The 7 Best Deep Fryers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
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The Breville Smart Fryer scored nearly perfect ratings in every category
PEOPLE / RUSSELL KILGORE
Is there anything more delectable than a deep-fried delicacy? We think not. With an at-home deep fryer, you can easily whip up and enjoy fried foods anytime — no trip to the state fair required. “There are so many things you can cook with a deep fryer: fried chicken, fish, tempura, onion rings, fries. If you batter your food of choice properly, you can even deep fry ice cream or candy bars,” says celebrity chef Cordell Robinson. There’s also the option to deep-fry a turkey come Thanksgiving, though it’s imperative that you do so via a deep fryer that’s intended for that purpose. If fried ice cream and turkey aren't reason enough, deep fryers are also ideal for cooking frozen foods in a flash.
To find the best deep fryers out there, we took 17 for a test run by whipping up homemade chips, frozen chicken tenders, french fries, and yes, even turkeys. We ranked each one based on ease of set-up, heat retention, size, extra features, safety, and ease of cleaning.
These are the best deep fryers that PEOPLE tested.
Best Overall: Breville BDF500XL Smart Fryer
Pros
The setup and assembly were extremely easy with this fryer.
This deep fryer has preset settings for both fresh and frozen food.
This fryer boasts multiple safety features, such as cool touch handles and a magnetic lid.
Cons
This fryer is not as large as other options.
It cannot be used to deep-fry a turkey.
With a total score of 4.6 out of 5 stars, the Breville Smart Fryer earns our top pick for plenty of reasons. First off, it earned perfect marks when it came to both heat retention and safety. During testing, we noted that it heated up very quickly and retained the heat throughout the entire frying process. We also appreciated that it had a wide temperature range and multiple preset settings. The oil temperature is displayed consistently (via an LCD display), and the fryer beeps once it reaches your intended temperature, so you don't have to stare at it until it's ready to use. If you're concerned about safety, an error message pops up if it heats to over 410 degrees, and a magnetic lid and cool-touch handles make it one of the safest options we tested.
The Breville Smart Fryer also touts several preset settings for commonly cooked items, though it does bear mentioning that using them required some more diligent studying of the user manual. Still, setup and assembly were a breeze — we found the instructions crystal clear — and the size is large enough to fry multiple servings of your favorite dishes. (However, this can’t be used for turkeys, unfortunately.) While it wasn’t the cheapest fryer we tested, it also wasn’t the most expensive, and the price felt very justified given the fact that it has as many bells and whistles as some of the more expensive options.
Type: Basket | Dimensions: 16 x 10.4 x 11.4 inches | Weight: 8.6 pounds | Capacity: 4 quarts | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Temperature Range: 140-385°F
Best Budget: Chefman 4.5-Liter Deep Fryer
Pros
This deep fryer's compact size allows for easy storage.
It's dishwasher safe.
The basket is easy to remove.
Cons
It lacks extra features.
For those in search of a deep fryer that won’t break the bank (or who perhaps aren’t sure if they’ll actually use a deep fryer), this value-friendly option can’t be beaten. While it doesn’t come with the fun extra features that some more expensive models do, the price and performance make this an easy buy for anyone.
Even though it can only hold up to two batches in the easy-to-remove basket, we still found this fryer large enough to handle most day-to-day frying needs (although if you’re cooking for a bigger group, it may not get the job done). The smaller size makes it easy to store when you're not actively using it, or if you prefer to leave it out, it won't take up much real estate on your countertop. Plus, it's dishwasher safe, so cleanup is easy.
Type: Basket | Dimensions: 12 x 6.25 x 11.25 inches | Weight: 7.13 pounds | Capacity: 4.8 quarts | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Temperature Range: 0-375°F
Best Multi-Basket: Secura Triple-Basket Deep Fryer
Pros
It's an affordable option.
The set includes two small baskets and one larger one.
It's great for cooking frozen food.
