Deep Fryer Features and Purchasing Tips

The simple alternative to a deep fryer is to fry food on your stovetop using a deep skillet or large pot.  Once you decide to purchase an electric deep fryer, however, you still have to choose between competing models that offer various features that may or may not add additional convenience. Current available features include:

·        Viewing Window: In order to prevent condensation on this window, try wiping a little oil on the inside of this window before you begin cooking.

·        Automatic Safety Switch: Some models will not operate unless you have inserted all the parts correctly.

·        Basket Warming Position: Several models contain hooks on which you can rest the basket containing food so that the food stays warm but is no longer in the oil.

 

Many models advertise additional features, such as safety handles to remove the basket, or promote an immersion or a non-immersion heating element. Immersion heaters operate faster than do non-immersion heaters, but otherwise, the differences between deep fryer features are largely cosmetic or safety-oriented. Safety should also be your concern, so don’t purchase a deep fryer with a questionable safety record.

 

You will also need to choose the size of your deep fryer. Standard deep fryers hold either six or eight cups of oil, but there are other options on the market. If you regularly fry for a large number of people, you may want the larger, eight-cup fryer, but the smaller fryer may not cause much of a burden because you can reuse the same oil, so as you remove fried food, you can simply keep adding more food to the fryer.