A landlord expert has warned about the dangers of fires caused by air fryers.
Aviva research found that 19% of UK residents have encountered fire-related issues with air-fryers.
There were 146 recorded incidents in England in the year to March 2024, an increase of 57%.
Phil Turtle, a leading fire safety expert at Landlord Licensing & Defence, said: “Landlords need to appreciate that these fryers are a ticking time bomb in many households.
“Not considering basic safety measures – like checking if the surroundings are getting hot, checking that oil is not dripping into the mechanism, is putting lives and livelihoods at risk.”
“Air fryers are potential fire-starters if not handled with care. They exhaust a lot of heat often from behind which can catch anything inflammable nearby on fire.”
Fires can be caused by overheating and explosions, while leaving air fryers unattended or using excessive oil can have drastic consequences.
Warwickshire County Council recently noted that improper ventilation and unstable surfaces further amplify the risks.
Phil Turtle
Turtle added: “Landlords have a legal duty to ensure their properties are safe, and to educate their tenants as to the risk. Tenants must then take responsibility for using appliances correctly.
“Don’t let convenience turn into catastrophe – take these warnings seriously, or you could lose everything.”
In one Aviva case there was £80,000 worth of damage to a kitchen. The average claim for 2024 sits at £29,555.
Hannah Davidson, a senior underwriting manager at Aviva, said: “With the increasing popularity of air fryers, it’s crucial that users are aware of the associated fire risks.”
Tips to stay safe
Landlord Licensing & Defence made the following recommendations:
- Never leave air fryers unattended while in use. Stay vigilant to prevent fires from escalating
- Avoid excessive oil. Use only the recommended amount to prevent overheating and flare-ups
- Place air fryers on stable, non-flammable surfaces to reduce the risk of tipping or heat damage
- Ensure proper ventilation. Keep air fryers well away from walls and flammable materials to allow heat to dissipate safely
- Make sure nothing underneath or behind the unit is getting hot
- Regularly inspect and maintain appliances. Check for signs of wear or damage and follow manufacturer instructions.
- Ensure that the kitchen is fitted with a HEAT alarm and a fire door to ensure that if the worst happens, no-one dies or suffers life-changing injuries.