Best Deep Fryers – 2021 Round-up

| Last Updated: October 23, 2022

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No matter how many new variations of fryers appear in the market, there will always be a special place for deep fryers in people's hearts. These tend to offer excellent temperature regulation, thus ensuring your fried chicken, fries, and donuts are cooked accurately.

Most models also come with easy-to-use knobs and internal thermometers that indicate when it's time to switch off the heat. Moreover, you will find units in all shapes, sizes, and prices. These will vary in features, but more on that later.

In this review, we highlight the top products in the market and review them extensively. Moreover, there’s a well-researched buying guide to help you make a good decision. So if you want restaurant-level deep-fried chicken at your table anytime, then read ahead.

Our Top Picks for Deep Fryers

  • Safe to use
  • Easy to clean
  • Many temperatures
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  • Safe to use
  • Large cooking space
  • Heats up quickly
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  • Best Mini Fryer
  • Strong and durable
  • Many extras included
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Comparison of the Best Deep Fryers

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • It is equipped with an anti-oil splashing see through lid
  • The parts are easy to clean out
  • Can adjust to many different temperatures
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  • Comes with cool touch sides
  • Comes with a reasonable cooking space
  • Will quickly heat up to desired temperatures
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  • Best Mini Deep Fryer
  • It is made from high-quality materials
  • Comes with extra accessories for easy cooking
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  • Best Outside Deep Fryer
  • Large cooking capacity for larger meals
  • Made from strong and high-quality materials
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  • Best Deep Fryer For Home
  • Can be used for many different cooking applications
  • Comes with a cool touch handle
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  • Best Commercial Deep Fryer
  • It has overheating protection included
  • Offers large cooking space
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  • Best Compact Deep Fryer
  • Easy to adjust and used thermostat
  • Made from strong stainless steel material
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  • Best Deep Fryer For FIsh
  • Made from high-quality materials
  • Designed with the safe no-scourge construction
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What is a Deep Fryer and What is it Used For?

As the name suggests, a deep fryer is a special kitchen appliance that is used to deep fry food. These include chicken, potatoes, vegetables, and a lot of sweet items like donuts. The method requires you to place food into oil at very high heat. The food has to be completely submerged into the oil to get the right texture.

The temperature of most food varies between 350 °F and 375 °F. Since this is a very high temperature, these fryers are commonly available in restaurants and other commercial kitchens. The ones used commercially are really large and hence very expensive. There are, however, many household units available in the market too. You can buy one after reading this review and cook a variety of foods with this method.

How to Choose a Deep Fryer

With so many excellent models in the market, it can be quite challenging to find one that suits your perfect needs. But more importantly, it is difficult to understand what the right needs are. This section helps you decide the right way to choose the fryer. Here are some of the features you need to look out for.

Capacity

This is the most obvious feature that you shouldn’t miss out on. Depending on your family's size, the number of events that you host, or simply the amount of food you cook, you need to choose the size wisely. 

If you cater to a lot of large gatherings at home, then a small fryer is going to take a lot of time. Moreover, if you like eating fried turkey or whole chickens, then you also need a relatively larger size model. Some units come with a range of baskets for you to cook different food.

Safety Features

While cooking food in deep fryers, you are often subjected to extremely high temperatures, which means that accidents in the kitchen can be pretty common. To avoid that, you need to buy a unit that offers a range of safety features. 

Electric units tend to be safer because they come with automatic buttons that don't require manual care and attention. You may also lookout for a unit with an automatic shutoff button that kicks in if the oil becomes too hot.

Price

This is another important feature because a lot of people believe that the most expensive model is going to be the best one. That may be true for some brands, but it is not for all. 

In this review, you will come across small fryers costing $100 only that offer much better durability than a model costing $200. So at the end of the day, it is really all about the warranty, construction, and safety rather than the cost.

Willy's Top Picks - Best Deep Fryers

Review of the Best Deep Fryers

For most serious buyers, this is the favorite part of any review. After discussing the details of important features, it is now time to see the actual products. This section includes the most popular and durable units in the market. All you have to do is compare each fryer's pros and cons to see which suits your needs the most.

