Small cooking appliances

In this page we cover air fryers, halogen ovens, bread makers ad related multi-function cookers.

Summary

Air fryers, halogen ovens, bread makers and multi-function cooking appliances are essentially simple devices and so may well be repairable.

Safety

As with all mains electrical devices, dangerous voltages may be exposed when opened and some parts may remain hot for a while after switching off. Always unplug andallow to cool down before starting work.

General

All the devices in this category consist of an electric heater, possibly a fan and/or a stirrer, and generally an electronic timer or programmer. There may also be one or more safety switches to prevent it being switched on when open, and thermal cut-outs to switch it off if it overheats.

The first step is always to assess what is working (if anything) and what isn't. This may give valuable clues as to where the fault lies.

Disassembly can sometimes be challenging. Search online for disassembly or repair guides or videos. Even if you can't find one for the exact model you have in front of you, guides for other modes by the same manufacturer are likely to give you a few clues.

If the device is showing no signs of life, the first thing to check is the fuse in the plug. This will not often be the fault but it's so easy to check and if necessary replace that it's well worth eliminating from the outset.

Check for grease or other cooking residues which may be clogging up a fan, stirer or other mechanical parts such as a safety interlock, or could be preventing a switch or electrical contact from working. Check for corrosion of any accessible electrical contacts, which might have been caused by steam getting to where it shouldn't.

A faulty electronic timer or programmer can be challenging to fix unless the fault is obvious. There will be some kind of power supply, quite likely integrated into the timer, to drop the AC mains voltage to a much lower DC voltage for the electronics. Check for swollen or leaking electrolytic capacitors or any other components showing signs of overheating or charring. Rectifier diodes can be tested with a multimeter.

Halogen ovens

The heating element in these is enclosed in a quartz glass tube and may only last a couple of years of regular use before failing. Fortunately, relacements are available at reasonable cost, and can be fitted fairly easily. As with quartz halogen light bulbs, you should take care not to touch the glass with your fingers as finger greese can damage the tube when it's hot.

Air fryers

These simply consist of a heating element, a fan, a timer or programmer and a basket or tray for the food. There may be a paddle to stir or agitate the food.

Mechanical problems can arise, for example the paddle can get stuck, the tray or basket can get bent if dropped, and the plastic of the case or buttons can melt if they come into contact with a hot tray.

All the points under the General heading above also apply.