Are fryers safer than a chip pan?
The fire brigade recommends replacing chip pans with a deep fat fryer for safety reasons. A chip pan of oil, heated on the hob, can reach temperatures of more than 300°C, which can cause the oil to bust into flames. Electric fryers are controlled by a thermostat which is designed to keep the oil at the right temperature to avoid it overheating and igniting, which makes them much safer. Most deep fryers also feature a thermal safety cut-out system to stop it working if it gets too hot. Other safety features include viewing windows so the cooking food is visible, cool walls to keep the outsides from getting too hot, and locking lids that prevent oil from splashing out while cooking and reducing the risks of spills if a fryer is knocked.