Actifry Not Heating Up – What To Do?

Actifry has made a name for itself among home countertop fryers. But like any kitchen gadget, you might have an issue that will arise at some point that impedes its usage. If your Actifry isn't heating up, we can help you. Before you replace it, let us walk you through a few steps to figure out possible solutions. We researched the Actifry in depth so that you'll know exactly what to do.

If your Actifry isn't heating up, there are several things for you to inspect and possibly remedy before you replace your unit. The troubleshooting steps you should take with this appliance are to:

• Make sure it is plugged in
• Check the position of the circuit breaker
• Verify that the tray can be properly inserted
• Check the condition of the temperature switch
• Check to see if the thermal fuse is operable
• Verify that the heating element is working

Now that we know the troubleshooting steps to take if your Actifry isn't heating up, we'll examine each one of them in more detail. You might also be wondering if an Acitfry can be fixed or how long one of these appliances will last. For the answers to these questions and more, read ahead in this post to see what our research has uncovered.

Step-By-Step Guide To Solve Actifry's Heating Malfunctions

Chances are, you've paid a decent chunk of your paycheck for your Actifry. So, if it is no longer heating up, it's well worth troubleshooting to see if you can fix the problem on your own.

While some lower-end models might not be worth paying a service technician to fix, premium Actifry devices could be well worth it, especially if they are relatively new.

While the list we presented above isn't all-inclusive, it mentions all of the most common reasons your Actifry wouldn't be heating up. And though you will be able to work your way through a few of them without any further explanation, some of them will better serve you if we provide you with more detail.

Check To See That The Unit Is Plugged Into A Wall Socket

This should be the first thing you check. But this should include more than just seeing that the plug has been inserted into the socket. You might have a GFCI plug that needs the button reset.

Check the cord itself to make sure that it isn't damaged. A damaged cord can be dangerous, as it will expose you to potential shocks and your kitchen to possible fires. So, before you inspect the cord for wear and tear, unplug it from the wall.

If the cord is in great shape and the unit has been firmly plugged into the wall, it's time to check other reasons why your Actifry isn't heating up.

Check The Breaker That Is On The Circuit The Appliance Is Plugged Into

There's a possibility that the circuit the Actifry has been plugged into has been overloaded. Check the breaker box and see if the breaker has been tripped. If it has, then you've solved your mystery.

If the breaker continues to trip, you should get a licensed electrician to examine the problem. It could be faulty wiring, a bad breaker, or overloading the circuit. No matter what the cause, it needs to be addressed and remedied as soon as possible.

If the breaker and plug are in good order, make sure that the outlet itself isn't faulty. Unplug your Actifry and plug in another small appliance.

If it doesn't get power, the issue is the plug or its wiring. But if it does power on, then your Actifry getting juice to it is not the problem. It's now time to look at some internal issues that might be at play.

Inspect The Tray To Make Sure It Can Be Inserted Correctly

If you have not set the tray inside the Actifry properly, then the unit will not come on and heat up. Make sure it is firmly in place, then try again.

You should remove the tray and carefully wipe around the inside lip where the tray would get seated against the unit. Occasionally, there will be food particles and other debris that will obstruct the tray from fitting inside the Actifry completely.

Once this has been inspected and cleaned, try to insert the tray again. If this doesn't make the Actifry begin to warm up, then there could be a faulty part inside the appliance that needs to be replaced.

Check The Condition Of The Temperature Switch

The temperature switch is needed to let the machine know how hot to get the heating element. If the Actifry is getting power but refuses to warm up, then it's most likely the temperature switch.

This switch can be ordered from the manufacturer or purchased at a local hardware store. It's recommended that you only attempt this fix if you have some experience with appliance repair.

Check The Thermal Fuse

If the thermal fuse has malfunctioned, then the heating element will not come on. Thankfully, this problem can be fixed with a $30 part.

Replacing the thermal fuse requires opening the unit itself.  Test it with a multimeter to see whether or not it will cast a reading. If it's dead, it's time for a new fuse.

Make sure you have the Actifry unplugged before ever getting inside the appliance!

Verify That The Heating Element Is Functioning

Finally, the heating element could be the reason for your malfunctioning Actifry. This replacement can be a little pricey, so we suggest that it only be done by someone that is a trained professional. If the unit has power and a working thermal fuse, there is no reason why the heating element would not heat up.

If all else is in order, you'll need to consider whether or not it's worth having this part replaced.

But if your switch, fuse, or heating element are the problem, there is a one-year limited warranty on the unit. If your Actifry is less than a year old, the owner's manual will tell you to contact the company directly for a possible unit or part replacement.

Can An Actifry Be Fixed?

No matter what is plaguing your Actifry, you can always find a replacement part for it. But depending on what the issue is, it might not be worth it to do so. This will be especially true if your unit is several years old.

Parts can be found for an Actifry for a reasonable price. But if you are not able to fix it on your own, the price of labor can make a repair cost prohibitive. Carefully weigh the overall cost of the repair with the replacement cost of a new unit.

How Long Does An Air Fryer Last?

Whether you have an Actifry or another brand of air fryer, you will want a unit that will last. Though not the most expensive gadget in the average kitchen, consumers will find themselves spending upwards of several hundred dollars for one.

These units have a varied lifespan depending on the brand, frequency of use, and how it's maintained. Generally, you can expect an air fryer to last at least three years.

Can You Cook Anything In An Actifry?

One of the great features of an Actifry is that you can cook so many meals in it. Whether you are wanting to cook an entree like fish or red meat or just a quick snack like French fries or pizza rolls, the Actifry is a great and convenient way to prepare your meal.

The Actifry does have its limitations, however. Anything too watery or containing too much batter isn't a great fit for the Actifry. These types of meals will not cook properly and can leak out of the tray and create a real mess.

Final Thoughts

There are several reasons why an Actifry will fail to heat, some of which you will be able to identify and fix on your own.

Though some of the causes will possibly require a qualified technician, it is not always cost effective to do so. Take care of your appliance, and you should be able to get at least several years of use out of your Actifry.

We hope this post answered all of your questions. For additional information on countertop appliances, we suggest reading the following posts:

Cuisinart Air Fryer Not Working – Common Issues And How To Solve Them

What Can You Store In The Cabinets Above The Stove And Microwave?

What Can I Use If I Don’t Have A Food Processor? [22 Alternatives]