I had already bought the first model of this fryer in 2007. He held 7 years with a relatively regular family use. The engine ventilation toasted what began to melt the plastic surrounding the resistance ... with a big smoke outside. A few more seconds and it was the extinguisher !!!! Plastic parts become brittle and very fragile with time ... Every reason not to renew this purchase ... And yet ... The fries are excellent and no oil! In short, I plunged into the new model! It is still plastic but I hope that the security has been increased compared to the old model! This fryer is much improved noise issue from the first model. Noise is now quite acceptable and still excellent fries! :-) The capacity is superior to the old In my case I use frozen shoestring frits WITHOUT drop of oil directly into the camera. This is perfect and as well with a "traditional" fryer. By cons for "fresh" frits, the oil bath is my best advice. The plastic side of this cost him the fifth star