Cons
The heating element at the top is exposed.
The setup is simple, but the instructions aren’t very clear.
For those who want to get their fried chicken and crisp fries cooked up at the same time, this model is for you. (After all, can you really have one without the other?) The Secura Triple Basket Deep Fryer comes with three baskets — two smaller ones that can be used at once and one larger one. And to our previous point, it did yield the best results when it came to cooking frozen food in our test kitchen, delivering particularly crispy results. We found the setup to be fairly simple, but the instructions were not extremely clear.
While none of the baskets are super spacious, and the heat retention wasn’t anything to write home about, we still found this to be a worthwhile buy. The affordable price makes this more attractive than some other fryers we tested. Be aware that the top heating element is exposed. The size and heat retention are about average, but we think it’s a great value for the home cook.
Type: Basket | Dimensions: 15.5 x 14.5 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 11.65 pounds | Capacity: 4.2 quarts | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Temperature Range: 0-375°F
Best With Oil Filter: All-Clad 3.5-Quart Deep Fryer
Pros
A built-in filtration system makes cleaning this deep fryer a breeze.
It was quick and simple to set up.
It's dishwasher safe.
Cons
The frying basket is only appropriate for single (possibly double) batch cooking.
The All-Clad 3.5-Quart Deep Fryer really impressed us due to its ease of use and smart design. As avid cooks, we would purchase this product based on the built-in oil filtration system alone. The removable fryer bowl has a filtration system that filters into an oil box and makes it incredibly easy to dispose of the oil, which is a huge plus in our book. It's also dishwasher safe. If you are frying food often, this will save you a lot of time and energy.
This deep fryer also earned big points for being extremely easy to put together, we felt like it took practically no time and effort. That being said, the basket isn’t particularly large or deep — which yielded unevenly cooked potato chips during our testing. It's really only suitable for cooking smaller amounts of food for an individual or couple. And while the handles stayed cool during our testing process, they're made of metal and could potentially become hot to the touch. While we don't love that design feature, we do love that the clear glass lid lets you keep an eye on your food while shielding you from splatters.
Type: Basket | Dimensions: 18.2 x 13.7 x 14.7 inches | Weight: 16.5 pounds | Capacity: 3.5 quarts | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Temperature Range: 0-385°F
Best for Turkey: Cuisinart CDF-500 Extra-Large Rotisserie Deep Fryer
Pros
It's great for deep-frying turkey.
It can also be used without oil as a steamer.
It has an auto shut-off feature if the temperature gets too high.
Cons
It doesn’t retain heat particularly well.
We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again — only deep fry turkeys in appliances intended for that purpose. This Cuisinart model is one of the few indoor deep fryers that can do exactly that, as well as handle all of your other basic deep frying needs. (To that point, we found that it yielded very crispy, not oily frozen chicken tenders.) The large frying basket can handle up to a 14-pound turkey and still have room for everything else. This is why it pulled in top marks in our sizing rating.
It boasts an automatic shut-off feature if the oil gets above 450 degrees, though the positioning of the basket and the way the lid lifts do up the potential for accidentally splashing yourself with oil. Still, it comes with a tube to drain oil and an oil filtration system that helps make cleanup easier. One area where this model didn’t excel was heat retention; during testing, we noted that the temperature reading was off, and after the food was dropped in, the fryer didn't heat back up to its original temperature. While it is pricey, keep in mind that it can deep fry turkeys and all your side dishes; plus, it even doubles as a steamer if you use it without oil — a multi-tasking ability that helps take the sting out of the cost.
Type: Basket | Dimensions: 20.18 x 15.96 x 16.44 inches | Weight: 26.46 pounds | Capacity: 5.3 quarts | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Temperature Range: 175-375°F
Related: The 7 Best Toaster Ovens, Tested and Reviewed
Best Clean-Up: DeLonghi D44528DZ Livenza Easy Clean Deep Fryer
Pros
It includes a front-facing spigot, which makes it easy to drain the oil.
