How to Buy a Deep Fryer

A deep fryer can cook many foods based on a wide variety of recipes, from the most elaborate Thanksgiving turkey to a simple snack of onion rings. This article will focus on the qualities to consider when shopping for an indoor, outdoor or turkey fryer.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Types of Deep Fryers

1. Purchase an outdoor fryer if you plan to cook large amounts of food for groups of people at open-air events. This type of deep fryer is the most efficient for big parties but has fewer safety features.

2. Get a turkey fryer for cooking turkey and other fowl. A turkey fryer usually comes with two stockpots: a large 30 quart to fit a full-size bird and a smaller stockpot for other poultry.

3. Choose an indoor deep fryer for regular meals and snacks like French fries, deep-fried vegetables and chicken nuggets.

Deep Fryer Features

4. Choose a large outdoor deep fryer that comes with wheels and several different-sized frying baskets. Look for a model with wheels on one side of the base to facilitate movement but keep the appliance stable during use. Pick a fryer that has at least one large basket and two smaller baskets to accommodate three kinds of food at once: a main entrée item like chicken in the large basket and sides like French fries and onion rings in the smaller baskets. Check to confirm that the basket handles are heat resistant.

5. Look for an indoor fryer with features that make the cooking process simpler. Most come with a timer, ready light and adjustable thermostat for different foods. Optional features include a rotating basket that will need only half the oil of normal fryers, filters to cut down on the smell and a drain for the reuse of oil.

6. Examine the safety qualities of indoor fryers. Standard features include a "cool touch" on the outside to prevent burns, an external handle to raise and lower the basket, a lid that seals to prevent splatters, non-slip feet and a magnetic cord that detaches neatly from the fryer.

7. Select a turkey fryer that comes with three essentials: frying baskets, a poultry rack and grabbing hook. Optionally, get a seasoning injector to add extra flavor. Also purchase an outdoor gas cooker or burner on which to set the stockpot.

8. Consider the ease of cleaning the deep fryer. Most turkey fryer equipment can be hand-washed. To be able to hand wash indoor and outdoor fryers, look for removable inner pots and baskets.

Resources

• Find hundreds of deep fryer recipes at Recipe Bazaar
• Compare deep fryer prices and reviews at Consumer Review