Deep Fat Fryer Buying Guide

With your own deep fat fryer you can prepare your own home-made chips as well as a range of other delicious foods.

Here are some useful hints and tips to help you choose a suitable deep fat fryer from the wide range available from online retailers.

Types Of Deep Fat Fryer To Choose From

Deep fat fryers fall into the following categories:

Deep fat fryers: These are appliances that will safely and easily deep-fry your food with delicious results.
Professional-style deep fat fryers: Fryers of this type are rectangular in shape and look more like the kind of fryer you see in a chip shop. Some have double baskets, which can be used independently of each other.

Within these categories you will find deep fat fryers with different features and finishes. You can choose a model with a style and functions that appeal to you from the great selection of brands available, which covers all price ranges.

Features To Look For When You Buy A Deep Fat Fryer

When choosing a deep fat fryer, make sure that you choose one with the specifications and features that suit your needs.

Key features to look out for when buying a deep fat fryer include:

Capacity: Remember to take into account the capacity of the appliance - a small one will be no good to you if you cook for a big family.
Cleaning: A lot of deep fat fryers have dishwasher-safe parts, and some even come completely apart to allow for a thorough clean. A model with a non-stick bowl also helps to make washing up easier.
Dipping basket: For a great crispy result, look for a basket that dips in and out of the oil as it turns. It will also use less oil than other types of deep-fat fryer.
Draining system: A model that has its own drain pipe provides an ideal way to drain away the oil, making the task simple and mess-free.
Filters: Most models offer either permanent or charcoal filters to keep your oil cleaner and free of any greasy smells.
Indicator lights: Some fryers have lights to show you when the power is on and to let you know when the oil has reached the right temperature.
Oil cavity: It's easy to store used oil after you have finished cooking if you buy a deep fat fryer which has a separate tank for the oil. This oil cavity enables the oil to be taken away and kept until you need it, leaving you free to pack away the rest of your appliance.
Safety features: Non-slip feet, a lid lock and an auto cut-off system are all great safety features to look out for. You might also prefer a model with a basket that can be controlled from the outside whilst the lid is closed, as this will stop any hot oil splashes.
Settings: You may wish to choose a deep fat fryer which has a range of temperature settings or even a timer. Some models offer digital timers.
Viewing window: A viewing portal is an asset, as it enables you to keep an eye on the progress and oil levels. Viewing window sizes vary from model to model.

Deep Fat Fryer Accessories To Choose From

Deep fat fryers sometimes come with accessories, including:

Recipe booklets: Occasionally a deep fat fryer will come complete with recipes for you to try out with your new appliance.
Replacement filters: You may find that a replacement filter is included in some packages.

Do I Need To Buy a Deep Fat Fryer Warranty?

If your fryer develops a fault, it will normally be protected by a guarantee. However the terms of the warranties offered by different manufacturers vary, so it's worth checking them before buying.

When shopping for a new deep fat fryer, remember to compare prices between different online retailers, and look out for special offers or discounts, as you can often make a decent saving when buying online. By doing this, you may even find that you can afford to buy a better model than you thought you could!