As a valued member of our community, we’re reaching out to share an urgent safety warning concerning a popular kitchen appliance: the air fryer.
Recent research from Aviva Insurance has highlighted a concerning rise in fires linked to air fryer usage. At Essential 6, your safety is our priority, and we want to ensure you’re equipped with the knowledge and tools to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Key Findings from the Aviva Report:
More than two thirds (68%) of UK adults own an air fryer.
Nearly one in five (19%) have encountered potential or actual fire hazards in their homes due to one.
Smoke coming from the air fryer (9%) and overheating (9%) are the most common issues.
3% of people have experienced an explosion. Another 3% have experienced a fire.
Despite this, three in ten people would not know what to do if a fire broke out in their home because of an air fryer.
Aviva has seen significant home insurance claims relating to air fryer fires. In one case, £80,000 worth of damage to a customer’s kitchen.
The average claim for 2024 sits at £29,555.
Fire awareness
Worryingly, almost half (45%) of people surveyed are unaware of the fire risks associated with air fryers, while three in ten (30%) would not know what to do if a fire broke out in their home because of an air fryer.
Approximately one in six respondents (16%) say they would use any fire extinguisher to extinguish the blaze, and 7% of people say they would throw water on the flames, which can pose a significant risk in the case of an electrical fire.
The insurer also surveyed people’s air fryer habits. While just over one in five residents (21%) strictly follow all guidelines and advice in the manual provided with the air fryer, the study revealed some bad habits amongst users. These included:
Leaving the air fryer unattended when it is in use (12%)
Using oil in the air fryer (8%)
Using the air fryer in a non-ventilated area such as a cupboard or under an overhead cabinet (6%)
Keeping the air fryer on a soft tea towel or flammable surface (4%)
Plugging the air fryer into an extension lead (4%)
Regularly overfilling the air fryer (3%)
Souce Aviva https://bit.ly/4hHNEbp
Your Safety is Our Priority:
Understanding the risks is the first step toward prevention. Here are some essential safety tips to keep in mind when using your air fryer:
Read the Manual: Always familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines.
Placement: Ensure your air fryer is positioned on a stable, heat-resistant surface, away from walls and flammable materials.
Regular Cleaning: Prevent grease build up by cleaning the air fryer and its components regularly.
Check your air fryer for any damage: regularly inspect the power cord and plug for any signs of damage or overheating on the plug pins. Do not use the air fryer if you find damage.
Avoid using excess oil: air fryers are designed to cook with minimal oil. Using too much oil can cause smoke and increase the risk of fire.
Supervision: Never leave your air fryer unattended while in use.
Keep your air fryer away from water: ensure the air fryer is kept away from water and other liquids to prevent electrical hazards. In the case of a fire, never throw water on it.
Have fire safety equipment ready: keep a fire blanket and a small fire extinguisher rated for electrical fires in your kitchen. In the case of a fire, use the appropriate safety equipment and call the fire service if necessary.
Power Off: Always unplug the air fryer when not in use.
Empower Yourself with Fire Safety Training:
At Essential 6 , we offer comprehensive Fire Safety Awareness Training to equip you with the knowledge and skills to handle fire emergencies effectively.
Our courses cover:
Fire Warden/Marshall Training: Learn the roles and responsibilities of a fire warden, including emergency evacuation procedures.
Practical Extinguisher Training: Gain hands-on experience using fire extinguishers with live fire simulations, ensuring you’re prepared to act swiftly and confidently in an emergency.
If you’re interested in our Fire Safety Training or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@essential6.co.uk or 01803 26 66 66.
