They're a staple appliance in kitchens up and down the country, but air fryers could put you at risk of an £80,000 insurance claim, a fire safety company has warned today.
Air fryers have rapidly become one of the hottest kitchen items, because they are usually much cheaper to run than a traditional oven as well as being faster and healthier because they don't need added oil.
But following the news that another batch of air fryer models has been recalled by the government this week due to fire risks, a fire safety firm has now issued a warning to any household with an air fryer in their kitchen. Fire services across the UK have reported a worrying rise in kitchen fires linked to air fryers, often caused by overcrowding the basket, a build-up of grease, or placing the appliance too close to flammable surfaces, according to Crusader Fire. What starts as a quick dinner can escalate into thousands of pounds in fire damage if safety's not front of mind.
Fire safety specialist Jonny Smith from Crusader Fire warns of the safety risks that come with owning and using an air fryer. He said: "Air fryers are pretty straightforward to use, and this one little fact is what puts off most owners from reading the instruction manual before using.
"There are a lot of precautions to take when it comes to putting your air fryer to use, such as never using oil and making sure that when you are using it, there is enough ventilation to keep the system from overheating and sparking flames.
"Recent data underscores the seriousness of these risks. According to a survey commissioned by insurer Aviva, nearly one in five UK residents have encountered fire-related issues with air fryers, from smoking and overheating to actual fires.
"Moreover, the financial implications can be significant. Aviva reports that the average insurance claim for air fryer-related fires in 2024 reached £29,555, with some claims as high as £80,000."
Crusader Fire issued a number of tips to anyone using an air fryer in order to stay as safe as possible:
Avoid overcrowding: Do not overfill the basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking and increased fire risk.
Ensure proper ventilation: Operate the air fryer in a well-ventilated area, away from flammable materials.
Regular cleaning: Clean the air fryer regularly to prevent grease build-up, which can ignite during use.
Proper placement: Place the air fryer on a stable, heat-resistant surface, and avoid placing it near or on stovetops.
