Deep Fryer Features: What Makes A Great Fryer?

Deep-frying is a unique thrill for home cooks and an undeniable delight for eaters. The texture and taste you can achieve with a deep fryer are unmatched.

When it comes to choosing a deep fryer, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key aspects that make a good deep fryer:

- Size and Capacity: Deep fryers come in various sizes, so consider your available counter and storage space. Also, think about the quantity of food you'll be frying at once. Fryers with larger capacities can handle bigger batches, while compact models are ideal for smaller portions.

- Temperature Control: Different foods require different frying temperatures, so adjustable temperature controls are essential. Some deep fryers offer preset menu options for specific foods, while others allow you to set the exact temperature you want.

- Safety Features: Frying with large amounts of hot oil can be dangerous, so look for safety features such as cool-touch handles, automatic shut-off functions, and lids to prevent splatter.

- Ease of Cleaning: Cleaning a deep fryer can be a tedious task. Look for features like dishwasher-safe parts, a removable oil bowl, an oil filtration system, and an oil drainage mechanism.

- Special Features: Some deep fryers have additional features like timers, multiple baskets for frying different foods simultaneously, and LED screens with preset options. Consider which features are most important to you based on your frying needs and frequency of use.

Size and capacity

When selecting a deep fryer, size and capacity are key factors to consider. The size and capacity of a deep fryer can impact everything from cooking time to flavour, so it's important to choose a fryer that aligns with your specific needs.

Commercial Fryers

For commercial kitchens, the size of the fryer will depend on the type and volume of food being fried, as well as the size of the kitchen and the number of customers being served. A key consideration is whether frying is a big part of the menu. If fried foods are offered with every meal, fryers should take up a considerable portion of the kitchen layout. On the other hand, if fried foods are only served occasionally, a smaller counter space model may be more suitable.

When calculating the required size of a commercial fryer, the formula is as follows:

5 x (fryer size) x (number of fryers) = pounds of fried food per hour.

For example, a 100-pound fryer can cook 150-200 pounds of fries per hour. So, if you need to cook 200 pounds of fries every hour, you would need two 50-pound fryers to keep up with the demand.

It's also important to consider the number of different food items being fried. Cross-contamination can impact flavour and cause issues with allergens, so it may be necessary to use separate, smaller fryers for certain foods.

Home Fryers

For home use, the size and capacity of a deep fryer will depend on the number of people being cooked for. A 1-quart deep fryer is suitable for two small servings, while a 1.5-quart fryer can serve a small family of three. A 3-quart fryer is large enough for most families, and a 4-quart fryer can accommodate a family of four.

If you're planning to fry larger items, such as a turkey, you'll need a much larger capacity. A turkey requires a fryer that can hold around 26 quarts.

It's worth noting that larger fryers will require more oil, which can increase costs. Additionally, frying in batches will result in crispier food, so it's generally recommended to fry in smaller batches even if you have a larger fryer.

In summary, when choosing a deep fryer, it's important to consider the size of the fryer in relation to the volume and type of food being fried, as well as the available space in the kitchen.

Ease of cleaning

The All-Clad 3.5-Liter Deep Fryer, for example, has a built-in cleaning function. With the turn of a knob, the oil drains out of the container through a filter into a removable, hard-plastic box where it’s stored in the machine for future use. The Chefman 4.5-Liter Deep Fryer is another good option for ease of cleaning. The basket, handle, bowl, and lid are all dishwasher-safe.

The Cuisinart CDF-200P1 4-Quart Deep Fryer is also easy to clean, with a dishwasher-safe fry bowl, fryer basket, and lid. The Cuisinart Compact Deep Fryer is another good option for small kitchens. It has a non-stick bowl, a detachable lid, and a collapsible fry basket handle, making it easy to clean in the dishwasher.

The T-Fal EZ Clean 3.5-Quart Deep Fryer is a good option if you plan to fry frequently and would like to reuse your oil. It has the best oil filter we tested, and all the components, except the control panel, are dishwasher-safe.

When cleaning a deep fryer, make sure the machine is unplugged and completely cool. Then, proceed with the cleaning instructions written in the product's manual. Some parts of the deep fryer may be safe to put in the dishwasher. For general cleaning instructions, you can drain the oil and then remove and clean the frying basket in the sink with hot water, dish soap, and a brush.

To clean the inside of the fryer, wipe it down with a paper towel. Then, fill the fryer with water to the oil line, and add a few drops of dish soap. Let it soak for about 30 minutes, and then use a sponge to scrub the inside if there are any food particles stuck anywhere. Drain the water and then refill it with clean water for a final rinse.

When disposing of deep fryer oil, make sure to let it cool completely. Then, pour it into a disposable container that you can close and throw away. Do not pour the oil down the drain or flush it down the toilet, as it can clog and damage pipes.

