Air Fryer Fire Damage Surges, Insurance Claims Reach £30,000 on Average, Insurer Warns

By Evans Momodu
3 minute digest
Published 12:59 UK(GMT), 18 February, 2025

Air fryers have become a common fixture in kitchens across the UK, but an insurer has cautioned that fire-related damages linked to their use can be costly—averaging nearly £30,000 per claim.

According to Aviva, the typical insurance claim for fire damage caused by air fryers in 2024 amounted to £29,555, with the most severe case reaching £80,000.

The company has reported multiple instances where fire and smoke damage extended throughout entire kitchens, destroying ceilings, walls, cupboards, and their contents.

The surge in popularity of air fryers—driven by their potential energy savings compared to conventional ovens—has coincided with a rise in significant home insurance claims over the past four years.

Can air fryers cause house fires?

Aviva highlighted several incidents in which air fryers caught fire or melted, causing extensive damage to kitchen surfaces. The insurer, referencing a Censuswide survey conducted in December 2024, found that around 68% of people now own an air fryer.

Of the 2,000 respondents, nearly 19% reported experiencing a fire hazard or near-miss, including smoke, overheating, or scorching.

Potential causes included:

• Failing to follow manufacturer instructions
• Overfilling the air fryer
• Using the appliance in poorly ventilated spaces, such as cupboards

Additionally, Aviva has received claims where air fryers were accidentally placed on hobs that were later switched on, igniting the appliance. In one unusual case, a pet dog accidentally turned on the cooker, causing a fire.

Best Practices for Air Fryer safety from Electrical Safety First

Luke Osborne, Deputy Technical Director at the charity Electrical Safety First, has emphasized the need for caution when using air fryers, noting their widespread integration into modern kitchens.

The organisation offers the following safety tips to reduce fire risks:

• Register your appliance to stay informed about potential manufacturer recalls.
• Avoid overheating by not overfilling the air fryer and never plugging it into an extension lead.
• Protect power cords by keeping them away from hot surfaces to prevent cable damage.
• Follow proper cleaning guidelines to remove grease build-up, which can lead to fires.

With air fryers now a staple in many homes, following these precautions can help prevent accidents and minimise the risk of costly fire damage.
Source: Sky news