Best Open Pot Electric Deep Fryers: Top Brands Reviewed

Deep fryers are a great addition to any kitchen, allowing you to make everything from french fries to chicken tenders and even homemade doughnuts. There are several factors to consider when choosing the best open pot electric deep fryer, such as capacity, ease of use, safety features, and price. Here is an overview of some top-rated options to help you decide:

- Breville Smart Fryer: This fryer features innovative safety features and is almost entirely dishwasher-safe. While it has a confusing dial control and cooking presets, it excels in heating and cooking various foods with minimal grease. It also has a quick-release magnetic power cord and a cool zone at the bottom to prevent burning.

- Secura Triple-Basket Deep Fryer: This fryer offers adjustable heat control, an automatic timer, and a light indicator for the desired oil temperature. It comes with two separate baskets and a double-sized third basket, allowing you to fry different foods simultaneously. However, it may leave your food slightly oily.

- All-Clad 3.5-Liter Deep Fryer: This deep fryer stands out for its ease of cleanup, thanks to its automatic oil-filtration system. It has a removable oil box for future reuse or disposal, and most parts are dishwasher-safe. While it is on the expensive side and has a smaller capacity, it delivers excellent results, especially with chicken fingers.

- DeLonghi Livenza Deep Fryer: This fryer is designed for frequent use and includes a spigot and filter for easy oil drainage and cleanup. It also has a setting for frying with lard, adding flavour to your fried treats. However, it takes a long time to heat up and may not be ideal for potato chips.

- Cuisinart CDF-200: This countertop deep fryer is easy to operate and maintains oil temperature effectively, producing crunchy, golden-brown food. It has a generous capacity and a clearly labelled temperature control dial. It also includes a 30-minute timer and a detachable safety cord.

Safety features

Safety is a key consideration when choosing a deep fryer, especially given the high temperatures involved. Here are some safety features to look out for when selecting an open pot electric deep fryer:

Magnetic Power Cord

In the event that the fryer is bumped or knocked over, a magnetic power cord will automatically disengage, reducing the risk of accidents. This is an important feature to look for, as a vat of hot oil can be extremely dangerous if it spills.

Automatic Shut-Off

Some deep fryers have an automatic shut-off function that engages if the unit gets too hot or if the oil level becomes too low. This feature helps prevent overheating and potential fires, enhancing the safety of the appliance.

Cool-Touch Handles and Exteriors

To prevent burns, look for deep fryers with cool-touch handles and exteriors. These features allow you to safely move the appliance, even when it is hot, reducing the risk of accidental burns.

Splatter-Guard Lid

A lid that covers the oil during cooking can help prevent splatters and reduce the risk of burns. Look for a lid with a clear window so you can monitor the food without opening the lid, as this can cause steam to condense and drip back into the oil, potentially causing spatters.

Overheat Protection

Overheat protection is an important safety feature that helps prevent the appliance from overheating. This feature ensures that the fryer will shut off if it reaches a temperature that is too high, reducing the risk of fire or other hazards.

Advanced Controls and Settings

Some deep fryers offer advanced controls and settings that enhance safety. For example, some models have a notification system that alerts you when the preset cooking time has expired. Others have an emergency shut-off feature that activates if the oil level is too low or if the temperature exceeds a certain threshold.

Oil Filtration System

While not directly related to safety during use, an oil filtration system can help extend the life of your oil, reducing the frequency of oil changes. This not only saves money but also reduces the risk of using old or contaminated oil, which can affect the taste of your food and potentially be unsafe.

Size and capacity

Size Considerations:

• Countertop vs. Floor Fryers: The choice between a countertop and a floor fryer depends on the available space in your kitchen and the volume of food you need to fry. Countertop fryers are compact and space-saving, making them ideal for small kitchens or food trucks. Floor fryers, on the other hand, are larger and designed to handle bigger batches of food. They are better suited for establishments with high-volume frying needs.
• Oil Capacity: Different fryers have different oil capacities, typically ranging from a single quart to more than a gallon. Larger oil capacity allows you to fry more food at once and maintains temperature better. However, oil is expensive, and you may not need a huge machine. The key is to ensure that the food has enough room to float freely without sticking together.
• Basket Size: Fryers come with different basket sizes and configurations. Some have multiple smaller baskets, allowing you to fry different foods simultaneously. Others have a single large basket. Consider your needs and whether you want the flexibility to cook multiple items at once.

Capacity Considerations:

• Volume of Food: Consider how much food you will be frying at once. If you have a high-volume kitchen or a fry-heavy menu, opt for a fryer with a larger capacity to accommodate bigger batches.
• Frequency of Use: If you plan on using the fryer frequently, look for models with higher wattage and quicker recovery times. This ensures that the fryer can handle constant use and maintain the desired temperature.
• Type of Food: The type of food you will be frying also influences the size and capacity you need. For example, if you plan to fry whole turkeys, you'll need a fryer with a large pot and sufficient oil capacity. On the other hand, if you're frying smaller items like french fries or chicken tenders, a smaller fryer with a moderate capacity may suffice.

