Deep Fryer Buying Guide

by Mike K. Post your article at Aleshatech.com

A quality deep fryer that gives you years of high-performance operation and value for your money typically ranges from around $75 (for a basic but acceptable unit) to $300+ for high-end options. The best option for your needs depends on the features you want in your ideal machine and your deep fryer buying budget.

Before you go shopping for you new deep fryer it’s important to know exactly what to look for in the perfect piece of equipment. This page provides tips on how to buy a deep fryer that best suits your needs by highlighting the features that matter the most to the average deep fryer user.

Fryer Capacity

One of the most important things to know in order to find the right deep fryer for your needs are your capacity requirements.

How many people are you cooking for? If you plan on using the fryer to regularly whip up a dinner for two then a small indoor deep fryer is a good choice. However, if you have a lot of food to prepare, you’re better of selecting a large capacity fryer that can put out high volume in a short amount of time.

How often will you use your deep fryer? If you’ll only be using your fryer every once in a while you can get away with buying one that is basic with lightweight construction. On the other hand, if you plan to keep your fryer in action more often than not, it pays to invest in a more heavy-duty model that is guaranteed to work efficiently for years to come.

Deep Fryer Power Rating

A key feature of a quality deep fryer is that it heats oil quickly and keeps the temperature as stable as possible during frying. This is what makes a fryer super convenient to use and ensures that you get the best fry on your food with consistent results.

For the best frying experience stick to deep fryers with higher power ratings. You always want to choose a fryer with a rating of at least 1500 watts. Fryers with this power level, or higher, fry foods faster and crispier. An added benefit of fast frying is food that absorbs less oil.

Temperature Control Options

An easy to understand and use temperature control system is a must-have feature in a quality deep fryer. The average fryer can adjust through temperatures ranging from 0 to 400 degrees, which is perfect for frying up a wide variety of foods.

Look for fryers that have a temperature control dial. A dial that lists degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit (preferably both) allows you to have much better control over your frying temperature than basic high, medium and low settings. This also makes it possible for you to adjust your fryer temperature to best suit the type of food you’re cooking.

Digital display fryers ensure perfect and consistent results. Some of the best deep fryers available feature digital display units that allow you to set the exact temperature level you need your oil to be. These units also tend to have a light on the display panel that turns on once the oil reaches the optimal temperature.

Heating elements that are completely submerged in frying oil work best. It’s always best to choose a fryer that has a heating element that goes directly into the oil. This feature allows the oil to heat up quickly and maintain a more even temperature during the frying process.

Overall Ease Of Use

How To Buy A Deep Fryer

With all the convenience that the average deep fryer offers, one of the most important aspects is how easy each model is to use. After all, most things are only easy if you can actually figure out how to do it.

Look for easy-to-clean deep fryer units. Once all the frying fun is over and it’s time to clean up the kitchen things can get frustrating without the right fryer features. Look for a model that has a built-in drain valve to make the first stage of fryer clean-up simple.

Dishwasher-safe elements. Select a fryer that has dishwasher safe elements if possible. This makes washing up your fryer parts even faster and easier.

Ensure the deep fryer temperature adjustment system is simple and easy to understand. Deep fryers with clear, easy-to-understand and adjust temperature settings are a breeze to use. They also eliminate the possibility of over or under cooking your fried foods.

Do you want to use the fryer indoors, outdoors or both? The type of fryer that is best for your needs largely depends on how you plan to use it. Based on your unique needs, get a deep frying unit that works inside and/or outside your home and that is as portable as you need it to be.

Know how much counter and storage space you have. It’s important to figure out how much space you have available to use your deep fryer before you go shopping. If you don’t have a lot of counter top or storage space it is best to go with a small but powerful unit. However, if space is not an issue, you have a very wide range of options for a high-quality deep fryer.

Special Features To Look For

How much oil do you want to use? If you prefer traditional deep fat frying, then a typical deep fryer unit will work well for your needs. However, if you would prefer to use less oil there are several units that use much less oil to deep fry foods available.

Built-in filtration systems. If you plan to use a lot of oil to deep fry your foods, look for fryer units that have filtering systems that automatically keep the oil clean and allow for several uses before you have to change it.

Basket features. Many fryers come with baskets that have unique features that make them easier to use and generally beneficial. Look for options like rotating baskets and build-in basket draining hooks that allow extra oils to run off of fried foods before serving.

Digital timers. High-quality fryers generally come with built in digital timers that allow you to set your total cooking time. These timers also automatically shut the fryer off once the cook time is complete.

Warranties and replacement parts. A good feature to have with any deep fryer purchase is a decent warranty and easy access to replacement parts if they become necessary. This helps to ensure that you get the most value for your money from your deep fryer purchase.

Durable Construction

If you want a deep fryer that stands up to regular frying sessions it’s important to look for a well-designed piece of equipment that’s built to last.

Look for stainless steel construction. The highest quality deep fryers are made with stainless steel parts. This makes the deep fryer durable, resistant to rust and easy to clean. Stainless steel deep fryer tanks also help to keep oil temperature levels consistent and they also safeguard against the absorption of old frying odors.

Non-stick surfaces are optimal. Always go with a deep fryer with as many non-stick surfaces as possible. This makes clean up much easier and prevents unwanted oil buildup on your machine, parts and accessories.

Important Safety Features For Deep Fryers

Lastly, but most importantly you want to ensure that the deep fryer you buy is safe to use. No matter how great your fried food comes out, if your house burns down in the process or you or a loved one gets hurt, I can guarantee you won’t be happy for very long.

Cool touch exterior. It is best to select a deep fryer that stays cool-to-the-touch on the outside no matter how hot the oil temperature gets on the inside. This keeps your hands safe and burn-free and prevents injuries if anyone should touch it accidentally.

Use fryers with deep tanks. The deeper the tank on your deep fryer the lower the chances are that the hot oil will bubble over the sides and damage you or your property.

Look for fryers with lids that close completely. A fryer with a lid that closes completely during cook time reduces oil splatter and the smell of frying food in your home. Lids with built-in window panels let you watch your food without direct exposure to hot oil.

Breakaway electrical cord. If someone trips over your fryer’s electrical cord it can cause the entire fryer and it contents to spill and ignite a house fire or burn someone severely. A breakaway cord prevents a tragedy like this from happening by easily and completely detaching from the unit with minimal force applied.

Auto shutoff. Many fryers have a shut-off feature that automatically chips in if the oil becomes too hot or the fryer sits idle for a while. This feature greatly improves the overall safety of the machine.

Keep these important deep fryer buying guide features in mind as you search for the best deep fryer for your needs and you’ll find your best match quickly and easily.