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If you want to make a restaurant-level batch of French fries or fried chicken wings, a deep fryer could become your go-to kitchen gadget. “Using a deep fryer adds the perfect crispiness while bringing out flavors in dishes,” says Tom Aviv, a chef and co-founder of Branja.
Although you can fry at home using a non-stick stockpot or saucepan, keep in mind starch-heavy foods are often easier to crisp evenly in a deep fryer, as heat stays consistent during this cooking process. “For example, there’s an Israeli dessert similar to a donut called Sufganiyot, that, when making it in a saucepan, actually absorbs more oil than when making it in a deep fryer,” Aviv adds. Plus, these appliances have advanced, easy-to-use features, like digital control panels and baskets to make frying even simpler.
And while air fryers can similarly crisp foods while using less oil, there's the fact that deep-fried delights like bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks and churros just taste better out of a deep fryer.
Our Top Picks for the Best Deep Fryers of 2024
Convinced your kitchen is now in desperate need of a deep fryer? Ahead, shop the eight best expert-approved deep fryers to make whipping up tasty fried recipes a cinch.
How we picked these products
To find the best deep fryers, we tapped Aviv for his top picks. We also consulted Nicole Papantoniou, the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Kitchen Appliances & Culinary Innovation Lab, and her team of on-staff experts, including engineers, data analysts, and registered dietitians. They rigorously put everyday products to the test in their New York City-based labs to determine which ones you can trust. Each deep fryer they tested was evaluated based on factors like size, features, temperature settings, built-in safety measures, control panels, and how easy the item was to clean. Based on these findings, we've determined these are the best deep fryers to shop in 2023.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Bulky design
Cuisinart's Digital Deep Fryer earned high marks during the Good Housekeeping Institute's tests for its lightweight, sturdy, and dishwasher-safe parts. The team notes that the “oil container is easy to handle” and has a “pour spout for easy cleanup.” Plus, the wide shape and fry basket allow for a big cooking area to cook food evenly.
This device has a straightforward 60-minute timer and temperature dial that ranges between 175ºF and 375ºF. Large green and red indicator lights signal when the unit has reached the desired temperature, and there's a wide viewing window so you can keep an eye on your food without having to open the lid.
- Dimensions: 11.25" H X 10.25" W X 13.25" D
- Oil capacity: 3.4 quarts
- Temperature range: 325 - 375°F
All-Clad Electrics Stainless Steel Deep Fryer
Pros
- Oil filtration system
- Easy-to-use control panel
Cons
- Expensive
Although the most expensive option on our list, Aviv says All-Clad’s stainless steel unit is worth the investment. Instead of featuring “dials that may require guesswork or an external thermometer to measure the temperature,” says Aviv, this one has an adjustable thermostat that helps “ensure oil is the perfect temperature at all times.”
This unit can reach up to 375°F, has a large 3.5-liter oil capacity, and can cook over 2 pounds of food at a time. Its oil filtration system also filters used oil into a storage container within the device, so the oil can be reused while remaining as clean as possible. What's more, there's a filter in the lid to contain odors and safety features like a viewing window and cool-touch handles. The frying basket, bowl, and oil storage container are all dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
- Dimensions: 14.7" H x 13.7" W x 18.2" D
- Oil capacity: 3.5 liters
- Temperature range: 300 - 375°F
Hamilton Beach Triple Basket Electric Deep Fryer
Pros
- Ability to cook different foods at once
- Break-away power cord
Cons
- Large size
Hamilton Beach's deep fryer comes with three baskets: one large basket with a 12-cup food capacity and two smaller baskets with a 6-cup food capacity. The Good Housekeeping Institute says the large basket is ideal for making a “family-sized batch of chicken wings,” while the smaller baskets allow you to fry two different foods at once with similar cooking temperatures (keep in mind the temperature for these cannot be programmed differently).
