5 things you should know before you buy an air fryer
Air fryers can be a handy appliance to have in your kitchen, as evidenced by the gazillions sold. However, there are a few things to bear in mind before you go shopping.
We asked Harry Kind, one of our air-fryer aficionados here at Which?, to tell us about the five most important things he's learned to look out for when buying an air fryer. These are his top tips to help you choose an air fryer that cooks and crisps to perfection.
Not quite sure which air fryer to buy? See our expert reviews of the best air fryers.
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'5 things I wish I'd known before buying an air fryer'
1. Stated internal volumes aren't always helpful
Manufacturers often state the internal volume of air fryers in litres. However, we found these can sometimes be a bit misleading.
At Which?, we test how well these appliances cook solid food, which isn't measured in litres. Our tests have revealed that the true capacity of an air fryer is usually between 60% and 80% of what’s claimed by brands.
It’s much more useful to find out the internal capacity of the air fryer in grams. This will give you a better idea of how much food can actually be prepared in each go – and you’ll avoid the risk of food cooking unevenly.
Not sure what size air fryer to get? Read our guide to air fryer sizes and the best dual air fryers on the market
2. You shouldn't spend less than £50
You might hope to bag a bargain when buying an air fryer, but our research shows that models for less than £50 are less likely to cook your food properly and are often quite flimsy, too.
You should be looking to spend around £70 if you want to find a sturdy appliance that will reliably cook food well.
If you want to prepare bigger portions or are interested in models with more advanced features and settings, expect to spend quite a bit more.
Read our guide to find out more about some of the best air fryer deals
3. You may not save what you think on your energy bills
Air fryers are more energy efficient than ovens – they can use up to a third less energy, so you will technically be saving money when cooking family dinners.
However, the amount tends to be between 10p and 40p per meal – which means you will need to use your air fryer a lot before you notice any huge saving on your energy bills.
Energy use, costs and cooking results compared – air fryers vs ovens
4. Bigger doesn't mean pricier (or better)
While it’s true that smaller air fryers are generally cheaper, buying a bigger air fryer doesn't have to be overly pricey – and it's actually better to buy an air fryer that is big enough to fit all the food you want to cook at once, instead of having to cook in small batches.
Opting for a bigger air fryer could save you money in the long run because you will be pressing the start button fewer times. It will also help to make the cooking process much faster and more convenient.
Still not sure which air fryer to get? Read our guide to the most reliable air fryer brands
5. Hate handwashing? Choose an air fryer with dishwasher-safe parts
We recommend you wash your air fryer baskets and accessories by hand because this is less likely to cause damage to the appliance.
To avoid clogging your sink or dishwasher, any excess grease should be wiped away first with a paper towel.
If your air fryer needs a deeper clean, the non-stick coating can easily be tackled with warm water, washing-up liquid and a non-abrasive sponge.
Don’t want to wash by hand? Then make sure you buy a model that clearly specifies it has a dishwasher-safe basket and accessories.
Have a look at our expert guide on how to clean an air fryer
