9 Best Deep Fryers (November 2026)
The best electric deep fryers for home use include the Presto GranPappy Deep Fryer for occasional snack batches, the Hamilton Beach 8 Cup Deep Fryer for everyday basket frying, and the Presto Pro Fry Dual Basket Deep Fryer for fish and sides.
On this page (11 sections)
- How we chose the best deep fryer
- Best deep fryers compared
- The best deep fryers for different kitchens
- How do you choose the right deep fryer size?
- Should you get a deep fryer with one basket or two?
- Is oil filtration worth it in a deep fryer?
- How should you set up and use a deep fryer?
- Which mistakes cause greasy or uneven fried food?
- How do you keep a deep fryer easier to clean?
- What safety features matter on a home deep fryer?
- Which best deep fryer pick fits your routine?
The Presto GranPappy Deep Fryer is the best deep fryer for simple small batches, while the Hamilton Beach 8 Cup adds adjustable heat and basket handling. For family meals, the Hamilton Beach 4.5 L gives you the choice of one large basket or two smaller ones.
Start with the food you actually cook: a side of fries, a fish dinner or snacks for guests. Then choose the oil-care routine you'll keep up with after dinner.
For limited space, start with our best small deep fryers. Our home deep fryer guide explains the broader choice of capacity, power and features.
Our picks at a glance
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Check itHamilton Beach 4.5 L Deep Fryer
Best for varied family meals - 5
Check itT-fal EZ Clean Compact Deep Fryer
Best for small frequent batches - 6
Check itAll-Clad Deep Fryer With Oil Filtration
Best for frequent family frying - 7
Best for feeding larger groupsCheck it - 8
Best for single-food family mealsCheck it - 9
Best for cooks avoiding tank liftingCheck it
How we chose the best deep fryer
Batch size, food handling and cleanup drove these choices. We compared oil capacity, stated food capacity, basket shape, temperature controls and the steps needed to drain or store oil.
A simple fryer ranks well for occasional snacks because fewer controls can suit that job. A frequent family cook has stronger reasons to choose removable parts, flexible baskets or automatic filtration.
The order reflects those different uses rather than capacity alone. None of the lids, filters or cool-touch parts removes the need to watch hot oil closely.
Best deep fryers compared
Choose by food capacity first, then check the oil fill and basket layout. A tank's oil volume does not tell you how much chicken, fish or fries you can safely add.
The GranPappy requires the smallest oil fill here, while the Hamilton Beach 5 L has the largest stated food capacity. Filtration models trade extra oil-management parts for fewer manual straining and storage steps.
| Product | Best for | Oil capacity | Food capacity | Temperature control | Our score |
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| Presto GranPappy Deep Fryer | occasional snack batches | 6 cups | Up to 6 servings of fries | Automatic thermostat | 9.3 |
| Hamilton Beach 8 Cup Deep Fryer | everyday basket frying | 2 L | Up to 6 cups of fries or chicken tenders | 9.1 | |
| Presto Pro Fry Dual Basket Deep Fryer | fish and sides | 4.7 L | 12 cups | 9.0 | |
| Hamilton Beach 4.5 L Deep Fryer | varied family meals | 4.5 L | Up to 12 cups | 9.0 | |
| T-fal EZ Clean Compact Deep Fryer | small frequent batches | 1.8 L | Up to 1.7 lb of fries | 8.7 | |
| All-Clad Deep Fryer With Oil Filtration | frequent family frying | 3.5 L | Up to 2.65 lb | 300°F to 375°F | 8.6 |
| Hamilton Beach 5 L Deep Fryer | feeding larger groups | 5 L | Up to 13 cups | 8.5 | |
| Cuisinart 4 Quart Deep Fryer | single-food family meals | 4 qt | Up to 2.3 lb | 8.4 | |
| De'Longhi Livenza Deep Fryer | cooks avoiding tank lifting | 1 gal | Adjustable thermostat | 8.3 |
The best deep fryers for different kitchens
The GranPappy suits simple snack cooking, while the other picks solve specific needs such as separate basket handling, larger meals or easier oil care. Read each choice against your normal dinner routine, including what happens after the food is served.
Presto GranPappy: best deep fryer for simple snacks
Presto GranPappy Deep Fryer: Best for occasional snack batches
- Uses 6 cups of oil
- Automatic temperature control
- Scoop lifts, drains and serves
- Snap-on lid stores oil
Choose this simple fryer for occasional snacks when you prefer automatic heat control and a scoop over a basket.