It comes with a built-in oil filter.
All of the removable parts on this deep fryer are dishwasher-safe.
Cons
Two of the three food cooking tests yielded greasy results.
It can only accommodate two to three servings at a time.
To be fair, a deep fryer can be a little bit of a beast to clean, particularly when it comes to getting rid of the used oil. That’s why we love this De'Longhi model that has a unique oil drain tap on the front. It looks like a spigot and makes for easy disposal of oil. It does take a lot longer than the fryers that just dump [the oil] out, but it's convenient for those who don't like to worry about possible spills. In related news, there’s also a function that tells you when you need to change the oil, a built-in oil filter, and all of the removable parts are dishwasher safe.
However, given the higher price tag, we found the performance a bit underwhelming. While it cooked frozen french fries nicely, homemade potato chips and fried chicken tenders clumped together in the basket and ended up oily. It can only comfortably handle cooking two to three servings at a time. We were also surprised at how long it took to heat up, given that it is a smaller size.
Type: Basket | Dimensions: 11 x 18 x 12.5 inches | Weight: 10.8 pounds | Capacity: 5.7 quarts | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Temperature Range: 248-374°F
Best Outdoor: Bayou Classic 44-Quart "Big Bird" Kit
Pros
It features impressive heat retention.
The 44-quart pot is made of durable 20-gauge stainless steel.
This deep fryer's large capacity makes it great for entertaining.
It's appropriate for cooking a turkey.
Cons
Assembling the stand for this fryer is time-consuming.
The pot is too large to fit into most standard dishwashers.
If this is the year you finally deep-fry your Thanksgiving turkey, this is the deep fryer you need. The 44-quart pot is made of durable 20-gauge stainless steel, so it's great for cooking for a crowd. The Bayou Classic (outdoor only) model was one of only a few fryers we tested that pulled in a perfect score when it came to heat retention. It heated up quickly, dropping only 20 degrees when the turkey went in and quickly coming back up to temperature. As a result, it yielded a turkey with very crispy skin and moist, non-oily meat. (What more could you ask for?)
Just keep in mind that putting the stand together is challenging and time-consuming — we found the experience frustrating — and the pot can easily be bumped off the stand, so make sure to keep it in a safe area while frying. While the commercial-grade pot is dishwasher safe, it can't fit in most standard dishwashers. There are also no digital temperature settings, so you’ll have to keep tabs via the included thermometer.
Type: Basket | Dimensions: 16 x 16 x 21 inches | Weight: 35 pounds | Capacity: 44 quarts | Dishwasher Safe: Yes, although the basket is too large to fit into most standard dishwashers | Temperature Range: Up to 375°F
Things to Consider Before Buying a Deep Fryer
Capacity
In order to choose the right deep fryer for you, consider how much fried food you’re going to be cooking at one time. “Knowing the number of portions you’ll want to fry will help determine which size deep fryer to choose,” says Laurie Klein, test kitchen manager for Hamilton Beach Brands. Keep in mind that the oil capacity listed is higher than the food capacity since more oil is needed to completely surround and cover the food during the frying process. For example, a deep fryer with a 12-cup capacity can fry up to 8 cups of food.
Temperature Settings
While some deep fryers offer temperature presets, one of the most important things to look for is an easy-to-view temperature display. Private chef Lexis Gonzalez says that ensuring you can easily see and keep tabs on your fryer's temperature is imperative. Our top pick, the Breville Smart Fryer, has seven preset settings as well as and easy-to-view digital temperature display.
Ease of Cleaning
Eating fried foods can be a fun, nostalgic experience, but cleaning up grease? No one enjoys that experience. “No one likes a high-maintenance appliance, so make sure you consider how easy it is to clean and maintain,” points out Chef Cordell. The majority of the deep fryers on our list have removable parts that are all dishwasher safe, and some have specialty features — like the All-Clad 3.5-Quart Deep Fryer, which has a built-in filtration system — that catch and trap oil so that cleanup is less of a headache.