You can deep fry up to 375ºF and use the temperature dial to adjust the heat accordingly. Bonus: The dial has a ready light to signal when oil is heated to a desired temperature. This unit has a viewing window in the lid and a break-away power cord for enhanced safety. You can also toss the baskets in the dishwasher for easy cleanup, the experts say.
- Dimensions: 10.5" H x 14.1" W x 15.63" D
- Oil capacity: 4.7 quarts
- Temperature range: 265 - 375°F
Presto FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer
Pros
- Small size
- Allows for easy oil storage
Cons
- Non-adjustable temperature
This FryDaddy deep fryer has over 24,000 reviews and an average 4.7-rating on Amazon, with shoppers raving about how easy the device is to operate. It has only one temperature setting to make the process simpler, and according to The Good Housekeeping Institute, it uses just 4 cups of oil to fry up to four servings of french fries. The experts also like that the unit takes up little counter space and features a snap-on lid, which “allows you to store the oil directly in the fryer.”
The slotted spoon replaces a typical fryer basket in this unit to scoop out food. Since there isn’t a basket to hold your crispy goodies, the experts say that you’ll need to remove grub efficiently, so it doesn’t burn. They also recommend using a splatter guard to reduce messes, since the lid should only be used for storage.
- Dimensions: 7.38" H x 8.13" W x 8.38" D
- Oil capacity: 1 quart
- Temperature range: Not listed
Pros
- Easy-to-use digital controls
- Pre-programmed and customizable settings
Cons
- Higher cost
Searching for a deep fryer with convenient features? The Good Housekeeping Institute recommends Breville’s smart fryer, complete with an LCD digital display and digital controls. The latter offer pre-programmed settings for seven commonly fried foods, like chicken wings and calamari, whether they're fresh or frozen. You can even program custom settings as “a shortcut when making your favorite dishes,” since the unit will “store optimal times and temperatures,” the experts say. They also love that there’s a twice-cooked function to make french fries crispier.
This machine can hold up to 4 quarts of oil and cook up to 2.5 pounds of food. The lid has a filter to cut down on cooking odors. According to the brand, this unit also has a "Cool Zone" at the bottom of the oil bin that can help reduce odors, eliminate burnt food bits, and keep oil cleaner.
- Dimensions: 7.38" H x 8.13" W x 8.38" D
- Oil capacity: 1 quart
- Temperature range: Not listed
T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer
Pros
- Reusable oil system
- Limits food odors
Cons
- Tall design
T-fal's deep fryer has a 3.5-liter capacity and can fry over 2 pounds of food at a time. The Good Housekeeping Institute also likes it for its oil filtration system, which filters out leftover food bits from the used oil then stores it in a container located under the frying compartment. To reuse the oil, slide out the drawer and transfer the filtered oil back into the container.
The pros note that the cleaning process is easy since the oil container, lid, and basket are dishwasher-safe. They also appreciate how the lid’s filter helps contain unwanted odors.
- Dimensions: 14.8" H x 13.7" W x 18.3" D
- Oil capacity: 3.5 liters
- Temperature range: 300 - 375°F
De'Longhi Livenza Deep Fryer
Pros
- Ability to cook big batches of food
- Cool zone to prevent food burning
Cons
- Expensive
Thanks to its large 1-gallon oil capacity, De’Longhi Livenza Deep Fryer can make nearly 3 pounds of chicken wings, says the Good Housekeeping Institute. It has a big cool zone at the bottom of the fryer to prevent stray food bits from burning, which helps "reduce odors and keep the oil cleaner." The unit’s adjustable thermostat allows for exact temperature control and its oil counter system alerts you when it's time for an oil change. Experts found it was easy to drain cool oil via the draining spout with little to no mess as well.
Aside from the control unit, power cable, and heating element, all parts are dishwasher safe.