Pros
- Uses less oil than the larger picks
- No temperature dial to set
- Snap-on storage lid
Cons
- Scoop requires lifting food in portions
- No adjustable temperature dial
Choose the GranPappy if you want to fry occasional snacks without setting a heat dial. Its automatic thermostat suits straightforward cooking, but skip it if your recipes need different oil temperatures.
It uses 6 cups of oil, and Presto gives a capacity of up to 6 servings of fries. Serving size varies, so don't treat that as room for 6 full meals.
The scoop lets you lift and drain food in portions rather than raise a full basket. That suits loose snacks, though a basket is more convenient when you want to remove a whole batch together.
The ceramic nonstick surface is PFAS free, and the unit must not be immersed. Use gentle cleaning tools, dry it fully and reserve the snap-on lid for storing cooled, strained oil.
Its appeal is a short routine with few choices. Buy a basket model instead if lowering and lifting food is your main concern.
Hamilton Beach 8 Cup for everyday basket cooking
Hamilton Beach 8 Cup Deep Fryer: Best for everyday basket frying
- 2 L oil capacity
- Adjustable temperature and ready light
- Basket drains with lid closed
- Removable oil tank and heating element
A practical choice for routine sides and snacks, with adjustable heat and a basket that drains while the lid stays closed.
Pros
- Adjustable temperature
- Closed-lid basket draining
- Removable parts for cleanup
Cons
- Less batch room than family-size models
- Requires more counter space than the GranPappy
Choose the Hamilton Beach 8 Cup for routine sides and snacks when you want adjustable heat and a lifting basket. It is a stronger fit than the GranPappy for cooks following recipes with different temperature settings.
The 2 L oil tank supports up to 6 cups of fries or chicken tenders. That makes it useful for modest meals without taking on the oil fill of a larger family fryer.
The lid design allows basket draining while closed, and the viewing window lets you watch cooking without repeatedly opening it. Keep your face and hands clear of escaping steam when opening the lid.
The heating element, lid and enamel-coated tank come apart for cleanup. Cool-touch sides address exterior contact, but the lid area, food and oil still need careful handling.
Skip this model if you regularly queue several batches for dinner. Its basket convenience cannot make up for insufficient food capacity.
Presto Pro Fry Dual Basket for fish and sides
Presto Pro Fry Dual Basket Deep Fryer: Best for fish and sides
- Two oblong frying baskets
- 4.7 L oil capacity
- Removable heating element and pot
- Can also steam and boil
Oblong baskets suit longer pieces of fish or chicken and let you lift each food separately from the shared oil.
Pros
- Separate baskets for different cooking times
- Parts nest inside the pot for storage
- Can steam and boil
Cons
- Large counter footprint
- Shared oil cannot isolate flavors or allergens
Choose the Presto Pro Fry when separate basket timing matters, especially for fish and a side cooked at a compatible temperature. The oblong baskets also suit longer pieces that can be awkward in a smaller basket.
Its stated food capacity is 12 cups, with a 4.7 L oil capacity. The adjustable thermostat and ready light help you set up each batch, while Presto says the immersion element supports quick heat recovery.
Both baskets share one pot of oil. They let you remove one food earlier, but they cannot provide separate temperatures or prevent flavors and allergens from crossing.
The removable pot and heating element simplify access for cleaning, and the baskets nest inside for storage. It can also steam and boil when configured and used according to its instructions.
Skip it for occasional small snacks or a cramped counter. Choose it when the basket shape and separate lifting solve a regular meal problem.
Hamilton Beach 4.5 L for changing family menus
Hamilton Beach 4.5 L Deep Fryer: Best for varied family meals
- 4.5 L oil capacity
- One large or two smaller baskets
- Adjustable temperature from 265°F to 375°F
- Dishwasher-safe oil pot, baskets and lid
Switch between one large basket and two smaller baskets as your meal changes, rather than choosing one layout permanently.
Pros
- Flexible basket setup
- Vented lid and viewing window
- Breakaway cord
Cons
- Wide footprint
- Heating element needs separate hand cleaning
Choose the Hamilton Beach 4.5 L if some meals need one big basket and others need two separately timed foods. Its 3-basket set avoids locking you into either layout.
You get one 12-cup basket and two 6-cup baskets. The temperature dial covers 265°F to 375°F, giving it a lower starting setting than the filtration models here.
Basket hooks hold food above the oil for draining. The vented lid and window help you monitor cooking, though opening the fryer still releases hot vapor.
The oil pot, baskets and lid are dishwasher safe; clean the heating element separately as directed. Plan where those bulky pieces will drain and dry before deciding that cleanup fits your kitchen.
