The Best Deep Fryers

If you love fried food, you need to get a deep fryer.

French fries. Fried chicken. Fried fish. Fried mozzarella sticks. Funnel cakes. Is there anything more delicious or crave-worthy than fried food?

No, it’s not healthy, but it’s delicious. An occasional treat isn’t going to have a huge difference if you eat healthy foods the rest of the time. (Of course, if you are worried about health, consider one of the best air fryers instead.)

Deep fryers use hot oil to cook food. Having your own deep fryers lets you treat yourself, your family, and your friends to treats you might otherwise not get to have often.

Here are the best deep fryers on the market and what you need to know about buying one.

Cuisinart 4-Quart Deep Fryer

If you’re a frequent fryer, our top choice is the Cuisinart CDF-200 Deep Fryer.

This fryer uses 1,700 watts of power to produce deliciously golden fried food. It has an easy-to-understand temperature control dial with a minimum temperature of 175 degrees Fahrenheit and a max of 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

This fryer also has a 30-minute timer so that you don’t have to stand over the fryer and watch until your food becomes the perfect shade of golden brown.

This deep fryer features a large frying basket that can fry enough food to feed a small family.

Cuisinart 4-Quart Deep Fryer Pros

• Affordable price: This is a high-quality fryer that you can get for less than $100.
• Dishwasher-safe components: You can put the frying basket, oil container, and lid in the dishwasher.
• Heating element: The removable 1800-watt immersion-style heating element means a fast heat up and heat recovery.
• Large capacity: The four-quart oil capacity can cook up to 2.3 lbs of food. The stainless steel mesh fry basket can hold enough for a small family.

Cuisinart 4-Quart Deep Fryer Cons

• Short plug: The plug is less than two feet long. You also can’t use an extension cord with this device because of the safety features.

More Details

Best Value: Presto DualDaddy Electric Deep Fryer

If you’re looking for an affordable deep fryer and don’t care about temperature settings, timers, or special cleaning features, you can’t go wrong with the Presto DualDaddy Deep Fryer.

For the price, it’s an excellent option and is our budget pick.

This deep fryer can fry up to eight servings with eight cups of oil. It features two sections so that you can fry two types of food at once.

The fryer is heavy-duty cast aluminum and features a nonstick finish, which makes it easy to clean. It also has a magnetic safety cord.

It measures 9 by 14 by 8-1/2 inches and has a one-year limited warranty.

Presto DualDaddy Pros

• Budget-friendly pick: This kitchen appliance isn’t as expensive as other options.
• Compact size: This fryer is easy to fit on your kitchen counters and in your cupboards when you aren’t using it.
• Oil requirement: This fryer only needs eight cups of oil for eight services of food.
• Oil storage: The snap-on cover lets you store oil in the fryer.
• Two compartments: You can fry two foods at once.

Presto DualDaddy Cons

• No manual temperature control: You’ll have to use the fryer’s automatic settings.
• No timer: You have to check the food periodically to see when it’s done.

More Details

T-Fal Deep Fryer

If you don’t need to fry a lot of food, why purchase a fryer with a large capacity?

Instead, consider investing in one that’s small enough to remain on your kitchen counter. Our top pick for best small sized deep fryer is the T-Fal FR8000.

T-Fal, a trusted appliance brand, offers single and triple basket deep fryers. We love the single basket option because it cooks the perfect amount of fried food for a couple.

It can hold 2.6 lbs of food and has a 3.5-liter oil capacity. It also features an adjustable thermostat and an immersed heating system for quick cooking.

T-Fal Fryer Pros

• Adjustable thermostat: You can adjust the temperature to your cooking preferences.
• Basket positions: The two-position basket makes cooking and draining food simple.
• Dishwasher-safe parts: The removable parts are safe to put in the dishwasher.
• Food capacity: This fryer can make 2.65 lbs of food and has an oil capacity of 3.5 liters.
• Oil filtration system: This feature helps eliminate odors.

T-Fal Fryer Cons

• 1-year limited warranty: Some other fryers have better options.

More Details

Flexzion Deep Fryer Dual Tank

If you’re looking for a large, electric deep fryer, check out the Flexzion Deep Fryer Dual Tank.

With double stainless-steel baskets and a capacity of 12 liters (or 12.7 quarts), this is the best option for large families or those that like to entertain.

This dual-tank fryer uses 5000-watts of power for both tanks or 2500-watts for one. Each cooking side functions separately and has a fry basket, power plug, and analog control panel to set the temperature.

