Air Fryer
E1
The E1 error code on a Tower air fryer indicates a temperature sensor fault — the appliance has detected that its internal thermistor is either reading an abnormal temperature or has failed entirely, so it shuts down as a safety precaution. While it can look alarming, it is not always a death sentence for your air fryer, and in many cases a straightforward fix at home is all that is needed. In this guide you will learn exactly what the E1 code means, the most common causes on Tower models, a safe step-by-step troubleshooting process, and honest advice on whether it is worth repairing or replacing.
What does this error mean?
The E1 error code on Tower air fryers is a temperature sensor error. Inside every air fryer sits a small component called a thermistor — a type of resistor whose electrical resistance changes predictably with temperature. The air fryer’s control board reads this resistance constantly and uses it to regulate the heating element so the cooking chamber stays at the temperature you have selected. When the control board receives a reading that falls outside its expected range — either because the thermistor is faulty, its wiring has come loose, or the appliance has genuinely overheated — it displays E1 and cuts power to the heater as a safety measure. In short, the machine is telling you: ‘I cannot trust my temperature data, so I am stopping before something goes wrong.’ This is a protective feature, not a flaw.
Est. repair cost
DIY thermistor part: £5–£15. Professional repair (thermistor replacement): £40–£70. Professional repair (control board fault): £60–£90.
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Step 1 — Switch off and unplug immediately: As soon as you see the E1 error, turn the air fryer off using its power button and unplug it from the mains socket. Do not attempt any further steps with the appliance plugged in. Leave it to cool for at least 30 minutes before touching it.
Step 2 — Perform a hard reset: Once the unit is fully cool, plug it back in and power it on without placing any food inside. Many E1 errors caused by temporary overheating or a minor power glitch will clear themselves after a full cool-down and reset. If the error is gone, run the air fryer empty for 5 minutes to confirm it is stable before cooking again.
Step 3 — Check the placement and ventilation: Inspect where the air fryer is sitting. Tower recommends a minimum of 10–15 cm of clear space on all sides and above the unit. If it has been tucked against a wall, in a corner, or inside a cabinet, move it to an open countertop position and test again. Restricted airflow is one of the most overlooked causes of E1.
Step 4 — Clean the basket, drawer, and interior: Remove the basket and drawer and wash them thoroughly with warm soapy water. Once dry, use a damp cloth to carefully wipe the interior of the cooking chamber, paying particular attention to the area around the heating element at the top. Built-up grease near the sensor can affect its readings. Do NOT use abrasive scourers or spray water directly into the appliance body.
Step 5 — Inspect the heating element for visible grease build-up: With the unit unplugged and cool, turn it upside down or look up into the cooking chamber. If you can see heavy grease or burnt residue caked onto the heating coil or the small sensor probe near it, carefully clean it with a soft brush or a slightly damp cloth. Allow the unit to dry completely (at least 2 hours) before powering on.
Step 6 — Check for any visible damage to the basket or drawer seal: A cracked or warped basket can alter the airflow pattern inside the chamber, causing localised hot spots near the sensor. If the basket looks warped or the drawer does not sit flush, a replacement basket (available from Tower directly or retailers such as Amazon UK for £10–£25) may resolve the issue.
Step 7 — Test with a different mains socket: Plug the air fryer into a different socket on a different circuit if possible. This rules out a local wiring fault or a socket that is delivering inconsistent voltage. If you have a surge-protected extension lead, use that instead of a bare wall socket.
Step 8 — Contact Tower customer support before proceeding further: If the E1 error persists after all the above steps, contact Tower’s UK customer support line (available on the Tower Housewares website). Many Tower air fryers still carry a 1- or 2-year warranty, and an E1 error caused by a defective thermistor is typically covered. Have your model number (found on the base of the unit), proof of purchase, and a description of the steps you have already tried ready when you call.
Step 9 — DIY thermistor replacement (advanced users only, proceed with caution): If the unit is out of warranty and you are confident working with small electrical components, replacement thermistors compatible with Tower air fryer models are available online for £5–£15. However, opening the appliance’s outer casing to access the sensor involves removing screws, disconnecting wiring harnesses, and working near the heating element. Unless you are experienced with appliance repair, this step carries a real risk of causing further damage or, if done incorrectly, creating a fire or electric shock hazard. If in any doubt, skip this step and see the professional guidance below.
Step 10 — Do NOT attempt to bypass the sensor or override the error: Some online forums suggest jumping the thermistor connection to ‘trick’ the air fryer into running. Do not do this. The thermistor is a critical safety component. Bypassing it means the appliance has no way of detecting overheating and could pose a serious fire risk.
📞 When to call a professional
Stop DIY troubleshooting and call a qualified small appliance repair technician if: the E1 error returns every time you power the unit on despite a full reset and clean; you can see any scorching, melted plastic, or burning smell around the heating element or interior walls; or you have opened the casing and noticed any burnt or damaged wiring. When you contact a repair technician, tell them the exact error code (E1), your Tower model number (e.g. T17021 or T17088), that you have already performed a hard reset, cleaned the unit, and checked the ventilation, and that you suspect a thermistor or control board fault. This will save diagnostic time and cost. For units still under warranty, Tower’s UK customer service team should be your first call — the warranty process is straightforward and they do arrange free repairs or replacements for manufacturing defects. Tower’s contact details are listed on the Tower Housewares website (towerhousewares.co.uk).
⚖️ Repair or replace?
Tower air fryers typically retail in the UK between £40 and £120 depending on the model, with the popular Vortx range sitting around £50–£80. If your unit is under 2 years old and still under warranty, repair (or replacement) is the obvious choice — pursue the warranty claim first. If it is out of warranty, the decision hinges on the fault. A thermistor replacement by a technician will typically cost £40–£70 in labour plus the part, making it economically marginal on a £50 air fryer but potentially worthwhile on a larger dual-basket model that cost £90–£120. Tower parts availability in the UK is reasonably good, with components stocked by Tower directly and third-party suppliers on Amazon and eBay. If the fault is a failed control board rather than just the thermistor, repair costs can rise to £60–£90 — at which point replacing the unit with a new Tower or comparable Ninja or Philips model is almost certainly the better financial decision. As a general rule: if the air fryer is over 3 years old and the repair cost exceeds 50% of a new equivalent model, replace it.