Electrical Safety Advice for Deep Fat Fryers

Deep fat fryers usage and safety

Deep fat frying remains popular for a crispy, crunchy result, but working with hot oil can be dangerous. Follow our advice to ensure you stay safe while using your deep fat fryer.

Deep fat fryers have become less popular in recent years but there are lots of electrical types available to buy with modern designs, functionality, and safety features.

Compact or mini fryers are ideal for smaller homes as they occupy minimal counter space and are efficient for small batches of cooking. Family size fryers have larger capacities to handle more food.

Twin tank or double basket fryers are popular as you can cook different foods at the same time or use different oils.

And cool zone fryers use a heating element suspended above the bottom of the oil tank to prevent food particles from burning and keeping oil cleaner for longer.

Many fryers come with systems to drain and filter oil for reuse.

Key points

All electric deep fat fryers must be fitted with a UK 3-pin plug.
Look for fryers with safety features to minimise the risk of accidents.
Do regular checks of the plug and socket for burn and scorch marks.
Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and always follow them.

Buying an air fryer

Whichever you choose, buy from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party seller online, as the fryer may not have passed all the necessary safety checks.
Make sure it is fitted with a standard UK 3-pin plug and fuse.
It’s worth choosing a fryer with safety features such as a cooking timer or automatic shut-off after cooking to prevent overheating, a cool-touch exterior to reduce the risk of burns during or after cooking, non-slip feet or bases to keep the fryer stable, and temperature monitors to shut off the fryer if overheating happens.
Register your deep fat fryer so you can be contacted easily if there is a safety recall of your product. It’s also much easier to return a faulty item or order a repair if it’s registered.

Using a deep fat fryer safely

Don’t overfill a fryer as this can be dangerous.
Ensure the maximum fill level in the fryer is not exceeded. Check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Turn the handles away from the front of the worktop or cooker. This will reduce the risk of knocking it off, especially if there are children around.
Have a well-fitting lid close by in case the oil catches fire (remember, never pour water on an oil fire).
Never put a fryer into water after use and always wait at least 30 minutes to clean it so it can cool down fully.
Keep power cables away from hot surfaces and worktop edges.
Never leave a deep fat fryer unattended as it only takes a minute for oil to overheat and start a fire.
Turn off the fryer at the socket when not in use.
If you notice any unusual smells or noises, switch the fryer off immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer.

ALWAYS

Do plenty of research first before buying.
Buy a known and trusted brand from a reputable retailer.
Register your appliance with the manufacturer.
Clean the fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

AVOID

Buying from third-party sellers online.
Leaving a fryer unattended when it’s being used.
Using the fryer if you notice an unusual smell or noise.
Overfilling a fryer as this could cause a fire.

Stay safe with electrical products

Check plugs and sockets

Don't ignore burn marks, ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) sounds, fuses blowing, circuit-breakers tripping, or if it feels hot to touch.

Unplug and contact the retailer, manufacturer, or a qualified repair technician.

Protect with an RCD

An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks if a product is faulty.

If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD plug on the socket where the product is plugged in.

Fit smoke and heat alarms

Ensure there is at least one smoke or heat alarm per floor in your property. Fit enough alarms to cover all areas where a fire could start.

Test alarms at least once a month. Replace them every ten years or when the replace by date is reached.

Selected FAQs

If you’re unsure about an appliance or product, you’re not alone. These FAQs bring together expert advice and answers to the questions people ask us most, so you can feel more confident at home.

View all consumer faqs

When does a periodic inspection need to be carried out?

It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at the following times:

for tenanted properties, every 5 years or at each change of occupancy, whichever is sooner
at least every 10 years for an owner-occupied home
at least every 5 years for a business

The Landlords and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords of properties with short leases to keep the electrical wiring in repair and in proper working order. We recommend landlords arrange for periodic inspection and testing to be carried out by a registered electrician at the relevant intervals shown above.

Periodic inspection and testing of the electrics should be carried out more frequently on the places and premises listed here:

3 years for a caravan
1 year for a swimming pool

Who should carry out a periodic inspection?

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians.

My electrician told me that they were registered; however I now believe that they are not, as they have not given me a certificate. What should I do?

First, you need to find out whether the electrician you used is actually registered. To do this, contact the operator of the scheme they have claimed to be part of, and they will tell you whether this is the case. If they are registered, the scheme operator can guide you through their complaints procedure.

If you find out the electrician misled you and is not registered, you should report this to your local Trading Standards Department as they are breaking the law. We would also recommend that you get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out on your home; this will assess any work that has been undertaken and will act as sufficient documentation to certify that work. This needs to be carried out by a registered electrician and unfortunately will be an added cost for you.

Additional info

Electric deep fat fryers are versatile, fast-cooking kitchen appliances with precise temperature regulation (typically 50-190°C) for consistent, crispy results.

Beyond cooking french fries and chips, they are popular for cooking chicken, doughnuts, and churros as precise heat control allows for better, faster, and more consistent results compared to stovetop frying.

Has your electrical product been recalled?

Electrical products are recalled more regularly than you might think, but the response rate to a recall is often worryingly low. This means there are potentially millions of recalled electrical items still in UK homes.

Check your appliances

Deep fat fryers