Fryer Brands: Which Make Is The Ultimate Choice?

Deep fryers are a great way to get that crispy crunch on your favourite fried foods. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, there are a variety of deep fryers on the market to choose from. Here's a guide to help you pick the best one for your needs.

Size and capacity:

Deep fryers come in different sizes and capacities, so consider how much food you'll be frying at once. If you're cooking for a large family or group, go for a fryer with a higher capacity, like the Bayou Classic 32-Quart Turkey Fryer. For smaller batches or single servings, a compact fryer with a lower capacity will do the trick.

Features:

Some deep fryers have additional features like timers, adjustable temperature controls, and preset menu options for specific foods. These can be handy if you want more control over your frying process.

Safety:

Deep frying with hot oil can be dangerous, so look for fryers with built-in safety features like cool-touch handles, automatic shut-off, and splatter-guard lids. A magnetic power cord that detaches easily is also a plus.

Ease of use and cleaning:

Consider how easy the fryer is to set up, use, and clean. Look for fryers with dishwasher-safe parts, non-stick interiors, removable oil bowls, and oil filtration systems.

Price:

Deep fryers can range in price from around $40 to a few hundred dollars. Decide on your budget and choose a fryer that offers the best value for your needs.

Some popular deep fryer options on the market include the Breville Smart Fryer, Hamilton Beach Professional-Style Deep Fryer, and the Cuisinart CDF-200.

Deep Fryer vs Air Fryer

Deep fryers and air fryers are both popular choices for cooking fried foods. Here is a detailed comparison between the two to help you decide which one might be a better fit for your needs:

How They Work

Deep Fryers: Deep fryers cook food by completely submerging it in hot oil, resulting in a rich and indulgent flavour and a crispy texture. The high heat of the oil promotes quick cooking and helps lock in moisture, making the inside tender and juicy. Deep fryers are ideal for creating that classic deep-fried taste and texture.

Air Fryers: Air fryers, on the other hand, use hot air circulation to cook food. They have a fan that circulates hot air around the food at high speed, creating a crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil. This makes air fryers a healthier alternative to deep fryers as they require little to no oil.

Versatility

Deep Fryers: Deep fryers are primarily used for deep frying and lack the ability to perform other cooking methods. They are suitable for a variety of foods, including French fries, potato chips, chicken wings, and even whole turkeys.

Air Fryers: Air fryers offer more versatility in cooking methods. In addition to frying, they can also bake, roast, grill, and reheat leftovers. Air fryers are a good option for those who want a multi-functional appliance.

Health Considerations

Deep Fryers: Deep-fried foods tend to absorb a significant amount of oil, resulting in higher fat and calorie content. This may not align with dietary preferences or health goals. Additionally, the use of large amounts of oil can be expensive and requires proper disposal methods.

Air Fryers: Air fryers promote healthier eating by reducing the consumption of unhealthy fats. They require little to no oil, resulting in lower fat and calorie content compared to deep-fried foods.

Ease of Use and Cleanup

Deep Fryers: Deep fryers may require more caution due to the use of hot oil and the need to monitor cooking temperatures. Cleanup can be more challenging with deep fryers as you need to handle and dispose of the used oil properly. Regular maintenance, such as filtering and changing the oil, is also necessary.

Air Fryers: Air fryers are generally user-friendly and have straightforward controls and preset cooking options. Cleanup is typically easier with air fryers due to their non-stick surfaces and dishwasher-safe components.

Cost

Deep Fryers: Deep fryers are usually more affordable upfront, with prices ranging from $25 to $500, depending on the size and features. However, there are ongoing costs associated with purchasing oil for frying.

Air Fryers: Air fryers tend to be more expensive, with prices ranging from $70 to $200 for basic models. However, they can save money in the long run by reducing oil usage.

Taste and Texture

Deep Fryers: Deep fryers produce the classic deep-fried texture and flavour that many people enjoy. The food comes out crispy and indulgent, with a thicker and crispier crust due to the penetration of oil.

Air Fryers: While air fryers can create a crispy exterior, the taste and texture may not be identical to deep-fried foods. Some foods may come out drier in an air fryer compared to a deep fryer.

In summary, both deep fryers and air fryers have their advantages and disadvantages. Deep fryers excel at creating the classic deep-fried taste and texture but may pose health concerns due to the high fat and calorie content. Air fryers offer a healthier alternative, are more versatile, and are generally easier to use and clean. Ultimately, the decision between a deep fryer and an air fryer depends on your personal preferences, dietary goals, and cooking needs.

Best for Large Batches

If you're looking for a fryer that can handle large batches, the Bayou Classic 1118 32-Quart Turkey Fryer is a great option. With a 32-quart capacity, this fryer is perfect for deep-frying a turkey or feeding a large crowd. It comes with a perforated poultry rack, a seasoning injector, and other accessories, making it a versatile choice for all your frying needs.

Another excellent choice for large batches is the Masterbuilt Electric Fryer Boiler Steamer. With a 10-quart capacity, this fryer can handle a 12-pounder turkey with ease and is perfect for those who host dinner parties or get-togethers. It also has a spigot and filter for easy cleaning.

