The fryer is a very useful appliance to keep in the kitchen if you particularly like cooking tasty side dishes. If you don’t know which one to buy, you can read the reviews of the products on this page.
Potato chips, chicken, fish or vegetables. These are just some of the foods that, if fried, acquire an additional taste and are eaten even more willingly.
Frying, however, must be done in a workmanlike manner because otherwise it is easy for it to be poorly digestible and unhealthy.
That’s why choosing a high quality fryer is essential and that’s why we made this guide in which we highlighted all the aspects to consider before opening the purse strings and buying one of these appliances.
List of Top 5 Deep Fryers.
1-T-fal Deep Fryer with Basket, Stainless Steel.
2-Hamilton Beach Cool-Touch Deep Fryer.
3-Cuisinart CDF-170 3.4-Quart Deep Fryer.
4-Masterbuilt MB23012418 Butterball XL.
5-T-fal Odorless Stainless Steel lean Deep Fryer.
OUR TOP PICKS
BEST DEEP FRYER 2020 REVIEWS
No. |
Name |
Model No. |
Material |
Rating |
Item Weight |
Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
T-fal Deep Fryer |
FR8000 |
Stainless Steel |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2.6-Pound |
|
2 |
Hamilton Beach Cool-Touch Deep Fryer. |
35021 |
Stainless Steel |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
8.68 pound. |
|
3 |
Cuisinart CDF-170 3.4-Quart Deep |
CDF-170 |
Stainless Steel |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
8.4 pounds. |
|
4 |
Masterbuilt MB23012418 Butterbal |
MB23012418 |
Stainless Steel |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
25 pounds |
|
5 |
T-fal Odorless Stainless Steel |
FR600D51 |
Stainless Steel |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
11 pound |
1-T-fal Deep Fryer with Basket, Stainless Steel.
Model No: FR8000
Item weight: 2.6-Pound
Structure:
The first factor to consider for the choice of the fryer concerns the structure, because both the frying and the use modes depend on it, in addition to the dimensions and dimensions of this small appliance.
The T-fal Deep Fryer is one of the best fryers on the market and receives a very positive score for this first factor.
It is a new generation deep fryer, with a rounded structure and a lid with a porthole for monitoring food during frying.
The internal capacity of this fryer is 1.2-1.5 l and the dimensions are approximately 18.3 x 13.7 x 14.8 inches for a weight of 12.2 pounds.
It is therefore a fairly compact fryer, with not particularly low weight, which allows you to prepare portions of fried food for medium families.
The most interesting structural aspect regards its internal oblique and revolving basket, which will allow you to fry with a lower quantity of oil, equal to less than 50% of the quantity normally used for classic static fryers.
This model will therefore be suitable for those who want to reduce oil consumption, without necessarily opting for an air fryer.
Performance and consumption:
The second factor concerns the performance and consumption of the deep fryer, which from this point of view wins a fairly positive score.
The T-fal Deep Fryer has a power of 1700 watts, which allows you to heat the oil for frying in a fairly short time.
However, keep in mind that the frying times are only indicative and vary depending on the type of ingredient (and therefore also on the temperature necessary for frying) and the quantity of oil and food per frying session.
In the manual for this product you will find information tables that indicate both the temperatures and the times required to make your favorite fried foods.
We also remind you that fryers that work with oil still require longer preparation times than air fryers:
In this case the times may vary from a minimum of 6 minutes for the preparation of two beef cutlets up to a maximum 20 minutes to fry a large quantity of French fries (about 1.2 kg) with 1.5 liters of oil at 190 ° C.
Functions:
Also as regards the factor relating to the functions, the T-fal Deep Fryer received a very positive score.
In fact, the functions present in this fryer are many: button for opening the lid, knob thermostat that can be adjusted to temperatures between 150 and 190 ° C, indicator light that indicates that the oil is ready for cooking and finally the timer.
Which you can set according to the times required to fry your As you can see in the photo below, the deep fryer has 4 icons above the timer button for frying chips, vegetables, meat and fish.
The opening button is also clearly indicated, as is the central part for draining used oil, indicated with the word “perfect clean”.
Practicality:
Also as regards practicality, the T-fal Deep Fryer from receives a positive score, both thanks to some important safety systems, and for comfort and easy cleaning.
In addition to the lid, the fryer is equipped with Cool Touch thermal insulation walls.
Which remain cold thanks to the air recirculation system between the tank and the external walls.
This small appliance is also equipped with non-slip feet, which make it stable in contact with the support surface.
The components of this fryer are removable, including the Teflon non-stick container and the basket. All of these items can be washed in dishwasher.
The T-fal Deep Fryer is also equipped with a replaceable anti-odor filter, which will not eliminate odors altogether, but will help you reduce the smell of fried food in the kitchen.
Another measure that will facilitate the use of this model consists of an Easy Clean system to drain the used oil through a rubber tube and a collector, as well as a filter for used oil.
The latter will allow you to change the used oil, without the risk of spilling or dispersing it.
We also point out that the model also has a compartment for collecting the condensate that can form inside the fryer during frying.
Finally, this T-fal Deep Fryer is equipped with a cable winder , thanks to which it can hinder and clutter less, both during use and when stored away.
Accessories and spare parts:
The last factor concerns accessories. Remember that for fryers there are not many accessories and spare parts that can be purchased separately, and this model is no exception.
This model is designed for use with replacement filters, which you can buy back without problems.
There are on the market both the original T-fal Deep Fryer filters and the universal anti-odor filters that must be suitably cut to be adapted to this model.
Our proof
We had the opportunity to test this fryer and our practical test allowed us to analyze the performance of this appliance with ingredients of different temperature and consistency.
Let’s see in a short list how our test was structured and what results we got.
Performance with frozen ingredients: the first test we carried out is the frying of frozen ingredients.
We then prepared about 750 grams of French fries to evaluate both the cooking time and the quality of the result.
First of all, we emphasize that, by filling the tank to the maximum, we used about 1.6 liters of sunflower oil.
