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A charity has issued Fire safety warnings over air fryer ahead of the people who use them to cook their food Christmas Festive holiday dinner.
New figures show more than a third (39 per cent) of Britons will do so Turn to their air fryer This festive season – which equates to more than 20 million people – around 9 million are doing so for the first time.
But Electrical Safety First’s survey of 4,000 people also found that more than four in ten (43 percent) owners admit to dangerous practices when using their devices.
The charity has now warned Fire hazards and risks Things people may not be aware of when using appliances, such as using baking paper, leaving the appliance open, not cleaning it regularly and running it too close to the wall or in a closed area, can all increase the risk of fire to a great extent.
It says that a fire in an air fryer can cause huge losses. According to Admiral Home Insurance, the average claim involving an air fryer over the past three years was £22,500.
Like any electrical appliance, air fryers need to be used safely because the last thing anyone wants is for their celebration to turn into a Christmas disaster, said Stephen Kurtler, product safety manager at Electrical Safety First.
He added: “When using your air fryer, it is best not to leave it unattended. If you smell burning plastic or hear any unusual noises from your machine, unplug it immediately and contact the manufacturer.
“Avoid using too much oil and don’t use baking paper inside, as it can restrict the airflow needed to operate your device safely, and if the paper gets loose, it could come in contact with the heating element and catch fire. Don’t let your air fryer become the Grinch that stole Christmas.”
Almost a third of Britons (31 per cent) clean their air fryer after every use, but almost one in ten (9 per cent) admit they only clean it once a month or less.
The charity is also urging people to shop for Christmas gifts safely by purchasing electrical appliances from a reputable high-street retailer. More than a fifth of owners (19 percent) say they purchased their air fryer from an online marketplace, where substandard and unsafe electrical products are often sold by third-party sellers.
Mr Curtler said: “Safety starts where you shop, and buying from a reputable high-street retailer is the best way to ensure that your air fryer, or any other electrical product, brings nothing but festive joy to your home.”
Electrical Safety First has issued these simple steps to stay safe when using an air fryer this Christmas:
to do
- Read the manufacturer’s instructions as not all air fryers work the same, and a quick read can prevent a mishap.
- Place your air fryer on a clean, stable, heat-resistant surface, away from walls, cupboards, wall sockets and any flammable objects.
- Plug it directly into a wall socket, keeping the power cord away from heat sources.
- Clean your air fryer after each use to prevent grease and oil accumulation
- Unplug it after each use
No
- Leave your air fryer on while it is running
- Plug it into an extension lead, which can easily become overloaded if connected to multiple high-powered devices.
- put it on the hob
- Use baking paper inside as it may obstruct air flow
- Overfill the basket with food as this poses a risk of contact with the heating element and causing fire