A recent survey by Express revealed that while approximately 68% of respondents owned an air fryer, many were unaware of the potential risks involved.
A new warning has been issued following reports from insurance companies of a rise in severe accidents associated with air fryers, including house fires and extensive damage.
Aviva, one of the UK’s largest home insurance providers, has noted an increase in claims related to air fryer incidents. Some fires have resulted in damages costing tens of thousands of pounds.
In certain instances, Aviva reported that air fryers had melted, collapsed, and caught fire, causing the kitchen countertops to ignite as well.
According to Aviva, the average payout for air fryer-related fires in 2024 was £29,555, with the most severe case causing £80,000 worth of damage.
One serious fire spread throughout the entire kitchen, destroying the ceiling, walls, kitchen cabinets, electrical appliances, and even a television set.
Some fires were initiated by accidentally turning on the air fryer while it was placed on the stove, leading to overheating. In a peculiar case reported by ITV, a hungry dog accidentally turned on the stove, causing the air fryer to catch fire.
Users are not adhering to safety instructions
The Aviva-commissioned survey revealed that nearly one-fifth of users (19%) had experienced near-miss incidents, such as smoking, overheating, or scorching.
The research also found that only 21% of users strictly followed the safety instructions provided by the manufacturer. Some admitted to frequently overfilling the air fryer or using it in an unventilated space, such as inside a kitchen cabinet.
Experts warn of fire hazards
Luke Osborne, Deputy Chief Technical Officer at Electrical Safety First, stated that air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance but can be hazardous if not used correctly.
He recommends the following:
✔ Always register the product with the manufacturer to receive notifications of any technical faults.
✔ Never overfill the air fryer with food.
✔ Avoid plugging the air fryer into an extension cord, as it may cause overheating.
✔ Ensure that the power cord does not come into contact with hot surfaces to prevent damage and fire hazards.
✔ Regularly clean the air fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent the buildup of grease, which can ignite during cooking.
Important safety precautions when using an air fryer
4 Common Mistakes That Leave Women Terrified When Using an Air Fryer
Ladies, be careful when using an air fryer as it is easy to “waste” a lot if you don’t pay attention to certain points.