This is a not particularly high quantity for a classic deep fryer. The fries were perfectly cooked after about 16 minutes: the quality of the frying was really excellent.
We report that we have set the thermostat to 190 ° C; before adjusting the temperature we advise you to check online the smoke point of the type of oil you will use.
Performance with battered ingredients: this test is also quite important.
In fact, the battered ingredients are usually not suitable for cooking in the fryer, since the batter tends to stick to the walls of the basket, in turn attaching the ingredients to each other.
Unfortunately in this case the result was not particularly satisfactory: the sticks that we previously covered with a water and flour batter stuck together during cooking, despite the batter being cooked and golden to perfection.
Performance with meat and fish: for this last test we created classic meatballs made with minced beef.
The frying was really perfect, with the meatballs well-cooked outside and moist inside.
Remember that, even when frying this type of food subject to leaving residues, the oil can be reused thanks to the presence of a filter integrated into the drain pipe.
User opinions
The T-fal Deep Fryer has been enjoying success for some time and the feedback from the buyers is many and almost all positive.
Those who have tried this fryer enhance its ease of use and cleaning, thanks to the removable parts and the tube for draining the oil.
Furthermore, it is highly appreciated that with this fryer it is possible to fry with reduced quantities of oil and that it is possible to recover the oil already filtered.
Among the negative aspects, it is pointed out that the porthole could mist up, preventing you from seeing the state of the frying inside the deep fryer.
Furthermore, as previously reported by us, someone complains that the filter does not eliminate odors and which has very little effectiveness.
The Final Mark
The overall score achieved by the T-fal Deep Fryer is very positive: 9.3 points out of 10, it is in fact one of the best models on the market.
This fryer is characterized by an oblique rotating basket which allows frying with a reduced quantity of oil equal to 50% less than conventional fryers.
Thanks to its functions (thermostat, timer, and rotating basket) frying will be easy to make.
Furthermore, even the cleaning is not very demanding, thanks to the possibility of washing the removable parts even in the dishwasher and to the system for draining the used oil via a rubber tube.
Our feedback is therefore very positive, but we must report that the removable filter does not completely eliminate odors.
We recommend airing the kitchen or the room in which you are using the fryer during and after frying, until the smell of fried will not have disappeared.
We recommend this fryer to all those who are willing to spend a little more to buy an excellent machine capable of making good fried foods with a crunchy consistency.
2-Hamilton Beach Cool-Touch Deep Fryer.
Structure:
The Hamilton Beach Cool-Touch is one of the deep fryers that is achieving greater commercial success.
The first aspect to consider is the structure, for which this model receives a fairly positive score.
As you can see from the photo below, it is a new generation deep fryer, with an external plastic structure, equipped with a lid with a porthole for monitoring frying.
The porthole will be useful because you will not have to open the fryer during use (risking dangerous burns) to check whether the dishes have reached the browning you want.
The internal capacity of the Hamilton Beach Cool-Touch fryer is quite large and is 2.2 l of oil for a size of 13.13 x 11.38 x 8.58 inches and a weight of 8.68 pound.
This fryer will allow you to fry a maximum of 6 portions at a time.
But keep in mind that the reference of the number of portions is always relative, because it clearly depends on the quantity of food provided for the portions.
The fryer components are removable, including lid and inner tub in non-stick material (we will talk more about these aspects later).
We note that the basket is static and with vertical extraction, this means that this fryer, unlike the rotating basket models, provides frying without particular attention to saving oil, so that the food will remain completely immersed in the oil.
In favor of this type of basket, it must be said that many prefer it for the quality of frying it is able to offer: it is in any case a subjective preference.
Performance and consumption:
The second factor to consider when purchasing a deep fryer concerns performance and consumption.
This fryer receives a fairly positive score from us, because its power reaches 1500 watts , it is therefore powerful enough to bring the oil to high temperatures in a short time.
Always keep in mind that the times required for frying usually described in the user manual are only indicative and vary according to the quantity and type of food and consequently also of the oil used.
As always, prolonged use will also correspond to a greater consumption of electricity, but it is also true that a powerful fryer will be able to maintain the high temperature necessary to make foods crisp, a fundamental aspect for the final quality of frying.
Function
The third factor concerns the functions of the fryer, and this model wins a very positive mark.
In fact, the functions include the on / off power button, the digital timer.
The knob for adjusting the temperature according to the food you want to fry, the lid opening button, and the presence of a indicator light indicating that the oil has reached the correct temperature to start frying.
It is therefore a deep fryer equipped with all the functions normally found on current quality fryers.
Practicality:
Safety, ease of use and cleaning together make up the fourth factor relating to practicality, for which this fryer receives more than sufficient,
But not particularly positive, score because it does not provide a facilitated system for changing used oil.
Being an appliance that works with oil at high temperatures, safety plays a particularly important role.
Apart from the lid which helps to eliminate the risk of scalding with oil splashes, the external plastic structure is heat insulating, this means that you will not run the risk of scalding yourself by coming into contact with the external walls of the fryer.
The second aspect to be evaluated in this penultimate factor concerns the convenience of use, so the fryer in question receives positive feedback.
As you can see from the previous photo, all functions are appropriately indicated. On the machine there are also icons that indicate the most suitable temperatures for the various types of food, from vegetables, to fish, to frozen products.
Also as regards the cleaning of the Hamilton Beach Cool-Touch you will not have any particular problems?
Because the removable parts can be washed in the dishwasher, excluding the internal tank which must be washed by hand with a mild detergent without using abrasive sponges.
The negative note, as mentioned, is that this model it does not have a system to drain used oil, there is no small tube or drain pan.
Accessories and spare parts:
As regards accessories and spare parts, the model taken now for analysis receives a not particularly high score. Now we explain why.
If on the one hand the images are clear enough, we believe it would have been better to accompany them with exhaustive explanations.
