How to find the best deep fryer for you
There is no doubt that in order to create perfect fried food, you will need to pick the best deep fryer. However, trying to work out which model is best for your needs is easier said than done. So, here are some of the factors that you should consider when choosing a deep fryer…
When shopping for a deep fryer, consider size, for both cooking and storing purposes. A few questions to think about include:
How often will you be deep frying? If you plan on deep frying often, you might want to consider a deep fryer with a small footprint so you can keep it out on your counter without hogging up too much space. Small deep fryers also require less oil than large ones. You might also want to consider its design and aesthetic. Stainless steel housing and digital control panels look sleek on countertops.
What will you be deep frying? If you plan on deep frying more than one food at a time, like French fries and onion rings, consider a deep fryer with multiple baskets.
How much will you be deep frying at one time? If you’re deep frying for a large family, or a dinner party, shop for a deep fryer with a large capacity, such as 4 quarts or 16 cups. It’ll help speed up the cooking process so you can spend more time with guests. If you’re deep frying for one or two, a small deep fryer, such as 1 quart or 4 cups, is more than sufficient; plus, it requires less oil.
Size Matters
First and foremost, take a close look at how much food you will be able to cook in a single batch. If you live alone or with a partner, a compact deep fryer might be sufficient for your needs. However, if you have a large family and like to entertain, you might prefer a model with a much larger capacity.
In addition to the size of the basket, the amount of food that you can cook will be dictated by the power. If the wattage is higher, it will make it easier to cook large batches of food quickly.
Where will you be storing your deep fryer? If storage room is a problem, a small deep fryer is probably best. Some large capacity deep fryers can be very big and bulky, although one of our top picks features a unique oil storing container.
Adjustable Temperature Settings
If you are planning to cook different types of foods, you will want to have control over the oil temperature. Some models boast an adjustable thermostat, while others feature a digital control selector. Whichever type of temperature control you choose, make sure that it is easy to use and read.
All About Time
Choosing a deep fryer with a built-in timer will help to take the guesswork out of the cooking process. This will allow you to simply set the desired amount of time and get on with other tasks. An alarm will sound when your food has been cooked to perfection.
The Oil Filter
One of the main downsides with deep fryers is that they tend to leave an unpleasant lingering smell. This is caused by used oil that sits inside the fryer until it is ready to be used again. Over time, this lingering smell can become rather nasty.
However, choosing a deep fryer with an oil filter can easily solve this problem. After use, you can drain the remaining oil from the deep fryer and store it safely. That way, the oil will be ready for the next time you are ready to fry.
One of the downsides of cooking fried food is the nasty lingering smell of oil and grease, but there are many models that come with an oil filter that not only filters away any excess oil into a separate container at the bottom of the fryer, but it can absorb the smell of the oil and grease. In particular, charcoal filters are very good at absorbing the smell.
There are also many deep fryers that use an “Easy Clean Oil Drain System”, where the oil is drained from the machine through a hose in the front of the unit.
Be careful with how much oil you use. Some models may leak if you overfill the fryer receptacle with oil. Also, if you use too much oil, your food may not have that authentic crispy skin.
The Food Basket
Choosing a basket that comes with a cool grip handle will help to reduce the risk of being burned. It should be very easy and safe to lower the basket into the hot oil. If the lid of the fryer can be closed with the basket inside, it will prevent the risk of oil splashes.
To avoid any burns or being splashed by oil or grease, especially when you are cooking a lot of food, look for a deep fryer that has a basket with a cool grip handle.
Some models have a basket that can be lowered into the oil while is the lid is closed, while others have a rotating basket that provides a more even cooking result, which is especially important for cooking a larger piece of meat like a turkey.
A rotating basket uses less oil, is more energy-efficient, but you have to make sure that the food does not get overcooked or burned.
Easy Cleaning
Last but not least, you will want a deep fryer that is as easy to clean as possible. If the model has removable parts that are dishwasher safe, this task will be a breeze. Non-stick coating on both the inside and out will make it especially easy to wipe away stains.
One thing is for sure when it comes to cooking with oil, is the mess of having to wash up. Fortunately, most deep fryers are made with removable parts that are easy to wash, with non-stick surfaces, and some are dishwasher safe.
FEATURES OF BEST SELLING FISH COOKERS AND DEEP FRYERS
Thermostat for oil temperature.
Variable temperature control capable of reaching 375°F.
Adequate capacity for food to oil ratios.
Hinged lid with grease/odor filter.
Basket dimensions, and positions for frying and draining.
Storage components.
Built-in drain valve for easy cleanup.
Removable oil basket for easy cleanup.
Electrical wattage for adequate power.