Best Overall:
COSYWAY Deep Fryer

COSTWAY Deep Fryer with Basket, 3.2Qt Stainless Steel Electric Oil Fryer w/Adjustable Temperature, Timer, Lid with View Window, Professional Style, Deep Fryer Pot for Home Use, French Fries, Chicken

Pros

  • Comes with a 3.2-quart oil container for safe oil keeping
  • Stainless steel allows greater resistance against corrosion
  • Fry basket allows safe disposal of oil and hence easy clean up
  • 1700W element provides fast and effective heat performance
  • Comes with adjustable temperature timer for added convenience

Cons

  • Heavy hence not very portable

What Recent Buyers Report

its 1700W power element and smooth and sensitive timer, there was never a chance that buyers wouldn’t fall in love with this unit. But what amazed us was just how much buyers appreciated small features like the reset button and the durable lid that the model offered.

Why it Stands Out to Us

There are so many things that stand out in this model that it's hard to pick just one feature. This COSYWAY unit is one of the largest appliances in the market that offer a 3.2-quart oil container for deep frying. You can make more than 12 cups of food in a single shift. But the large capacity isn't the only noteworthy feature here. You also get a very safe and humanized design that ensures better protection.

There is a smooth and durable lid that covers the top and prevents any oil from splashing outside. You can also keep a constant eye on the oil through this transparent lid. Moreover, there are anti-slip pads at the bottom that not only increase stability but also ensure that no sudden accidents occur in the kitchen. To top all this, there are touch handles added that make it easy for you to hold this fryer.

Bottom Line

It takes a lot for a model to stand on the top of a list as competitive as this, but this COSWAY fryer has done this easily. It offers a large capacity that makes cooking food easier, especially for large groups of people. To top all this, it went through a lot of testing procedures to ensure you get the best construction. The use of stainless steel provides an unparalleled resistance against impact and corrosion.

Runner-up:
Hamilton Beach Cool-Touch Deep Fryer (35021)

Hamilton Beach Electric Deep Fryer, Cool Touch Sides Easy to Clean Nonstick Basket, 8 Cups / 2 Liters Oil Capacity, Black

Pros

  • Lid is removable to ensure ease of usage
  • Special lid design ensures fewer splatters
  • Inclusion of ready lights inform when the oil is ready
  • Immersed heating element allows for a quick heating
  • Cool-touch sides protect you from accidental burns upon touching

Cons

  • Repairing costs are high
  • Provides a small temperature range

What Recent Buyers Report

Hamilton has been in the market for quite some time now, and it has completely impressed recent buyers with its amazing features. They love the smooth layer that comes on top and helps protect the fryer when you are not cooking. Buyers have also rated this Hamilton unit very highly.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Good durability, warranty, and efficiency come together to help this Hamilton unit stand out in the crowd. It offers an immersed heating element that not only offers professional-style heating but also ensures that the oil heats up quickly. The recovery time for oil is also short, which means that you can cook a large amount of food in a short time.

Good construction is another noteworthy feature. A lot of time and effort has gone into ensuring all the components of this unit are tested before shipment. The model also comes with a special lid that prevents any splatters. Moreover, there is a basket that you can use to drain the excess oil.

Bottom Line

When dealing with large models, you may likely get into some accidents every now and then. Having cool handles makes all the difference because they ensure your hands and fingers don’t get burned. Moreover, the inclusion of durable and ready lights indicates when the oil has reached its optimum temperature.

Best Mini Deep Fryer:
Presto 05420

Presto 05420 FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer,Black

Pros

  • Small size makes it easy to store
  • Non-stick surface makes it very easy to clean
  • Provides space for storing oil to save on costs
  • Uses only four cups of oil to provide four big servings
  • Can maintain the temperature to a fixed point automatically

Cons

  • Does not come with any baskets

What Recent Buyers Report

One thing that buyers hate more than anything else is difficult cleaning. Products that require too much maintenance tend to annoy customers. However, Presto offers a smooth and simple design in this model that is both efficient and durable. You also won't need much time for its cleaning. All you have to do is keep it under warm water and spend some time scraping the food debris.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Having no controls does not seem like such a bad thing when your appliance can maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking time. This Presto fryer stands out because it allows you to cook crispy and crunchy fried food that doesn't absorb too much oil. So at the end of the day, you will be serving your family healthy and tasty food.

