For genuinely occasional frying, a traditional deep fryer may be sufficient if you are happy to handle, store and dispose of the oil; Que Choisir presents it as suitable when fried foods are only prepared occasionally. An air fryer is a better choice if you are more concerned about the smells associated with deep-frying and the cleaning involved, provided you are happy to accept its potential bulk and check that it will not duplicate your oven.
You rarely prepare fried foods and want to avoid buying an appliance that is bulky or disproportionate to this occasional use. Que Choisir states that a traditional deep fryer may be sufficient when frying is infrequent.
You are ready to change your cooking method to reduce the smells, splashes and cleaning associated with deep-frying.
You prefer cooking in oil, but want to check the filtration system, sealed oil storage and dishwasher-safe parts for each model.
Start by assessing how often you will really use the appliance, then compare oil management, cleaning and the space available. Que Choisir's guides highlight that smells, bulk and the risk of duplicating your oven can all affect which solution you choose.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Frying smells | Compare hot-air cooking with deep-frying. For an oil fryer, check the lid and filter on the exact model; Que Choisir states that filter performance varies and that filters do not block every smell as the basket passes through. | I want to limit the smells associated with deep-frying without assuming that a filter will eliminate them in every situation. |
| Cleaning and oil | Check the removable parts, whether they are dishwasher-safe, the draining method and how the oil is stored. Filtration and an airtight cassette are features found only on certain models. | After a few fried meals, I would rather avoid heavy cleaning, the risky transfer of oil and storing unused oil in the fryer. |
| Occasional use | Check whether the appliance will also be used for roasting, baking or grilling. Measure your storage and worktop space before choosing an air fryer. | For a few fried meals a year, I do not want to clutter my kitchen with an appliance that mainly replicates what my oven already does. |
| Safety and disposal | For deep-frying, check the appliance's stability and, for a traditional fryer bowl, compatibility with your hob. Always allow the oil to cool before handling it. | I want to avoid burns, spills and incorrect disposal. ADEME advises against pouring oil down the sink, toilet or into the natural environment. |
An appliance that is rarely used can take up space permanently. Que Choisir points out that an air fryer can perform functions similar to those of an oven.
Before buying, make a list of the dishes you will genuinely prepare with the appliance besides chips. If this is limited to a few fried meals a year, compare the option with a traditional deep fryer or your oven.
Filtration, sealed storage and dishwasher-safe components are not guaranteed across the entire category; they depend on the model.
Read the instructions or product details for the exact model: check how it is emptied, which parts are washable, the filter and the oil storage requirements.
Oil can cause blockages, disrupt wastewater treatment plants and pollute waterways or soil.
Allow the oil to cool, pour it into a sealed bottle or container, then use the disposal option available locally. ADEME specifically mentions recycling centres and, depending on the local authority, collection points.
Cleaning while hot increases the risk of burns, while metal utensils and abrasive products can damage a non-stick coating.
Wait for the appliance to cool as stated in the instructions and use a soft sponge with a suitable detergent. Also check the model's guidance before putting its parts in the dishwasher.
Joybuy options for occasional hot-air cooking or, for one model, deep-frying with removable parts.
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A hot-air option that lets you adjust the quantity prepared for occasional batches.
Two containers of 1.4 L and 3.8 L; Air Fry, Roast, Keep Warm and Recrisp functions; containers and accessories advertised as dishwasher-safe.
The glass containers and tray become hot: use oven gloves or mitts. Also check the dimensions before buying.
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Worth considering if you will also use the appliance for roasting, grilling or baking as well as occasional chips.
Advertised capacity of 7.6 L; Air Fry, Roast, Grill, Bake, Dehydrate and Max Crisp functions; baskets and trays advertised as dishwasher-safe.
Its capacity may be excessive for small, occasional batches; check that it genuinely complements your oven and that you have enough space.
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Its 2 L format is designed for small batches for one or two people.
1150 W power, 60-minute timer, temperature control, non-stick basket and removable parts advertised as dishwasher-safe.
The capacity may be insufficient for several portions at once; check the dimensions and noise level for your kitchen.
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An advertised 7 L capacity for preparing larger portions without deep-frying.
Seven programmes, cooking window, digital display, automatic shut-off when the basket is removed and overheating protection; removable non-stick basket advertised as easy to clean.
Check the instructions for dishwasher compatibility of the removable parts, along with the dimensions and noise level.
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An option for keeping deep-frying, with a removable bowl and parts advertised as washable.
3.5 L bowl, 30-minute timer, viewing window, lid and cool-touch handle; bowl, basket, lid and other parts advertised as dishwasher-safe.
The filter and airflow do not guarantee an odour-free experience. Allow the oil to cool before handling it and dispose of it using local facilities.
No. For occasional use, Que Choisir states that a traditional deep fryer may be sufficient. Choose an air fryer if you will also use its other cooking modes and if reduced smells and easier maintenance outweigh its bulk and potential noise.
No. Que Choisir states that filter performance varies depending on the appliance and that filters cannot prevent smells escaping when the basket enters or leaves the oil. Check the features of the exact model without treating them as a guarantee of an odour-free experience.
First, allow the appliance to cool down. For the Philips models covered by their instructions, the bowl and basket can be cleaned in hot water with washing-up liquid and a non-abrasive sponge; avoid metal utensils and abrasive products. Always consult the instructions for the model you have bought.
No. ADEME states that frying oil must not be disposed of down the sink, in the toilet or in the natural environment. Once cooled, place it in a sealed bottle or container, then use a recycling centre or collection point where one is available locally.