Khaberni - The air fryer has revolutionized the way food is cooked, making it easier to prepare meals quickly and reduce oil usage.
However, kitchen experts warn that these devices may cause gradual damage to countertops, even if they don't feel hot to the touch.
Simon Roberts, a kitchen expert at Vogue Worktops, says: "Devices like air fryers tend to stay in one place and operate by themselves for 20 to 30 continuous minutes. You might not feel that the base of the device is hot, but the heat accumulates underneath the device and over time affects the work surface."
Roberts explained that laminate surfaces might show small bubbles or warping due to the weakening of the lower layers from repeated heat exposure. Wooden surfaces can also be affected, becoming dry and showing faded spots or gradually changing color. Even more solid engineered materials are not completely immune if the same area is repeatedly exposed to heat.
He added: "Another factor often overlooked by users is how the heat from the air fryer is vented. Most models vent heat from the back or bottom, and if it consistently directs towards the same area of the work surface or the back wall, spots or discoloration may gradually begin to appear."
Ways to protect the work surface
Roberts points out that using a heat-resistant mat, a heat-resistant base, or a thick wooden chopping board between the fryer and the work surface can mitigate the heat impact. It is also advisable to move the device slightly from time to time to avoid heat buildup in one spot.
The health benefits of the air fryer
A study conducted by researchers from the University of Birmingham found that cooking with an air fryer reduces air pollutant particles compared to traditional oil frying. The study included 12 types of foods, such as potato slices, onion rings, and sausages, and found that air frying produces smaller amounts of "fine particles" and "volatile organic compounds."
However, Professor Christian Frang, a researcher involved in the study, warned that the benefits depend on the cleanliness of the fryer: "Repeated use without cleaning hard-to-reach cooking surfaces may diminish the benefits related to air quality."
Accordingly, researchers recommend regularly cleaning the air fryer, using heat insulation tools, and occasionally moving the device, to ensure the safety of work surfaces and maintain clean air in the kitchen.