The instructions include an indicative table for cooking temperatures, but these indications cannot be worth as much as a recipe book,
so if you want some more ideas to change your fries our advice is to consult the cooking sites that you find online, or get you a cookbook.
User opinions
The buyers of the Hamilton Beach Cool-Touch One are very pleased with the performance of this fryer.
The fried is crunchy and there are no complaints about it. The only negative notes relate to the odor filter, which seems to be just not effective.
Other complaints have been found regarding the information booklet, which consists only of images and in which written explanations are absent, excluding a table with the temperatures suggested by type of food.
The Final Mark
The Hamilton Beach Cool-Touch deep fryer achieves a satisfactory overall score of 9.6 out of 10.
It is a deep fryer that is enjoying great commercial success.
This success is determined by the good quality of the results and the practicality of use given by the removable lid with porthole and the removable basket that remains fixed during frying.
The functions present are the thermostat, the timer and the light signal, while we report that there is no particular system for draining used oil.
The removable parts, excluding the internal tank, are also dishwasher safe.
This fryer represents a middle ground between a traditional and a modern fryer,
Because it guarantees the same gilding as classic frying in hot oil with the advantage of having a closed and heat-insulating structure with a lid with porthole, and we recommend it to large groups and to those who want an effective and simple to use fryer.
3-Cuisinart CDF-170 3.4-Quart Deep Fryer.
Structure:
The Cuisinart CDF-170 is a deep fryer for domestic use that stands out for its particular structure that includes two baskets to diversify the frying.
It as an interesting model to discover. As regards this first factor, which evaluates its structure, the fryer receives a positive score from us.
Let’s proceed with order: the fryer in question has a quadrangular external stainless steel structure that is very reminiscent of professional fryers.
Its internal capacity is very large, because it plans to be filled with a maximum of 4 liters of oil, while the minimum recommended quantity of oil is 3 liters.
Consequently, its size is greater than the latest generation cylindrical fryers, in fact its indicative dimensions are 12 x 15.25 x 14 inches for a total weight of 8.4 pounds.
As you can see from the previous photo, this fryer is also equipped with a lid without a porthole and handles. The internal container is removable.
The most interesting aspect concerns the possibility of changing the large removable internal basket with two differentiated frying baskets.
This particularity has the advantage of being able to fry different foods at the same time keeping them separate.
If for example you have a vegetarian guest, you can easily fry the battered vegetables in a basket and the meatballs in the other, without necessarily prolonging the time of frying and offer the two dishes on two separate plates.
Although it is a fryer with non-rotating basket, we believe that the possibility of using two baskets is a very interesting aspect to consider, especially if you want to fry different ingredients at the same time.
Performance and consumption
The second factor inherent in power and consumption receives a very good score.
The model in question has in fact a high power that reaches 1800 Watts.
Remember that for a deep fryer that works with large quantities of oil the wattage must necessarily be high, in order to heat the oil in acceptable times.
It is therefore a very powerful fryer for domestic use which does not cause problems during frying and which guarantees crispy frying.
Nonetheless, the high wattage will weigh much more on the bill, for example for a model with a 1600-1800 Watt.
Functions:
The third factor gets a pretty good score.
The Cuisinart CDF-170 fryer has a safety switch, a thermostat for regulating the temperature and a “reset” button on the back of the appliance to start a new frying (to be activated only after having allowed the machine to cool completely).
Practicality:
The fourth factor gets more than enough marks.
The fryer in question has a safety system that keeps the external walls of the appliance cold, so you won’t run the risk of getting burned.
Another precaution for your safety consists of the handles in heat-insulating plastic and the presence of the splash guard cover.
As regards ease of use, we point out that the operation of this fryer does not cause problems, even if a timer would have been useful for monitoring cooking times.
We also note that only the indications of the thermostat temperatures are present on the external structure there are no icons indicating the various types of fried food, and the relative temperatures.
As far as cleaning is concerned, it is not particularly convenient, in fact there is no special system for draining the oil.
We also point out that the washing of the removable parts must be done by hand:
The lid and tank can be removed and cleaned with a cloth and detergent, without immersing them in water, while the baskets can be safely washed in water with dishwashing detergent.
Finally we conclude by reporting the presence of a removable and replaceable odor filter.
Accessories and spare parts:
The last factor also gets more than enough points.
First of all, we note that the fryer’s multilingual manual is present online, but it only provides summary information, without any reference table for times and temperatures for the various foods.
The frying temperatures can be found on any frying cookbook or on a dedicated website.
The package does not include any recipe book, so consulting the cooking sites will be useful even if you are interested in knowing original recipes, different from the usual ones.
This model has a filter housed in the lid that must be changed periodically, so you can use a universal filter.
User opinions
In general we can say that the buyers of the Cuisinart CDF-170 fryer are very satisfied with the quality of the frying that this fryer allows to make.
The most frequent negative notes concern the lid, which is not air tight , and the filter , which does not block the escape of odors.
Finally, someone has noticed that the consumption of oil will necessarily be important, bearing in mind that the minimum quantity of oil for frying with this model is 3 liters.
The Final Mark
The Cuisinart CDF-170 fryer receives an overall score of 8.8 out of 10, and stands out for its ease of use, although we must not forget that it does not have a timer and a porthole on the lid to monitor what is happening inside.
The fryer requires some extra attention for cleaning: only the baskets can be immersed in water for washing, the other parts must be cleaned with a damp cloth and detergent.
This model has been identified by our editorial staff as a product to be discovered.
Because it has the particularity of having also two smaller baskets that can be replaced with the larger one, to make at the same time diversified fries.
This represents a great advantage for all those who perhaps often use the fryer for different types of food and who wish to prepare dinners with friends by proposing different dishes:
for this user we recommend buying this model.
While we do not recommend it to those looking for a product that allows to reduce oil consumption, since for this purpose the models with rotating basket are more suitable.
4-Masterbuilt MB23012418 Butterball XL.