Safety
When deep-frying with hot oil, never leave your fryer unattended, and always keep the fryer out of reach of children. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how much oil to add to the fryer, the temperature setting, and any other safety precautions. Make sure the deep fryer is on a clear and stable surface away from other items — electrical cords should not be used in an area where someone might trip and accidentally move the fryer. Be mindful of hot surfaces, and do not overcrowd the fryer, as this can lead to the oil overflowing or splattering.
People / Russell Kilgore
How We Tested
We tested 17 deep fryers in our lab to find the best one for any home cook. To evaluate each deep fryer's performance, our testers cooked homemade potato chips, frozen chicken tenders, frozen french fries, and turkeys (when applicable) in each deep fryer. They paid close attention to how quickly the oil heated up, how evenly the food cooked, and, of course, how it tasted. They also ranked each model in categories such as ease of set-up, heat retention, size, extra features, safety, and overall value. They also took into account the ease of cleaning as well as whether or not they’d recommend the deep fryer to family or friends (or purchase one for themselves).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a deep fryer and an air fryer?
Deep fryers cook food by immersing and surrounding it in hot oil. “The hot oil makes moisture in the food vaporize and simultaneously cooks the food,” says Klein. On the flip side, air fryers technically do not fry. Klein says air fryers usually have a heating mechanism and fan at the top of the cooking chamber, and the hot air circulates around the food to cook it. "The rapid air movement produces a convection effect to cook and brown the food by causing the moisture in the food to evaporate,” she explains.
What kinds of things can you cook in a deep fryer?
You can deep fry almost anything you can eat. Frozen foods are easy to deep fry, but you can also batter things such as veggies, lobster tails, and even ice cream before throwing them in your fryer. If you plan to deep fry a turkey, you’ll need an extra large fryer, like the Cuisinart Extra-Large Rotisserie Deep Fryer, for indoor frying or the Bayou Classic 44-Quart “Big Bird” for outdoor frying. “Deep frying can go as far as your imagination,” says Chef Cordell.
How do you clean a deep fryer?
First, dispose of all of the oil. Chef Lexis suggests dumping it into a heavy plastic container once it is completely cooled. “I mix Dawn dish detergent and Ajax or baking soda to help get all of the grime and grease out, then wash it thoroughly,” she says. (Read the instructions on your particular model, as many of them have a dishwasher-safe basket.) Next, wipe your fryer with a paper towel and make sure it’s fully dry before packing it away. Wipe down the base with hot, soapy water, but take caution not to completely immerse the heating element in water, as this could cause damage, notes Klein.
What type of oil should be used in a deep fryer?
Since deep frying is done at high temperatures, you’ll want to use an oil that has a high smoke point, preferably above 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Canola, peanut, soybean, and vegetable oil all have a smoke point of 400 degrees or higher, so they’re appropriate to use in a deep fryer.
How often should you change the oil in a deep fryer?
Depending on what you’ve been frying, you should generally change your cooking oil after eight to 10 uses, at most. If you’ve been cooking fish or breaded ingredients, you may need to change the oil more frequently. To keep the oil usable for as long as possible, filter out any burned bits and food particles after the oil has cooled and store the oil in a sealed container. If the color starts to turn or the oil has a strong odor, replace it immediately.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Melanie Rud is a freelance beauty editor, writer, and expert. She is a contributing writer for Byrdie, PEOPLE, Real Simple, Brides, and more. To curate this list of the best deep fryers, we compared temperature settings, capacity, ease of cleaning, and tester insights. We also tapped celebrity chef Cordell Robinson and private chef Lexis Gonzalez for their takes on what makes for a great deep fryer, as well as Laurie Klein, test kitchen manager for Hamilton Beach Brands.
What Is People Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
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