Another thing that really fascinated us about this model was its relatively small size. This comes in handy when you want to carry a fryer to one of your trips. Its compact design also ensures easy storage. You will also not have to deal with any complicated lifts, drains, or serves. There is also no basket that you will have to clean.

Bottom Line

You shouldn’t get fooled by the fryer's small size because although this model is compact, it is in no way inadequate. You can produce large food servings with only four cups of oil at one time. There is also some storage space that allows you to keep excess oil. Moreover, the small size means that you won’t have any issue storing the product.

Best Outside Deep Fryer:
King Kooker 1618

King Kooker 1618 16-Inch Propane Outdoor Cooker with Aluminum Pan and 2 Frying Baskets, Multicolor

Pros

  • Offers good protection against splatters
  • Allows for easy cleaning and maintenance
  • Simplistic design is easy to set up and handle
  • Relatively large and hence offers greater capacity
  • Contains some amazing safety features to ensure safety

Cons

  • Oil takes longer to heat
  • Not very safe to use indoors

What Recent Buyers Report

Most models made especially for outdoors don’t have to come with vents, yet King Kooker has gone up and beyond to ensure that this model comes with all necessary features. This is one reason buyers were absolutely content with their choice. They love the easy build of the unit that allowed them to clean and maintain the model easily.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Everyone loves to find affordable options in the market, but King Kooler 1618 is not only relatively cheap but also offers a compact body. Together, this ensures more convenience as buyers can easily use this model in several settings. Since it comes with proper vents, you can also use it on your camping trips. Moreover, the model is simplistic in its style; thus, it offers easy maintenance.

Another really important feature that users can’t compromise on is safety. You get a plethora of safety features with King Kooler. These include a reset button and smooth handles that are cool to touch.

Bottom Line

This is a relatively large machine and may not be suitable for indoor purposes. However, that shouldn’t be an issue for people who want to cater to large groups of people often. This unit also comes with some excellent safety features that ensure you don’t get into any accidents while cooking.

Best Deep Fryer For Home:
Cuisinart CDF-130

Cuisinart CDF-130 Deep Fryer, 2 Quart, Stainless Steel

Pros

  • Can cook crispy and tasty food in small batches
  • Offers a 1500W immersion style for quick heating
  • Steel mesh basket comes with a cool-touch handle
  • Comes with a 2-quart steel container with a pouring spout
  • Temperature control dial allows you to adjust the temperature

Cons

  • Not suitable for large gatherings
  • Does not offer a quick recovery time

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers didn't take the decision lightly, even if they only had to use the model at their home. They scoured the internet to see the best option for home cooking, and the excellent features of this Cuisinart unit convinced them this was the right fit for them. Most buyers really praised the fryer's two-quart steel container that comes with a pouring spout and offers convenience.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This model may consume more power, but it also offers great efficiency. Its immersive heating element ensures that food is heated to the optimum temperature quickly, thus saving your time and energy. But one thing that stands out most is the diversity. Unlike many other appliances, this unit doesn't restrict your options. You can cook a variety of vegetables, meat products, and fish and ensure everything on your table tastes equally great.

There is also a small stainless steel container included that offers a pouring spout. This comes in handy when you don’t have time for properly draining all your food. There is also a steel mesh basket included that comes with touch handles so that you don’t get into any accidents in the kitchen.

Bottom Line

Maintaining a consistent temperature is essential; however, you also need to adjust the temperature in between the cooking process with certain foods. This is why this Cuisinart fryer comes with a good and sensitive controller that allows you to easily adjust the temperature. You will also be able to cook tender yet crunchy food with the help of this unit.

