Who doesn’t love crispy french fries or perfectly golden onion rings? Deep-fried food tastes amazing, but using a giant, messy deep fryer often feels like too much work for a small craving. It’s a kitchen nightmare trying to store those bulky appliances, and cleaning up all that oil is a real chore. You want that satisfying crunch without the hassle.
Choosing a small deep fryer seems easy, but it’s not! You face tough questions: How big should it be? Will it actually get hot enough? Will it splatter oil everywhere? Finding a compact fryer that performs well can feel like a guessing game. Many people end up with fryers that are too small for their needs or too complicated to use safely.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We break down the features that truly matter in a small deep fryer. You will learn exactly what specifications to look for so you can confidently pick the best compact machine for your kitchen. Get ready to enjoy delicious, crispy snacks without the countertop clutter. Let’s dive into finding your perfect small deep fryer!
Top Small Deep Fryer Recommendations
- MINI FRYER, MAX POWER: The Chefman Fry Guy is the deep fryer of your dreams. It has a mini footprint, a 1.6-quart capacity, and a powerful 1000-watt heater to cook up your comfort food favorites in no time. Deep fry crispy chicken, golden french fries, or delicious veggies up to 375°.
- PREP LIKE A PRO: Craving carnival desserts? How about succulent southern-style chicken? You can now easily and quickly cook all this and more right on your countertop. A transparent viewing window allows you to watch your food deep fry to perfection, while a restaurant-style fry basket lets you master your meals like a professional cook. The bright power indicator light lets you know when you’re ready to make your new favorite recipe!
- CLEAN WITH EASE: Never worry about cleanup after cooking. The sleek stainless steel finish simply wipes down, and the removable lid and built-in filter allow for easier-than-ever cleanup. What’s more—this mini fryer has dishwasher-safe parts for a quick clean, and a detachable magnetic cord for simple storage and safety.
- RESOURCES: UL approved with advanced safety technology for long lasting durability, & 1-year warranty provided by Chefman, so you can purchase worry-free - we've got your back! For information on how to use your product, scroll down for a PDF User Guide. 1000 Watts/120 Volts – RJ07-15-SS
- COMPACT KITCHEN DEEP FRYER: Perfect for small spaces, this Presto deep fryer makes four servings of french fries with just four cups of oil, making it an efficient and space-saving addition to any kitchen.
- AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL: Maintain the proper frying temperature effortlessly with this Presto deep fryer, ensuring your favorite foods like shrimp, chicken, and onion rings come out crispy and delicious every time.
- CERAMIC NONSTICK, PFAS-FREE SURFACE: The ceramic nonstick surface inside and out is not only PFAS-free but also ensures easy cleaning after each use, so your kitchen stays mess-free.
- HANDY SCOOP FOR EASY SERVING: The included fry scoop allows you to lift, drain, and serve fried foods with ease, making family meals or snacks quick and convenient.
- QUICK PREHEAT & OIL TEMPERATURE RECOVERY: This deep fryer offers a fast preheat time and excellent oil temperature recovery, allowing you to fry foods efficiently without long wait times.
- POWERFUL 800W FRYING PERFORMANCE – Fast-heating hidden heating element delivers crisp, golden results every time. Ideal for french fries, chicken wings, fish, nuggets, and more.
- ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE CONTROL – Precise dial lets you set the perfect frying temperature from 225°F to 375°F for versatile cooking and consistent results.
- SEE-THROUGH VIEWING WINDOW – Transparent lid lets you monitor food as it fries, so you get your preferred level of crispiness without lifting the lid.
- SAFE & EASY HANDLING – Ergonomic cool-touch handles, and sturdy removable frying basket make frying safer and easier, perfect for everyday use. The deep fryer's cord is designed for easy removal, allowing quick disconnection in emergency situations.
- COMPACT & EASY TO CLEAN – With a 1.5L oil capacity (approx. 6 cups) and non-stick interior, this compact fryer is great for small kitchens, apartments, or quick snacks, and cleanup is a breeze.
- FAST-HEATING & FAMILY-SIZE: This powerful 1500-watt electric deep fryer heats up quickly and features a 3.2-quart (3.0L) oil reservoir and a 24.6-oz (700g) food basket capacity, perfect for small to medium-sized family meals.
- ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE & VERSATILE COOKING: With adjustable temperature (265°F-375°F, or 130°C-190°C), this multi-purpose fryer lets you prepare everything from crispy chicken wings, fish filets, meat, to golden French Fries, onion rinsgs, eliminating the splatter and mess associated with traditional stovetop frying.
- EASY DRAINING: The specially designed mesh metal basket features convenient hooks for proper oil draining and effortless food removal, ensuring perfectly crispy results every time.
- CLEAR VIEWING: The transparent viewing window enables you to monitor your food's cooking progress without lifting the lid, maintaining consistent oil temperature throughout the cooking process.
- SLEEK DESIGN: The premium stainless steel exterior provides both durability and modern aesthetics, seamlessly integrating with your existing kitchen appliances for a cohesive look.
- Adjustable thermostat for easy selection of the desired frying temperature. Oil capacity: 1 Liter ( 1.1 quarts).
- Handy indicator light lets you know when the fryer is plugged in. Compact size saves counterspace and stores easily.
- Anodized aluminum interior for fast, even heating. Brushed stainless steel exterior.
- Fry crispy, delicious french fries, shrimp, chicken, onion rings and more.
- Vented cool-touch cover features a built-in spatter screeen. Fries with the cover closed to reduce odor and spattering.
- COMPACT SIZE & HIGH PERFORMANCE: Equipped with a 2-quart oil container, our deep fryer gives you the ability to make 5.75lb. of food. Featuring a 1500W heating element, which has fast heat-up effect and keeps constant temperature, this deep fryer can fry food quickly and reach the perfect crisp.
- ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE: With an adjustable temperature control, you can set the temperature according to your frying needs. You can freely make fries, onion rings, fried chicken and a variety of other fried foods.
- MESS FREE FRYING: Convenient lid with replaceable odor filter and viewing window prevents hot oil splatter or spills, but also allows you to keep an eye on the frying process.
- POWER & READY INDICATOR LIGHTS: Easily know when the temperature has been reached and food is ready for frying.
- SAFETY FEATURES & GUARANTEE: Includes anti-slip feet for increased stability. Plus, cool touch handles for convenient handling.
- Secure & Efficient Heating: Featuring a stainless steel heating element, this electric deep fryer provides consistent and efficient heat distribution. Security is prioritized with built-in overheat protection, ETL certification, and an automatic shut-off function, ensuring worry-free operation.
- User-Friendly Control Panel: The control panel includes timer and temperature knobs plus a power indicator for easy operation. With an adjustable temperature range of 302-374°F and a timer settable up to 60 minutes, the oil fryer fits various foods—from chicken strips to shrimp. Please refer to the manual for more detailed guidance.
- Large Oil & Food Capacity: This countertop deep fryer comes with an oil container with measurement markings (maximum 3-liter oil are recommended). Accommodating up to 1.46 pounds of frozen fries at once, the spacious basket is equipped with a secure clip to keep it firmly in place during cooking.
- Simple to Detach & Clean: The fryer pot is designed for convenience, offering easy disassembly of all parts. Except for the heating tube part, all other parts can be washed in a dishwasher, significantly reducing post-cooking cleanup time.
- Enhanced User Comfort: Every handle is insulated to stay cool during operation, ensuring safe handling. The removable lid includes ventilation and a transparent window, letting you monitor cooking progress without heat loss. Side handles offer effortless transport, while anti-slip feet provide added stability on your countertop.
- EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN: Compact footprint takes up less counter space. Fast heat-up and frying for spur-of-the-moment snacks and meals
- CAPACITY: Fry basket holds up to 3/4 pound– maximum oil capacity is 1.1 liter
- INCLUDED: Filter cover, anti-odor charcoal filter, basket, detachable basket handle, nonstick diecast bowl with pouring spout, detachable power cord and recipe book
- CLEAN UP: Caution- before cleaning make sure appliance and oil have completely cooled. Basket, basket handle and lid are dishwasher safe. Refer to manual on safely removing oil and cleaning the rest of the deepfryer
- LIMITED 3-YEAR WARRANTY: Refer to user manual for troubleshooting steps and questions surrounding warranty policies – this product is BPA free
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Your Small Deep Fryer
A small deep fryer is a fantastic kitchen tool. It lets you make crispy fries, golden onion rings, and delicious donuts right at home. Choosing the right one is easy once you know what to look for. This guide helps you find the perfect small fryer for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a small deep fryer, several features really matter. These make cooking easier and safer.
