It’s no hidden secret that America loves its fried foods! They are served everywhere, from kiosks to fine restaurants. This method of cooking is applied to a wide range of foods: from potatoes to fish. The US isn’t alone in its love for fried foods. Other countries are also obsessed with frying and it remains one of the most popular methods of cooking to date.
In a Hurry? Here are Our Top Choices
The progression of technology has meant that we can now make our favorite fried foods in the comfort of our home without going out. If you love fried foods, then it is imperative that you get a deep fryer as it will do most of the hard work for you.
Finding the Best Deep Fryers
The problem arises at the time of choosing. Since there are many options of deep fryers available for home use, choosing the correct one might become difficult. Keep on reading to check out our picks for the best deep fryers. We’ll also guide you on choosing one that fits your needs.
The Two Types of Deep Fryers
There are two broad categories of deep dryers in the market: turkey and electric deep fryers. The most common is the electric deep fryer which is used most commonly.
1. Electric Deep Fryers
Compared to frying food in a deep pot or pan that is filled with sizzling hot oil and is extremely dangerous for the person cooking, an electric fryer is a safer and more effective way of frying your favorite foods. Apart from being insulated and providing an efficient way of frying, electric fryers come with a range of features that help in making the frying process simple and easy.
2. Turkey Deep Fryers
Turkey deep fryers are specifically meant for turkey lovers who love to combine their choice of protein (turkey!) with the delight of frying. You can choose between frying an entire bird or two smaller sized turkeys, depending on the capacity of the fryer.
How to Choose a Deep Fryer
Before deciding on purchasing your new fryer, take a look at the following list which will be an immense help when you are choosing your first or next fryer.
Browse Through the Instruction Manual
This may seem like the most obvious step to take when purchasing any new appliance but many people tend not to read the instructions manual before using or buying their deep fryer. Such users believe that since the product has been tested by the manufacturers, they know the best way to utilize, maintain, and clean the fryer.
Food Capacity
If you are buying a fryer to just cook for one or two people, even an air fryer with 1000 or 1500 watts can get the job done. However, if you have a large number of people who love eating fried food, then choosing a fryer with larger capacity such as 1750 watts or a 4-liter capacity should be good enough. Be sure to check the size of the basket within the fryer as some fryers might have a higher wattage but the basket is tiny.
The Importance of a Timer
A timer really helps in quality control especially when you are frying a turkey or a roast. A timer will allow you to set the cooking time so you can do other stuff while your food is being cooked. Once the time is up, it can alert you. A timer ensures that the food is cooked to perfection and not under or overcooked.
Adjustable Temperature
Many deep fryers come with adjustable temperature control that you can alter or a digitalized one that monitors the temperature. This feature is useful if you are cooking different types of food as various types require different cooking temperatures. Most temperatures on fryers go up to 375 degrees Fahrenheit which is the ideal cooking temperature for most foods including a whole turkey.
Oil Filter
One of the disadvantages of frying is the lingering smell of oil and greasy stains. However, many deep dryers are now equipped with an easy-to-clean oil draining system where the excess oil is drained from the machine. They are also equipped with charcoal filters that absorb the greasy smell effectively.
Easy to Wash
One of the downsides of a fryer is the hassle and effort it takes to clean it up. Thankfully, most fryers nowadays come with easily removable parts that can be washed in dishwashers.
The Basket
To avoid injury or burns caused by hot oil, seek a dryer that has a cool grip handle. Some fryers even have baskets that can be lowered while the lid is closed. Other models may have rotating baskets which may be important for larger food items such as a turkey. A model which comes with a rotating basket uses energy more efficiently and uses less oil but you have to be careful of overcooking or the food will get burnt.
Safety and Extra Features
All electrical appliances need to have strict safety features and guidelines. Try to look for models that have a lid that offer protection against splattering, locks securely in place, light or sound that alerts you about the cooking being completed.
Some models feature secure stands/feet that hold the fryer in place on top of a surface or counter-top. Other models have cool touch surfaces that prevent you from getting burnt by the extremely hot interior.
Warranty
Be on the lookout for the fryer’s warranty while purchasing one. Some manufacturers offer a 90-day return or a single-year warranty while other companies may offer longer-term warranty but one that is limited to certain things.
