Air Fryer
E1
The E1 error code on a Gourmia air fryer is a temperature sensor fault — it means the appliance has detected a problem with its internal thermistor and has shut itself down as a safety precaution. While it can sound alarming, this error is often triggered by something straightforward, such as overheating or a loose internal connection, and many homeowners can resolve it without spending a penny. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what the E1 code means, the most common causes, and the safest step-by-step fixes to try before you even think about calling a technician or buying a replacement.
What does this error mean?
The E1 error code on Gourmia air fryers — including popular models such as the GAF698, GAF228, and the wider GAF range sold in the UK — indicates a temperature sensor (thermistor) fault. The thermistor is a small component inside the cooking chamber that constantly monitors the internal temperature and feeds that data back to the control board. When the control board receives a reading that is out of the expected range — either impossibly high, impossibly low, or simply no signal at all — it triggers the E1 code and cuts power to the heating element as a safety measure. In plain terms, your air fryer is saying: ‘I can’t reliably read my own temperature, so I’m stopping to protect you and itself.’ This is a protective shutdown, not necessarily a sign that the appliance is broken beyond repair.
Est. repair cost
DIY thermistor replacement: £5–£15 for the part. Professional small appliance repair (thermistor or control board): £40–£80 in labour plus parts. New Gourmia air fryer (UK retail): £50–£130.
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Step 1 — Unplug the air fryer immediately and let it cool completely. Before you do anything else, switch off and unplug the unit from the wall socket. Leave it on a flat, open surface for at least 30 minutes to allow all internal components to return to room temperature. Do not skip this step.
Step 2 — Check the placement and ventilation. Once cool, look at where the air fryer was sitting. There should be at least 10–15 cm of clear space on all sides and above the unit. If it was tucked against a wall, under a cabinet, or next to another appliance, this alone may have caused the overheat. Reposition it in a more open spot before testing.
Step 3 — Perform a hard reset. With the unit still unplugged, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to discharge any residual power in the capacitors. Then plug back in and attempt to power on. Many E1 errors caused by a temporary overheat will clear at this point.
Step 4 — Inspect and clean the cooking chamber and vents. Remove the basket and drawer and look inside the cooking chamber with a torch. Check for grease build-up around the heating element and the area behind and above it where the thermistor is typically located (usually a small probe or disc near the top of the chamber). Use a damp cloth or soft brush to gently clean any visible grease away. Do not use water directly on any electrical components — wipe gently and allow to dry fully before plugging back in.
Step 5 — Clean the air vents on the back and underside of the unit. Blocked vents are a surprisingly common cause of E1 faults. Use a dry pastry brush or a can of compressed air (available from most UK DIY or electronics shops for around £5–£8) to clear any dust, grease, or debris from the vents.
Step 6 — Test with a short, low-temperature cook cycle. Plug the air fryer back in, set it to 160°C, and run it for 5 minutes with an empty basket. Watch to see whether the E1 code returns immediately, after a few minutes, or not at all. If it runs cleanly, gradually test with normal use. If the code returns within the first minute of use, the thermistor or control board is likely the culprit rather than an overheat issue.
Step 7 — Check your warranty status before going any further. Gourmia air fryers sold in the UK typically come with a 1- or 2-year manufacturer’s warranty. Check your receipt or the Gourmia UK website (gourmia.com) and register your appliance if you haven’t already. If the unit is within warranty, contact Gourmia UK customer support directly — attempting further DIY repairs may void your warranty.
Step 8 — Source a replacement thermistor if confident with basic electronics. If your unit is out of warranty and the simple resets haven’t worked, a faulty thermistor is the most likely culprit. Replacement thermistors compatible with Gourmia air fryers can be found on eBay UK or AliExpress for approximately £5–£15. You will need a small Phillips screwdriver and a plastic spudger to open the casing. Only attempt this if you are comfortable with basic electronics and always ensure the unit is unplugged and fully discharged before opening. IMPORTANT: If you are not confident opening electrical appliances, stop here and contact a small appliance repair technician.
Step 9 — Do not attempt to repair or bypass the control board yourself. If a new thermistor does not resolve the fault, the issue is almost certainly the PCB (main control board). Replacing a control board requires soldering skills and detailed knowledge of the circuit. This is not a safe DIY task for most homeowners — contact a professional repair technician at this point.
📞 When to call a professional
You should stop DIY attempts and call a qualified small appliance repair technician if: the E1 error returns immediately after a hard reset and the unit has been well-ventilated and fully cooled; you have replaced the thermistor and the fault persists (pointing to a control board issue); you notice any burning smell, scorch marks, or melted plastic inside the unit at any point; or you are not comfortable opening the appliance casing. When you call, tell the technician: ‘My Gourmia air fryer is displaying an E1 error code, which I understand relates to a temperature sensor fault. I have tried a hard reset and cleaned the unit, but the error persists.’ This gives them the context they need to diagnose efficiently. For UK-wide small appliance repair, check local options via the Domestic Appliance Service Association (DASA) directory or ask at your local independent electrical repair shop.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
Gourmia air fryers are a mid-range brand sold at accessible price points in the UK, typically between £50 and £130 new. This makes the repair-vs-replace decision a genuinely close call. If your unit is less than 2 years old and the fix is a simple thermistor replacement (a £5–£15 part), repair is absolutely worth attempting. If the control board has failed, a professional repair could cost £40–£80 in labour alone — which may approach or exceed the cost of a new unit. In that scenario, unless you have sentimental or practical reasons to keep the specific model, replacing is likely the better value. If your Gourmia air fryer is more than 3 years old and has had heavy use, a control board fault is a reasonable signal that other components are also nearing the end of their life — replacement is the more pragmatic choice. Always check whether the unit is still under warranty first, as Gourmia UK has been known to offer replacements for units with persistent sensor faults within the warranty period.