If you only fry food occasionally, an air fryer is worth considering first if you want to avoid the smells and splashes associated with a pan of hot oil. However, it cooks using hot air, and Que Choisir reports that results vary considerably between models. If deep-frying is more important to you, compare electric oil fryers, bearing in mind that you’ll still need to manage the oil and deal with smells, even with a filter.
You occasionally cook fried food, but the smell of oil and the splashes it causes are important factors in your decision. An air fryer is worth considering, provided you check how it performs with the food you usually cook.
Your main priority is cooking food in a bath of oil, whether it’s chips, doughnuts or breaded food. An electric fryer gives you the option of a thermostat and, depending on the model, removable parts. However, you’ll still need to maintain the oil.
You rarely use a fryer and need to find somewhere to keep it both while cooking and afterwards. Compare its dimensions, the clearance required in the instructions and the portion sizes it can accommodate.
Consider it: if you rarely fry food and have a suitable hob.
Bear in mind: Que Choisir says this type of fryer generally has neither a cool zone nor an odour filter. Inserting the basket can also cause splashes.
Consider it: if deep-frying remains your priority and you want a thermostat and cleaning features to compare from model to model.
Bear in mind: a lid filter won’t trap all the smells when you handle the basket. You’ll still need to maintain and dispose of the oil.
Consider it: if you want to cook without a bath of oil and limit the splashes associated with it.
Bear in mind: it cooks differently from a deep fryer. Que Choisir reports mixed results between models; you should also check how noisy it is and how much space it needs.
| What matters to you | What to check before buying | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Smells and splashes | For an oil fryer, check the lid and type of filter; for an air fryer, check how easy the drawer is to clean. | If the smell of oil lingers in my kitchen, I also want to limit splashes while cooking. Around 33% of consumers put this need first. |
| Cooking results | Look for tests using the foods you usually cook, and check whether food needs turning or shaking in the air fryer. | For my chips or doughnuts, the texture matters more than changing appliances. Around 27% of consumers put cooking results first. |
| Cleaning and used oil | Check which parts are removable and dishwasher-safe. If you’re using a bath of oil, you’ll also need to filter and dispose of it. | After occasional use, I don’t want to deal with lots of oil or wash a pile of parts. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Space and portion sizes | Compare the external dimensions, required clearances and usable capacity for your portions. | In a small kitchen, I need space to use and store the appliance, without buying one sized for meals I rarely make. This is the main concern for around 20% of consumers. |
Que Choisir says filter performance varies between appliances, and smells can escape when you put the basket into the oil or take it out.
Check the type of filter, how it needs to be maintained and whether a replacement is available. You’ll also need suitable ventilation.
A replaceable filter means an extra maintenance task, depending on the model.
Que Choisir’s tests found considerable differences between models, particularly when it came to browning chips.
Look for tests of the food you usually cook, and follow the chosen model’s instructions on quantities and shaking.
The advertised capacity doesn’t tell you how much food you can fit without stacking it too high, or how much space the appliance needs with the required clearances.
Measure your worktop and storage space, then compare the basket size with your usual portions and the instructions.
A deep fryer means storing, filtering and disposing of used oil. ADEME says it must not be poured down the sink or toilet.
Let the oil cool, put it in a sealed container and find out about the collection service available in your area.
Storing the oil and possibly taking it to a collection point are part of the practical considerations.
Worth considering if you want to stick with oil frying and compare the features of electric fryers.
Worth considering if two separate drawers suit the way you prepare a meal using hot air.
Worth considering if you’re looking at air fryers, from compact models to options with two baskets.
This selection includes air fryers for cooking without the need to manage a bath of oil, as well as an electric oil fryer for those who prefer deep-frying. Compare their size and features with your portion sizes and available space.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a 2 L air fryer for smaller portions. The product title lists 1150 W of power, a 60-minute timer and a non-stick basket said to be dishwasher-safe. Check how much space it needs and look for cooking results using the foods you usually prepare.
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Worth considering if you want to cook with hot air in a 3,2 L appliance. Its listed dimensions are 368 × 273 × 293 mm; the instructions mentioned on the Joybuy product page call for at least 100 mm of clearance on each side. Check that you have enough space and compare the model’s cooking results for the food you usually prepare.
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Worth considering if you want to prepare portions using hot air rather than deep-frying. The title lists a 4,7 L capacity, 2000 W of power and a non-stick basket. Check the dimensions and how it performs with the food you usually cook before choosing this size.
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Worth considering if you want a 4 L basket and a reminder to turn your food during cooking. The title lists eight programmes, a temperature range of 35 to 200 °C and a 60-minute timer. Check how much space the appliance needs and how it performs with the food you cook most often.
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Worth considering if you prefer deep-frying to cooking with hot air. The title lists a 3,5 L bowl and a viewing window. Que Choisir says a filter won’t eliminate all smells when you handle the basket. You’ll also need to maintain and dispose of the oil.
No. Que Choisir says how well it works depends on the appliance, and smells can escape when you put the basket into the oil or take it out. Check the type of filter, how to maintain it and the ventilation in the room.
Not necessarily. An air fryer cooks by circulating hot air rather than immersing food in oil. Que Choisir found mixed results between models, so look for tests of the chips you make and follow the instructions on shaking them.
Let it cool and put it in a sealed container, then follow your local waste collection guidance. ADEME says not to pour it down the sink or toilet, or dispose of it outdoors or in compost.
You’ll need to filter and dispose of the oil, as well as maintain any filters fitted to your model. Replacement intervals depend on the part: SEB recommends replacing one specific filter after every 10 uses, but this doesn’t apply to all fryers.