Ease of cleaning

The ease of cleaning is a crucial factor to consider when choosing an open-pot electric deep fryer. Here are some key points regarding the ease of cleaning for different deep fryer models:

All-Clad 3.5-Liter Deep Fryer

The All-Clad 3.5-Liter Deep Fryer stands out for its ease of cleaning. It features a built-in cleaning function where you can turn a knob to drain the oil through a filter into a removable hard-plastic box for future use. This eliminates the need for manual oil drainage and makes the cleanup process much more convenient. The fryer's parts, except for the heating element, are also dishwasher-safe, further simplifying the cleaning process.

Chefman 4.5-Liter Deep Fryer

The Chefman 4.5-Liter Deep Fryer, while a budget-friendly option, requires manual oil drainage. You will need to pour the cooled oil through a fine-mesh sieve into an external container for future use. Additionally, the filters in the lid are not very effective for odour or particle elimination, so you may need to take extra steps to ensure thorough cleaning.

Cuisinart CDF-200

The Cuisinart CDF-200 has a detachable safety cord and a frying basket, making it easier to clean than some other models. However, it lacks a dedicated oil drainage system, and you will need to manually drain the oil through a fine-mesh sieve for external storage. The fryer basket can be tedious to clean by hand, but it is dishwasher-safe.

Breville Smart Fryer

The Breville Smart Fryer is designed with ease of cleaning in mind. Almost all parts of the machine, except for the heating element, are dishwasher-safe. The inner bowl can be removed separately for easy disposal of used oil. The removable heating element also makes it easier to clean the fryer thoroughly.

Secura Triple-Basket Deep Fryer

The Secura Triple-Basket Deep Fryer has a helpful light that indicates when the oil has reached the desired temperature. It also features baskets that hook onto the edge of the fryer, making oil drainage easier. However, the top of the heating element is exposed, which can be a concern for safety and cleanliness.

DeLonghi Livenza Deep Fryer

The DeLonghi Livenza Deep Fryer is designed for frequent use and easy cleanup. It includes a spigot and filter for draining and filtering oil, and an indicator to let you know when it's time to change the oil. Most parts of the fryer are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup more convenient.

Heating and temperature control

Temperature Control Mechanisms:

• Built-in Thermostats: Electric deep fryers typically have built-in thermostats that allow you to set a desired temperature, making it easier to achieve consistent results.
• Manual Thermometer Adjustment: Some deep fryers, especially outdoor propane fryers, require manual adjustment of the propane flow to control the temperature. This method may demand more attention and experience to maintain the desired temperature.
• Preset Programs: Certain deep fryers offer preset programs designed for specific foods, eliminating the need for manual temperature adjustments.

Heating Recovery:

When frying, the oil temperature tends to drop when food is added. A good deep fryer should be able to quickly recover the desired temperature after the initial drop. Factors influencing heating recovery include:

• Wattage: Deep fryers with higher wattage tend to heat up faster and recover temperature more efficiently.
• Oil Capacity: A larger volume of oil will generally retain heat better and is less affected by the addition of food.
• Food Type: Frozen foods or foods with high moisture content can cause a more significant drop in oil temperature.

Safety Features:

• Magnetic Power Cord: Many deep fryers have a magnetic power cord that detaches easily if the cord is bumped or pulled, reducing the risk of accidentally tipping over the fryer.
• Automatic Shut-Off: Some deep fryers have sensors that automatically shut off the heating element if the oil temperature gets too high or if the oil level is insufficient.
• Cool-Touch Handles: Heat-resistant handles or cool-touch handles help protect your hands from burns when handling the fryer.
• Ventilated Lids: Lids with proper ventilation can help contain splatters while allowing steam to escape, reducing the risk of condensation buildup and subsequent spattering when the lid is opened.

Tips for Optimal Heating and Temperature Control:

• Allow sufficient time for the oil to preheat and reach the desired temperature before adding food.
• Avoid overcrowding the fryer with too much food at once, as this can affect temperature recovery and lead to greasy results.
• Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature, especially with outdoor fryers or models with unreliable temperature controls.
• Choose the appropriate type of oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut, canola, soybean, or vegetable oil.

Value for money

If you're looking for an open-pot electric deep fryer that offers the best value for money, the Chefman 4.5-Liter Deep Fryer is a great option. With a price tag of around $70, it offers a lot of features and performance for a relatively low cost.

The Chefman Deep Fryer has a large 4.5-liter capacity, which means you'll need more oil to fill it up, but it also gives you the ability to fry larger batches of food. The wide basket also makes it easy to maneuver and fry foods efficiently.

In terms of performance, the Chefman Deep Fryer delivers consistent and speedy results. It heats up much quicker than similar models, which is a definite plus when you're in a hurry. The temperature range of 250°F to 375°F gives you plenty of flexibility for frying different types of food.

While the Chefman Deep Fryer doesn't have some of the advanced features of more expensive models, it does the job it's designed to do very well. It's a no-frills machine that is easy to use and gets the job done.

For those who are looking for an even more budget-friendly option, the Hamilton Beach Professional-Style Deep Fryer is another great choice. With a price tag of around $70, it offers a lot of features and functionality. It has a 4.7-quart capacity and comes with three separate baskets, giving you the option to fry different foods at once. It also delivers top-notch results, with frozen chicken fingers and French fries coming out delicious.

So, if you're looking for an open-pot electric deep fryer that offers the best value for money, the Chefman 4.5-Liter Deep Fryer or the Hamilton Beach Professional-Style Deep Fryer are definitely worth considering. They offer a combination of performance, features, and affordability that is hard to beat.

Frequently asked questions