The air fryer has become an increasingly popular appliance in recent years, with many households choosing them over the oven for quicker and more cost-effective meals.
But there has been a noticeable increase in fires in the home with air fryers being the culprit.
Aviva have reported a spike in insurance claims relating to fires started by air fryers over the past 4 years. The average claim for 2024 reached £29,555. One incident in particular Aviva reported involved a kitchen fire started by an air fryer causing £80,000 in home damages. The fire destroyed ceilings, walls, cupboards and their contents.
Aviva also noted that some of these fires were caused by the air fryer being placed on a hob and accidentally igniting when the hob was turned on.
- 68% of people in a survey by Censuswide owned an air fryer
- Nearly 19% of people said they had encountered a potential or actual fire hazard in their home because of one.
- Around 21% said that they not always follow the guidelines and advice when using their air fryer.
The insurer also surveyed people’s air fryer habits. While just over one in five residents (21%) strictly follow all guidelines and advice in the manual provided with the air fryer, the study revealed some bad habits amongst users. These included:
- Leaving the air fryer unattended when it is in use (12%)
- Using oil in the air fryer (8%)
- Using the air fryer in a non-ventilated area such as a cupboard or under an overhead cabinet (6%)
- Keeping the air fryer on a soft tea towel or flammable surface (4%)
- Plugging the air fryer into an extension lead (4%)
- Regularly overfilling the air fryer (3%)
So, the question is if you own an air fryer should you be worried?
Well, the short answer is no. Overall air fryers are safe to use if they are used the correct way in accordance with the instruction manual.
Some of the main reasons air fryers start fires:
- Lack of maintenance – Not cleaning your air fryer after each use could leave you at risk of starting a fire.
- Leaving your air fryer unattended in a different room.
- Placing your air fryer under cupboards and cabinets and not allowing adequate ventilation to the appliance.
Here are some ways you can prevent an air fryer fire in your home
- Buy from a reputable buyer
- Look for the UK safety mark or European Kitemark. This indicates that the appliance was made in accordance with EU legislation
- Stay in the kitchen when using an air fryer
- Do not use baking paper in an air fryer
- Clean your air fryer after each use
- Do not keep your appliance under overhead cupboards whilst in use.
- Avoid overfilling and using excess oil.
- Check the air fryer regularly for any damage – Inspect the power cord and plug for any signs of damage.
- Give the air fryer its own outlet while in use and unplug it after
What should you do if your air fryer sets fire?
- Switch off the appliance but ONLY if safe to do so
- Do not use your air fryer if there are any signs of damage
- Leave your property and call the fire service
- Never attempt to put out the fire yourself
- Do not apply water to air fryer fires
Find more guidance on Air fryer safety here:
