
How we pick our products
Some people love cooking, others don’t have time, or others just can’t seem to grasp how to do it properly. These days, there are lots of appliances that can facilitate cooking and make even the novices of the cookery world able to turn out tasty dishes. A fryer is no exception to this rule – they’re quick and easy to use and you’ll have a delicious dinner every time!
Fryers come in many shapes and sizes, you can buy one big enough for the whole family, or one small enough for just one or two people. Some more traditional models use oil and some, the more modern ones, apt for those who want to eat fried food but in a healthy way, use little or even no oil! Whatever the case may be, there is definitely a fryer out there for you. We’ve got you covered with this ultimate guide, where we have rankings of the best fryers on the market, reviews of these products, and lots of hints, tips and info so you can choose the best one for you. Let’s get started!
Contents
- 1 Summary
- 2 The best fryers: Our Picks
- 3 Shopping Guide: Everything you need to know about fryers
- 3.1 What exactly is a fryer and how do they work?
- 3.2 Is it better to use a deep fryer or a frying pan?
- 3.3 Is it better to fry with or without oil?
- 3.4 How should I take care of the oil in my fryer?
- 3.5 What is the best frying temperature?
- 3.6 What are the interesting features of fryers?
- 3.7 What are the pros and cons of fryers?
- 4 Shopping Criteria
Summary
- Fryers are small appliances that are used to fry different types of food. The main advantage is that they allow you to fry food evenly and you don’t have to worry about the food sticking to the bottom of a frying pan.
- There are so many styles and designs of deep fryers in the UK. The majority of them are similar, but there are others which vary quite a lot. In this guide, you’ll learn lots about fryers so by the end you’ll be able to think about the features that you want your fryer to have.
- Make sure that you don’t pay over the odds for a fryer, just because it is a by a brand that you know.
- The size of your potential fryer should depend on how many people you cook for. Don’t get one that’s too big because you’ll end up wasting electricity, which is bad for the environment and your bills.
The best fryers: Our Picks
We’ve had a look at the fryers on the market, analysed prices and customer reviews, and come up with this comprehensive list of the best in the UK. You can see each of our favourite fryers in this selection below, alongside a little description of each product. We’re certain that by the end of this ranking and this guide, you will have chosen the perfect fryer for you!
Shopping Guide: Everything you need to know about fryers
You’ve seen the best fryers on the market, now it’s time for the buying part. We’ve put together this fab list of things we recommend that you think about before making your purchase. We’ve also got a list of the most frequently asked questions by people who are considering buying a deep fryer and we’ve answered them, so by the end of this section, any remaining doubts will be dispelled and any remaining questions will be answered. Let’s dive right in.
(Source: Iakov Filimonov: 116392004/ 123rf.com)
What exactly is a fryer and how do they work?
Is it better to use a deep fryer or a frying pan?
Is it better to fry with or without oil?
On the other hand, fryers that do not use oil can fry, but also roast, bake or keep your food warm. This is done via hot air. Here’s a little table to show the pros and cons of oil versus non-oil fryers.
Advantages of oil fryers | Advantages of air fryers |
---|---|
They cook faster. Foods are fried better. The food is crunchy. They are more affordable. | You don’t have to spend money on oil. They are healthier. They don’t emit odours. They are easier to clean. |
How should I take care of the oil in my fryer?
- Regulate the temperature: It is recommended not to exceed 170°C or 180°C. Remember that oil can produce different substances harmful to your health if is it heated too much. You’ll know that your oil is burning if it smokes.
- Fry the correct food: Make sure to fry dry food. Note that frozen food will lower the oil’s temperature, in which case you may have to temporarily raise it.
- Use the correct oil: Sunflower oil is the most commonly used with deep fryers, although you can also use olive or seed oil. Never mix different types of oil, and don’t mix new and used oil.
- Make the correct batter: If you make your own batter, add a spoonful of water or milk to the egg. This will help the food absorb less oil and make the food crunchier.
- Know when to change the oil: You should change the oil of your deep fryer when it thickens, foams, smells bad or darkens.
- Recycle the oil: Oil is very polluting, so avoid throwing it down the sink. The best thing you can do is take it to a collection point. Another option is to put it in a bottle and throw it in the household waste.