This appliance is a large deep fryer and measures 22-3/4″ x 17-1/4″ x 12″. You’ll need adequate counter space if you want to use this deep fryer.

The temperature controls range between 248 and 392 degrees Farenheight.

This fryer features advanced safety features such as a temperature limiter and microswitch protection. The temperature limiter turns on when the temperature becomes too hot, and the microswitch protection turns the fryer off if it experiences a sudden impact.

Flexzion Deep Fryer Dual Tank Pros

• Analog controls: These controls are easy to use and perfect for those who don’t like digital controls.
• Dual tanks: The tanks with separate controls let you fry two types of food at the same time.
• Oil pan: The pan is removable, making cleaning easier.
• Large capacity: This fryer can feed a large family or a group of party guests.

Flexzion Deep Fryer Dual Tank Cons

• High wattage: You cannot use a converter with this deep fryer.
• Space requirements: You must have a large kitchen or home to use this fryer

Get Details

Best Warranty: Cuisinart Compact Deep Fryer

Yes, we have Cuisinart on our list twice. Why? The company has excellent products.

This offering from Cuisinart has the best warranty we’ve come across: a three-year limited warranty.

And aside from the warranty, it’s an excellent deep fryer. It’s small, so it’s perfect for a couple. It’s affordable, easy to use, and is easy to clean as well.

Cuisinart Compact Deep Fryer Pros

• Fast heat-up and frying: You can make delicious fried food in minutes.
• Limited 3-year warranty: This is the best warranty for deep fryers that we’ve found.
• Nonstick die-cast bowl: This bowl makes the fryer easy to use and clean.

Cuisinart Compact Deep Fryer Cons

• Small capacity: The fry basket holds up to 3/4 pound of food and 1.1 liters of oil. It’s not ideal for large families or parties.

More Details

Types of Deep Fryers

There are two main types of deep fryers you can purchase for your home: electric deep fryers and turkey deep fryers.

Get to know the differences so that you know which to buy.

Electric Deep Fryers

If you want to fry food, you’ll need a lot of oil and somewhere to put that oil.

Technically, you could fill a large saute pan with oil and place it atop your stove and whip up a batch of french fries, but it’s messy and dangerous (especially if you have a gas burner). As such, an electric deep fryer is better.

Electric deep fryers are small enough to live part-time or full-time on countertops. They are typically made of stainless steel and feature a large interior section for oil as well as a fry basket.

Functions vary depending on which model you select, but the more advanced ones have temperature controls, adjustable timers, and removable and dishwasher-safe parts.

Pros

• Adjustable temperature controls
• Dishwasher-safe parts (depending on model)
• Safer than turkey fryers
• Small enough to sit on countertops
• Some models come with oil filtration systems that filter excess oil into a separate container and absorb the oil and grease odors
•  Timers

Cons

• Smaller capacity than turkey fryers

Turkey Deep Fryers

Have you ever tried a deep-fried turkey?

If you live in the south, chances are you have. Fried birds are a southern tradition.

If not, we suggest you try one. Frying a turkey can produce the juiciest, tastiest Thanksgiving bird you’ve ever had.

Plus, it will cook it must faster than traditional oven methods will.

Pros

• Fast cooking times
• Large capacity
• Specializes in fried turkey
• Turkey is exceptionally moist on the inside and crispy on the outside

Cons

• Large and require a lot of space
• Oil splatters which can cause burns
• Riskier to use than electric deep fryers
• Requires a lot of cooking oil

Which to Use

Overall, we prefer electric deep fryers to turkey fryers.

If you want a deep fryer that can cook common fried foods such as fried fish, fried chicken, and french fries, you’re better off with an electric deep fryer. They’re easier to use, pose less risk, require less oil, and are smaller to store.

If, on the other hand, your sole purpose when investing in a deep fryer is to cook your family’s Thanksgiving turkey (and perhaps a few whole chickens throughout the year), go ahead and get the turkey deep fryer.

Of course, air fryers are also an option. Read the differences between air fryers vs. deep fryers if you’re not sure which you’d prefer.

Deep Fryer Buyer’s Guide

Even home cooks can benefit from deep fryers. If you have your own, you can have delicious, golden brown french fries, chicken tenders, chicken wings, onion rings, and more.

Use this buying guide to help you find the best deep fryer for you.

Cooking Basket Size

Deep fryers come in multiple sizes:

• Smaller versions tend to hold one basket and cater to couples or small families. A deep fryer with a three-liter capacity or less tends to have 1000 or 1500 watts of power.
• Larger deep fryers can hold multiple baskets and feed entire parties. These deep fryers tend to start at 1700 watts of power and go up from there.