Safety features

Safety is a key consideration when choosing a deep fryer, as cooking with large amounts of hot oil can be dangerous. Here are some safety features to look for when selecting a deep fryer:

• Short power cords: All deep fryers should have short power cords to prevent accidents caused by tripping or entanglement.
• Magnetic safety cords: Most deep fryers have magnetic safety cords that will automatically detach if the cord is pulled or yanked, reducing the risk of accidentally tipping over the fryer.
• Cool-touch handles: Many deep fryers feature handles that stay cool to the touch, even when the oil is hot, to help prevent burns.
• Automatic shut-off: Some deep fryers have automatic shut-off functions that turn off the heat if the fryer is running for too long or gets too hot. This feature also helps prevent overheating and potential fires.
• Temperature control: Adjustable temperature controls allow you to set the desired temperature for frying. This is important because different foods require different temperatures, and frying at the correct temperature ensures food is cooked safely and evenly.
• Lids: A lid helps prevent splatter and contain the mess. Some lids have steam vents and viewing windows, allowing you to monitor the food without opening the lid.
• Overheat protection: Some deep fryers have thermostat overload protection, which shuts down the fryer if it gets overheated.
• Non-slip feet: Deep fryers with non-slip feet provide stability and help prevent accidental spills.
• Basket hooks: Hooks allow you to hang the basket above the oil, preventing oil from dripping everywhere.
• Easy oil disposal: Some deep fryers have built-in oil filtration systems, while others have spouts or drainage hoses that make it easier and safer to dispose of hot oil.

Temperature control

Most deep fryers have a simple dial control to adjust the temperature, while others have digital controls. A good deep fryer will have a thermostat adjustable from 300 °F to 375 °F, which is the temperature range you’ll fry at most often. How quickly the oil heats up depends on the capacity of the unit and the temperature of the oil, but on average, it takes about 13 minutes for 4 quarts of room-temperature oil to reach 375 °F.

It's normal for the temperature to dip when adding food to the oil, so a good deep fryer should have a quick recovery time. In our tests, we found that the temperature of the oil in most models dropped between 50 and 125 degrees after adding frozen French fries, and it took a few minutes for the oil to return to the preheated temperature.

Some deep fryers also have a built-in thermostat that monitors and adjusts the oil temperature and will shut the fryer off automatically if the oil is heated to dangerous temperatures. This is an important safety feature, especially if you're new to deep frying or want the peace of mind that comes with knowing your deep fryer will prevent overheating.

Additionally, some deep fryers have a light that illuminates when the oil has reached the set temperature, so you don't have to guess or use a separate thermometer. This feature ensures that you're cooking your food at the optimal temperature for the best results.

Overall, when it comes to temperature control, look for a deep fryer with a wide temperature range, quick heat-up time, the ability to maintain a steady temperature, and safety features such as automatic shut-off and temperature indicators.

Value for money

When it comes to value for money, there are a few deep fryers that stand out for offering excellent features at a reasonable price. Here are some options that provide a good balance between performance, functionality, and cost:

Chefman 4.5-Liter Deep Fryer

The Chefman 4.5-Liter Deep Fryer is an excellent choice for those seeking value for money. With a price tag of around $70, it offers a generous capacity and impressive performance. It heats up quickly and consistently, making it ideal for frying various foods. The wide basket also makes manoeuvring and frying foods a breeze. While it requires more oil due to its large capacity, the Chefman 4.5-Liter Deep Fryer is a fantastic option for those seeking a combination of performance and affordability.

Hamilton Beach Professional-Style Deep Fryer

The Hamilton Beach Professional-Style Deep Fryer is another great option for value-conscious buyers. Priced at around $70, it comes with three baskets—one large and two small—offering versatility for different frying needs. It has straightforward controls and heats up quickly. Although it may take longer to recover heat after adding food, especially at low temperatures, it delivers top-notch results. The Hamilton Beach fryer is an excellent choice for those seeking multiple baskets and a budget-friendly price.

Cuisinart CDF-200

The Cuisinart CDF-200 is a fantastic option for those seeking a balance between performance and price. While it typically costs around $150, it offers excellent temperature control, maintaining the oil temperature better than many other models. It has a temperature range of 175 °F to 375 °F and a 30-minute timer. The large frying basket provides ample space for tossing food, and the detachable handle makes storage more compact. The Cuisinart CDF-200 is a great choice for those seeking temperature precision and a mid-range price.

T-FAL EZ Clean 3.5-Quart Deep Fryer

If you plan to fry frequently and want to reuse your oil, the T-FAL EZ Clean 3.5-Quart Deep Fryer is a fantastic option. Priced at around $120, it offers an excellent oil filtration system that effectively filters used oil into a provided box for later use. The oil comes out crystal clear and clean. Additionally, most components are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze. The T-FAL EZ Clean fryer is an excellent choice for those seeking an effective oil filtration system and temperature maintenance at a reasonable price.

Frequently asked questions