Which Presto deep fryer is best?
There just isn’t a substitute for deep frying in the culinary world that gets close to matching the taste. It can be difficult to deep fry at home without the proper gear. However, Presto makes it incredibly easy to select a strong quality option that doesn’t require much counter space, so you can deep fry to your heart’s content.
The best Presto deep fryer is the Presto Stainless Steel Dual Basket Pro Fry Immersion Element Deep Fryer. This Presto option is so high in quality across the board that it only narrowly misses being professionally graded, and the 5-quart capacity allows for deep frying anything in large quantities.
What to know before you buy a Presto deep fryer
Types of Presto deep fryers
Presto sells two types of deep fryers: pots and baskets.
Pot fryers: Pot deep fryers are very similar to slow cookers in design. They are the simplest variety, deep-frying by adding oil and using tongs or slotted spoons to add and remove the food from the oil. They are also more affordable.
Basket fryers: Basket fryers are similar to deep fryers you may have seen in fast-food kitchens. They use a basket to lower the food and raise it from the oil. Basket fryers are more expensive but far easier to use, and they decrease the risk of being hit by splattering oil.
Capacity
Presto deep fryers come in capacities ranging from 4 to 12 cups of oil. Each cup of oil allows for cooking one serving of food with basket deep fryers, which tend to have larger capacities. Generally, the 4- to 6-cup range is good for small groups, with 8 to 12 cups being better for larger gatherings or possibly frying very large foods.
What to look for in a quality Presto deep fryer
Thermostat
Some but not all Presto deep fryers have a built-in thermostat for relaying the temperature of your oil. It isn’t strictly necessary, as you can always purchase a deep-fry thermometer if your Presto deep fryer doesn’t have one, but it does make it much easier to use.
Safety features
Presto has many extra safety features, though not all may appear in a given unit. Two of the most common safety features are cool-touch exteriors and breakaway cords.
Cool-touch exterior: Many Presto deep fryers have a cool-touch exterior. These models are built to further increase consumer safety by greatly reducing the chances of burns.
Breakaway cord: Another excellent safety feature, breakaway cords are designed to disconnect from the deep fryer itself if the unit or cord is accidentally bumped. This prevents everything from flying and potentially causing extraordinary damage.
How much you can expect to spend on a Presto deep fryer
Presto deep fryers are very affordable, considering how expensive some deep fryers can be. The very basic Presto deep fryers only cost around $30, although they lack the various capacities and extra features you can find in the $40-$50 range. The truly best of the best Presto deep fryers rarely exceed the $75 price range.
Presto deep fryer FAQ
What kind of foods can I deep fry with a Presto deep fryer?
A. The only restrictions on the kind of foods you can deep fry in a Presto deep fryer are foods that can fit inside the fryer. You can genuinely deep fry any kind of food so long as you can batter it; you can even deep fry ice cream so long as it’s well frozen and fried quickly.
Is it safe to use a Presto deep fryer?
A. A Presto deep fryer is entirely safe to use as long as you follow all precautions and instructions. Certain models even feature extra precautions beyond the industry-standard ones. You can also adhere to these basic safety rules: Never leave a functioning deep fryer unattended or allow your oil to exceed 400 degrees. Should a grease fire occur, put it out by smothering rather than putting it out with water.
What are the best Presto deep fryers to buy?
Top Presto deep fryer
Presto Stainless Steel Dual Basket Pro Fry Immersion Element Deep Fryer
What you need to know: Presto’s best of the best deep fryer thanks to its many features and the top-tier quality of its construction.
What you’ll love: A 5-pound capacity means an entire family can be cooked for at once. The entire unit is very easy to take apart and reassemble for cleaning.
What you should consider: There are a few reports of the temperature gauges being inaccurate.
Top Presto deep fryer for the money
Presto FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer
What you need to know: This budget Presto deep fryer costs less than its competitors and saves money on oil by using very little of it.
What you’ll love: The nonstick material is very easy to clean, and it only requires 4 cups of oil to cook four servings worth of food.
What you should consider: The Teflon coating in the pan has caused some issues for some consumers.
Worth checking out
Presto DualDaddy Electric Deep Fryer
What you need to know: The dual chamber design allows for frying two foods simultaneously without cross-contamination.
What you’ll love: An included lid allows you to safely store the oil you used within the deep fryer so you can reuse it later.
What you should consider: The unit does not have a temperature control, and the oil tends to splatter quite easily.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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