Aviva, a major insurance company in the UK, has reported a rise in claims related to fire incidents caused by air fryers, with the average claim for damage reaching £29,555 in 2024. Some individual cases have seen damages soar to £80,000, highlighting a troubling trend associated with increasing air fryer usage.

The insurer has documented several significant home insurance claims over the past four years where air fryer fires have resulted in extensive fire and smoke damage.

One incident involved an air fryer fire that devastated a kitchen, destroying its ceiling, walls, cupboards, and their contents, as well as a washing machine and a television.

According to Aviva, some claimants have reported witnessing flames erupting from air fryers that collapsed or melted, causing damage to the surfaces they were on.

Furthermore, there have been multiple claims indicating that placing air fryers on hob burners has accidentally triggered the hobs, leading to fires.

In one case, an incident was attributed to a dog inadvertently switching on the hob while the air fryer was in use.

Aviva also commissioned a survey through Censuswide, which revealed that approximately 68% of UK respondents own an air fryer.

Out of those surveyed, 19% acknowledged having faced potential or actual fire hazards associated with their air fryers, including issues such as overheating and smoking.

The research highlighted a concerning trend where many users do not adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines; only about 21% reported following their air fryer manual closely.

The survey of 2,000 individuals, conducted in December, indicated that some users frequently overcrowd their air fryers and use them in poorly ventilated areas, such as cupboards.

Hannah Davidson, senior underwriting manager at Aviva, emphasized the importance of user awareness regarding the fire risks associated with air fryers, noting that nearly one in five UK residents have experienced fire-related issues connected to the appliances.

Davidson advised that proper precautions, such as not leaving air fryers unattended and using them in well-ventilated areas, could mitigate these risks.

In parallel, Luke Osborne, deputy technical director at the charity Electrical Safety First, echoed the need for user vigilance.

He recommended registering air fryers with manufacturers for safety updates, avoiding the use of extension leads to prevent overheating, and ensuring that power cords do not come into contact with hot surfaces.

Safety experts from Aviva have outlined several best practices for air fryer use:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for specific safety guidelines.

- Do not leave an air fryer unattended while in operation.

- Ensure the air fryer is placed on a stable, non-flammable surface in a well-ventilated area.

- Clean the air fryer regularly to avoid grease build-up that may ignite.

- Inspect the appliance for wear and tear before use.

- Keep the air fryer dry and away from water to prevent electrical hazards.

- Keep appropriate fire safety equipment available and call emergency services if a fire occurs.

With the growing popularity of air fryers, awareness and adherence to safety protocols are essential to prevent accidents and ensure household safety.