Fire warning issued over using air fryers to cook your Christmas dinner
A charity has issued a fire safety warning ahead of people using air fryers to cook Christmas meals over the festive period.
New data reveals more than a third (39 per cent) of Brits will turn to the air fryer this festive season; This equates to more than 20 million people, almost 9 million of whom are doing this for the first time.
But Electrical Safety First also found in its survey of 4,000 people that more than four in ten (43 per cent) device owners admit to engaging in dangerous practices when using their devices.
The charity warned of fire hazards and risks that people may not be aware of when using devices, such as using baking paper, leaving the device unattended, not cleaning it regularly and operating the device too close to a wall or in a confined space; all of which can significantly increase the risk of fire.
He added that air fryer fires can lead to high damage costs. According to Admiral Home Insurance, the average air fryer-related claim over the last three years was £22,500.
Stephen Curtler, product safety manager at Electrical Safety First, said air fryers, like any electrical appliance, should be used safely because “the last thing anyone wants is for their festive feast to turn into a Christmas disaster.”
He added: “It’s best not to leave your air fryer unattended while you’re using it. If you smell burning plastic or hear unusual noises from your machine, unplug it immediately and contact the manufacturer.”
“Avoid using too much oil and don’t use baking paper in it, as this can restrict the airflow needed for your appliance to operate safely, and if the paper becomes loose it may come into contact with the heating element and catch fire. Don’t let your air fryer be the Grinch who steals Christmas.”
Almost a third (31 per cent) of Brits clean their fryers after every use, but almost one in ten (9 per cent) admit they only clean them once a month or less.
The charity is also urging people to shop for Christmas gifts safely by purchasing electrical appliances from a reputable high street retailer. A fifth (19 percent) of owners say they bought their air fryers from an online marketplace where substandard and unsafe electrical products are often sold by third-party sellers.
Mr Curtler said: “Safety starts with where you shop, and buying from a reputable high street retailer is the best way to ensure your air fryer or other electric product brings nothing but festive cheer to your home.”
Electrical Safety First posted these simple steps to stay safe when using your air fryer this Christmas:
To do
- Read the manufacturer’s instructions as not all air fryers work the same, and a quick read can prevent an accident
- Place your air fryer on a clean, sturdy, heat-resistant surface away from walls, cabinets, wall outlets, and anything flammable.
- Plug the power cord directly into a wall outlet, keeping it away from heat sources
- Clean your air fryer after each use to prevent grease and oil from building up
- Unplug after each use
Don’t do that
- Leave your air fryer unattended while it is running
- Plug it into an extension cord that can easily be overloaded if multiple high-power devices are connected.
- Place on the stove
- Put baking paper inside as it may block air flow.
- Do not overfill the basket with food as there is a risk of food coming into contact with the heating element and catching fire
