A view of the best deep fryers, their uses, maintenance and more.
Fries are tasty and an all-time favorite! The crispiness and the flavors combined with that crunch as you chew make every calorie worth your while. It is loved by people all over the world and not many can resist the smell of the thinly stripped deep-fried potatoes or crunchy chicken fries.
Sure, some consider it to be unhealthy, but it’s that one food choice that brings you guilty pleasure, even while on a strict diet.
If you enjoy having fries, then you should consider having a lovely deep fryer in your kitchen. You’re probably thinking that there are other ways to prepare them. The most common of which involves using kitchenware like saucepans and skillets which do get the job done.
However, with a deep fryer, things will be less messy and a limited need to constantly monitor your flames. In the end, you’ll get those piping hot salty fries to perfection, but a saucepan or skillet won’t do you justice. A deep fryer will do the trick with a much easier process.
Deep fryers are quite easy to operate even for beginners. For many years they have been the key to making great fries for customers in commercial businesses.
Some households also store a miniature one for personal use. It’s very handy especially if you enjoy fried foods or consistently host gatherings where anything deep-fried is on the menu.
Are you new to shopping for fryers? Don’t stress! This guide will outline all the things you need to know before purchasing one and a detailed product review on 5 of the best deep fryers for fries.
What is a Deep Fryer?
A deep fryer is a kitchen appliance designed to prepare fried foods and desserts in various quantities. It is filled with oil and the food items are dipped inside where they are fried at high heat usually between 350˚ F to 375˚ F.
Foods commonly cooked with a deep fryer include fried ice cream, fried chicken and other meats, fried vegetables, funnel cakes and most of all French fries.
The different features such as its temperature controls, oil filtration system and accessories make it the ideal choice for all users.
What to Look for When Buying a Deep Fryer?
When buying a deep fryer, you need to consider a few key factors before selecting a particular type. Let’s break it down so you can head to your favorite department store and make your purchase.
1. Size or Capacity
The first thing to consider is the size. Will it be used at home or for commercial purposes? Having a large deep fryer in your kitchen would definitely work well for a large family gathering.
Making snacks for parties and cookouts would take less work for the chef of the day because greater quantities can be prepared in a short time.
On the other hand, during those days that you’ll only need a plate for yourself, a large deep fryer may pose a challenge. Also, if you plan on using it to fry larger food items consider their average size before buying one too small or too large.
2. Portability and Storage
Another factor is portability and storage. A portable deep fryer is easy to move around, especially when you’re thoroughly cleaning. Countertop fryers are great but if you’re not operating in a commercial place there would be less room for a bigger one close to the electrical outlet.
3. Cost
Create a budget to limit your search as you shop around to get the best value for your cash. Some of the most affordable deep fryers are the small electric options. Also, you may want to add a few accessories to increase its functions such as tongs, skimmers, a grease strainer or a poultry rack.
4. Temperature Control
Burnt fries are no good, so proper temperature control is crucial. It’s best to stray from models with temperature settings that are overly simplistic. For example, a fryer with only the on and off switch or options can be quite challenging to gauge depending on what you are frying.
Quality fryers tend to have two separate timers with two different gauges. A new and cool feature that several fryers have is the rotating fry basket. It usually has an electric motor that rotates the vertically mounted basket. It prevents the food from burning as it is repeatedly pulled up from being submerged in oil.
5. Power
The power of an electric fryer is determined by how fast it is able to heat oil. Propane deep fryers usually heat faster than electric ones. The power of all fryers is normally between 1800 to 2200 watts. They are all created with a thermostat to indicate when it’s time to start cooking.
Electric Versus Non-Electric Deep Fryers
After looking at the difference between these two types, you will have 5 product reviews, how to use, and maintenance. So do not forget to check below.
If you are looking for flexible heat lamps to keep foods and fries warm for hours then read this out. This food warmer can keep potatoes warm without losing its temperature.