For a more budget-friendly option, the Hamilton Beach Professional-Style Deep Fryer is a fantastic choice. It comes with three baskets—one large and two small—giving you the versatility to cook multiple items at once or make a big batch. Its 5-liter capacity and removable oil bowl make it a great value for under $100.

Lastly, the Secura Triple-Basket Deep Fryer is a reliable and feature-rich option. It comes with three frying baskets, a temperature control knob, an adjustable timer, and a heat light. The removable oil tank and dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup a breeze. With its 4-liter capacity and user-friendly features, it's a great choice for home cooks.

Best for Beginners

If you're new to the world of deep frying, the Chefman 4.5-Liter Deep Fryer is a great option. It's a good size for small to medium batches, so it's perfect if you're cooking for a small family. It's also a great choice for those who are conscious of safety, as it has a stay-cool handle, an automatic shut-off function, and a maximum temperature setting. It's easy to clean, too, as the basket, handle, bowl, and lid are all dishwasher-safe.

Another good option for beginners is the Hamilton Beach Professional-Style Deep Fryer. It comes with three baskets—one large and two small—so you can cook multiple things at once, or cook a large batch of the same thing. It's easy to use, with a timer that lets you know when your food is ready, and it's simple to clean, as it has a removable bowl for easy oil disposal.

If you're looking for a more compact option, the Presto FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer is a great choice. It's one of the smallest fryers on the market, but it still performs well, producing crispy rather than oily food. It's also very easy to clean, although it's not dishwasher-safe.

Best Budget Options

If you're looking for a budget-friendly air fryer, there are several options that won't break the bank. Here are some of the best affordable air fryers on the market:

Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer

This air fryer offers excellent value for money. Although it's not the most expensive option, it can hold its own against pricier models. The Cosori TurboBlaze is powerful, user-friendly, and easy to clean, making it ideal for beginners. It comes with preset modes for cooking a variety of foods, and its 6-quart capacity is perfect for cooking for a small group. It also has a special mode for cooking frozen foods and a keep-warm setting.

Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1

The Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 is a compact and powerful air fryer that delivers impressive results. It has a 5-quart basket and can easily meal prep for four people. It crisps up French fries in under 10 minutes and is great for roasting vegetables. The basket's improved shape and design make it a good choice if you're short on counter space.

Ultenic K10 Smart Air Fryer

The Ultenic K10 is a budget-friendly option that's perfect for beginners. It has 11 preset cooking modes and a decent-sized 5.3-quart basket. It cooks food evenly and produces crispy, golden fries and juicy chicken wings. The air fryer also has a reminder function that prompts you to shake the basket halfway through cooking for even results.

Instant Vortex Mini 2-Qt Mini Air Fryer

The Instant Vortex Mini is a small yet powerful air fryer ideal for those with limited space or those cooking for one. With a 2-quart capacity, it's one of the smallest air fryers on the market, but it still delivers impressive results. It has a digital interface and a dial for adjusting temperature and time. It cooks food quickly and quietly and is perfect for small portions.

Dash Compact Air Fryer

The Dash Compact Air Fryer is a great budget option for small families or couples. It has a 2-quart capacity and simple dial controls for temperature and time. It can cook chicken wings, hamburgers, and air-fried chicken dinners with ease. Its petite, cylindrical shape and glossy finish make it an attractive addition to any kitchen countertop, and it's available in a range of colors.

These budget-friendly air fryers offer excellent performance and features without breaking the bank. They are ideal for those looking for an affordable, yet capable air fryer to cook delicious meals at home.

Best for Families

If you're looking for a fryer that can accommodate the whole family, the Breville Smart Fryer is a great option. It has a 4-quart capacity, which is plenty for a family of four, and it's also one of the fastest fryers we tested, heating up a gallon of oil in just 6 minutes. It comes with useful cooking presets and a digital display that shows the current oil temperature and time remaining. It also has safety features like an emergency shut-off if the oil level is too low or the temperature gets too high.

Another good option for families is the Hamilton Beach Professional-Style Deep Fryer, which comes with three baskets - one large and two small. This allows you to cook multiple things at once or make a big batch in the large basket. It's also very affordable, usually costing under $100. It's easy to use, with a simple temperature knob and a light that indicates when the oil is ready.

For those who want to deep-fry a whole turkey, the Bayou Classic "Big Bird" Turkey Fryer Kit is a great choice. It comes with everything you need, including an 11-gallon fryer, a burner stand, a perforated basket, insulated gloves, a grab hook, an oil thermometer, and even a seasoning injector syringe. It can accommodate a turkey of up to 25 pounds, and the large pot can also be used for seafood boils or home-brewing.

If you're looking for an air fryer that's suitable for a family of four, the Instant Vortex Plus ClearCook is a good option. It has a 6-quart capacity and a see-through window so you can keep an eye on your food as it cooks. It also has a preheat function and alerts you halfway through cooking if you want to shake or turn the food.

The Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 8-qt. 2-Basket Air Fryer is another dual-basket air fryer that's great for families. It has two 4-quart baskets that can be used together or separately, making it perfect for cooking a whole meal at once or cooking in large batches.

Frequently asked questions