Deep Fryers

Best Deep Fryers and Air Fryers in the UK: A Friendly, Practical Buyer's Guide

Why a good deep fryer or air fryer matters

Shopping for a deep fryer or air fryer can feel like choosing a new car — you want reliability, efficiency, and something that fits your lifestyle. Whether you're feeding a hungry family, catering for occasional dinner guests, or simply craving perfect chips and crispy chicken at home, the right appliance makes a huge difference. This guide walks you through top models, trusted retailers, capacity choices in imperial units, and practical tips for everyday use so you get tasty results without the stress.

Top brands and models to consider

There are a few names that pop up again and again when people talk about dependable fryers: Philips, Electrolux, Xiaomi, and Caso. These brands offer a range from compact units to large-capacity machines with clever features like dual drawers and smart controls. Below I’ll break down what makes each brand worth considering and how their popular models line up in real-world use.

Philips — consistent performance and family-friendly sizes

Philips is known for air fryers that perform predictably and often include helpful presets. Models like the 2000 Series and the Series 3000 with two drawers cater to different kitchens. For example, a 6.2-liter air fryer translates to about 1.36 gallons or roughly 10.9 pints — big enough for a family portion of chips. If you want to cook multiple items at once, a 9-liter model equals about 1.98 gallons or 15.8 pints of space, which is great for batch cooking or feeding more people without crowding the basket.

Electrolux — smart design and sturdy build

Electrolux appliances often focus on usability and a streamlined look. Their Explore and Series 800 air fryers typically blend power with simple controls and dishwasher-friendly parts. Capacities around 6 liters (about 1.32 gallons or 10.6 pints) hit a sweet spot for couples and small families, while larger Electrolux machines give you the muscle to cook for guests without multiple batches.

Xiaomi — tech-forward and value-packed

Xiaomi's smart air fryers bring app control and connectivity to the kitchen without breaking the bank. A 5.5-liter unit equals about 1.21 gallons or 9.7 pints — compact, but roomy enough for small households. If you like scheduling or preheating from your phone, Xiaomi’s models give that modern convenience alongside solid cooking performance.

Caso — large-capacity options and thoughtful features

Caso’s larger air fryers, such as a 6-liter or more, offer generous cooking space and often prioritize ease of cleaning. A 6-liter fryer gives approximately 1.32 gallons or 10.6 pints of usable volume, making it a practical choice for those who cook for four or want leftovers. Caso sometimes focuses on clever basket designs and sturdy lids that make frying feel professional at home.

Where to buy: trusted UK retailers and specialist shops

Once you’ve picked a brand or model, knowing where to shop can save you money and give peace of mind. The HTML data highlights a retailer called Coffee Friend, but you’ll also find deep fryers at a mix of general and specialist UK sellers. Below are the places worth checking, with quick tips on what each one is best for.

Coffee Friend — specialist retailer with curated picks

Coffee Friend is listed among retailers that offer kitchen gadgets and appliances — if you like curated selections and niche specialist stores, they’re worth a look. Specialist shops often stock unique or premium models and can be helpful when you need advice on specific appliance features.

Currys and Argos — broad ranges and competitive deals

Currys and Argos are household names for kitchen appliances across the UK. They usually carry a wide spread of brands, from entry-level to premium, and are good places to compare multiple models in one spot. If you’re hunting for the best price or a quick replacement, these general retailers often run seasonal discounts that make higher-end fryers more accessible.

John Lewis, AO.com, and Lakeland — quality and service focus

John Lewis tends to focus on quality and aftercare, while AO.com is excellent for fast delivery and a vast catalogue of household electronics. Lakeland specializes in cookware and gadgets, often stocking innovative or compact fryers ideal for small kitchens. Amazon UK is also useful for customer reviews and fast shipping, plus Very and Smyths (for broader appliance ranges) can be helpful for occasional deals.

Air fryer vs traditional deep fryer: which should you choose?

Think of air fryers as the “diet-friendly” cousin and traditional deep fryers as the “old-school” cousin who knows how to make pure comfort food. Both have merits. Air fryers use hot air circulation to achieve a crispy exterior without submerging food in oil, which means less oil, less mess, and generally fewer calories. Traditional deep fryers dunk food in hot oil for that authentic deep-fried taste and crunch, which some dishes — like certain battered fish or doughnuts — do best in oil.

When an air fryer is the winner

If you’re after quick midweek meals, easier cleanup, and fewer calories without sacrificing texture, an air fryer is a smart pick. Many air fryers also double as small ovens — you can roast, bake, and even reheat fries to near-crisp perfection. They’re ideal for households where versatility and tidiness matter.

