Urgent fire warning issued to air fryer owners as insurance claims skyrocket

One incident led to £80,000 worth of damages according to Aviva.

The concerning trend has led to insurance claims reaching tens of thousands of pounds, with the average claim value for 2024 already reaching £29,555.

Aviva noted several instances where air fryer owners left the machine atop hobs and then ignited once the hob was turned on. Fires also occurred from collapsing and melting air fryers.

A survey commissioned by the insurer through Censuswide found that 68% of those surveyed owned an air fryer. The survey also revealed further worrying habits from owners.

According to the results, only 21% of those surveyed revealed that they follow the instruction manual of the air fryer.

It also found that 19% of people have encountered actual or potential fire hazards due to an air fryer, such as smoke or overheating.

Several of those who participated in the survey admitted to overfilling their air fryers, while 12% confessed to leaving it unattended and 8% said they use oil in the machine.

Hannah Davidson, senior underwriting manager at Aviva said: "With the increasing popularity of air fryers, it's crucial that users are aware of the associated fire risks. Aviva’s survey shows that nearly one five UK residents have encountered fire-related issues with air fryers, from smoking and overheating to explosions and fires. 

"This, alongside our claims insights, underscores the need for constant vigilance.

“In the unfortunate event of an air fryer fire, never throw water on an electrical fire. Instead, use a fire blanket or a fire extinguisher rated for electrical fires, and call the fire brigade if necessary.

"Having the right home insurance policy can also help protect against significant financial losses, providing extra peace of mind while you prepare your meals."