Best Commercial Deep Fryer:
ALDKitchen Double Deep Fryer

ALDKitchen Deep Fryer | Stainless Steel | 1 & 2 Baskets (2-basket)

Pros

  • Comes with a residue plate and a durable lid
  • Comes with a reset button to prevent overheating of oil
  • Movable heating elements allow you to easily clean the unit
  • Frying basket comes with a plastic handle that makes lifting easier
  • Provides a very large capacity and hence allows you to cook more food in less time

Cons

  • Not very easy to operate

What Recent Buyers Report

Finding a commercial fryer was not easy for recent buyers, and they had to look at a lot of options. After due consideration, they finally decided that no other model provided as good value on money as the ALDKitchen double fryer. This is one of the largest models in the market that comes with multiple baskets to increase capacity and allow different foods to be cooked simultaneously.

Why it Stands Out to Us

There is a lot at stake when you invest in a large commercial deep fryer. These aren’t cheap, and hence you want the absolute best unit for your kitchen. This ALDKitchen unit provides a very large capacity that allows you to cook a lot of food at the same time. It is extremely durable, and the inclusion of a stainless steel lid means that you don't have to keep checking your food. There is also a basket included that allows for easy lifting.

But what really stands out about this unit is that it offers greater protection against overheating. A small but very efficient reset button ensures the oil doesn’t overheat too much or reach its smoking point. So if you want to cater to a large party or you want to buy a large unit for your commercial kitchen, this is the model for you.

Bottom Line

Since you will be using this in a commercial kitchen, you can't have your food getting burned now and then. To prevent this and any other similar accidents in the kitchen, this model comes with a reset button that will ensure the oil doesn't reach its smoke point. Moreover, the inclusion of a durable and solid lid adds to the model's appeal.

Best Compact Deep Fryer:
Presto 05470

Presto 05470 Stainless Steel Electric Deep Fryer, Silver

Pros

  • Reduces odor to a large degree
  • Indicator light tells you when your fryer is ready to be used
  • Anodized aluminum interior ensures a durable construction
  • Compact and hence can be stored in a small cupboard easily
  • Vented cool-touch features with a good built-in splatter screen

Cons

  • Not dishwasher safe
  • Offers a very small cooking capacity

What Recent Buyers Report

Most buyers were initially conflicted with their choice between a large fryer and a small one like this Presto unit. But two main features attracted them to the latter choice; the ease of portability and the ease of set up. They loved the lightweight body that can be carried around anywhere to ensure ease of usage. Moreover, since the unit requires very little oil, you can also heat the food and fry it to an optimum temperature very quickly.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Having an adjustable thermostat is great because you get to choose your desired temperature from a range of options. This also allows you to keep the temperature below the smoke point of your particular oil. Apart from that, with this unit, you also get a handy indicator light that will indicate when the food is crispy and properly brown.

But one feature that really stood out for us was the excellent interior of this compact design. The model uses anodized aluminum that offers fast heating. Its exterior is, however, made of stainless steel that provides great durability. The combination of these two construction materials adds to the appeal of the unit.

Bottom Line

This model is so small and lightweight that you won’t need to put it in a dishwasher anyway. The whole cleaning process will take less than a minute, and the durable body will ensure no excess food gets stuck on the sides. The model also offers a smooth interior made of aluminum that keeps most of the odors at bay. All this ensures you get efficiency even in a small unit.

Best Deep Fryer for Fish:
Bayou Classic 700-701

Bayou Classic 700-701 4-gal Stainless Bayou Fryer Includes 2 Stainless Mesh Baskets Fry Thermometer Drain Valve High Pressure Regulator w/ 48-in Stainless Braided LPG Hose

Pros

  • Offers a large capacity
  • Extension legs make it easy to transport it
  • Features a V bottom design that keeps the base temperature cool
  • Has a temperature gauge and a drain valve for added convenience
  • Comes with two separate stainless steel baskets for greater diversity

Cons

  • Does not come with many safety features

What Recent Buyers Report

Users initially bought this model to cook their fish accurately; however, they slowly realized that they could cook many items in it easily. Since this is a large fryer that comes with two separate baskets, buyers were also happy to cook vegetables and meat items separately but at the same time.

