Air fryers are advanced and powerful devices that need to be plugged in into our houses’ electrical plants to work.
Many users wonder whether or not these devices are safe, especially considering that they can come from every part of the world.
There are some well-known brands that are producing air fryers (like Philips, for example), but there are also many brands that we’ve never heard of before.
So, how can we make sure that the device we are purchasing is safe for our houses and kitchens?
Key Takeaways
- The ETL mark is an equipment safety certification program that is operated by the laboratory Intertek.
- The ETL mark ensures the safety and sanitation standards of an air fryer.
- You can look for the ETL mark on the air fryer or on the box it comes in.
- The ETL mark is a big circle with the ETL letters within it and “Intertek” written just beneath the circle.
The Importance of ETL Certification
The number one thing you should do to make sure the air fryer you are considering is safe is to check if it has the ETL certification. What is it?
The ETL mark is an equipment safety certification program that is operated by the laboratory Intertek. Intertek is an NRTLs; Nationally recognized Testing laboratory that runs a third-party testing program on electrical equipment.
The certification includes a number of different variations that are designed to fit within the safety and/or sanitation standards of the product. 1
How do Manufacturers obtain the ETL mark?
In order to obtain the ETL mark, a brand of air fryers must undergo a certification process that includes photos, descriptions, design and optional prototype submissions, a quote agreement, official follow-ups, facility assessments, and even more.
Only after this process is completed the product can be affixed with the ETL mark.
Where to Look for an ETL Certification mark?
The ETL certification is easily spottable on a device: the ETL mark is always highly visible on the air fryer (or any electrical device) box.
If you don’t see it (sometimes you don’t have a full view of the box, especially if you are purchasing the air fryer from e-commerce) make sure to check the product description, and – if you still can’t find it – ask the buyer.
If the buyer claims the device is ETL certified, ask for proof ( a picture of the box would be enough!). 2
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What Does The ETL Mark Look Like?
To make it easier for you to spot the ETL mark on an air fryer’s box, we’d like to describe it for you.
The ETL mark is a big circle with the ETL letters within it and “Intertek” written just beneath the circle.
Based on the design and type of equipment, there are different ETL marks that can be granted, but what’s important for the customer and user is that when a device brings this mark it is safe.
Conclusion
When you purchase, you shouldn’t only check for its features but also for some kind of safety certification. When it comes to electrical equipment, the standard is the ETL certification.
So, no matter what brand you end up preferring, you should purchase only ETL-certified air fryers.
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FAQ’s
Does the ETL certificate ever expire?
No, ETL certificates do not have an expiry date as such, but they can be canceled if the supplier of the product pulls out from the program or does not meet the set standard.
Is ETL mandatory?
No, it is not mandatory or legally required, but it is encouraged to get the certification because retailers do not prefer selling products that do not have some kind of certification.
Is ETL the same as CSA?
ETL, UL, and CSA can be used interchangeably from a certification point of view as, more or less, they all follow the same safety standard.
Amit Gupta is the founder of National Planning Cycles, a company that helps startups, individuals, and small businesses with their financial planning. He has a vast amount of experience in the finance sector, having managed Google Play accounts for some of the world’s most successful unicorns. Amit is an expert in his field, and he uses his knowledge to help others achieve their individual goals.
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