Color: Gray
Weight: 25 pounds
Model No.: MB23012418
Fry, steam, or boil your favorite foods with the Butterball XL Electric Fryer by Master built.
The fryer uses 1/3 less oil than traditional fryers and is designed and tested to commercial standards.
The extra-large basket accommodates up to a 20 lb. turkey, 5 lbs. of chicken wings, or a large seafood boil.
Cleanup is easy with the built-in drain valve and dishwasher safe components.
Structure:
The first factor to consider when choosing a deep fryer concerns its structural characteristics, so our opinion is slightly higher than sufficient.
The Masterbuilt MB23012418 belongs to the sub-category of the new generation deep fryers, therefore it has a cylindrical machine body with lid and an internal basket.
The oil container, made of non-stick Teflon, has a maximum capacity of 10 liter, a too high value that allows the creation different portion
Performance and consumption:
The second factor concerns the performance of the deep fryer and, in this case, our rating is slightly higher than sufficient.
The Masterbuilt MB23012418 has maximum power of 1650 watts, a very high value compared to other models in the same category.
This wattage is high, adapted to the small size of the fryer and, given the amount of oil higher than the average.
Features:
The third factor to consider is related to the functions integrated into the product.
The Masterbuilt MB23012418 is equipped with special functions.
On the front of the machine body there is an indicator light which indicates that the product has been turned on and the temperature has been reached and a knob that allows the temperature to be selected.
We therefore do not find special functions such as the timer.
Practicality:
The fourth factor relates to the practicality of using the appliance, to which we have given a very positive mark.
The oil basket has a graduated scale which indicates the various filling levels.
The basket for food may instead be extracted easily, thanks to the presence of a removable handle.
Inside the lid there is a special filter that helps reduce the emission of odors, but we point out however that this component does not allow the total elimination of the classic frying smell.
Accessories and spare parts:
The last factor relates to the accessories supplied. In this case our vote is just enough.
The only component included in the package is the instruction manual in English.
In addition to the function guide in this manual are the temperatures of cooking recommended for different kinds of foods,
From potato chips to vegetables in batter, a list very useful for those who are unfamiliar with deep fryers.
Our proof
We had the opportunity to test this deep fryer and our practical test confirmed a positive evaluation.
It is a very essential and compact product.
Inside the package there is only the machine body, the food basket with removable handle and the instruction manual.
The customizable option unique is the a knob on the front of the fryer which allows you to select different degrees of heat, up to a maximum of 190 ° C .
Inside the instruction manual there is a useful table that indicates the recommended cooking temperatures for the different types of food.
Remember, however, that these suggestions are approximate, as to obtain optimal frying it is necessary to take into consideration the smoke point of the type of oil used.
level of temperature through The practicality of use of this fryer is also average: the lid contains an odor filter , while on the base there are non-slip feet that help improve stability.
The heating time of the oil is quite fast, because the power being too high.
The indicator light next to the knob will go off when the temperature is reached.
We have tested the performance of this fryer preparing the classic fries.
Although the cooking was quick and the result satisfactory, we point out that the width of the basket is really reduced.
To make two portions of French fries we had to fill the basket twice.
User opinions
We have read the comments of users who have already purchased this deep fryer and their opinion is definitely positive.
Although the limited capacity of the oil tank is emphasized, the performance of the product is considered satisfactory.
The power appears to be adequate to heat the oil in times short and optimally cook different types of ingredients.
The size is considered in a positive way, especially for the needs of couples, singles or families.
No negative aspects are reported, a sign of a high degree of satisfaction.
The Final Mark
A positive opinion for a very compact and economical product.
From a structural point of view a new generation fryer.
The oil container has a capacity of 10 liter, a reduced value that allows the preparation of 1-3 portion.
A positive aspect is the ability to clean this component thoroughly as it allows you to remove any residual oil or grease.
The basket it can be easily extracted thanks to the presence of a removable handle and the lid contains a filter that will help limit the annoying fried smell.
The power of 1650 watts is, this value is still adequate for the large size of the product.
In conclusion, it is a fryer with satisfactory performance, especially suitable for couples or singles and for those who want a compact product to be used for the preparation of small or large quantities of frying.
5-T-fal Odorless Stainless Steel lean Deep Fryer.
Style Name: Advanced Odorless Deep Fryer
Weight: 11 pound
Model No: FR600D51
T-Fal Odor Less Deep Fryer lets you fry your favorite foods at home, by significantly reducing odor.
It fries all types of meats, fish, vegetables, fruits, and other preparations to perfection, thanks to its thoughtfully designed features.
The Odor Less Deep Fryer includes an easy-to-use variable temperature control, adjustable timer, Active Filtration System, ability to raise and lower the basket with the lid closed, extra-large anti-fog window, dishwasher-safe parts, and more!
The Odor Less deep Fryer is everything you need for the perfect frying experience in the comfort of your home!
When finished, the innovative machine’s exclusive oil filtration system automatically drains and filters the remaining oil into a large plastic container below.
For best results we recommend unsaturated vegetable oil.
The removable, tightly sealed container conveniently stores the oil for future use, saving time and money.
Particularly attentive to the theme of health and well-being, this fryer has been developed with a specific goal: to allow you to use little oil.
Thanks to its rotating and inclined basket, in fact, the food is cyclically immersed and extracted, guaranteeing perfect frying and low fat.
The panoramic porthole also allows constant control of cooking.
The adjustable thermostat gives the possibility to set the most suitable temperature for frying fish, vegetables, Potatoes.
The digital timer with acoustic signal warns when cooking is complete. There is a plastic tray to collect and filter the oil.
The removable bowl is made with non-stick interior for easy cleaning.
This appliance allows you to cook a good quantity of food quickly: it has a capacity of 2-2.5 liters of oil and is therefore ideal for preparing 700 grams of fried food without releasing bad smells.
Through the appropriate window it is possible to monitor the cooking progress.
Completely removable, the appliance is very easy to clean: the basket, oil compartment, lid and body of the product can be washed in the dishwasher.