Electric Deep Fryers
Electric deep fryers are the most commonly used in the household. They are connected to an electric outlet and are very convenient since it does not have to be connected to a gas valve.
The only installation needed is to insert the plug of the unit into an electrical outlet and begin frying all the fried snacks and food you need.
The heating coil is submerged in oil and has a faster cooling rate. Electric deep fryers tend to be of a smaller size which makes it more mobile, easy to connect, clean and install.
If you’re interested in frying large foods like and whole chicken or turkey, then you may have to increase your budget for a larger model.
Gas or Propane Deep Fryers
Propane electric fryers are favored by the real foodies who have constantly called out the difference between the taste of foods cooked by gas versus electric deep fryers.
The natural gas or liquid propane heats the oil very quickly and is used for traditionally frying fries to get that extra crunch. Their heating element is placed on the side of the pot or below.
However great caution is required to use this appliance which is why it is recommended for outdoor use. Commercial food establishments tend to stick to gas models as they can be used to quickly cook large quantities of food to compete with the high customer demand.
On the downside however it is more difficult to clean and installation can be expensive alongside the need to refill your propane tank.
A Product Review of the Best Deep Fryer for Fries
After going over all the details you need to know about what to look for when shopping for a deep fryer as well as how to use and maintain one (below), here are 5 products which are all available on Amazon.
1. The Cuisinart 4 Quart Deep Fryer
This lovely deep fryer has a dimension of 18.25″D x 12.75″W x 12.5″H. It has a light weight of 11.5 pounds with an oil capacity of 3.8 liters. The stainless-steel material makes it very easy to clean.
It has a high point power capacity of an 1800-watt immersion style heating element for super-fast heat up and recovery. No need to worry about burning yourself, the cool touch handles are there for your safety.
The 1-gallon removable enamel coated oil container will allow you to cook up to 2.3 pounds of your favorite fried dishes such as fries, wedges, wings, doughnuts, sea foods and vegetables. It’s the perfect choice for your countertop to have such presentable and luxurious furnish.
The customer ratings show that it is easy to assemble and use, remains quite durable and the safety features are a plus. So, shop now to get a 3-year warranty while stocks last.
2. The Costway 5.3 Quart Deep Fryer
This stainless-steel deep fryer is beyond gorgeous with an 11″D x 12″W x 8.5″H dimension. The triple basket is super convenient allowing you to fry three different meals like wings, fries and onion bagels at the same time. It’s equipped with a 1700-watt immersion heating element.
Within a short time, you’ll be able to preheat and recover the oil temperature while cooking. The material is heat resistant and not easily warped. If you have delicate skin the cool touch handles will allow you to protect your fingers.
The inside is excellently lined with nonstick material so you can exert less force when cleaning by simply using a damp cloth to wash away grease. The anti-slip pads underneath the deep fryer provide stability and prevent your countertop from scratches
The window on the lid gives you a great view of the tasty snacks and secures the oil from splashing everywhere. The temperature can be adjusted from 302˚ F to 374˚ F and has a timer control knob adjustable for up to 60 minutes. If this deep fryer suits your needs, head on over to make your purchase.
3. T-fal Stainless-steel 3.5-liter Deep Fryer
If you want to get value for your money, then the T-fal stainless steel deep fryer should be your choice. It has a dimension of 18.3 x 13.7 x 14.8 inches and weighs 12.4 pounds. The oil capacity stands at 3.5 liters with a voltage of 1700 watts.
The 2.65 pounds food capacity is perfect for your personal food preparation or for a small family get-together such as a picnic. There are two baskets and the handles are safe to touch as you transport different sets of prepared foods from the deep fryer to a container.
The filtration oil system makes it easy to drain and store excess oil. Worried about how to clean this piece properly? Well, there’s no need to be, it is dishwasher safe and easy to clean.
A cool feature is the permanent odor filter which locks in the aroma of the food you are frying to give you that extra WOW effect after opening the lid. There are over 15,400+ customer reviews to help you identify that this is not only a great brand but also the right choice.
