New warning issued to anyone with an air fryer
A new warning has been issued to air fryer users after insurers revealed a rise in serious accidents, including house fires and extensive damage.
Aviva, one of the UK’s largest home insurers, has reported an increase in claims caused by air fryer-related incidents, with some fires causing tens of thousands of pounds in damage.
The company said that in some cases, the appliances had melted, collapsed, and erupted into flames, setting worktops alight.
The insurer also warned that the average air fryer fire claim in 2024 amounted to £29,555, with the most severe case causing £80,000 worth of damage.
That particular incident saw a fire spread through an entire kitchen, destroying ceilings, walls, cupboards, appliances, and even a television.
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In some cases, fires started after air fryers were accidentally switched on while left on a hob, leading to dangerous overheating, ITV reported.
Aviva even handled a case where a hungry dog accidentally turned a hob on, setting the air fryer ablaze.
A recent survey commissioned by Aviva found that 68% of people own an air fryer and nearly one in five (19%) admitted they had encountered potential fire hazards, such as smoke, overheating, or scorching.
The research also revealed that only 21% of users strictly follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines, with some admitting they frequently overfill their air fryer or use it in a non-ventilated area like a cupboard.
Luke Osborne, the deputy technical director at Electrical Safety First, warned that while air fryers have become a kitchen staple, they can be dangerous if not used correctly.
He said: “Always register the product to make sure you are contactable in the event a fault is detected by the manufacturer.
“Never overfill your air fryer and never plug the appliance into an extension lead to avoid potential overheating.”
Osborne also urged users to keep power cords away from hot surfaces to prevent damage that could cause a fire and to always refer to the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to avoid grease build-up, which could ignite during cooking.
Experts at Electrical Safety First have issued further safety advice for air fryer users, urging people to never leave the appliance unattended while in use and to always place it on a stable, non-flammable surface in a well-ventilated area.
The company also warned against using excess oil, which can cause smoking and increase the risk of a fire.
The insurer advised people to regularly inspect their air fryer’s power cord and plug for signs of damage and to ensure the appliance is kept away from water to prevent electrical hazards.
In the event of a fire, users should never throw water on it but instead use appropriate safety equipment or call emergency services if necessary.
Aviva also reminded homeowners to check their home insurance policies, as fires caused by electrical appliances can lead to significant financial losses if not properly covered.
More safety tips can be found here.
