CCPC warns consumers to use their air fryers properly
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has today launched a consumer information campaign on how to use an air fryer properly. The campaign forms part of a wider product safety air fryer investigation by the CCPC.
The CCPC launched a product safety investigation into air fryers earlier this year. The investigation was prompted by the growing popularity of air fryers, the recall of 60,000 units by the CCPC last year and an increase in consumer contacts.
The product safety team tested a variety of air fryer models available on the market to check if they met product safety standards. The testing, which was carried out by an independently accredited laboratory, found good levels of compliance with applicable product safety legislation, with no significant safety concerns identified among the air fryers tested.
However, incidents involving air fryers can and do occur and the CCPC is reminding consumers of some simple steps they can take to use air fryers safely, including following the manufacturer’s instructions, keeping them in a well-ventilated area and cleaning them regularly.
Research conducted by the CCPC found that 73% of those surveyed own an air fryer, with 41% of those using it every day. However, the survey also showed less than half (44%) of daily users clean their air fryer every day, while 7% of daily users only clean it about once a month. As little as 3% of all air fryer owners say they never clean it.
Grainne Griffin, Director of Communications at CCPC said:
“Product safety isn’t just about the product itself; it’s also about how that product is used. Air fryers are extremely popular in recent years but it’s important that they’re used and maintained correctly.
“We’re pleased to confirm that no serious issues were identified in our air fryer testing. Product safety rules are there to protect consumers and we’re glad to see businesses meeting those standards. All air fryers must meet strict product safety rules, so we were glad to see from our extensive investigation that the models we tested are meeting those rules.
“But compliant products can still be dangerous if used incorrectly. Nearly three-quarters of kitchens in Ireland now have an air fryer and we do hear from consumers whose air fryers overheat or go on fire, so it is important to take steps to mitigate this risk.”
Ray Hamill, Assistant Fire Adviser with the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM), said:
“While the NDFEM data indicates that cooking and heating fires have reduced in the last 25 years, fire safety concerns remain. The growing use of electrical appliances and emerging technologies has introduced new fire safety considerations in the home. Proper use, correct maintenance, and proper ventilation can all significantly reduce the risk of fire.
“The single most important measure every home can take is to install and maintain working smoke alarms, as they provide the earliest warning of a fire and remain the best way to protect lives in the home. In the event of a fire, get out, stay out and call 112/999.”
How to safely use your air fryer
• If you notice strange or burning smells or smoke, turn off immediately and report to the manufacturer and contact the CCPC
Read more in the CCPC's air fryer research report.
