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If you hate cleaning and maintenance, then the Russell Hobbs deep fryer is your best bet. It also scored well for value for money.
An electric deep fryer offers a simple and safe alternative to frying food in a stovetop pot. It allows you to cook food quickly and accurately, reduces odours and helps prevent any dangerous spills.
When you're ready to compare deep fryers, you'll find appliances from a range of major appliance brands, including the following:
Most home deep fryers have an oil capacity of 4L, but the amount of fried food they can cook varies between models. This generally ranges from 1kg to 2kg, so check the specs sheet closely to find out whether a particular deep fryer will be suitable for your needs.
There are several factors you'll need to consider when choosing a deep fryer. Make sure to take the following features into account when comparing your options.
Deep fryer prices generally range from around $80 to $200. Models at the cheaper end of the price spectrum tend to be quite basic — just plug it in and go — while more expensive deep fryers offer features like multiple preset functions, timers and added safety features.
The larger the capacity of a deep fryer, the more food you'll be able to cook in each batch. Approximately 3-4L is a common oil capacity for family-size home deep fryers, with most models capable of cooking between 1kg and 2kg of food in each batch. If you're only cooking for one or two people, a capacity of less than 4L will be a better choice.
You'll also need to consider the physical size of the fryer and how much room it'll take up in your kitchen. If bench or cupboard space is at a premium, you'll want to look for a smaller-capacity model.
Basic deep fryers come with a thermostat that allows you to choose your desired cooking temperature. High-end models come with multiple preset programs that adjust the temperature and cooking time based on the food you're frying.
Check how easy the deep fryer is to set up and use. Some models can be operated simply by turning a dial, while some higher-end options feature multiple buttons and an LCD to help you choose your desired settings and monitor your food. It's also worth checking how easy it is to drain oil from the deep fryer after use.
Check what safety features a fryer has to prevent any spills or potentially nasty accidents. These features may include anti-slip feet, cool-to-touch exteriors, automatic shut-off to prevent overheating and vented lids that release steam and prevent spatter. Some models allow you to raise and lower the frying basket while the lid of the appliance is closed, while it's also a good idea to make sure the fryer basket comes with a cool-touch handle.
Check whether the deep fryer has a filter to help minimise cooking odours. Some models also come with oil filtration systems to keep oil cleaner for longer.
Next, consider how easy it will be to clean your deep fryer after use. Dishwasher-safe parts will help simplify the cleaning process, while you might also want to check how easy the exterior of the appliance will be to wipe clean.
Many deep fryers come with a built-in digital or mechanical timer so you can cook your food for just the right amount of time.
A simple way to assess the quality of a deep fryer is to read customer reviews. You can find these on the websites of appliance retailers and independent review sites like productreview.com.au.
Depending on the deep fryer you choose, you may also be able to take advantage of several other features, such as the following:
If you love fried food but you're looking for a healthier alternative, you may want to consider buying an air fryer. Air fryers don't actually fry your food — they work in a similar way to a convection oven, circulating hot air to cook your food.
Cooking with an air fryer uses much less oil compared to a deep fryer, so air fryers are often marketed as healthier alternatives to traditional frying methods. As for whether air fryers can deliver the same taste and crunchy batter as a deep fryer, well, it depends who you ask. The choice between these two types of fryers will likely come down to your own personal preference and the types of fried food you like to cook.
For more information on the pros and cons of air fryers and how to choose the right appliance, check out our air fryer buying guide.
Before you start shopping for a new deep fryer, consider the following factors:
If you'd like to purchase a deep fryer to whip up fried food at home, here's where you can buy deep fryers online.
| Total Score | Overall rating | Value for Money | Cleaning & maintenance | Cooking performance | Ease of use | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Russell Hobbs | 8.16 | 4.51 | 4.45 | 4.45 | 4.33 | 4.20 |
| Other | 8.11 | 4.46 | 4.50 | 4.00 | 4.42 | 4.38 |
| Delonghi | 7.97 | 4.37 | 4.27 | 4.29 | 4.33 | 4.39 |
| Sunbeam | 7.97 | 4.38 | 4.19 | 4.29 | 4.46 | 4.27 |
| Tefal | 7.90 | 4.38 | 4.22 | 4.20 | 4.20 | 4.28 |
| Kambrook | 7.74 | 4.24 | 4.10 | 4.02 | 4.10 | 4.24 |
| Breville | 7.53 | 4.10 | 4.06 | 4.00 | 4.08 | 4.06 |
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