Practical carrying handles and a permanent filter complete its equipment.
Features
LESS ODOR: The T-Fal Odorless Deep Fryer is designed to reduce up to 74% of odors during cooking, due to its unique active filtration system!
MESS-FREE AND SAFE FRYING: Lower the frying basket with the lid closed to avoid oil splatters and potential burns. Features a cool-touch handle for added safety.
No more cleaning back-splashes and counter-tops due to oil splattering!
LARGE ANTI-FOG VIEWING WINDOW: The extra-large viewing window features a unique anti-fog system to easily watch the food as it cooks.
VARIABLE TEMPERATURE CONTROL: Fry food to perfection with the variable temperature control panel that precisely controls your oil temperature and can fry a variety of foods with different frying needs.
ADJUSTABLE TIMER: The adjustable timer (up to 30 minutes) removes the guesswork, helping you to multi-task while frying your foods to perfection.
DISHWASHER SAFE AND EASY CLEANING: Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the removable and dishwasher-safe oil tank, lid, frying basket, aluminum filter, charcoal filter cover and excess oil tray.
QUALITY BUILT AND MODERN DESIGN: Premium stainless-steel housing. Compact and modern design.
Buying Guide Deep Fryer 2020
How does the Deep Fryer work?
There are many types of electric fryers on the market and the goal of this page is to direct you to make the best choice for your particular needs.
In recent decades, innovative models have been proposed that exploit various operating technologies.
On the market it is possible to find different types of products: professional, semi-professional, traditional fryers with static basket.
In addition to the more modern ones recently conceived, such as those with rotating basket, which allow you to fry with reduced quantities of oil, and those still healthier that run on air.
In this section we will discuss the electric fryers for domestic use that run on oil.
If then you are particularly interested in knowing the characteristics of the various types of oil, we recommend reading the paragraph in which this aspect is deepened.
If, on the other hand, you are looking for a valid alternative that does not weigh too much on your scale, we suggest that you also consider air fryers.
Despite the various types of products on the market, it is possible to maintain that the operation of the fryers takes place approximately always by dipping the ingredients into the hot oil.
Inside the appliance there is therefore a tank, usually made of non-stick material, into which the oil is inserted, which will then be brought to temperature by an electric resistance (or an alternative heat source such as a gas cylinder).
In order for frying to work perfectly, the ingredients must be completely immersed in the oil: for this reason a basket is provided in which to insert the food.
Let’s now look at the more specific aspects that differentiate the various models.
Structure
Returning to the fryers, the first aspect to consider is in our opinion its structure, because part of the operating modes of the machine itself depends on it.
Let’s proceed with order. From a structural point of view in general, two types of oil fryers can be identified.
Classic fryers
As you can see from the following photo, these are fryers with a classic parallelepiped shape, very reminiscent of the professional fryers that you find in fast-food restaurants, with a vertical extraction basket and often without a lid.
They are especially suitable for those who are familiar with frying and for those who are not interested in having a machine that has special additional features, excluding the thermostat.
The models for domestic use do not have particular precautions, such as an odor filter, a system to facilitate the change of oil, to contain splashes and to reduce oil consumption.
New generation deep fryers
They are more recent and are characterized by a closed structure, with a lid, and often with a rotating oblique basket.
They are usually round in shape and have a lower capacity than the previous ones.
The frying is set thanks to specific programs for the various foods and possibly monitored thanks to the presence or absence of a porthole.
In our opinion, they are more suitable for domestic use because, in addition to the thermostat, they can be equipped with an odor filter and other elements that facilitate their use and cleaning, and reduce oil consumption.
In detail, the aspects to be considered about this first factor concern above all the internal capacity, the size, the weight, the basket and the presence of a lid.
Other structural aspects, such as the presence or absence of a handle, an odor filter and an oil discharge system will be further explored under the section dedicated to practicality of use.
Internal capacity
To evaluate the internal capacity of the deep fryer, we recommend that you always consider the number of people for whom you plan to use the deep fryer, because based on this data you can consider one model of deep fryer rather than another.
On the technical data sheets of the various products you must find the capacity expressed in liters of oil indicated, and sometimes you can also find an indication referring to the quantities of ingredients that can be inserted, expressed in grams and kilograms:
To be precise, this indication should be specific for type of food, because weight and volume are different depending on whether it is, for example, potatoes or meatballs.
In general, the data that you will be interested in observing is mainly referred to the maximum capacity in liters, together with the type of machine basket.
Instead, if it is a machine that works with small quantities of oil, it will be interesting to observe the type of basket supplied.
In principle you can observe that there are fryers of different capacity on the market, below you will find some reference data, in which the indicated portions are only indicative and are intended to give you an idea for the evaluation of the first factor:
Small: capacity of about 1.2 liters, suitable for small nuclei consisting of a max. Of 4 people
Medium: internal capacity between 1.5 and 2.3 liters, suitable for groups of 4-6 people
Large: internal capacity of 3-4 liters, therefore suitable for frying up to 8 portions
Dimensions
A good deep fryer, large and small, should have a fair proportion between internal capacity and external dimensions.
A deep fryer for domestic use will always be rather cumbersome, therefore, before buying one, we recommend that you also evaluate the space you have available in the kitchen : in fact, for safety reasons the support surface must necessarily be flat and stable.
A 1.2 liter quality fryer should be no larger than approximately 30 x 30 x 40 cm in volume and not exceed 5 kg in weight.
If you have little space in the kitchen, this aspect deserves particular attention, because you will probably have to take and store the fryer every time, so this operation must be as comfortable and safe as possible.
Anyone looking for a very compact product and does not have any need for capacity will still be able to opt for a mini fryer, products that are quite widespread today which, despite being small, are still efficient.
In general there are two main types of baskets, which, as mentioned above, can be static or rotating. Let’s see the differences:
Static baskets: these are the classic vertical immersion baskets that you can find on most traditional fryers.
