Government warns 'unplug immediately' as air fryers could catch fire
The Government's Office for Product Safety and Standards has issued a warning over an air fryer sold on Amazon amid fears that it could catch fire. The alert says the fryer has internal components which could overheat during use and burst into flames.
The warning covers the Pro Breeze 2L Air Fryer 1000W with Digital Display sold via Amazon and Probreeze.com. The alert reads: "The product presents a risk of fire as the internal components may overheat and ignite. The product has been recalled from end users."
Shoppers are urged to look out for air fryers with the barcode 5060596022409. The recall covers batches 20061101, 20061102, 20101001, 20101002, 20120903,21012603, 21031540. The unit is a Black 2L Air Fryer with pull out drawer.
The warning reads: "The product does not meet the requirements of the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016. The product has been recalled from end users. Owners should stop using the product immediately and unplug it from the main power supply."
For more information, including instructions on completing the recall registration form, access the Pro Breeze website at https://probreeze.com/
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that cooks food by circulating hot air around it. It operates on the principle of convection, where a fan rapidly circulates the hot air to create a crispy outer layer on the food, similar to frying but with significantly less oil. The result is a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying, as air fryers often require little to no oil to achieve a similar texture and taste.
Air fryers are versatile and can be used to cook a wide range of foods, including fries, chicken, vegetables, and even baked goods. They usually have a basket where the food is placed, and the appliance heats up quickly, making it a convenient option for fast meals.
Air fryers started gaining mainstream popularity in the mid-2010s, although they were first introduced in 2010 by the company Philips at the IFA consumer electronics fair in Berlin. However, their popularity really surged around 2017 to 2018, largely due to their promotion on social media platforms, health blogs, and food-related TV shows. Their appeal grew due to their convenience, ease of use, and healthier cooking method.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for air fryers spiked even more as people spent more time cooking at home and exploring healthier eating options.