Top 15 Best Home Deep Fryers in 2020 – Complete Guide

7 Best Deep Fryers to Buy in 2020

Shop the best deep fryers on the market right now.

Air fryers might be all the rage now, but there’s still a special place in our hearts (and stomachs) for electric deep fryers and fried food. While most Air fryers give you the same crispy and juicy results as deep fryers with little to no oil, there are certain things that just come out better the old fashioned way: fried in oil.

We love to Deep fry chicken, calamari and Doughnuts. And when it's Thanksgiving, turkey. There’s nothing like chicken dredged in flour and deep fried or perfectly cooked calamari that’s lightly golden, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances Lab, we've rounded up our favorite deep fryers. We selected them based on their temperature control ability, ease of cleaning, and particularly unique features:

Best Overall Deep Fryer: Cuisinart Deep Fryer

Best Value Deep Fryer: Hamilton Beach Deep Fryer

Easiest-to-Use Deep Fryer: Breville Smart Fryer

Most Versatile Deep Fryer: Krups Easy Pro Deep Fryer

Easiest-To-Clean Deep Fryer: DeLonghi Livenza Easy Clean Deep Fryer

Best Large-Capacity Deep Fryer: T-Fal Deep Fryer with Oil Filtration

Best Compact Deep Fryer: Presto FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer

Here's everything you need to know before you go shopping for the best deep fryers:

What's the difference between an air fryer and a deep fryer?

A deep fryer works by heating a vat of oil to a specific temperature. Food is then placed into its basket and submerged into heated oil to cook. The food cooks quickly and comes out very crispy and even.

An air fryer essentially bakes food at a very high temperature with a high-powered fan. Since it requires little to no oil to use, an air fryer is generally accepted as a "healthier" version of a deep fryer. Food cooks quickly, and comes out crispy and juicy.

What are the best deep fryers?

The best deep fryers (also called deep fat fryers) have great temperature control, meaning that after you set the temperature, the hot oil will remain constant whether you add food to it or not. A constant temperature allows for the most even cooking and consistent results from batch to batch. Digital controls are not entirely necessary for deep frying. While it might sound nice to set the oil to a specific temperature, you won’t ruin your fried food if it’s off by a degree or five.

We love deep fryers that are easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts. A viewing window in the lid is another nice touch to aid you in the cooking process and prevent you from overcooking your fried food. To find the best deep fryer, consider these questions:

How often will you be deep frying? If you plan on deep frying often, you might want to consider a deep fryer with a small footprint so you can keep it out on your counter. You might also want to consider its design and aesthetic. We particularly like how deep fryers with stainless steel housing and digital control panels look.

What will you be deep frying? If you plan on deep frying more than one food at a time, like French fries and onion rings, consider a deep fryer with multiple baskets.

How much will you be deep frying at one time? If you're deep frying for a large family, or a dinner party, shop for a deep fryer with a large capacity. It'll help speed up the cooking process so you can spend more time with guests. If you're deep frying for one or two, a small deep fryer is more than sufficient; plus, it requires less oil to use.

Where will you be storing your deep fryer? If storage room is a problem, a small deep fryer is probably best. Some large capacity deep fryers can be very big and bulky, especially for storing.

Are deep fryers safe?

Deep fryers are safe when used properly. Many are also equipped with safety features to help prevent any potential problems, and you can also take a few simple precautions to stay safe while using your deep fryer:

Shop for a deep fryer with a thermostat to help regulate the heat and prevents the deep fryer from overheating the oil. Look for a pull-away plug, which allows the plug to quickly disengage from the unit if the wire gets pulled on or tripped over so the hot oil won't go careening all over your kitchen. Keep the deep fryer clear of any sources of water. Water causes hot oil to splatter which could result in very serious burns. Never add water to the cooking oil. Use extreme caution when frying frozen foods like French fries. The ice crystals cause splattering. Never fry frozen masses like chicken pieces or whole chicken. Both will cause a lot of splattering that can cause severe burns. Always use the lid that comes with your deep fryer. Not only does it help prevent splattering, but some contain carbon filters that help absorb odors! Fill your deep fryer with the right amount of oil. Covering the minimum line fully submerges the heating element and also allows enough clearance for the food and the basket. Never exceed the maximum line to help prevent dangerous overflow. Gently lower the included baskets into the oil. While food may be added to the oil with the basket, it’s safer to use the baskets. The baskets help prevent food from directly coming into contact with the heating element. They also make straining a lot easier — no need to worry about finding the perfect, heatproof strainer.

How do you clean a deep fryer?

Properly cleaning your deep fryer is important. Always refer to your manufacturer’s instructions and never submerge an electrical appliance in water or place in the dishwasher. Here's how to clean your deep fryer:

Turn off the deep fryer and unplug it immediately after use. Allow the oil to cool completely before you attempt to clean it. Remove the heating element once the oil is completely cooled. Allow the heating element to cool further, and then wipe with a paper towel. Carefully strain the oil into a sealable container. If you plan on using the oil again, use a fine mesh strainer to remove any bits of food or sediment. Seal the container and discard, or store in a dark, cool area. Oil may be reused several times, but for the freshest tasting results, use new oil. Wash the deep fryer container with soap and warm water, or if it is dishwasher safe, place in the dishwasher. Wash the lid and any accessories with soap and warm water, as well. Dry thoroughly, especially before use. If your kitchen still stinks of fried food, try getting rid of that fried food smell.