Why it Stands Out to Us

A lot of focus is required when you are cooking fish, which is why the Bayou unit is made with a lot of attention to detail. This classic four-gallon fryer provides you with two separate stainless steel fry baskets. You can put different food items in each of these and cook them simultaneously, thus saving time. Moreover, you get a temperature gauge, a drain valve, and an excellent braided hose for easy connection.

Another noteworthy feature is the incredible design of this fryer. It has a V bottom base that provides a cool exterior and smooth handles that prevent any accidents. Moreover, the unit comes with extension legs that assist in portability. It also comes with a stand and can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Bottom Line

Cooking fish often requires more care, and you need to constantly look at the fryer so that you don’t end up burning your food. But with the automatic temperature controller in this unit, doing so isn’t required. Moreover, the model offers a very smooth V-shaped design and includes extension legs that allow for easy portability.

Best for the Money:
Breville BDF500XL

Breville Smart Fryer BDF500XL, Brushed Stainless Steel

Pros

  • Compact size allows for easy portability
  • Has mesh filters that can minimize cooking odors
  • Electronic thermostat allows oil to recover from heat quickly
  • Frying basket is dishwasher safe hence allow for easy cleaning
  • Cool zone technology provides extended oil life and prevents excess burning

Cons

  • Offers less capacity
  • Oil may take longer to heat to the right temperature

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers were ecstatic when they came across this unique model. They were amazed at how a model so exceptionally good could be available at such a low price. Once they bought the Breville fryer, they noticed that it wasn't only durable but also came with an electronic thermostat that allows quick recovery of oil.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Many people think that the model's relatively lower price stands out only, but nothing could be far from the truth. This Breville model is also known for its solid stainless steel construction. This not only adds to the overall durability and strength of the design, but it also makes the model dishwasher safe. This means that you don’t have to spend your precious time scrubbing or cleaning the basket.

Unlike most other models, this one also comes with a small electronic thermostat that allows you to monitor the oil's temperature. This is to ensure that you don’t end up burning your food or oil. Moreover, the presence of the thermometer allows for a quick and efficient recovery of the oil.

Bottom Line

If you want your model to stick with you through thick and thin, you should consider this Breville fryer. It is a compact unit that comes with special mesh filters that can minimize odors to a great degree. This comes in handy when you are using the same oil for cooking a variety of different items. This will also ensure the smell from your battered food doesn’t enter the rest of the items.

Best Countertop Deep Fryer:
Hamilton Beach Deep Fryer (35033)

Hamilton Beach Professional Grade Electric Deep Fryer, Frying Basket with Hooks, 1500 Watts, 3 Ltrs with Viewing Window, Stainless Steel

Pros

  • Has a digital timer with an audible tone
  • Ready lights indicate when your food is cooked
  • Features a breakaway cord and is very easy to assemble
  • Immersed heating element provides consistent temperature

Cons

  • Does not offer very good smell control
  • Takes a longer time to recover from one shift

What Recent Buyers Report

Before deciding upon any product, you must go through reviews by recent buyers. These people have firsthand experience of what it's like to use the product. With this Hamilton unit, buyers have had no complaints so far. They are completely content with the automatic timer that it provides. This, they say, helps achieve better accuracy.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The immersed heating element provides fast heating, but that’s just one of the many benefits of investing in this unit. It comes with a separate knob for adjusting temperatures. This is keeping in mind the requirement of different foods to cook at different temperatures. You also get a ready light included in the unit that indicates when your food is done cooking.

Efficiency is another feature that makes this unit stand out. You get a smooth and safe cord that assists in the assembly process. Moreover, professional design boasts of excellent durability. You will also find all the accessories to be really reliable.

Bottom Line

Precision and accuracy are both achieved when you invest in this model. It is not a very large unit and hence should not be expected to cater to large gatherings. However, it ensures that the food you cook for your small family is tender and crunchy. So if you want good results without spending much, then this is the model for you.