- Dimensions: 11" H x 18" W x 12.5" D
- Oil capacity: 1 gallon
- Temperature range: Not listed
Cuisinart Compact Deep Fryer
Pros
- Small footprint
- Easy to store
Cons
- Non-removable oil vat
If you’re tight on counter space, try Cuisinart’s 1-liter deep fryer. The Good Housekeeping Institute says that the compact unit is easy to store and can fry 3/4 of a pound of food at once. It’s helpful to deep fry “fish for tacos or a handful of mozzarella sticks for a snack,” they add.
It can reach up to 375ºF, and the red and green indicator lights signal when oil is heated to a desired temperature. The unit has a hinged lid with a filter to hold in cooking odors. Although you can’t remove the oil vat, you should wipe it down after emptying used oil, the experts say. Overall, they loved how “easy this unit was to use, clean, and store in small spaces.”
- Dimensions: 7.5" H x 8" W x 11" D
- Oil capacity: 1 liter
- Temperature range: Up to 375°F
What to look for when shopping for the best deep fryers
Safety features: Look for safety features like cool-touch exteriors and handles as well as lids to prevent hot oil from splattering as you cook. Deep fryers with break-away power cords will automatically disengage when pulled, “preventing the deep fryer from tipping over and spilling,” the experts say.
Size: For those who don’t deep fry very often, a small unit could may be just right. They are easier to store and usually require less oil than larger models. If you love throwing parties, however, a larger unit could be helpful to make enough food for a crowd. The Good Housekeeping Institute suggests units with a 6-quart or 16 cup-capacity in this case.
Functionality: Deep fryers with several baskets allow you to fry multiple foods at once with various cook times, says the Good Housekeeping Institute. These are good for anyone who wants options.
Cleanup: Keep an eye out for dishwasher-safe parts and removable baskets and bins for easy cleanup. Features like oil filtration systems and lids also help cut down on messes. The former allows you to reuse extra oil, too.
How to use a deep fryer
Before you take out your deep fryer, the Good Housekeeping Institute recommends using a “lightly flavored oil” with a “high smoke point,” like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. They note that these are usually inexpensive, which is helpful since “you'll need a lot of oil for deep frying.” Then, follow these expert-approved steps:
- Place your deep fryer on a flat, steady surface away from heat and water sources and other appliances.
- Papantoniou recommends turning on your stove vent in advance to increase ventilation and help reduce food smells.
- Check the oil vat to make sure it’s clean and dry, as any water inside can lead to oil splattering.
- Add oil to at least the minimum line and no higher than the maximum line. You can add the fry basket to the unit as you preheat the oil, since this helps reduce temperature fluctuations and prevents food from sticking.
- Once the oil is heated, “carefully remove the lid and raise the fryer basket from the oil.” Then, add food to the basket and lower it into the oil. The experts say to avoid overcrowding or shaking the basket when it's in the oil to ensure food cooks evenly and oil doesn’t splatter. When you do need to mix up the food, remove the basket, gently shake it, then put it back in the oil.
How to clean a deep fryer
- Let oil cool completely then remove it from the fryer, says The Good Housekeeping Institute says. If your unit doesn’t automatically filter oil, you can reuse it by straining it and pouring it into a resealable container. Store it for up to three months, ideally in your fridge as the USDA advises. If you aren’t going to reuse the oil, pour it into a resealable container and toss it in the trash, not down a drain.
- Wash the deep fryer vat using soap and water and a non-abrasive sponge to remove stuck-on food. Papantoniou suggests reviewing your unit's manufacturer instructions for any other cleaning guidelines.
- Wipe down the control panel and outside of the fryer with a damp cloth.
- Let the unit dry completely.
Meet the experts
Nicole Papantoniou is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Kitchen Appliances & Culinary Innovation Lab.
Tom Aviv is a chef and co-founder of Branja.
Why trust Delish
Nashia Baker is a commerce editor at Hearst covering the latest and greatest products across the home and lifestyle categories. Throughout her career, she has interviewed chefs and food experts to learn about top trends in the culinary world.
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