Deep fryers are useful appliances to have when you want to make fried food for family dinners, large parties and all types of social gatherings. Learn about the types of fryers available, as well as the features you should consider:
Types of Deep FryersThere are two main types of deep fryers available: electric deep fryers and propane deep fryers.
• Electric Deep Fryers: These deep fryers are best for home use. They’re simple to use and safe to operate indoors. Electric deep fryers are usually compact so you can store them in a kitchen cabinet. If you fry food often, larger versions are available, but they’re more expensive than small deep fryers. If you only fry foods such as French fries and vegetables, small deep fryers can satisfy your needs.
• Propane Deep Fryers: Propane deep fryers are designed for commercial use. However, you can use propane fryers at home, but they have to be used outdoors. Also, just like with a grill, you have to be careful using propane. These types of fryers are recommended for serious home cooks. They usually yield better fried foods and heat oil more quickly than electric deep fryers.
Deep Fryer Features
Deep fryers come with several features to help make cooking easier and more convenient. Here are some to consider:
• Capacity: If you’re only making small servings of fried food, a 4-or 6-cup deep fryer will do the job. An 8-cup deep fryer is an ideal medium-size option, while a 12-cup deep fryer can make enough food to feed a large family. Some deep fryers also offer multiple baskets. Look into getting a
2-basket deep fryer if you want to fry different types of food at the same time.
• Adjustable Thermostat: Although the ideal frying temperature is around 375 degrees,
adjustable thermostat deep fryers make it convenient to cook a variety of foods that may need lower or higher temperatures.
• Power: The wattage for deep fryers usually ranges between 1,800 and 2,200 watts. A higher wattage will heat the oil faster.
• Non-Stick Interior: Cleaning a deep fryer can be difficult. A non-stick interior helps mitigate the cleanup process. You may also want to check if your deep fryer comes with dishwasher-safe accessories.
• Color: You can choose a red, white, brown, black or
grey deep fryer to match to your kitchen’s decor.
Whether you prepare French fries, fish, chicken or doughnuts, a deep fryer will help you whip up your favorite fried foods easily and quickly.
