Aviva has warned air fryer owners to be cautious of potential fire hazards that come with having the popular kitchen appliance.
Over two-thirds (68%) of those surveyed by the insurer own an air fryer – one of which was available for a price as cheap as £35 in 2022 – but nearly half (45%) are unaware of the fire dangers they carry.
Just under one in three (30%) owners would also not know what to do should a fire happen due to the air fryer, while 7% would throw water over the flames – a decision that could cause an electrical fire and be potentially fatal.
Meanwhile, only a fifth (21%) of residents said they follow all the guidelines assigned to the cooking device.
Some of the common misdemeanours among owners included leaving the air fryer on while unattended, using oil in the machine, and using it on a non-ventilated area such as a cupboard or overhead cabinet. Those were the habits among 12%, 8% and 6% of respondents respectively.
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The most damage caused to a kitchen through an air fryer fire was £80,000, and the ceiling, walls and goods inside it – including a washing machine and television – were set ablaze.
The insurer warned that several insurance claimants have faced disaster when placing their air fryer on a hob and accidentally switching the hob on too.
As well as having the ability to spy on conversations, air fryers can cause considerable damage to your homes and households should be vigilant of them.
‘Need for constant vigilance’
Hannah Davidson, senior underwriting manager at Aviva, said: “With the increasing popularity of air fryers, it’s crucial that users are aware of the associated fire risks. Aviva’s survey shows that nearly one [in] five UK residents have encountered fire-related issues with air fryers, from smoking and overheating to explosions and fires. This, alongside our claims insights, underscores the need for constant vigilance.
“Simple practices such as not leaving air fryers unattended, avoiding excessive amounts of oil when cooking, placing air fryers on non-flammable surfaces, and ensuring proper ventilation during use can significantly reduce fire risks. Keeping a fire blanket and a small fire extinguisher in the kitchen is also good practice.”
Davidson added: “In the unfortunate event of an air fryer fire, never throw water on an electrical fire. Instead, use a fire blanket or a fire extinguisher rated for electrical fires, and call the fire brigade if necessary. Having the right home insurance policy can also help protect against significant financial losses, providing extra peace of mind while you prepare your meals.”
The insurer provided 10 tips to remain safe while using an air fryer.
Air fryer safety tips
1. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: always refer to the user manual for your particular air fryer model for specific guidelines and safety instructions when cooking.
2. Never leave your air fryer unattended: always monitor your air fryer while it’s in use to prevent overheating or other issues.
3. Avoid using excess oil: air fryers are designed to cook with minimal oil. Using too much oil can cause smoke and increase the risk of fire.
4. Ensure proper placement of the air fryer: place your air fryer on a stable, non-flammable surface, and ensure it is in a well-ventilated area. Avoid placing it under cabinets or in enclosed spaces.
5. Clean your air fryer regularly: doing so can prevent the build-up of grease and food particles, which can ignite during use and cause a fire.
6. Check your air fryer for any damage: regularly inspect the power cord and plug for any signs of damage. Do not use the air fryer if you find damage.
7. Avoid overfilling your air fryer: don’t overfill or overcrowd the basket and allow enough space for air to circulate around the food for even cooking. This will help prevent overheating.
8. Keep your air fryer away from water: ensure the air fryer is kept away from water and other liquids to prevent electrical hazards. In the case of a fire, never throw water on it.
9. Have fire safety equipment ready: keep a fire blanket and a small fire extinguisher rated for electrical fires in your kitchen. In the case of a fire, use the appropriate safety equipment and call the fire brigade if necessary.
10. Purchase the right home insurance: accidents happen, but having the right home insurance policy can help protect against significant financial losses.