With these during cooking the food remains immersed in the boiling oil, and you will decide whether to move it with a long ladle to ensure a more uniform frying
Rotating baskets: they are positioned obliquely and with their automatic action they move and separate the pieces of food inside the basket and thus have the advantage of requiring and consuming much less oil than the fryers with static basket
It seems that the taste of the fried food is different, depending on whether the machine has a traditional or rotating basket and therefore whether the food is fried immersed statically in the oil or not.
The choice therefore remains at your discretion.
Cover
The best fryers are equipped with a lid: the presence of this component is important, because it allows greater safety when using the fryer.
You must not forget that the oil is heated to high temperatures and therefore it is always good to be careful and protect yourself from any splashes of oil.
The best lids are those with a porthole, because they allow you to see the state of frying even when closed.
In addition, for better cleaning, we point out that removable ones are preferable which allow them to be detached from the body of the fryer to be washed.
Performance and consumption
By performance we mean in particular the speed with which a deep fryer manages to heat the oil or fat for frying and if it manages to keep the high temperature of the oil constant:
In fact on these aspects the quality of cooking and also the quantity of time it will take to fry.
A good deep fryer will therefore be able to heat the oil quickly and guarantee crispy frying.
Don’t forget that each oil has an ideal frying temperature therefore, before immersing the food in the oil, you must be sure that the used oil is sufficiently hot and is therefore ready for frying, otherwise there will be a chance that your chips will be too greasy and not very crunchy.
For all these considerations it is preferable to choose a deep fryer that has a high wattage. Usually the fryers absorb a power between 1400 and 2000 Watt.
Clearly a 2000 Watt deep fryer will be able to heat faster than one with the same internal capacity and lower wattage.
On the other hand, always keep in mind that as always at high power corresponds a higher cost in the bill.
As powerful as a fryer is, it will always take time to heat the oil to a suitable temperature for frying. If you are interested in a faster type of frying and you are particularly attentive to your health, we recommend that you consider air fryers, because they work with a particular technology that allows you to fry without using oil.
Finally, remember that to promote good frying and for your health it would always be a good idea to fry a few quantities of food at a time and always use fresh oil, avoiding reusing an oil already used many times.
Functions
Another aspect to consider concerns the various functions that the fryer has, among which the thermostat has particular relevance , because it allows you to adjust the oil temperature according to the type of frying you want to carry out.
Warning: the temperatures indicated on the fryers’ technical data sheets refer to the food you want to fry and without specifying the temperature series for the different types of oil or fat that can be used.
In fact, we must consider that each oil reaches the smoke point at a specific temperature: here is a small table that contains the smoke points of the oils most used for frying:
Type of oil |
Temperature |
|
Extra virgin olive oil |
205°C |
|
Peanut oil |
225°C |
|
Soybean oil |
238°C |
|
Sunflower oil |
227°C |
|
Rapeseed oil |
204°C |
|
Corn seed oil |
232 ° C (unrefined 178 ° C) |
|
Lard |
240°C |
|
Butter |
150 ° C (if clarified 250 ° C) |
If the deep fryer you purchased is not equipped with a thermostat, you can always purchase a kitchen thermometer to monitor the oil temperature: for more information on these products, please consult our purchase guide for the kitchen thermometer.
It may also be useful to note if the machine is capable of frying both fresh and frozen food: this depends on the temperatures that can be reached.
In the best cases, the instruction manual will contain information tables divided by food, with their respective temperatures and frying times.
The fryers work with oil at high temperatures, for this reason we recommend not to be absent during frying, even if the fryer is equipped with a timer.
The other functions you can find consist of, timer and various indicator lights .
Let’s take a closer look:
Opening button: in fryers with lid, this button allows you to open the machine
On / off button: allows you to switch the fryer on and off before and after use
Timer: allows you to signal and select the time required on the display based on the type of frying
Indicator lights: the best fryers also include the presence of indicators that indicate, for example, when the oil has reached the appropriate temperature and that therefore you can start frying
Practicality
As far as practicality is concerned, it can be assessed whether the deep fryer is equipped with particular technical measures which make it safe and easy to use and clean.
Safety
We will never tire of repeating that with the fryer it is necessary to pay particular attention, because it heats the oil to very high temperatures, and coming into contact with this can cause even serious burns.
As anticipated, the presence of the lid helps to stem the risk of oil splashing outside.
To ensure greater safety, the external structure should be built with heat-insulating materials: this means that the walls of the deep fryer must be kept cold during operation, I.e without constituting a hazard if they are touched by the cook during frying.
Usually the manufacturing companies tend to highlight this feature which is sometimes called “cool touch “.
Finally, sometimes on the body of the machine you will find a symbol near the opening, which will remind you to be careful when you extract your fried potatoes together with the basket.
Comfort
Like any other appliance, the various functions of the fryer should always be indicated with easy-to-read icons.
The presence of the display to count the minutes can also help to monitor the frying.
As we have already pointed out, the most sophisticated fryers should also have a porthole, which in turn can be of great help in monitoring the frying process.
Finally, another aspect that could favor user comfort is the presence of a retractable cable reel.
How to clean the fryer?
Very often it is precisely the cleaning of household appliances that demotivates and removes the desire to use them, in particular those that become particularly greasy, such as fryers, because their components after use are oily and smell of fried food.
For this reason we believe that it is necessary to consider in the choice also the cleaning methods of the fryer, in particular the change of the oil for frying, an operation that can be quite annoying if the machine is not equipped with a functional system to drain the oil easily.
Let’s see these aspects one by one:
Drainage tube: some machines have a drainage tube to drain the used oil
Remember that the oil should be changed often, cold, especially if you have fried breaded foods.
A good machine will therefore be set up to empty the oil tank in a simple way, without the risk of spilling the used oil
Removable components: the internal tray, as well as the lid and the basket, should be removable and dishwasher safe
Replaceable odor filter: the machine should be equipped with an odor filter, to limit the dispersion of the smell of fried food at home
Accessories and spare parts
Finally, the last factor to consider concerns accessories.
