More than 2,000 air fryer fire claims spark safety concerns

Aviva, one of the UK’s largest insurance providers, is warning households to take extra care when using air fryers, after new research highlighted the fire risks associated with the popular kitchen appliance.

A survey of 2,000 UK adults found that nearly one in five (19%) had encountered potential or actual fire hazards due to air fryers.

The most commonly reported issues were smoke emissions (9%) and overheating (9%), while more serious incidents included explosions (3%) and fires (3%).

Despite these risks, three in ten (30%) people admitted they would not know what to do if an air fryer fire broke out in their home.

Fire risks and unsafe habits

Air fryers have surged in popularity, with more than two-thirds (68%) of UK adults now owning one, and over six in ten (61%) using them at least weekly. This widespread use means millions of homes could be at risk if safety precautions are not followed.

The study also found that 45% of people are unaware of air fryer fire risks, and many are engaging in unsafe practices, including:

• Leaving the air fryer unattended while in use (12%)
• Using oil in the air fryer (8%)
• Operating the air fryer in a non-ventilated area, such as a cupboard or under a cabinet (6%)
• Placing the air fryer on flammable surfaces, such as a tea towel (4%)
• Plugging the air fryer into an extension lead (4%)
• Regularly overfilling the air fryer (3%)

Alarmingly, 7% of people admitted they would throw water on an air fryer fire, which can be extremely dangerous in the case of an electrical fire.

Rising home insurance claims from air fryer fires

Aviva has seen an increase in home insurance claims caused by air fryer fires in recent years, with the average claim for 2024 standing at £29,555.

One of the most serious incidents involved an air fryer fire that resulted in £80,000 worth of damage, destroying a customer’s kitchen, including ceilings, walls, cupboards, appliances, and a television.

Other claims have included cases where:

• Flames erupted from melting air fryers, destroying work surfaces.
• Air fryers were placed on hobs that were accidentally switched on, setting them ablaze.
• In one unusual case, a hungry dog was responsible for switching the hob on, causing a fire.

Expert advice on air fryer safety

Hannah Davidson, senior underwriting manager at Aviva, emphasised the need for awareness and caution when using air fryers.

“With the increasing popularity of air fryers, it’s crucial that users are aware of the associated fire risks. Aviva’s survey shows that nearly one in five UK residents have encountered fire-related issues with air fryers, from smoking and overheating to explosions and fires. This, alongside our claims insights, underscores the need for constant vigilance.

“At Aviva, we’re committed to helping our customers stay safe. Simple steps such as not leaving air fryers unattended, avoiding excessive oil, placing them on non-flammable surfaces, and ensuring proper ventilation can significantly reduce fire risks. Keeping a fire blanket and a small fire extinguisher in the kitchen is also good practice.

“If an air fryer fire occurs, never throw water on an electrical fire. Instead, use a fire blanket or an electrical-rated fire extinguisher and call the fire brigade if necessary. Having the right home insurance can also provide protection against financial losses.”

Air fryer safety tips

Aviva advises air fryer users to take the following precautions to reduce fire risks:

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and refer to the user manual for safety guidance.
• Never leave an air fryer unattended while in use.
• Avoid using excess oil, as air fryers are designed to cook with minimal amounts.
• Place the air fryer on a stable, non-flammable surface, away from tea towels or other combustible materials.
• Ensure the appliance is in a well-ventilated area and not enclosed in a cupboard or under cabinets.
• Clean the air fryer regularly to prevent grease and food buildup, which can ignite.
• Inspect power cords and plugs for wear and tear and stop using the device if any damage is found.
• Do not overfill the air fryer—allow space for air to circulate.
• Keep the appliance away from water to prevent electrical hazards.
• Have fire safety equipment in place, including a fire blanket and an electrical-rated fire extinguisherd
• [Photo: depositphotos.com]