The 5 Best Deep Fryers
Presto 05466 Dual Basket Pro Fry Deep Fryer
This fryer is powered by 1800 watts and features an easy cleanup. The fryer contains an adjustable thermostat and a light that lets you know it is ready to cook. The basket is made of a light but durable metal and designed to fit even large pieces of fish and chicken. The device comes with a one-year warranty.
The Pro Fry model is versatile and can even be used to steam vegetables as all you have to do is to remove the oil and replace it with water. The model comes with a lid which helps in preventing splashes and the oil can be stored in the fryer for later use. There are amazing reviews for this model online. The only drawback of the model is that the large size requires at least 100 ounces of oil. A large amount of oil means that the pre-heat time is 15 minutes.
Presto DualDaddy Electric Deep Fryer
This 1500-watt deep dryer is most suitable for beginners and those looking to cook on a budget. It is one of the most cost-effective fryers out there and is great at catering towards its intended target market. There are no controls or thermometer to set and the model automatically keeps the oil at the standard temperature for cooking.
The DualDaddy comes with a magnetic safety cord, storage lid, and slotted scoop. The basket is split into two sections to allow the simultaneous frying of two different foods at the same time. The divider is removable so you can get a huge fryer to fry larger foods like a whole chicken. The fryer comes with a one-year warranty.
With proper care and maintenance, this unit can last well over a few years and offers great value for its price. One of the best features about the fryer is that it’s very user-friendly and can be used straight out of the box. It takes about 10 minutes to heat up. The only drawback is that the lid is plastic and doesn’t prevent splattering.
Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Oil-Less Turkey Fryer
This fryer from Char-Broil is unlike any other fryer listed on here. Instead of submerging your turkey in sizzling oil, you place it in a large chamber that can hold turkeys that weigh up to 16 pounds. The turkey is then prepared by utilizing infrared technology that manages to produce flavorful results while eliminating cold and hot spots. You do need a propane tank for using this fryer. Also, this fryer is only meant for outdoor use.
The fryer makes frying turkey easier, safer, and cheaper. Users have had amazing experiences with turkey, prime rib, duck, and chicken. The most common reviews are that the food cooks fast and is delicious even when compared to slow roasting in the oven.
T-fal FR8000 Oil Filtration EZ Clean Deep Fryer
This model features a 1700-watt powerful heating element. It can contain about 3.5 liters of oil and can cook about two and a half pounds of food at a single time. This fryer contains a two-position basket for when you are cooking and draining the excess oil from the fried item. The lid of the fryer even has a small window for sneak peeks to check up on the cooking time without splattering yourself.
What makes this model truly unique is its oil filtration mechanism. On the front of the fryer is a knob that allows you to start the automatic oil filtration. A dedicated plastic compartment collects the oil after it has been filtered so that it can be used for frying again.
Reviews gave the T-fal 8000 EZ Clean a good review due to the price point, quality, features, size, oil filtration, and drainage mechanism. It is highly recommended for families as the fryer is capable of handling large loads. One of the most talked about aspects of this model was the cleaning efficiency it offered. Every component except the cord and heating element is safe to place in the dishwasher. Users commented on the great range of products that can be fried in this model such as donuts, frozen foods, taco shells, fries, and many more.
Cuisinart Deep Fryer
For cooks that require an extreme precision of temperature control, the Cuisinart Deep Fryer comes in an 1800-watt heating element that pre-heats quickly and stays at your desired heat level. The basket is made of stainless steel and can hold up to 2.3 pounds of food. The oil is located within a 1-gallon removable container that also has a poring sprout which makes cleaning and filtration much easier.
The basket also features a cool-touch handle which makes it easier to take out food especially in the case of large batches. The only negative aspect that users found about this particular model was that the controls were located at the back. This means that if you want to adjust the temperature and the time, you will have to reach over a hot area. The power cord is a bit short so you will need to have the device located near a power outlet or use a heavy-duty extension cord.
Decision Time: Which is the Best Deep Fryer for You?
Each deep fryer is unique and brings a different set of features. To sum it all up:
- Best deep fryer in all respects: Presto Dual Basket Pro Fry Deep Fryer
- Best budget-friendly deep fryer: Presto DualDaddy Electric Deep Fryer
- Best oil-free fryer: Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Oil-Less Turkey Fryer
- Best easy-to-clean fryer: T-fal oil Filtration Ultimate EZ Clean Deep Fryer
- Best accurate deep dryer: Cuisinart Deep Fryer
We hope that this helps you in making the right choice for your deep frying needs.