What Can You Cook in a Deep Fryer?

Many people believe that chicken and chips are the only things that are cooked in a fryer, but nothing can be far from the truth. So before you buy a unit, you should know all the things you can use it for. These include:

Fried Vegetables

These are some of the most commonly fried foods in the market. People all over the world are obsessed with French fries. They are made by dipping thin pieces of potatoes in deep oil, but there are now many variations to this novel dish. 

In this category, there are also pickles, okra, and zucchini. Another very popular dish is fried onion rings. These are often eaten with mayo and mustard dips.

Meat

Almost all kinds of meat products are fried these days. This process not only enhances the flavor of the meat but also gives it a yellow-brown texture. People love eating fried turkey on important occasions, and fried chicken is something that is sold at almost every famous restaurant in the world. Moreover, people also deep fry seafood like crabs, shrimps, fish, etc.

Bread

Many people are unaware that many types of bread are also fried in oil and then garnished with different spices to give flavor. Many sweet types of bread undergo this process. The most common ones include donuts, funnel cakes, and churros. These are often decorated with chocolate, honey, or caramel. Another famous delight is French toast. People all around the world eat such delicacies for breakfast.

Cheese

It is very difficult to imagine a world without fried cheese, and if you are a cheese lover, then you need to invest in a deep fryer. Mozzarella sticks and cream cheese wontons are fried in oil to give them a distinct flavor. Moreover, the cheese used in mac and cheese is often fried too.

Types of Deep Fryers

We discussed important features like durability, safety, and cost above. Now it is time to see the many variations of deep fryers that exist in the market. You will be amazed to know how each of these types is so different yet so alike in their functions. The different types include:

Electric Deep Fryers

These are the most common types, and you will readily find them in the market. They are available in all sizes and are relatively safer to use. Since they are suitable for both indoors and outdoors, they also offer convenience and comfort to people who cater to large gatherings. 

Moreover, they come with an automatic shutoff button that ensures the oil doesn’t get too hot. They are slightly more expensive than other models.

Propane Deep Fryers

For experienced chefs, propane models will always top any list. This is because they have existed in the market for quite some time now, and manufacturers have almost perfected the design. These run on propane gas and hence are relatively cheaper than electrical products. Moreover, many people believe that the food cooked with this type tends to be a lot crispier and fresh. It also tastes better, and the texture stands out too. 

The only downside is that such fryers demand a lot more attention and care.

Ventless Deep Fryer

This is a subtype of the commercial fryer. A ventless fryer is enclosed and hence only passes fumes through an internal venting system. It doesn’t let fumes escape into the air, thus allowing the air inside the room or kitchen to remain free of humidity. Such a type of fryer also helps maintain the life of your oil better and helps retain its properties.

Floor Deep Fryer

As the name suggests, these are very large fryers and are placed on the floor. They are commonly used in commercial kitchens because of their large size. They offer a very large capacity, which allows chefs to cook a large amount of food in a single go. You can also buy such a unit for your home if you often cater to a lot of large groups. 

Deep Fryer Safety Tips

Anyone who has ever fried food in deep oil knows the dangers associated with it. Since you are cooking food at a very high temperature, you are likely to get into many accidents. But by following a few simple steps, you can ensure that it doesn't happen. Here are some food safety tips you need to be mindful of.

Water and Oil

You must have seen many commercials where the mixture of hot oil and water leads to disastrous consequences. But remember that none of that is exaggerated, and adding water to hot oil can cause a lot of harm. When water encounters oil, it vaporizes, leading to a lot of steam evaporating from the mixture. This will result in a lot of oil splatter, which can harm your skin.

Fire Extinguisher

This may seem like an extreme measure, but it isn’t. More often than not, foods are placed inside oil at 400°F. This means that the temperature you are witnessing is very high, and since oil is a flammable liquid, you have to be extra cautious. To prevent any house fires or flare-ups, you should never allow the oil to come in contact with direct flames. It is hence recommended that you have a fire extinguisher at your disposal at all times.

