Warning over little-known 'two-inch' air fryer rule users must always follow
Thousands of air fryer users can mitigate the risk of causing a devastating kitchen fire by employing one small change, according to a fire safety expert.
Our countertop heroes are the ultimate go-to when it comes to baking sweet treats, roasting vegetables to perfection, and producing juicy, crispy protein portions - but did you know they pose a massive safety risk?
According to ITV News, there have been almost 75 air fryer fires since 2022, with many resulting from avoidable mistakes.
“Air fryers are often made of plastic, which will burn with quite toxic smoke,” Natasha Neale from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service explained to the outlet.
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"They are sited in a kitchen where there’s potentially lots of other flammable items which can increase the risk”.
If you’re one of the 70% of UK adults who have an air fryer and want to avoid causing a house fire, then you may want to take heed of what fire protection specialist Brian Michie has to say.
The expert, who is a Managing Director at SBS Limited, told The Express that everyone should be aware of the little-known ‘two-inch’ rule.
According to Michie, most people who choose to shove their bulky kitchen appliances in a corner are unaware that there are vents on the back and sides of an air fryer that need a ‘clear space around them’.
“A few inches might not seem like much, but it makes a difference to how safely the appliance operates,” he claimed.
He advised everyone to move their air fryer so that there was at least two inches between the cooking gadget and kitchen walls.
Similarly, the fire professional said that they shouldn’t be placed underneath kitchen cupboards.
“Heat rising directly into a cabinet or the underside of a shelf is a fire risk that homeowners frequently overlook,” he reasoned.
“If there isn’t enough vertical clearance above the air fryer, it shouldn’t be used in that spot.”
Giuseppe Capanna, product safety engineer at Electrical Safety First, also has some advise to keen air fryer owners.
He told ITV News that if you should immediatley unplug your machine and allow it to cool down if you ‘smell ‘burning plastic or hear any unusual noises ‘.
“Avoid using too much oil and don't use baking paper inside as this can both prevent the air from circulating inside your device and, if not weighted down properly, can come loose, risking coming into contact with the heating element and catching fire,” he added.
“Different air fryers will have guidance on how much food a basket can hold, so be sure not to overfill your basket, which can risk food coming into contact with the heating element and catching alight.”
Once you’ve finished cooking, wash the basket to prevent oils and grease from building up, as this can cause havoc later down the line.
Ella Scott