Deep Fat Fryers

How to Choose the Right Deep Fat Fryer

Start by thinking about how much food you usually cook. A compact deep fat fryer may suit one or two people or occasional small portions, while a larger fryer is more practical for families, entertaining or cooking bigger batches.

Capacity is one of the most important details to check. Oil capacity tells you how much oil the fryer holds, while food capacity tells you how much food can be cooked at once. Overfilling a fryer can affect cooking results and safety, so choose a size that suits your normal portions.

What Matters Most When Comparing Deep Fat Fryers

The main things to compare are oil capacity, basket size, temperature control, heating speed, lid design, viewing window, odour filter, removable bowl, cool touch areas, drainage options and ease of cleaning.

Temperature control is especially important because different foods need different frying temperatures. Too low and food can become greasy. Too high and the outside may cook too quickly before the inside is ready. A fryer with clear controls can make cooking more consistent and easier to manage.

Small Deep Fat Fryer or Large Deep Fat Fryer?

A small deep fat fryer is useful if you have limited kitchen space or only cook small portions. It can be easier to store, use less oil and feel simpler for occasional frying.

A large deep fat fryer is better if you cook for a family or want to make several portions at once. It may reduce the need for repeated batches, but it will usually take up more space and need more oil.

The trade off is convenience versus capacity. Smaller fryers are easier to live with, while larger fryers are more practical when cooking for more people.

Deep Fat Fryer or Air Fryer?

A deep fat fryer cooks food in hot oil, which can give a traditional crisp fried texture. It is often chosen for chips, battered foods and recipes where proper frying is part of the result.

An air fryer uses circulating hot air and usually needs little or no added oil depending on the food. It can be more convenient for everyday cooking, but it does not cook in the same way as a deep fat fryer.

The trade off is texture versus convenience. Deep fat fryers are better for traditional fried results, while air fryers are usually easier for quick lower oil cooking and simpler clean up.

Basket, Lid and Oil Control

The basket is an important part of a deep fat fryer because it lets you lower food into the oil and lift it out more safely. A sturdy basket with a comfortable handle can make frying easier, especially when cooking chips or battered food.

The lid design is worth checking too. Some fryers have viewing windows or filters, while others are more basic. A lid can help reduce splashes, but you still need to follow the product instructions carefully.

Oil control matters because oil needs to be handled safely, filtered where suitable and replaced when required. Some fryers have removable bowls or drainage features that can make oil changes and cleaning easier.

Cleaning, Storage and Everyday Use

A deep fat fryer should be easy to clean after use. Look at whether the basket, lid, bowl or oil container can be removed, and whether the design has awkward areas where oil and crumbs can collect.

Storage is also worth considering. Deep fat fryers can be bulky, and they may need to cool fully before being cleaned or moved. If you only fry occasionally, check that the appliance will fit comfortably in a cupboard or on a shelf when not in use.

If the fryer will stay on the worktop, think about its size, cable length and how close it will be to ventilation, sockets and safe working space.

Safety and Responsible Frying

Deep fat fryers use hot oil, so safety should be a major part of the buying decision. Choose a fryer that feels stable, suits your household and has controls you can understand easily.

Always use the fryer on a flat, stable surface and follow the product guidance for oil level, temperature, food quantity and cleaning. Keep children and pets away while frying, allow the oil to cool before handling and never use a damaged appliance.

Find a Deep Fat Fryer That Suits Your Kitchen

Browse our range of deep fat fryers and compare options by capacity, temperature control, basket design, cleaning features, safety details and storage size. Choose a fryer that suits your kitchen, your cooking habits and the fried foods you want to enjoy at home.

Deep Fat Fryers FAQs

What is a deep fat fryer used for?

A deep fat fryer is used for cooking food in hot oil. It is commonly used for chips, fried chicken, battered fish, onion rings, doughnuts, tempura and other fried foods.

What should I check before buying a deep fat fryer?

Check the oil capacity, food capacity, temperature control, basket design, lid style, safety features, cleaning method, storage size and whether the fryer suits the portions you normally cook.

Is a deep fat fryer better than an air fryer?

A deep fat fryer is better if you want traditional fried texture from cooking in oil. An air fryer is usually better if you want easier everyday cooking with less oil and simpler clean up.

What size deep fat fryer do I need?

Choose the size based on how many people you cook for. A compact fryer can suit one or two people, while a larger fryer is better for families or bigger batches.

Are deep fat fryers easy to clean?

Cleaning ease varies by model. Look for removable baskets, removable bowls, simple oil handling and accessible parts if easy cleaning is important to you.

Can deep fat fryers make homemade chips?

Yes, deep fat fryers are commonly used for homemade chips. Check the fryer capacity, temperature control and product guidance before cooking.

Do deep fat fryers use a lot of oil?

Deep fat fryers need enough oil to cook food properly, and oil capacity varies by model. Smaller fryers usually need less oil, while larger fryers need more but can cook bigger portions.

Are deep fat fryers safe to use at home?

Deep fat fryers can be used safely at home when used correctly, but hot oil must be handled with care. Follow the product instructions, avoid overfilling and keep the fryer stable during use.

What temperature should I use in a deep fat fryer?

The right temperature depends on the food being cooked. Check the food guidance and fryer instructions before use, and choose a fryer with adjustable temperature control if you want more flexibility.

Can I reuse oil in a deep fat fryer?

Some cooking oils can be reused for a limited time if strained and stored correctly, but this depends on the oil, food cooked and product guidance. Replace oil when it looks dirty, smells unpleasant or affects cooking results.

Where should I store a deep fat fryer?

Store a deep fat fryer somewhere dry, stable and safe once it has cooled and been cleaned. Keep the cable, basket and any removable parts together so it is ready for the next use.

Do deep fat fryers smell?

Deep fat fryers can produce cooking smells, especially with strong foods or older oil. Some models include filters or lids, but good ventilation and regular cleaning are still important.

Find out more with our Deep Fat Fryers Buyers Guide.

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