- Capacity: Small fryers usually hold 1 to 4 liters of oil. Think about how much food you cook at once. A 1.5-liter model is great for one or two people.
- Temperature Control: Look for an adjustable thermostat. This lets you set the exact heat needed for different foods. Too low, and food gets greasy; too high, and it burns fast.
- Timer: A built-in timer helps prevent overcooking. Some models automatically shut off when time runs out.
- Lid with Viewing Window: A clear window lets you watch your food without lifting the lid. Lifting the lid lets heat escape.
- Indicator Lights: Lights tell you when the oil is heating up and when it reaches the correct temperature.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your small fryer affects how long it lasts and how well your food cooks.
What Makes a Fryer Better?
- Fast Heating Element: A powerful heating element gets the oil hot quickly. This saves you time.
- Removable Oil Container: If the oil container lifts out, cleaning becomes much simpler.
- Dishwasher-Safe Parts: Components that safely go into the dishwasher boost convenience significantly.
What Lowers Quality?
- Thin Metal Construction: Cheap, thin metal heats unevenly. This results in some food being burnt and some undercooked.
- Poor Insulation: If the outside of the fryer gets too hot to touch, it is a safety risk. Good insulation keeps the exterior cooler.
Important Materials
The materials used determine safety and durability. Focus on these key components:
The Basket and Exterior
Most baskets are made of stainless steel. Stainless steel resists rust and handles high heat well. The exterior housing is often plastic or stainless steel. Stainless steel looks nicer and often lasts longer than basic plastic.
The Oil Container
This part must handle hot oil safely. Non-stick coatings on the oil container help release food residue, making cleanup easier. Ensure the metal used is food-grade and robust.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use your fryer every day.
Easy Cleanup
If you plan to use your fryer often, prioritize easy cleaning. Models with non-stick surfaces and dishwasher-safe parts win here. Nobody enjoys scrubbing sticky oil residue.
Counter Space and Storage
Small fryers save counter space. Before buying, measure the space where you will store it. A compact design is a huge plus for small kitchens.
Safety Features
Safety is paramount when dealing with hot oil. Look for features like cool-touch handles and non-slip feet. These features keep your hands safe and the fryer steady on the counter.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Small Deep Fryers
Q: How much oil does a small deep fryer usually hold?
A: Small fryers typically hold between 1 and 4 liters of cooking oil.
Q: Can I use any kind of oil in my small fryer?
A: You should use oils with a high smoke point, like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. Check your fryer’s manual for specific recommendations.
Q: Are small deep fryers hard to clean?
A: Some are harder than others. Fryers with removable, non-stick, dishwasher-safe parts are the easiest to clean.
Q: Do small deep fryers smell up the kitchen?
A: Most modern small fryers have lids that help contain odors while frying. However, some light smell is normal when frying.
Q: What is the ideal temperature for frying most foods?
A: Most common fried foods, like French fries and chicken, cook best between 350°F and 375°F (about 175°C to 190°C).
Q: Can I fry frozen food in a small deep fryer?
A: Yes, you can fry frozen food, but you must lower the oil temperature slightly so the inside cooks before the outside burns.
Q: How long does the oil last in a small fryer?
A: If you filter the oil after each use, it can last for several frying sessions. If the oil looks dark or smells bad, change it.
Q: Are small fryers energy efficient?
A: Because they hold less oil, they heat up faster than large fryers, which can save a little bit of energy overall.
Q: What is the difference between a basket and a basket-less fryer?
A: A basket fryer uses a wire basket to lower and lift food. Basket-less models require you to carefully lower food into the hot oil using tongs.
Q: Is a small deep fryer safe to use indoors?
A: Yes, small deep fryers are designed for indoor countertop use. Always place them on a flat, heat-resistant surface away from cabinets.