The first thing to consider with the best deep fryers is what you’re likely to be serving up, as this will dictate how big your new appliance should be. There’s also the question of where you’ll store your fryer, and where it’ll fit in your kitchen when it is actually in use. As far as capacity is concerned, options can range from 1.4 liters to 3.5 liters, so size up if you want to create family-sized fried dishes. With size out of the way, you can move onto the features that make the best deep fryers so convenient; from handy digital displays for temperature readings to adjustable thermostats within arm’s reach. Plus, for those new to the art of deep-frying, viewing windows which allow you to pay close attention to your food without disturbing the process. Make sure to consider how easy your top choice is for cleaning too, with many models having removable elements to keep things simple. And finally, to keep your home as safe as it can be, it’s important to look at which of the best deep fryers have safety functions that can prevent any issues. Look into cool-touch handles and auto power-offs modes if you have young children around, as well as being vigilant to never leave the appliance unattended. If you love the taste of fried food but need something a little healthier, then check out our guide to the best air fryers (opens in new tab), which use less oil in the cooking process.
1. T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Fryer: Best deep fryer for home
Power and size matters when it comes to the T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Fryer. Equipped with a 3.5-liter oil capacity, this allows plenty of space to cook large family dinners and big portions. It comes with an adjustable thermostat for precise temperatures, a handy two-position basket for cooking and draining, and a viewing window in the lid. The more impressive feature is its Ultimate EZ clean oil filtration system that automatically drains leftover oil into a plastic container for reuse. This also makes maintenance much easier. Perhaps the only disappointment is it doesn’t have an auto-off timer, meaning you would have to turn off the fryer manually. It also has an expensive price tag compared to other models. So if you wanted a basic fryer that was budget-friendly, this may not be for you. But for those who regularly cook up a feast or enjoy big family meals, this is a great investment.
Read our T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Fryer review (opens in new tab)
2. Presto GranPappy Deep Fryer: Best compact deep fryer
If you cook for a small household or have limited kitchen counter space, the Presto GranPappy Deep Fryer is ideal. Not only is it stylish and compact, but it also has sufficient power to evenly fry all your favorite fried foods within just 15 minutes. It has a six-cup capacity which is great for a small family and comes with a handy scoop. The Presto GranPappy Deep Fryer is incredibly easy to use and maintain. It features a good size opening at the top to easily get food in and out, cool-touch handles, and non-stick surfaces for easy cleaning. Another impressive feature is the magnetic safety connection, which automatically turns the fryer off if it’s accidentally knocked. However, a downside is the plastic lid can often get too hot, so you’d need to handle with care. The Presto GranPappy Deep Fryer only has an inner automatic thermostat which is quick heating, but the lack of a manual temperature control could be disappointing for some. If you’re looking for the best compact deep fryer though, the Presto GranPappy Deep Fryer is a great choice.
Read our Presto GranPappy Deep Fryer review (opens in new tab)
3. Cuisinart CDF-200P1: Best deep fryer for value
If you’re looking for a simple yet powerful deep fryer at an affordable price, this is our top pick. At 1800w, the Cuisinart CDF-200P1 Deep Fryer features a powerful heating system that delivers evenly crisp foods. It comes with a handy ‘ready’ light indicator to let you know once the oil has reached its desired temperature for your favorite foods. While it doesn’t come with the largest capacity, it does perfectly cook smaller portions evenly in less time. What’s more, it doesn’t use a lot of oil, which is much healthier and less messy. There is also a small filter on the top of the fryer to trap rising grease and all parts are detachable and dishwasher safe. It also features a removable oil container with a pouring spout to safely dispose of oil hassle-free. It may not be ideal for family-sized feasts, and the power cord is shorter than most, but it does come with an impressive three-year warranty. For a budget-friendly deep fryer, this gives you everything you need and more.
Read our Cuisinart CDF-200P1 Deep Fryer review (opens in new tab)
4. DeLonghi D44528DZ Livenza Easy Clean Deep Fryer: Best deep fryer for chicken wings
For those who enjoy regularly cooking tasty chicken dishes, the DeLonghi D44528DZ Livenza Easy Clean Deep Fryer is the best pick. With a powerful 1800w, the fryer quickly heats up and retains its high temperature for perfectly crisp chicken and other favorites. In addition, it comes with an exceptionally large removable basket, offering plenty of capacity for cooking huge quantities at one time. This is ideal for large family meals or gatherings. It also comes with impressive features which include the stylish LED temperature controls that are simple to operate at just a touch of a button and its ‘Easy Clean’ oil drainage system tap that filters any leftover oil to store for future cooking. This also means no messy clean-ups, and most removable parts are dishwasher safe which is a bonus. Minor drawbacks include that the timer needs to be set before the fryer can start, and the magnetic power cord can become disconnected when the fryer is slightly moved. However, these can be overlooked by the quality, top features, and premium standard of the cooking results.
Read our DeLonghi D44528DZ Livenza Easy Clean Deep Fryer review (opens in new tab)
Which features to look out for with the best deep fryers
Everyone will have a different priority in mind when it comes to buying one of the best deep fryers, from what they put in it to how intuitive it is to use. Of course, the most important feature to nail down when purchasing a fryer is capacity, as it’s no good investing in a product that can’t fit in the foods you want it to. Safety is also of paramount importance when shopping for a deep fryer so that you can have peace of mind while cooking. Auto-shutoff features are valuable when it comes to using one, in case the task slips your mind. We’re also a big fan of the magnetic safety connection of the Presto GranPappy Deep Fryer, meaning the appliance will shut off automatically if it’s knocked out of place. Deep frying can be a messy business, so look out for removable elements too, so you can keep your appliance in the best possible condition for longer.
Which is the best small deep fryer?
If you don’t have a lot of countertop space to spare and can afford to deep fry your food in smaller batches, then the Presto GranPappy Deep Fryer is our top choice for you. With a 1.4 liter capacity, it holds the smallest amount of oil within this guide, which makes it the most compact choice to pack away when your frying is all done. Its small size means it can also cook food in a flash, so you only have to wait 15 minutes before tucking into your fried food of choice.
How much do deep fryers cost?
Deep fryers vary in price depending on their capacity and features. In this guide, we’ve got options that cost $42 right up to $160. A well-designed deep fryer that cooks well and gives you helpful safety features doesn’t have to be expensive. We had good results with mid-priced fryers in our testing.
How to safely use a deep fryer
Countertop deep fryers make delicious, crispy foods, but it’s best to take a few precautions when using them since they can cause serious burns or even start a kitchen fire – hot oil can reach 400 degrees Fahrenheit and is quite flammable. You should avoid getting water in the hot oil since it instantly creates dangerously hot steam. Also, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (opens in new tab), if a fire breaks out, you should use a fire extinguisher designed for kitchen fires, not water. The USDA also recommends the following:
Read the owner’s manual first.Use the correct type of oil.Leave at least two inches of space at the top of the container.Heat to the recommended temperature for specific foods.Don’t overcrowd food in the fryer.Unplug the machine and let it cool completely before cleaning.
In addition, some deep fryers get hot enough on the outside to burn your hands. During our testing, we gave deep fryers with lower exterior temperatures higher scores than models that run hot. It’s also a good idea to buy a deep fryer with a lid since it cuts down on grease splatter. Even better, vented lids allow steam to escape. The best fryers have breakaway magnetic electrical cords you can disconnect quickly if anything goes wrong. In addition, we preferred fryers with sturdy, heavy-traction rubber feet since they help keep the machine safely in place on your counter, even when jostled.