At 21.4 in wide, this fryer needs a measured counter space. Skip it if you mostly make one small side, since the extra baskets and larger tank add work without helping that meal.
T-fal EZ Clean Compact for frequent small batches
T-fal EZ Clean Compact Deep Fryer: Best for small frequent batches
- 1.8 L oil capacity
- Automatic oil filtration and storage box
- Locking lid and viewing window
- Temperature control from 300°F to 375°F
A smaller-batch choice for regular frying, with automatic filtration and an oil box to simplify the routine between meals.
Pros
- Automatic oil filtration and storage
- Smaller oil fill than family-size models
- Cool-touch handles
Cons
- Limited room for larger meals
- Oil box adds a cleaning task
Choose the T-fal EZ Clean Compact if you fry small batches regularly and want automatic oil filtering and storage. It makes the most sense when handling used oil is the chore that puts you off frying.
Its 1.8 L oil capacity supports up to 1.7 lb of fries. The adjustable thermostat covers 300°F to 375°F, so check that your usual recipes fit that range.
The locking lid, viewing window, cool-touch handles and automatic shut-off add useful handling features. Follow the required cooling and control sequence before using the filtration system.
A smaller oil tank does not mean a tiny appliance: it measures 17 in deep, 15.5 in wide and 12 in high. Measure the storage spot as well as the cooking area.
Skip it if your regular meal would require a long chain of batches. Filtration is useful after cooking, but it cannot solve a capacity mismatch.
All-Clad for family portions with automatic oil care
All-Clad Deep Fryer With Oil Filtration: Best for frequent family frying
- 3.5 L oil capacity
- Automatic oil filtration and storage
- Holds up to 2.65 lb of food
- Dishwasher-safe basket, bowl, lid and oil box
Choose this model when you want automatic oil care with more batch room than the T-fal Compact.
Pros
- Automatic oil filtration
- Locking lid and cool-touch handles
- Dishwasher-safe removable components
Cons
- Needs overhead clearance
- Oil box adds another part to clean
Choose the All-Clad if you want automatic filtration with more batch room than the T-fal Compact. It holds 3.5 L of oil and up to 2.65 lb of food.
That food allowance is more useful than a head count when planning dinner. Fries served alongside another dish and chicken served as the main course place different demands on the same basket.
The thermostat runs from 300°F to 375°F, and the fryer includes a locking lid, viewing window and automatic shut-off. Cool-touch handles help with handling but do not make the oil safe to touch.
The basket, bowl, lid and oil box are dishwasher safe. You'll still need room to empty, wash and fully dry the oil-management parts.
At 14.7 in high, it also needs suitable overhead clearance. Skip it if you rarely reuse oil, since automatic storage would solve a problem you seldom have.
Hamilton Beach 5 L for larger shared batches
Hamilton Beach 5 L Deep Fryer: Best for feeding larger groups
- 5 L oil capacity
- Fry up to 13 cups of food
- Easy-pour oil tank
- Dishwasher-safe tank, basket and lid
A large single basket suits shared sides or snacks when everyone wants the same food.
Pros
- Largest stated food capacity here
- Easy-pour tank
- Magnetic breakaway cord
Cons
- Large footprint
- Single basket limits separate lifting
Choose the Hamilton Beach 5 L when you often serve one food to a larger group. Its single basket holds up to 13 cups, making it better suited to a shared batch than separately timed foods.
The adjustable temperature controls let you match the recipe. Even with a large basket, leave food room to move rather than packing every gap.
The basket hooks over the tank for draining, and the removable tank has an easy-pour spout for cooled oil. The tank, basket and lid are dishwasher safe.
Its magnetic cord detaches if tugged, but cord placement still matters. Keep the lead out of walkways and away from the counter edge.
The body measures 24.5 in deep, so check usable counter depth carefully. Skip it for a small kitchen or mixed meals where you want to lift different foods independently.
Cuisinart 4 Quart for single-food family meals
Cuisinart 4 Quart Deep Fryer: Best for single-food family meals
- 4 qt oil capacity
- Cooks up to 2.3 lb of food
- Removable enamel-coated oil container
- 1800 W immersion heating element
A single-basket family option with a removable oil container and pouring spout for manual oil care.
Pros
- Removable oil container with spout
- Dishwasher-safe basket, container and lid
- Basket has a cool-touch handle
Cons
- Single basket
- Oil filtering and storage require separate steps
Choose the Cuisinart if you want a single-basket family fryer with a removable oil tank. It holds 4 qt of oil and cooks up to 2.3 lb of food.