Kind of Oil

A lot of people don’t know that different oils come with different smoke points. This means that your oil will break down at different temperatures. For instance, sunflower oil breaks at 450°F, whereas Canola breaks at 435°F.

At its smoke point, oil tends to produce a bad taste or a bad smell; hence, you must keep the temperature of heat below that of the oil's smoke point. 

Comparison Overview

Comparison overviews are a great way to get clarity regarding products. Many people want to make an informed decision, and hence they want to compare deep fryers with all the alternatives in the market. So here is a brief summary of why you should consider deep fryers over other similar models.

Pressure Fryer vs Deep Fryer

Many of you must not have heard of pressure fryers until now, but they are a real thing. The appliance requires you to fry food under the pressure of 12psi. This not only enables you to cook at low temperatures but also ensures that you don't waste any time during the process. The method also helps seal your meat and vegetables' natural flavors, thus preserving most of its nutrients. 

It also seals excess oil from the food so that you don't get any side effects from deep-fried foods. However, pressure frying is often not recommended for large food items like turkey and whole meats. It also does not produce a very tasty end product, which is why people prefer deep fryers. With the latter, you get a better crisp and crunch.

Air Fryer vs Deep Fryer

Air fryers are garnering a lot of attention, especially from fitness enthusiasts. These are mostly recommended because they allow you to cook food without consuming too much oil. This takes more time, but it also saves time on cleaning. Since there is very little oil used, you don’t have to drain the basket or scrub the leftovers.

Deep fryers still take the lead because good units tend to ensure very little oil absorption, thus promising better health benefits. Moreover, since these allow food to be fully submerged in oil, you get a much crispier and crunchy crust. Furthermore, your food is more likely to be cooked completely when it is fried with a deep fryer. However, the downside of cooking food this way is that you end up consuming relatively more calories.

How to Use a Deep Fryer

Using a deep fryer isn’t very hard. It may be a bit dangerous if you are an amateur, but you will be good to go once you get the hang of things. If you have never fried food using such an appliance, you should read this section carefully. So here is what you have to do.

  1. The first step is always to use the right oil. As mentioned earlier, each type of oil has a different smoking point; hence you mustn’t use a bad combination of heat and oil.

2.You should avoid using very refined oils for frying because they are more suitable for salad dressings and often offer very low smoke points.

3. If you don’t have an electric appliance that comes with a thermometer, it’s better to use an oil thermometer while cooking. This ensures you cook your food at an accurate temperature. 

4. Most recipes will provide you with a specific temperature; however, if they don’t, you can always consider 360°F as the standard.

5. If you want your food to be crisp and have a good texture, it is vital to keep the temperature constant throughout the cooking.

6. Do not exceed the temperature above 400°F. This is because even the best oils tend to burn and create a foul smell at such a high temperature.

7. Add food in portions because when you add food, the temperature of the oil decreases, so you should always give it some time to recover before you add the rest of your food.

8. Make sure you don't add water to the oil. This is because the two don't mix well and may lead to serious accidents in the kitchen.

9. Once your food is well cooked and gets a brown layering on top (in case of fried chicken mixed with batter), you should ensure that you take it out while draining all the excess oil.

10. To ensure a lot of oil doesn't stick with your food, dish it out on a plate covered with a paper towel. This will remove any excess oil.

This is just a few steps that you should follow. To get a complete overview, refer to the video mentioned below.

How to Clean a Deep Fryer

If you want consistently good food, then you will have to take out some time to clean your fryer. This is essential because, over time, bad smells and leftover food can get stuck to the surface and burn up. This creates a foul smell that can hamper your cooking. So here is an easy way to clean your appliance.

  1. The first step is to always let the appliance cool down properly and remove any food items from the oil. You should also remove all the oil from inside the fryer.

2. Then unplug the appliance from its source so that you don’t get into any accidents while cleaning.

3. Since most units come with a frying basket, this should be cleaned first. You can remove the basket and place it under the sink and wash it with dish soap.

