable when you cook infrequently and are happy to use the hob. However, it does not meet the need to cook another dish on that same hob at the same time. According to the Que Choisir guide, it remains a simple, affordable option for occasional use.
An air fryer is worth considering first if managing oil and frequent cleaning are important concerns. Que Choisir cites reduced odours and easier cleaning among its practical advantages, while reminding readers that noise, size and maintenance vary from one model to another.
Start by choosing the cooking method that genuinely leaves the hob free, then check cleaning requirements, usable capacity and the space available.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Hob kept free | Check that the appliance has its own heating element or works with hot air on the worktop. A traditional deep fryer must heat up on the hob. | I want to prepare crispy foods while keeping the hobs free for a sauce, frying pan or side dish. |
| Oil and odours | Compare whether it uses an oil bath, the filtration elements, the lid and the handling requirements. An air fryer is not an oil bath. | In an open-plan kitchen, I would rather reduce the day-to-day management of oil. Que Choisir lists odours and splashes among the drawbacks of traditional frying. |
| Cleaning | Check which parts can be removed, whether the stated dishwasher compatibility applies and how oil and residue will be dealt with after cooking. | I want an appliance suited to how often I use it, without making cleaning disproportionate after a small batch. |
| Capacity and space | Do not compare litres alone: look at the quantity of food, basket shape, number of drawers and external dimensions. | I want to avoid a large appliance that suits neither my usual portions nor the space available on my worktop. |
| Energy consumption | Compare tests using a recipe and quantity close to your own. Results cannot automatically be transferred between an oven, air fryer and oil fryer. | For a small quiche in the same quantity, Que Choisir measured an average of 36% less electricity with air fryers than with a mini oven; the result varied according to the recipes and models. |
A traditional deep fryer heats up on the hob, so it cancels out the benefit you are looking for if you also need to cook another part of the meal there. On an induction hob, a non-compatible bowl may also be unusable.
To keep the hob free, compare electric oil fryers and air fryers first. Keep a traditional deep fryer for occasional use where its low purchase price and simplicity are the priorities.
An oil fryer may state the volume of its oil bath and a quantity of chips, while an air fryer states the volume of its basket or baskets. These figures do not describe the same usable capacity.
Compare the stated food quantity, basket shape, number of drawers and your usual batch sizes rather than looking only at the litre figure.
Que Choisir tests show an average advantage for air fryers compared with a mini oven for certain recipes, but also differences depending on the recipes and appliances.
If electricity costs are an important factor in your decision, look for comparisons using a recipe and quantity close to your own usage; do not assume an automatic advantage over an oil fryer or for a large batch.
An oil bath involves steam, splashes, odours and handling hot oil. Stability requires particular attention when the fryer is placed on a gas hob.
Position the appliance on a stable surface, check that the bowl is compatible with your hob, keep flammable products away and avoid overloading an electrical socket. These precautions are consistent with the recommendations of Sécurité civile and Que Choisir.
Worth considering for an electric oil fryer designed to retain oil-bath cooking while keeping the hob free.
Worth considering for a large-capacity air fryer when you want to cook away from the hob using an appliance designed for family-sized portions.
Worth considering for a versatile air fryer if you alternate between small portions and larger meals, particularly with a dual basket.
This selection brings together electric oil fryers and freestanding air fryers for preparing crispy foods without using the hob.
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Its two independent drawers let you prepare two foods using separate settings without using the hob.
Two 4.75 L drawers, six functions and dishwasher-safe baskets, as stated.
Check that its dimensions of 32.5 × 41.5 × 27 cm and the ventilation space are suitable for your worktop.
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Its two differently sized baskets and synchronised cooking finish can help you prepare a main dish and side without blocking the hob.
Stated 9 L capacity, thermostat from 40 to 200 °C, timer up to 60 minutes and removable washable parts.
Allow space for a dedicated spot: the stated dimensions are 382.5 × 443.9 × 314.2 mm.
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This electric oil fryer lets you retain oil-bath cooking while keeping the hob free.
3.5 L oil capacity, thermostat up to 190 °C, 30-minute timer, removable bowl and anti-mist viewing window.
It still involves the considerations of an oil bath: handling, cooling, filtering, storing or disposing of the oil.
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Two independent oil baths let you cook two foods while keeping the hob free.
Two 3 L bowls, two thermostats up to 190 °C, viewing windows, removable baskets and stated odour filters.
Managing hot oil is still necessary; also check the appliance’s footprint and dimensions before buying.
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Its two independent baskets are designed for preparing two foods at the same time without using the hob.
Two 4.5 L baskets, stated total capacity of 9 L, Sync function, eight programmes and touch controls.
Check the exact dimensions and whether the baskets are dishwasher-safe to suit your space and cleaning requirements.
No: it must be placed on a hob to heat the oil. An electric oil fryer has its own heating element and can therefore free up the cooker or hob for another cooking task, as Que Choisir explains.
Check the exact material of the bowl and look for a statement confirming induction compatibility. Que Choisir specifies that a cast aluminium bowl does not work on induction and recommends choosing steel for this use; also check stability, particularly on gas.
No, it depends on the recipe, quantity and model. In a Que Choisir test involving a small quiche in the same quantity, air fryers used an average of 36% less electricity than a mini oven, but this result does not apply to every portion size, every oven or a comparison with an oil fryer.
Compare the type of capacity being stated: litres of oil and quantity of chips for an oil fryer, then the volume, shape and number of baskets for an air fryer. For example, Tefal states 4 L of oil and up to 1.3 kg of chips for the Filtra Pro, while Philips states 3 L + 6 L or a basket of around 10 L for the NA565/02; these measurements are not directly equivalent.
Keep flammable products away from heat sources and avoid overloading an electrical socket. Sécurité civile recommends evacuating and calling 18 or 112 if a fire cannot be extinguished; with a traditional deep fryer, take particular care around hot oil, splashes, steam and stability.