The stainless steel basket has a cool-touch handle, while the enamel-coated oil container includes a pouring spout. This setup suits cooks who prefer to remove the cooled tank and strain oil themselves.
Cuisinart says its 1800 W immersion element supports fast heat-up and recovery. Still, allow the oil to return to the recipe's temperature before adding another batch.
The basket, oil container and lid are dishwasher safe. Keep a separate suitable storage container ready if you plan to save the oil.
Skip it if automatic filtration or two-basket cooking is a priority. Its role is simpler: one food at a time, removable parts and manual control over the oil-care routine.
De'Longhi Livenza for draining without tipping a tank
De'Longhi Livenza Deep Fryer: Best for cooks avoiding tank lifting
- 1 gal oil capacity
- Integrated oil drain tube
- Cool Zone
- Dishwasher-safe parts
The front drain tube lets you empty cooled oil into a separate container without tipping a full tank.
Pros
- Integrated drain tube
- Adjustable thermostat
- Dishwasher-safe parts
Cons
- Needs room for a container during draining
- Drain system does not replace oil filtration
Choose the De'Longhi Livenza if pouring a full oil tank is the step you want to avoid. Its front drain tube directs cooled oil into a separate storage container.
Set that container in place before opening the drain, and follow the cooling instructions. A built-in drain changes how you empty the fryer; it does not make hot oil safe to handle.
The tank holds up to 1 gal, and an adjustable thermostat supports different recipes. De'Longhi says its Cool Zone helps keep fallen food particles from burning and reduces odor.
Dishwasher-safe parts help with cleanup, but the drain path also needs care according to the manual. Leave enough room in front of the fryer to use the tube comfortably.
Skip it if you want automatic filtering into an included oil box. Choose it when controlled draining matters more than combining filtration and storage.
How do you choose the right deep fryer size?
Buy for your normal meal, then check counter space and the amount of oil you'll handle. A fryer that suits occasional fries may be too small for chicken plus sides.
Match food capacity to the meal
Food capacity describes the batch; oil capacity describes the fill needed to cook it. Compare the same type of food where possible, since cups of fries and pounds of chicken are different measures.
Allow space around pieces rather than treating maximum capacity as a target. Bulky breaded foods may need smaller batches to avoid sticking together.
If you fry mainly sides, a modest model can be enough. If the fryer supplies the main dish, count how many batches dinner would need before choosing.
Measure the whole work area
Measure space for the body, basket handle, lid movement and any drain container. Keep a clear landing area for cooked food and follow the manual's clearance requirements.
For help matching capacity to meals, see our guide to choosing a home deep fryer. Our small deep fryer picks focus on options for tighter spaces.
Should you get a deep fryer with one basket or two?
Choose one basket for one food and two baskets when separate lifting times would help. A second basket is useful only if both foods can cook in the same oil at a compatible temperature.
Start the longer-cooking food first, then add the quicker food at the right point. Adding both full baskets together creates a larger cold load and can slow cooking.
Shared oil also carries flavor and allergens between baskets. Don't use separate baskets as an allergy barrier or expect fish and fries to remain fully separate.
The Presto suits longer pieces and split batches, while the Hamilton Beach 4.5 L also offers a large single basket. Our guide to who needs a dual basket deep fryer helps you decide if that flexibility will get regular use.
Is oil filtration worth it in a deep fryer?
Automatic filtration suits frequent oil reuse, while a removable tank or drain tube suits cooks comfortable straining oil themselves. Choose the full cleanup routine, rather than the feature name.
The T-fal and All-Clad filter oil into storage boxes. The De'Longhi drains through a tube, while the Cuisinart gives you a removable container with a spout.
Filtering removes food particles, but it cannot reverse oil breakdown. Replace oil that develops a rancid smell, persistent foam or unusual smoking at your normal cooking temperature.
Don't choose a larger tank just for filtration if you usually cook small portions. You'll still need to buy, store and eventually discard that oil.
Our guide to deep fryer oil filtration explains the tradeoffs. For the manual approach, read how to filter and reuse deep fryer oil.
How should you set up and use a deep fryer?
Prepare everything before heating the oil so you can stay beside the fryer during cooking. Read the manual first, since fill levels, lid use and basket-loading methods differ.
- Choose the location. Use a stable, dry, heat-resistant surface with the required clearances and suitable ventilation.
- Dry the parts. After washing, fully dry the tank, basket and any parts that contact oil.
- Fill correctly. Add suitable frying oil within the marked limits before switching on, following the manual.
