The 5 Best Deep Fryers

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Deep frying has gotten a bad rap in these health-conscious times. But if used in moderation, and with the right kind of oil (peanut, safflower, and canola are good choices), a home deep fryer can be a great addition to your kitchen and won't necessarily lead to clogged arteries. As deep-fried foods cook very quickly, deep fryers can also be effective time-savers.

What Is a Deep Fryer?

Designed to be a safer and more reliable alternative to a pot on your stovetop, a deep fryer is a kitchen appliance that cooks foods — such as french fries, chicken, or fish — by submerging them in hot oil. Deep fryers vary in size and power, but they're very simple appliances, so there's no need to splurge on a model with lots of bells and whistles. Since large amounts of very hot oil are involved, however, safety is an important concern when selecting a deep fryer.

Best 5 Deep Fryers

DeLonghi D28313UXBK Roto Deep Fryer

With its patented rotating basket, DeLonghi boasts that the Roto Deep Fryer uses half the oil of traditional fryers to achieve the same results, and users tend to back up this claim. The unit also features an adjustable thermostat, digital timer, and replaceable filters to reduce odor from the oil. Users love how the used oil drains out easily through a pull-out spout, though some complain that wet batters stick to the basket. The DeLonghi Roto's price tag is a little steep, but its economical use of oil makes it the best choice out of the smaller fryers.

Current Price: $81.05 at Amazon

Cuisinart CDF-100 Compact 1.1-Liter Deep Fryer

Smaller than a regular fryer, the brushed stainless steel Cuisinart CDF-100 Compact Deep Fryer won't take up much room on your kitchen counter and is very well-priced. Its compact size makes it perfect for appetizers and side dishes such as egg rolls or mozzarella sticks, but not for larger dishes like bone-in chicken. Users report that food cooks quickly and evenly — resulting in dishes that are crispy, not oily — and praise the ingenuity of its cover, which closes down tight and prevents any oil splashing. The CDF-100 also features a detachable magnetic cord and a removable charcoal filter.

Current Price: $49.95 at Amazon

Waring Pro DF280 Professional Deep Fryer

The Waring Pro DF280 is a larger fryer featuring a one-gallon oil container, three mesh baskets, and a removable 1800-watt immersion style heating element. Safety-minded consumers will be pleased by the cool touch handle, break-away cord, and auto shutoff. Users appreciate the ability to replace the heating element and oil container, and report that the oil temperature stays more consistent than in some other fryers. With a simple switch and timer, and indicators to let you know when your food is ready, the Waring Pro is a breeze to use.

Current Price: $84.99 at Amazon

Presto 05466 Dual ProFry Immersion Element Deep Fryer

This large fryer is a favorite of amateur and professional chefs alike. At 15"x16", the Presto Dual ProFry will take up a lot of space in your kitchen but is ideal for frying up sizable pieces of chicken or fish. Its dual basket system allows you to prepare two different kinds of food at the same time. Oil heats up quickly and maintains its temperature, but there isn't a filtering system like in some other fryers. Users warn that the Presto ProFry can be messy, but like how it comes apart easily for cleaning.

Current Price: $64.00 at Amazon

GE 12-Cup Deep Fryer

The perfect size for serving one or two people, the GE 12-Cup Deep Fryer rates highly for its ease of use. The owner's manual provides clear and straightforward instructions on how to assemble the unit, and it also disassembles easily and completely for cleaning. Users say food fries quickly and ends up delicious. One drawback of the GE model is that its metal surfaces become hot during and after cooking, and some users question its durability.

Current Price: $64.99 at Amazon

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