By accessories we do not mean only the presence of a synthetic recipe book attached to the product’s instructions for use, but also essential spare parts to promote the long life of the fryer.
The most significant are:
Replacement filters: i.e. Active carbon odor filters and used oil filters and splash filters.
Among these types of filters, the most significant is that for odors.
The deep fat fryers that are intended for use with the filters allow the replacement filters to be purchased separately.
At the time of purchase you must be careful to choose the set of filters suitable for the model you have.
As an alternative to the odor filter you can find universal filters on the market, which however must be cut according to the size of the fryer
Oil drain hose: if the fryer you have purchased is equipped with an oil drain system, you may need to change the hose, because this, being made of rubber, can lose elasticity over time
In case you have an old but still functioning fryer, you can consider replacing the worn metal basket with a spare one, even if a basket should be made of quality materials and therefore little subject to wear.
In the unfortunate event that it is lost or broken, you should therefore contact the manufacturer’s Customer Service.
Alternatively, to promote a longer life of the metal grill, on the market you can find detergents for cleaning the grills for the barbecue and the baskets of the fryers.
To assess whether and which product to use for cleaning, we recommend that you carefully read the instructions of the fryer in your possession.
If you plan to use the fryer often enough, and want more ideas for your dinners with friends, the cooking instructions found in the fryer instructions may not meet your expectations.
So it will perhaps be useful to get a recipe book for frying, or you can consult the many cooking websites where you can find recipes to make, for example, fried eggplant meatballs, panzerotti, mozzarella skewers in a carriage and also desserts such as donuts and apple fritters.
Keep in mind that, if you like to fry often, it would be better to direct the choice of the fryer on a model that allows you to use reduced quantities of oil,
Such as those equipped with an inclined rotating basket, as well as considering reducing the portions of fried food so as not to exaggerate.
Other factors to keep in mind when choosing the fryer
Are the materials important?
The constituent materials of the fryers are fairly standardized. In general we distinguish two aspects to consider:
The thermal insulation and the characteristics of the materials used for the internal parts in contact with food.
Usually the external structure is made of plastic or metal, preferably steel.
Whatever the material used for the external part of the fryer, it must be durable over time and guarantee good thermal insulation.
Thermal insulation is particularly important because it guarantees greater safety when using the product.
As for the materials used inside, the manufacturers often do not specify which they are, and only indicate the characteristic non-stick interior tank.
Is the brand important?
There are many brands of small appliances on the market that produce fryers.
As in many other cases, the experience gained in the field allows manufacturers to develop more and more perfected models:
Often the most modern fryers of the best houses have innovative technical characteristics aimed at healthier nutrition and greater comfort.
In conclusion, we also remember that, as always, the most established companies are those that can have the most investments in technological research,
So relying on a well-known brand is certainly a guarantee of the quality of a product.
Is the price important?
The purchase price intended for the end user is usually proportionate to the functions offered and the constituent materials, as well as being the result of the manufacturer’s sales strategies.
Orienting the choice on one model of fryer rather than another depends mainly on what use you want to make of it.
Do you need a fryer with a small or very large size?
Are you satisfied with a few basic functions or do you prefer a more sophisticated model, perhaps equipped with a rotating oblique basket and filter?
How often do you plan to use the fryer?
These are all questions you need to ask yourself before buying a deep fryer.
The prices identified for domestic fryers range from a very low cost of around 40 Dollar for the simplest models, to a maximum cost of 150-170 Dollar.
Other relevant questions about the fryer
Which oil to use with the fryer?
The first step is to choose the most suitable oil: it is not a question of choosing the oil with a preferred flavor, but of choosing a frying fat that is as healthy as possible and resistant to temperature changes.
So be prepared for the possibility of having to change your habits: it is not certain that the oil you have used so far is also the healthiest!
Choosing oil: things to know
In choosing the oil to use for frying there are two main information to consider:
The smoke point of the oil and the percentage of saturated and unsaturated fats it contains.
These two characteristics reveal something of the behavior of the oil at the high temperatures required for frying:
The smoke point tells us at what temperature the oil begins to burn, while the percentage of saturated and unsaturated fats can give us an idea of how much quickly the oil will change due to the heat.
The smoke point
It is important to know at what temperature the oil starts to burn, because, unlike simple elements such as water, which when boiling pass into a gaseous state without altering their molecular composition, the oil is more complex, and thermal stress triggers alterations at the molecular level .
If you get to the point of burning the oil these alterations are massive and the oil is irreparably ruined: at that point you have no choice but to throw the oil and any food was immersed in it when it began to smoke.
Choosing an oil with a high smoke point, resistant to high temperatures, means opting for a cooking fat that undergoes changes due to heat less quickly, thus being able to endure frying longer.
Determining exactly what the smoke point of an oil is far from simple, since this does not depend only on the seeds or fruits from which the oil was extracted, but also on how it was extracted.
In general, in fact, the oils obtained by pressing tend to have a lower smoke point than the oils obtained by refining.
In general, however, the average smoke temperatures according to the different types of oil are known, as we will see.
Fats
The percentage of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats contained in the oil is instead a lot easier to detect, since it is simply indicated among the nutritional information affixed to any bottle of oil.
In order for the oil to be stable enough to withstand frying well, it must contain a higher percentage of saturated and monounsaturated fats than the percentage of polyunsaturated fats.
The polyunsaturated fats, or “free”, are in fact those that alter more quickly by heating, and oils that are rich are not so able to withstand long-frying.
The best oils for frying
The choice of oil to be used for frying must therefore result from the joint consideration of the smoke point and the lipid composition:
Oils with a high content of saturated and monounsaturated fats and with a high smoke point are suitable, while the oils rich in polyunsaturated fats and with a low smoke point.
The table below can help you make your choice: as you can see the oils suitable for frying are different, and you can therefore choose the one you prefer.