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What is the best frying temperature?
It is almost always recommended to choose a lower temperature – 160°C – over higher temperatures – 180°C. Your food will take longer to cook, but the oil will spoil less you’ll be able to use it for longer. However, food which is fried slowly will absorb more fat.
(Source: Wilawan Khasawong: 107041834/ 123rf.com)
What are the interesting features of fryers?
- Cold zone: This dedicated space is used to collect food scraps. It prevents flavours from mixing, and your appliance won’t give off different smells.
- Self-cleaning system: Certain models also have a self-cleaning mode. You’ll still have to clean the pot by hand unless it is dishwasher-safe.
- Anti-odour filter: Some deep fryers feature anti-odour filters. Do note that some smell will still emanate from your appliance.
What are the pros and cons of fryers?
Shopping Criteria
Our ultimate guide is coming to end, but we can’t finish without analysing a few other key aspects. It is essential that you do not neglect these things if you want to find the best fryer for you. Let’s take a look:
- What size fryer do I want?
- Is it easy to clean?
- Does it have a see-through lid?
- Is it powerful?
- Does it have a filter?
- Does it have other features?
What size fryer do I want?
The size of the deep fryer you want to buy is something to keep in mind and will be determined by how many people you plan on cooking for. Picking the right size means the difference between saving oil and energy or wasting it. The following table will help you choose the right deep fryer:
Size | Capacity |
---|---|
Small | Its capacity is a little over one litre and is ideal for up to four people. |
Medium | Its container can hold between 1.5 and 2.3 litres, allowing you to cook for four to six people. |
Large | It offers the largest capacity – between 3 and 4 litres – and is perfect for families with up to eight members. |
Is it easy to clean?
You need to clean the outside of your deep fryer every single time you use it. All you have to do is wipe it with a cloth dampened with water and some soap. Dry it thoroughly. The inside of your fryer should be cleaned every time you change the oil. Opting for a model that can be dismantled and with parts that can be washed in the dishwasher will make this process all that much easier.
(Source: Andreadonetti: 97315207/ 123rf.com)
Does it have a see-through lid?
We recommend a fryer with a glass lid so that you can see the food when it’s cooking so you know when it’s cooked. This means you won’t have to open the lid every time you want to check how the food is getting on. It’s best not to be taking the lid off all of the time because each time you do it, the temperature decreases so a pan with a see-through lid will be your best option.
Is it powerful?
It is essential that you evaluate the power of your deep fryer and opt for a model that offers between 1,500 and 2,000 watts. The size of your appliance will naturally influence how much power they have: bigger fryers use and emit more energy and they’re more powerful. If you don’t choose the right power, your fryer will take longer to prepare food, and the latter may turn out more cooked than fried.
Does it have a filter?
All fryers need a filter to keep the oil cleaner for longer. Certain models also feature another very useful option: anti-odour filter. We’re sure you know just how annoying it can be when your entire home smells of fried food every time you use your deep fryer. Anti-odour filters prevent this from happening and are therefore very popular features.
Does it have other features?
There are other characteristics that you may want to pay attention to. Your deep fryer, should, for instance, you come with a timer and thermostat to regulate both time and temperature. The cool wall feature is also very useful as it is designed to stop you from burning yourself if you were to touch the outside. Certain models also feature a removable container where the leftovers are collected and can then be easily discarded.
Summary:
Fryers are perfect for every home because they’re easy to use and to keep clean. Also, there are so many models on the market at the moment you’ll easily be able to find the perfect one for your family. They are no longer appliances which are, by default, unhealthy, since these days there are lots of healthy fryers which are very affordable. You’ve discovered the many aspects that you need to take into account when buying your own deep fryer. Make sure the model you opt for offers a capacity that is suitable for your family, while easy-to-clean products will make your life much easier.
If you liked our ultimate guide fryers, leave us a comment and let us know what your favourite thing to deep fry is – you could even pop a little recipe on there, or some top tips you may have on how to cook the perfect fried food! You can also share it on your social media so your friends can benefit from the fryer love!
(Source of featured image: David Kadlec: 86581862/ 123rf.com)