If odours and handling a pan of hot oil are your main concerns, start by considering an air fryer. UFC-Que Choisir reports reduced odours, but also notes that these appliances can be bulky and a little noisy. If you want to stick with deep-frying, an electric deep-fat fryer with removable parts can make cleaning easier, although you’ll still need to handle the oil. For occasional use, a traditional fryer is worth considering if its pan is suitable for your hob.
If you’d rather not deal with a pan of hot oil, start by comparing air fryers, then check how much space you have and the basket capacity. UFC-Que Choisir reports reduced odours, but doesn’t claim they disappear altogether.
If you want to keep cooking this way, check which parts of an electric deep-fat fryer can be removed, and how the oil is drained and stored. Some models have built-in filtration, including those in Tefal’s Oleo Clean range, but this isn’t a feature of every electric deep-fat fryer.
A traditional fryer means you don’t need another electrical appliance, as long as you choose a pan that’s suitable for your hob. UFC-Que Choisir advises against cast aluminium for induction and recommends checking the pan material.
Consider it if : avoiding a pan of hot oil matters more to you than sticking with traditional deep-frying.
Bear in mind : UFC-Que Choisir reports reduced odours, but also notes that air fryers can be bulky and a little noisy.
Consider it if : you want to keep deep-frying but would like removable parts or built-in filtration.
Bear in mind : the oil still needs to cool before you clean and store it, following the instructions.
Consider it if : you cook occasionally and prefer to use a hob with a compatible pan.
Bear in mind : you’ll need to manage splashes and clean the pan of oil yourself. For induction, the pan material is crucial.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Odours and splashes | Start by choosing a cooking method. For a deep-fat fryer, check the lid and any features specific to that model. | If smells linger in my kitchen or splashes bother me, I want to minimise these issues before choosing a capacity. Around 42 % of consumers would put this need first. |
| Cleaning and maintaining the oil | Check how the oil is drained and which parts can actually be removed or are dishwasher-safe. | I want to keep deep-frying, but cleaning up after every use is an important factor in my choice. This would be the priority for around 33 % of consumers. |
| Compatibility and size | For a traditional pan, check that it’s compatible with your hob. For a worktop appliance, compare its dimensions with the portions you usually cook. | My hob, the space available or the size of each batch could determine whether the appliance suits me. Around 25 % of consumers would prioritise how well it fits their kitchen. |
UFC-Que Choisir associates air fryers with reduced odours, not their complete elimination. A claim about a particular feature on an oil fryer doesn’t necessarily apply to every model either.
If odours are your deciding factor, first compare cooking with and without a pan of oil, then check how much space the appliance you’re considering will take up.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a traditional fryer with a cast-aluminium pan isn’t suitable for an induction hob.
Check the pan material and its stated compatibility with your hob. A metallic appearance isn’t enough to tell you it will work.
Removable parts or built-in filtration can make some steps easier, but the oil still needs to cool and be maintained. Handling hot oil carries a risk of burns and splashes.
Check the instructions for draining and cleaning, and follow the cooling guidance before handling the oil.
Basket volume, the amount of food and the number of portions aren’t the same thing. The stated capacity alone won’t tell you how many batches you’ll need to cook for your meals.
Where available, compare the stated portions or food capacity, as well as the appliance’s external dimensions.
The range includes electric deep-fat fryers that you can compare by their cleaning and maintenance features.
The Easy Fry range includes air fryers in a variety of sizes.
The Airfryer range offers a choice of basket capacities to suit the size of the meals you plan to cook.
These Joybuy models include air fryers and an electric deep-fat fryer. Compare the size and cleaning requirements of the air fryers. The oil fryer is for anyone who wants to keep deep-frying and is happy to maintain the oil.
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Worth considering if you want to cook in two drawers without handling a pan of oil. The model name lists six functions and dishwasher-safe baskets. Check you have enough room to set up the appliance.
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Worth a look if you’d like the option of using one large basket or two zones for separate dishes. The name lists a viewing window and 12 functions. Compare the external dimensions and expected portions with the way you plan to use it.
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Compare this model if you’re looking for a 3,2 L air fryer rather than one with two drawers. Check how many of your usual portions will fit in the basket and how much space you’ll need around the appliance.
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Worth considering if you’d like two drawers in a model listed at 7,6 L. Before relying on a machine wash, check that the baskets are dishwasher-safe: the product title and description give different information on this point.
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Worth a look if you want to keep deep-frying rather than switch to air frying. Tefal says this model has removable, dishwasher-safe parts. The oil must still cool before cleaning, and a claim that odours are reduced doesn’t mean they’ll disappear.
No, it can’t guarantee an odour-free kitchen. UFC-Que Choisir says this type of appliance can reduce odours. The main benefit is avoiding a pan of hot oil, although you should also consider the space it takes up and how noisy it is.
Yes, if its pan is compatible with your induction hob. UFC-Que Choisir says that a cast-aluminium pan isn’t suitable and recommends checking the material. You should also check the stated compatibility of the pan you choose.
Check how to drain the oil, which parts can be removed and which are actually dishwasher-safe. Built-in filtration can make some tasks easier on models that have it, but always follow the instructions and let the oil cool before cleaning.
Check the markings, the manufacturer or importer details, and the safety instructions for the model. The DGCCRF highlights the risks associated with electrical equipment, including burns, and the importance of checking that the required information is provided. Simply having this information available doesn’t replace reading the instructions for use.