Oil |
Saturated fats |
Monounsaturated fats |
Polyunsaturated fats |
Smoking point |
Macadamia oil |
12,5% |
84% |
3,5% |
210 °C |
Olive oil (refined) |
14% |
73% |
11% |
225 °C |
Peanut oil |
18% |
49% |
33% |
231 °C |
Sesame seed oil |
14% |
43% |
43% |
232 °C |
Olive oil (extra light) |
14% |
73% |
11% |
242 °C |
Rice oil |
20% |
47% |
33% |
254 °C |
As you can see, among the oils that are commonly found in supermarkets there are several that can go very well for frying: the one that is easiest to find is undoubtedly olive oil, neither virgin nor extra virgin.
In fact, these two unrefined varieties are less suitable for frying than refined varieties.
A good alternative is represented by peanut oil, or sesame seed oil.
The tricks for healthy frying
If the choice of oil is fundamental to obtain a “reduced risk” frying, there are also a whole series of useful measures to further reduce the risks, and which very often also prove valuable for the success of a crisp and light fried food.
We start from the frying temperature: determined that the chosen oil will have a high smoke point, the ideal temperature in order to reduce degradation of the oil and obtain crispy fried is between 160 and 180 ° C.
If you have a deep fryer it will be easy to set and maintain the temperature, since the machine will keep it constant, but if you fry in a pan you should buy a kitchen thermometer to keep the oil heat under control;
In the second place it is good not to skimp on the frying oil: a large quantity of oil undergoes less temperature change when immersing the dishes to be fried in comparison with a smaller quantity of oil;
Always to limit the temperature change, it is important to dip and fry only small quantities at a time: in this way not only will the fried be crunchy and appetizing,
But it will also be less greasy, and therefore less soaked in oil partially degraded by cooking;
To limit the amount of frying oil that you are going to ingest, do not forget to arrange the fried foods to dry on absorbent paper;
Never mix used oil with new oil, since even “fresh” ones will deteriorate more quickly in contact with already altered fats;
Finally, take care to thoroughly clean your fryer or pan: remove all the residuals of batter or burnt food, and traces of used oil: doing so will prevent the oil you use next time from deteriorating faster than necessary.
When to change the fryer oil?
A very common question among those who are not particularly expert in frying is: how often should you change the oil in the fryer?
In light of the above, it is very clear why it is better not to reuse oil already partially damaged by frying, but we realize that, also for economic reasons, reuse can be preferred.
If you opt for this possibility, our recommendation is to filter the used oil with great care and keep it tightly closed, away from light and heat sources.
Reuse it for as few fries as possible: when the oil becomes dark and denser, it is definitely time to throw it away and use it again.
Remember,
However, not to reuse oil where meat (for example meatballs) or fish has been fried: some residues of these foods will remain inside the oil even if you proceed with a careful filtration, and this would compromise the taste and the smell of your new preparation.
What can be cooked with the fryer?
The dishes that can be made with the fryer are very many: with some preparations, however, it is always better to opt for the classic frying in a pan.
Let’s see two short lists that contain the foods that can be fried with this appliance and those that must be prepared “the old way”.
What can we fry with the Fryer?
Pre-fried frozen foods: chips, fish sticks and chicken nuggets.
All frozen and pre-fried foods can be cooked in the fryer without any fear.
For these foods, in fact, the only precaution to follow is that of not adding too abundant a quantity of ingredients in the basket;
Meat, vegetable or fish meatballs: all types of meatballs can be made with the fryer; being compact products there is no risk that with the immersion in oil they will deteriorate or flake off;
Breaded foods: even the breaded ingredients can be cooked in the deep fryer: in this case the same rule applies as for frozen foods: avoid overloading the basket so that uniform cooking occurs.
Sweet and savory leavened products: panzerotti, fried pizzas, or balls of grown pasta can be cooked in the deep fryer, making sure that they are tightly closed, so that the filling does not come out during cooking without you noticing;
Desserts: go-ahead also for tasty fried desserts such as carnival chatter, churros, castagnole, donuts or donuts.
If it is a question of bulky foods (for example donuts) it is better to fry one or a maximum of two at a time;
What we can’t fry with the fryer:
Pancakes and battered foods: battered foods cannot be cooked with this method but require frying in a pan.
The main reason is that the consistency of the batter is too light, and would come out of the holes in the basket, dirtying the oil and irreparably compromising the result of your preparation.
Better the classic fryer or the air fryer?
Although the name may suggest otherwise, these are two very different appliances.
As illustrated in our dedicated purchase guide, the air fryer works in fact like a fan oven: the heat is given off by an electrical resistance and by a fan that produces hot air.
The results obtained with this product will be similar to those obtainable with the classic deep fryer only when it comes to pre-fried frozen foods: in those cases, in fact, the action of hot air will “regenerate” the food.
To obtain satisfactory results with fresh ingredients free of natural fat, it is also necessary, even with the air fryer, to add a few drops of oil and distribute it well on all foods.
Certainly, compared to traditional frying, cooking with the air fryer is healthier, exactly as for the classic oven cooking; the results obtained, however, will be very different both in appearance and in taste.
Finally, we point out that with the air fryer you may find it difficult to cook breaded foods such as cutlets or vegetables and leavened dough’s: moreover, as with the classic fryer, it will not be possible to make pancakes or cook battered ingredients.
How to dispose of used oil?
Not everyone knows that used oil is a polluting agent for water: it is therefore not possible to dispose of it by throwing it in the toilet or sink at home.
Recycling used oil is also a way to combat waste: in fact, used oil is chemically treated to be transformed into biofuel, vegetable lubricant or soap.
Given the massive use that is made of this ingredient in Italy, in most cities there is now a special separate collection for this food.
If in your city there is no periodic collection of oil for frying, do not worry:
Just go to the nearest ecological island and you will find them in the appropriate bins.
After frying then allow the oil to cool and put it in a closed container, such as an empty bottle, so as to dispose of it more easily.
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