Do mechanical air fryers require regular maintenance or replacement of certain parts?

Mechanical air fryers usually do not require complex technical maintenance like electronic air fryers during use, but regular inspections and some basic maintenance are still very important to ensure the performance of the device and extend its service life. The heating element is one of the most core components of the air fryer. It is responsible for converting electrical energy into thermal energy and "frying" food by heating air. Although heating elements are generally durable, they may cause uneven heating or reduced efficiency if used for a long time or cleaned improperly. Especially when grease and food residues accumulate, the surface of the heating element may be blocked, affecting its heating effect. To avoid this, it is very important to clean the heating element regularly. When wiping with a damp cloth, be careful to avoid moisture entering the electrical part. For some models of air fryers, their heating elements may also age or become damaged, resulting in insufficient or unstable heating. At this stage, the heating element may need to be replaced.
The function of the fan is to circulate hot air evenly to the surface of the food to ensure that the food can be cooked evenly. If the fan is not cleaned for a long time, grease and food residues are easy to accumulate on the fan blades, causing the fan to operate poorly, thus affecting the overall performance of the air fryer. To ensure the normal operation of the fan, the fan should be checked regularly for foreign matter or oil stains, and the blades and air outlets should be cleaned. If the fan fails or makes abnormal noise, it should also be repaired or replaced in time to avoid affecting the cooking effect.
The knobs of the air fryer are usually used to adjust the temperature, time and cooking mode. Over time, the knobs may become worn or loose, especially the parts that are frequently rotated and adjusted. When these problems occur, it will not only affect the accuracy of the operation, but also may cause inaccurate temperature and time settings, affecting the cooking effect. Therefore, in daily use, it is necessary to regularly check the sensitivity and fixation of the knobs. If the knob is found to be loose or cannot be turned smoothly, it should be replaced or repaired as soon as possible to avoid affecting the normal use of the air fryer.
The inner pot and baking tray are the parts that come into direct contact with the food, especially the inner pot is usually coated with a non-stick coating to prevent food from sticking and facilitate cleaning. The non-stick coating is more durable, but the coating may be damaged if it is used improperly or cleaned improperly. Scratching the coating will not only affect the food production effect, but may also release harmful substances, so special care is needed to clean the inner pot. Using wooden or plastic tools instead of metal tools can effectively protect the integrity of the coating. Check the coating status of the inner pot regularly. Once the coating shows signs of damage or wear, it is best to replace or repair the inner pot as soon as possible to avoid affecting the health of the food and the service life of the machine.
The outer shell and interior of the air fryer should also be kept clean. Although the design of mechanical air fryers is generally sturdy, grease and food residues may still adhere to the external surface or the internal heating element during cooking. Failure to clean for a long time may cause oil and stains to accumulate, and even affect the heat dissipation performance of the machine, which in turn affects the efficiency and service life of the fryer. When cleaning, avoid direct moisture into the electrical part, so be especially careful when wiping with a damp cloth. If there is grease accumulation, you can use a special detergent to clean it to ensure that the inside and outside of the air fryer are clean and stain-free.