4. Then, scrape the insides of the fryer using a plastic spatula. You should remove any food particles, or debris stuck at the bottom too.

5. Next, use eight to ten drops of dish soap to clean the inside of the fryer. You should start from the center and then wipe in circles to get an even application.

6. Once you have scoured the bottom and the sides, it is time to fill the dryer with extremely hot water. Leave the water inside for at least 30 minutes. If you are using a floor unit, then you should skip this part.

7. Also, wash any other accessories that come with the appliance. This is to ensure no leftover food is stuck in any area.

8. Then, wash the fryer. Wipe the sides and the bottom using the water that was left inside the unit.

9. Repeat step 8 using freshwater. This is to ensure a more thorough cleaning process.

10. Once the cleaning is done, it is time to dry the unit. You can do this with a clean piece of cloth.

This was just a summary of what you have to do. For a more detailed overview, here’s a video:

Conclusion

If there is one thing that people love more than food, it is definitely fried food. Consuming deep-fried meat and cheese items once in a while does not pose any health risks, and people hence like to indulge in the novelty.

But going to restaurants every time you crave French fries or mozzarella cheese sticks is not easy, and hence many people now turn to home-based deep fryers. If you are one of these people, you are in for a treat.

There are so many great models reviewed in this article. All you have to do is find the one that meets your needs and ensures you don’t ever have to suppress your food cravings again.

People Also Ask

People have been obsessed with deep-fried food for ages. They want the absolute best taste and flavor, which is why they have resorted to asking a lot of questions on the internet. We found the most popular questions and decided to answer them for you.

Can I Leave Oil in a Deep Fryer?

Ideally, you should always drain the oil and keep it in a separate container when not in use. You can also keep oil inside the fryer for as long as you want. You should drain the oil first to ensure that no food debris is left inside. Moreover, if your unit does not come with a lid, make sure you offer some coverage to the oil.

How to Light a Deep Fryer

There are two kinds of fryers in the market, and different techniques are used for each type. To light a gas unit, you will have to turn the valve on to the pilot position and then use a lighter to avoid any contact with hands. With an electric fryer, you simply have to connect the cord to a power outlet, and you are good to go.

How Much is a Deep Fryer?

This depends on the size and brand of the model; however, you can find a good model at around $100. This will offer good capacity and will ensure good durability. If you want a very compact unit, you may only have to spend around $50. Commercial fryers can cost up to $500 to $1000.

How Long Does it Take For a Deep Fryer to Heat Up?

Depending upon the unit's size and the amount of oil inside, it can take around 25 to 30 minutes for a large fryer to heat up properly. You can insert a thermometer inside the appliance to see whether the oil has reached the optimum temperature. Some smaller units also tend to achieve the right temperature in 20 minutes.

What Kind of Oil to Use For a Deep Fryer?

Refined oils should never be used with deep fryers because they have undergone a lot of procedures and hence offer relatively low smoke points. You can use either canola oil or peanut oil because they don’t easily burn up. This ensures that your food also tastes great.

How Many Times Can You Use Oil in a Deep Fryer?

If you are dipping battered or breaded foods in oil, then you should only use it three to four times. This is to ensure that the flavor or taste of one item doesn’t get incorporated into the other. However, if you are frying food like potatoes or vegetables, you can reuse the oil eight times or more. This is considering you are adding some fresh oil each time.

How Much Oil Do You Put in a Deep Fryer?

This depends on the size of the unit. For a compact appliance, one or two liters of oil is enough to ensure the food is completely submerged in. However, if you are using large commercial units, then you may need to use around two to three quarts of oil in a single shift.

Deep Fryer Guides and Review Articles

The links below are all buyer guides for the various types of fryers: 

Hey there, I’m Will, and I’ve been smoking and grilling for as long as I can remember. I made this blog to help others who are looking for honest and reliable info from someone they can trust. In my own efforts to try to perfect my smoking and grilling skills, I’ve done a lot of research and would like to have it compiled as a resource for others to use. Happy smoking!