Always look at basket sizes, however, and don’t rely on wattage alone. Some high-watt deep fryers have small baskets, and some low-watt fryers can have large fry baskets.

Cooking Oil Capacity

Deep fryers have varying capacities for oil.

For example, we looked at some smaller fryers that had a four-cup maximum capacity while others could hold up to 16 cups.

If you want to fry in small batches, you won’t want to use a large amount of oil. A lower oil capacity should work.

If, on the other hand, you cook large batches, consider a deep fryer with a large cooking oil capacity.

Ease of Cleaning

Oil is a huge pain to clean up. Given the amount of oil used in deep fryers, many people fear deep fryers will be a horror show to scrub clean even if you don’t have to deal with oil splattering. Thankfully, this isn’t always the case.

In addition to easy-cleaning oil drain systems, most deep fryers have removable parts such as fry baskets and oil pans that are dishwasher safe.

While the housing units can’t go in the dishwasher, you can typically wash them with warm, soapy water and then rinsed and dried.

Ease of Use

You need a deep fryer that’s easy to clean, but you’ll also want one that’s easy to use!

Here are some things to keep in mind for ease of use:

• Some deep fryers have adjustable temperature settings, and others don’t.
• Some deep fryers have digital displays, and others are analog.
• Some fryers have a lot of bells and whistles to make frequent frying easier.

If you don’t need the fancier features, consider getting a more straightforward option. It’ll often be less expensive and easier to use.

Oil Filters and Disposing Systems

Deep frying foods isn’t always a pleasant experience. There’s a lot of oil and grease. Not only can it make a mess of your kitchen, but it can also leave lingering odors. This is where a good oil filter can come in handy.

Oil filters can help filter excess oil into separate containers within the bottom of the fryer, helping to absorb the odors of grease and oil.

If you love the taste of fried food but hate the smell, consider investing in a deep fryer with a good oil filter.

You’ll also want to look at how the fryers drain remaining oil, as disposing of it can be a hassle.

Some deep fryers offer easy-cleaning oil drain systems. This system has a hose at the front of the unit that allows the oil to drain out the front rather than you have to pour it out from the top. It’s a much cleaner way of disposing of oil.

Price

Do you love McDonald’s french fries, Chick-fil-A’s chicken nuggets, and the deep-fried Oreos you get at your county fair?

If so, you know this fast food habit can add up!

Deep fryers are a way of getting your favorite fast food items at a more affordable price.

Deep fryers aren’t that expensive – even the top models. Depending on your needs and budget, you can find a quality deep fryer for under $75.

The more affordable models tend to have fewer options and features. However, if the cost is your main priority, you can still find an excellent deep fryer for an affordable price.

Safety Features

Frying food isn’t always the safest endeavor. It seems like every Thanksgiving you read about someone who burnt his house down trying to fry a turkey.

One of the benefits of a deep fryer is that it’s safer than attempting to fry food in a dutch oven, cast iron pan, or deep pan. Most deep fryers have safety features that help prevent fires and oil burns.

These safety features can include:

• Automatic temperature controllers
• Cool touch surfaces
• Indicator lights to show you when food is ready
• Magnetic cords that break away if the fryer is knocked over
• Safety handles on fry baskets
• Secure locking lids
• Skid-free feet to secure the deep fryer to your table or counter

Read the user manual to make sure you’re using the fryer correctly and that the safety features are working.

Temperature Control

If you’re looking for a basic and low-cost deep fryer, it may not come with an adjustable thermostat that you can control.

However, most deep fryers let you adjust the temperature of the oil. Some even have an automatic function that monitors temperature and adjusts so that it doesn’t get too hot or too cold.

You may think that “fried food is fried food,” but the truth is different types of food fry differently and at different temperatures. Look at what you want to fry and make sure the fryer can cook it for you.

Most deep fryers will have a max temperature of 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Timer

Adjustable thermostats and timers seem to go hand-in-hand in quality deep fryers.

If you have a timer, you won’t have to stand over your fryer waiting for your food to become the perfect shade of golden brown. You can sit back and allow the timer to monitor the progress and alert you when your food is ready.

Timers will help ensure your food is not overcooked or undercooked.

Warranty

Some products have lifetime warranties. We love these products and wish all appliances in our lives were guaranteed to last forever, but unfortunately, that’s not the case.

Deep fryer warranties vary. The most limited offer three months. The majority seem to offer a limited one-year warranty.

Our buying guide can help you find the right deep fryer for your home. Use it and our top tips to find a kitchen appliance that you’ll love.