‘Ticking time bomb’ kitchen appliance sparks fire risk warning for landlords and tenants

Landlords and tenants are being warned about a “ticking time bomb” kitchen appliance that can cause thousands of pounds in damage.

Landlord Licensing & Defence has revealed a surge in fires caused by air fryers, including a recent case where £80,000 worth of damage was done to a customer’s kitchen.

The firm warns that, despite being marketed as safe and convenient, air fryers can pose serious risks when misused.

Potential fire-starters

Figures from the Home Office reveal a 57% increase in air fryer-related dwelling fires in England, with 146 incidents reported in the 12 months to March 2024, up from 93 the previous year.

According to insurance provider Aviva, one in five UK adults have encountered potential or actual fire hazards from air fryers.

Phil Turtle, a leading fire safety expert at Landlord Licensing & Defence, warns: “Landlords and tenants must wake up to the hidden dangers lurking in their kitchens.

“Air fryers are potential fire-starters if not handled with care. They exhaust a lot of heat often from behind which can catch anything inflammable nearby on fire.”

Airfryers are a ticking time bomb

Landlord Licensing & Defence reveals that common mistakes like leaving air fryers unattended or using too much oil have led to catastrophic fires. Warwickshire County Council also warns that poor ventilation and placing air fryers on unstable surfaces increase the risks even further.

Mr Turtle adds: “Landlords need to appreciate that these fryers are a ticking time bomb in many households.

“Not considering basic safety measures – like checking if the surroundings are getting hot, checking that oil is not dripping into the mechanism, is putting lives and livelihoods at risk.”

“Landlords have a legal duty to ensure their properties are safe, and to educate their tenants as to the risk. Tenants must then take responsibility for using appliances correctly.

“Don’t let convenience turn into catastrophe, take these warnings seriously, or you could lose everything.”

Tips from Landlord Licensing & Defence to avoid fires

To protect your home, landlords and tenants are urged to follow these critical safety guidelines from Landlord Licensing & Defence:

• Never leave air fryers unattended while in use. Stay vigilant to prevent fires from escalating
• Avoid excessive oil. Use only the recommended amount to prevent overheating and flare-ups
• Place air fryers on stable, non-flammable surfaces to reduce the risk of tipping or heat damage
• Ensure proper ventilation. Keep air fryers well away from walls and flammable materials to allow heat to dissipate safely
• Make sure nothing underneath or behind the unit is getting hot
• Regularly inspect and maintain appliances. Check for signs of wear or damage and follow manufacturer instructions.
• Ensure that the kitchen is fitted with a HEAT alarm and a fire door to ensure that if the worst happens, no-one dies or suffers life-changing injuries.