When a traditional deep fryer still makes sense

If you want that true deep-fried flavor and the ability to fry large batches quickly, a traditional fryer shines. For example, frying a whole batch of battered fish or making chips to the level of a takeaway sometimes requires oil to transfer heat and create the exact texture you’re after. Just be ready for more oil usage and a bit more cleaning effort.

Choosing the right capacity: a practical guide in imperial units

Choosing capacity is like picking the right backpack for a trip — too small and you’ll be squeezing everything in; too big and it clutters your kitchen. Here’s how to think about capacity using familiar imperial measurements so you get the right size for your household.

For one or two people

Look for fryers around 1.2 gallons or less — roughly 1.2 to 1.4 gallons (about 9.7 to 11.4 pints). Models in this range handle portions for one or two people comfortably and are great if you live alone or as a couple. They also heat up quickly and don’t take up much counter space.

For families of three to four

Consider fryers between 1.3 and 1.6 gallons, which translates to approximately 10.6 to 12.7 pints. These sizes match many popular 6 to 7.2-liter models and let you cook family-sized portions without multiple batches. If you want occasional batch cooking for guests, aim for the upper part of this range.

For larger households or entertaining

If you often cook for five or more, go for fryers close to 2.0 gallons (around 15.8 pints) or consider models with dual drawers that let you cook two items at once. A 9-liter equivalent offers the flexibility to prepare more food in one go — perfect for parties, buffets, or bigger families.

Features that matter most

Beyond brand and size, certain features dramatically change how you use and enjoy your fryer. Think about these elements like picking the right tools for a job: the better the tool, the easier the work.

Temperature control and presets

Precise temperature control is crucial for consistent results. Look for models with digital thermostats and preset programs for common foods. Presets remove guesswork, especially if you’re new to frying, letting you pick “chips,” “chicken,” or “fish” and get good results every time.

Dual drawers and basket size

Dual-drawer designs allow you to cook two different items at different temperatures simultaneously — for instance, chips in one drawer and fish in the other — which saves time and prevents flavour transfer. If you like meal prep, a larger basket or twin baskets are a game changer.

Cleaning and dishwasher-safe parts

One of the biggest headaches after frying is cleanup. Models with non-stick baskets and dishwasher-safe parts save lots of time. If you despise scrubbing, prioritize fryers with removable liners and easy-to-clean heating elements so maintenance feels like a breeze rather than a chore.

Safety and energy tips (practical, not preachy)

Safety is non-negotiable when working with high heat and hot oil. Think of it as the seatbelt of kitchen appliances — simple steps keep your cooking comfortable and incident-free. Always use fryers on a stable, heat-resistant surface and never overfill the oil or basket. For air fryers, avoid overcrowding the basket so air can circulate properly and cook evenly.

Energy sense — cook smart

Air fryers often cook faster than conventional ovens, making them more energy-efficient for small to medium batches. If you’re frying in oil, do it in measured batches — preheating the oil to the right temperature prevents longer cook times and wasted energy. Where possible, choose models with good insulation and quick preheat cycles to keep power usage reasonable.

Maintenance tips to extend lifespan

Think of fryer maintenance as a small ritual that rewards you with years of consistent cooking. Empty and strain oil in traditional fryers after use, store it in a sealed container, and replace it when it darkens or smells off. For air fryers, wipe down heating elements and clean baskets after each use. Deep-clean filters and seals every few months to avoid grease buildup and ensure airflow remains unimpeded.

Simple recipes and inspiration

Want to try your new fryer ASAP? Start simple: toss potato wedges with a light spray of oil and a pinch of salt, then air fry until golden; that’s a perfect test of crisping ability. For conventional fryers, batter some white fish and fry until a deep golden brown for that classic seaside taste. Use dual-drawer units to pair fries and chicken wings without flavours crossing — it’s like having two mini fryers in one.

Final buying checklist

Here’s a quick checklist to run through before you buy: match capacity to household size in imperial units, favour models with precise temperature control, check for dishwasher-safe parts, decide between air or oil frying based on taste preference, and browse specialists like Coffee Friend alongside big retailers such as Currys, Argos, John Lewis, AO.com, Amazon UK, and Lakeland to compare prices and availability. Taking these steps reduces buyer’s remorse and helps you pick a fryer you’ll use for years.

Buying a fryer needn’t be overwhelming. With the right balance of capacity, features, and trusted retailer support, you’ll be frying like a pro — or at least getting reliably great midweek meals that please the whole family. Happy cooking!