- Prepare the food. Pat fresh food dry and remove loose surface ice from frozen food; follow package directions about cooking from frozen.
- Arrange the landing area. Put a draining rack or suitable tray nearby, away from the appliance's cord.
- Cook manageable batches. Lower food carefully using the method specified for the fryer and recipe.
Wait for the oil to reach the required temperature before cooking. Between batches, give it time to recover rather than adding more food as soon as the basket is empty.
Use cooking time as a guide, not proof that meat is done. Check doneness with a suitable food thermometer after lifting food from the oil.
Which mistakes cause greasy or uneven fried food?
Overcrowding, excess moisture and poor temperature control cause many avoidable frying problems. Fix the preparation and batch size before assuming you need a larger appliance.
Loading too much food
A heavy cold load drops oil temperature, while tightly packed pieces can stick together. Start below the maximum allowance and increase only if food has room to cook evenly.
Two baskets don't double the tank's heating ability. Treat their combined load as one batch when deciding how much to add.
Using one temperature for every recipe
Follow the recipe and the fryer's operating range. Raising the heat to hurry a thick piece can darken the coating before the center is ready.
An automatic thermostat suits foods compatible with its fixed approach. Choose adjustable heat if your regular recipes call for different settings.
Letting cooked food sit in a pile
Drain food promptly, then spread it on a rack rather than stacking it deeply. Trapped steam softens coatings while you finish later batches.
Avoid loose crumbs building up through a long cooking session. Remove debris only with suitable tools and the method allowed by the manual.
How do you keep a deep fryer easier to clean?
Deal with cooled oil and crumbs before they become a bigger chore. Unplug the fryer after use and wait for the cooling period required before draining, filtering or taking it apart.
Separate oil care from washing: first decide whether the oil is suitable to save, then transfer it using the fryer's drain, filter or removable tank. Keep saved oil covered and label it with its use date and food type.
Wash only the parts approved for that method. A dishwasher-safe basket does not mean the heating assembly, cord or whole appliance can go in the dishwasher.
Use gentle tools on nonstick and enamel surfaces, and dry every part fully before reassembly. Our guide to how to clean a deep fryer covers the cleaning steps in more detail.
What safety features matter on a home deep fryer?
Match safety features to handling tasks, then keep a clear cooking area. A lid helps control splatter, cool-touch surfaces reduce some contact risks and a breakaway cord can reduce pulling if snagged.
Keep children and pets away, and never move a fryer containing hot oil. Don't leave it unattended or use water on an oil fire.
Open lids carefully, keeping your face away from steam. Use basket hooks as directed rather than balancing a loaded basket on an edge.
Review our deep fryer safety checklist before cooking. If you're considering a larger outdoor setup, our deep fryer and turkey fryer overview explains the differences.
Which best deep fryer pick fits your routine?
Choose the best deep fryer for the meal and cleanup you'll repeat. Buy the GranPappy for simple snacks, or the Hamilton Beach 8 Cup when adjustable heat and basket handling are worth the extra setup.
For family meals, choose the Hamilton Beach 4.5 L when menus change between single and split batches. Choose the 5 L when you mainly need one large shared batch.
If handling used oil is your main obstacle, narrow the choice to a filtration model or the De'Longhi drain system. Use our oil filtration guide to decide which routine you'll follow consistently.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best deep fryer for home use?
The Presto GranPappy is the best deep fryer for simple snacks and small batches. Choose the Hamilton Beach 8 Cup if you want adjustable heat and a basket, or the Hamilton Beach 4.5 L if family meals call for both large and split batches.
How much oil does a home deep fryer use?
These fryers hold from 6 cups to 5 L of oil, depending on the model; follow the minimum and maximum fill marks rather than adding oil to match your food portion. A small batch still needs the correct oil level for that fryer to operate as intended.
Is a deep fryer with oil filtration worth it?
Automatic filtration is worth considering if you fry regularly and reuse suitable oil; it removes food particles and simplifies storage, but it cannot restore worn-out oil. T-fal and All-Clad offer this feature here; our guide to deep fryer oil filtration explains when it earns its space.
What size deep fryer should I buy?
Buy for your usual food batch and available counter space, rather than household size alone; a fryer used for sides needs less room than one cooking the main dish. Our home deep fryer size and feature guide explains how capacity, power and oil care affect that choice.
Are electric deep fryers safer than frying in a pot?
Electric fryers offer dedicated temperature controls and may include lids or breakaway cords, but hot oil still needs close attention; use a stable surface, keep water away and never move the fryer while hot. Read our deep fryer safety guide before setting up your first batch.