4. The Bayou Classic 700-701 Free Standing Deep Fryer
Bayou has constructed this model that can hold up to 45 pounds of fresh food readily supported by four welded legs. The stainless-steel material is easy to clean and its dimensions stand at a solid 17.5 x 17.25 x 26 inches.
It has two stainless-steel mesh baskets with a fry thermometer, a drainage valve and a high-pressure regulator. This fryer heats from the inside out.
A horizontally mounted rear jet burner blows intense hot air through inner vent tubing under the oil, it then exits safely through a rear exterior vertical exhaust.
There are over 1300 reviews on Amazon. The heat then passes through the metal tubing to the oil. This model leaves cooking oil much cleaner and lasts way longer.
5. The Wechef Large 24L Commercial Deep Fryer
Wechef makes one of the best deep fryers and this model is proof of that. The 5000-watt fryer weighs 16.76 pounds with dimensions 16″D x 17″W x 1″H. It’s oil capacity stands at 12 liters with an automatic temperature control system.
The temperature ranges between 140°F to 392°F (60°C to 200°C). It’s super easy to clean as the residue plate filters out all the dregs and the detachable tank enhances the ease for you to polish your deep fryer spotless.
It has a dual tank of 24L capacity. The features and the reviews will build your confidence in purchasing this amazing commercial deep fryer.
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How To Use a Deep Fryer?
Using a deep fryer is quite simple. Here’s how to get the job done.
Step 1:
The first step is to add oil to your fryer. Many models use between 6 to 19 cups of oil, but this all depends on what you are frying and the quantity. Be cautious not to pour in too much as the bin may overflow when you’re adding the food to be fried inside.
Step 2:
Turn on your fryer and set the required temperature. The best thing about electric fryers is that once the temperature has been set there is no need to monitor your food 24/7. It will automatically regulate the temperature as they are constructed with suitable temperature ranges.
Step 3:
Once the oil has been heated which normally takes up to 15 minutes, the indicator light that is visible on the console will automatically switch off. Next, add your fries (or other foods) into the basket and lower them into the pot.
Step 4:
Cover your electric fryer to prevent oil from spattering everywhere as the food cooks. This not only prevents the need to constantly wipe down your fryer but also your counter.
Step 5:
Lift the basket from the pot and drain the oil for a few seconds. Some fryers have a hook to the side that allows the oil to drain without having to hold it. Then empty your fries into a container.
How Do You Maintain Your Deep Fryer?
Properly maintaining your deep fryer has a number of benefits such as a longer lifespan, it prevents possible equipment failure while preparing a meal and maintains food quality.
If the deep fryer has not been properly cleaned then that may impact the quality and taste of the foods. The last thing you need is to have customers or guests complaining that their fries taste like onions or garlic due to bits of food not being cleaned prior to using the fryer.
Here are some tips to maintain your deep fryer:
1. Clean at Least Once Per Week
Keep a schedule so that employees can be assigned to do intensive cleaning once a week. Don’t just observe the surface, inspect the tabletop as well as the floors.
Remove the basket and clean it with dishwashing liquid and rinse with warm water. Also, clean the walls to prevent build-up on the walls.
2. Seek a Professional Inspector
Get an inspector to do monthly checks for leaks and to replace worn-out wires or cords. You or your employees may be able to do simple maintenance routines, but an inspector would be better able to identify issues you cannot.
This is not only important to prevent expenses in the future but also for safety purposes.
3. Boil Your Deep Fryer
To remove residue from your heating elements and tank, boil your deep fryer every few months. To do this drain the excess oil in the fryer and remove any visible food bits.
Wash and rinse with warm water then pour cold water into the pot and allow it to come to a boil for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. After this, you’ll have less need to worry about spending on unnecessary replacement parts.
After all the details, have you found the deep fryer of your choice? If not, comment below to get the answer from a research expert.
