How long will an air fryer last? It is very much dependent on a number of factors that are also relevant to other kitchen appliances. In principle, an air fryer that lasts a long time is well built, using quality components, with a quality motor and thermostat. One thing is clear, price is not always reflective of the quality.
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How long should an air fryer last?
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air to fry and roast food. It has become incredibly popular over the past few years, and is now a staple for many people’s kitchens. The air fryer is very easy to use, and makes healthier versions of fried food, which we all love.
With so many different air fryers on the market, it can be hard to choose the right one for you. Each air fryer has its own benefits and drawbacks. If you have an air fryer, or you’re thinking of buying one, in this post, we will answer how long does an air fryer last.
What do the manufacturers say?
Air fryers are available in a number of sizes and can be purchased from a wide variety of online and offline retailers, though the best prices are often available from online stores. You need to consider where you buy it from in order to determine the level of support and consumer rights afforded to you.
In most cases, the length of the manufactures warranty is between 12 and 24 months. This is pretty much the case across all brands.
That does not mean that the manufacturers expect the product to last this long, it simply gives the time that they will support it. You can infer from it that the longer the warranty, the stronger the manufacturers confidence in the air fryer.
In must be stated at this point that not all warranties are equal. Some companies offer guarantees that are backed by excellent customer service and repair centers.
It is safe to say that the larger, more prominent brands such as Ninja, Philips, Cosori & Tefal etc. offer fantastic service levels, therefore their guarantees offer more peace of mind.
The same could not be said for all brands. Some of the generic brands, many you have never heard of, will offer little to no customer support. So, be warned!
What makes a good air fryer?
Price isn’t a reliable indicator of quality. Some of the cheapest models on the market are surprisingly good, while some of the most expensive models are surprisingly cheap in terms of their performance.
Always read air fryer reviews before you buy. This gives you the user experience from people that have actually paid for the product and used it. We will also conduct reviews of air fryers, delivering you the full test. Hopefully, it should help your decision making.
Generally, there are a number of things that should be considered when determining a good quality air fryer. Some of these are very specific, thus as a consumer, it will be very difficult for you to research them.
This is where reviews are very important. They give you an overview that will inform your decision making.
Components
Does the air fryer use good quality components? This involves but the electronic items and the physical components of the air fryer.
Build quality
What is the reputation of the manufacturer? Are they well known in the market or have a strong reputation for consumer products? Have you even heard of these companies? Do they have a history of selling air fryers? These are questions you need to ask…if they don’t have a real market presence, ask yourself why that is.
Technology
An air fryer with the latest technology will more likely be more efficient and more durable. A good example of progress was the move towards digital air fryer. Prior to this, they used analogue dials which were a weak point in the design. Since they were a moving part, they often failed. Less moving parts mean a potentially longer lifespan.
Design
A well-designed product is more likely to stand the test of time, as well as real world usage. We can confidently state that the larger brands will invest more in a well-designed product. We cannot say the same for smaller brands. However, some innovation can come from smaller brands that are new to the market.
How long will an air fryer last? Depends on how you use it!
It doesn’t always come down to the quality of the manufacturing, design or build. Much of it can come down to how you use it.
Are you following the manufacturers guidelines? Are you following their recommendations?
A well cared for product that is treated well, cleaned and maintained, obviously has more of a chance of offering long life.
Mishandling it whilst not following guidelines means that you risk it breaking down earlier than it realistically should.
Budget Chinese brands
We are now seeing plenty of air fryers from very generic brands. Many of which you will never heard of.
Manu of these are offered at low prices to induce you into believing you are getting real value. Unfortunately, many people find out the hard way that this is not always the case.
Should you have a problem, it is unlikely that you will get a solution from them, let alone the service you expect.
Therefore, I always advise that you choose a brand that has a strong presence in your country, as well a service department based in your country. This offers you more reassurance that any issues can be dealt with quickly.
What is likely to go wrong
While air fryers are an excellent appliance to have in the kitchen, there are a few things to be aware of to keep it working well. For example, the basket and accessories are subject to intense heat and can melt if not used correctly.
You also have the issue of the non-stick surface that erodes, either through misuse or simply time.
Your cleaning method and cycle could also contribute to the demise of your air fryer. One of the common reasons is the use of a dishwasher to clean the basket. Abrasive washing in high temperatures is simply a disaster waiting to happen.
The following is a list of things that could potentially go wrong;
- Surface coating
- Heating element
- Safety thermostat
- Power cord issues
- Cooking basket
- Motor
- Thermostat
- Buttons or dials
- Exterior housing
Can I get my air fryer repaired?
Like any new product, air-fryers sometimes break down, and when they do, it can be confusing to know where to turn.
If it is in the early period, check your consumer rights. You may be able to return it to the retailer.
Personally, this is why I like to buy things online. I am given a longer ‘cooling off’ period, where I can send the product back. Amazon offer me this and the returns are so simple.
However, local shops offer a great service too.
In most cases, if your air fryer is in the warranty period, you will get a repair or a replacement.
However, this will very much depend on the fault and how it developed. Any sign of misuse and the manufacturers can decline any service.
Generally, manufacturers know how their products perform over time based purely of repairs they have to carry out. They know what the issues are in the design so if you are claiming that the issue is a design fault, have your evidence ready.
How can you make your air fryer last longer?
It’s important to remember that your appliance won’t last forever.
In order to get the most out of your appliance, it’s important to understand how to clean and care for it. Doing so properly, will maintain the quality and function of the surfaces.
Keeping it in a well-ventilated area, at least 5 inches away from the wall, means that it has plenty of room to perform well without overheating. Allowing your air fryer to cool properly also helps longevity.
Follow the manufacturers guidelines to make your air fryer last longer. They know their product best, and it will help you avoid the weak aspects of the kitchen appliance.
What are the best air fryer brands out there?
It really depends on how you define ‘best’. Personally, I like to look at it by taking a good overview. Is the brand recognizable? Does it have a service center in this country? What are the reviews like on Amazon? What are the professional reviews saying about it? What are the functions it offers relative to the price?
When you start putting all that information together, there are a few prominent brands that tick these boxes. Ninja, Philips, Instant Pot, Cosori & Tefal are a few that meet these requirements, and their sales records back up these views.
Summary…
Buying well should clear the path for your air fryer to last a long time. Obviously, much of this will be to look at your own user behavior. Treat the air fryer well and you are half way there.
The design and other aspects listed above will make a big difference…choosing digital over analogue dials will reduce the risk of failure.
There are examples of people have air fryers that are almost a decade old. There are examples of air fryers not last a month. It’s very subjective with so many factors at play.
Personally, I tend to work on the basis that it should last at least four years. That seems to be a fair timescale based on the cost of the air fryer.
What is your experience? How long did your air fryer last? Leave a comment below and share your experience with us.
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