And if you STILL want one, the hottest models for all budgets

So, YOU’VE decided you might need a deep-fat fryer in your life? Here are the best options, from £13 to £130. or if you’re looking for a healthier option, why not try one of the new ‘air-frying’ alternatives?

Lakeland 1.5 litre deep-fat chip fryer, £34.99, lakeland. co.uk

THIS square, compact fryer has a suprisingly large capacity — enough chips for the whole family. Easy to use, and has a secure lid with a viewing window in the top so you can see your food cook.

Delonghi F28313 deep fryer, £79, amazon.co.uk

A ROUND, black fryer with a double odour filter — handy if you don’t want the house to smell of cooking fat. It’s got a 1kg capacity and a rotating basket, which DeLonghi claims means that it uses 50 per cent less oil.

Sage The Smart Fryer by Heston Blumenthal, £129.99, ao.com

TOP of the range offering which has a four-litre capacity and a basket that’s big enough for a chicken. Everything except the heating element is dishwasher safe, and it has seven preset functions. Shuts firmly, to keep cooking smells to a minimum.

Argos Simple Value deep-fat fryer, £12.99, argos.co.uk

THIS one really is as basic as it sounds, but it’s a total bargain. A white exterior, removable lid an easy-toclean filter. However, the lid is designed to be left open throughout cooking, so there’s nothing to seal off the smell.

Magimix Pro500 deep-fat fryer, £119.95, johnlewis.com

HEATS up to four litres of oil in six minutes, enabling you to deep-fry 1.5kg of food. All parts, excluding the control panel, are dishwasher safe. This is a handsome machine that will look good in your kitchen.

Russell Hobbs digital deep fryer, £49.99, ao.com

CHIP-SHOP quality chips, with the 1.2kg capacity providing plenty of room for a big basket. Easy-to-use dial with four temperature settings, plus an electronic display that will help you easily keep track of the remaining cooking time.