Kitchen Fryers Buying Guide

• Healthier cooking
• Faster cooking
• Safe to use
• Versatile
• Easy to clean

• Pre-programmed settings for cooking meat/chicken/fish/frozen food, and for reheating
• Automatic switch off
• Power/heat indicator
• Ready notification
• Additional accessories such as a grill rack for steak, a pan for wings, skewers for kebabs, and a turning paddle for fries
• Recipes to inspire you

The traditional choice, deep fryers require enough hot oil to submerge food to deliver crispy, tender and juicy bites. As food is completely covered in oil, it retains moisture – particularly
important if you’re making fried chicken!

Key Benefits Of Deep Fryers

• Fast cooking time
• Minimal prep required
• Oil can be used multiple times
• Crispy food every time
• Juicy, tender food, with little risk of drying out

Deep Fryer Features To Look For

• Automatic lid release
• Automatic basket lower and rise
• Easy oil filtration(to remove food debris)
• Timer/alarm
• Removable bowl
• Indicator lights
• Dishwasher-safe parts

Old-school fried food fans will likely never part with their deep fryer. It’s what deep fryers do best, after all. Air fryers go a little further – they fry, grill, bake and roast. All with little or no oil. “There is a place for both appliances in the modern kitchen,” says Tania Grillinzoni, The Good Guys Buyer - Portable Appliances. “Air fryers deliver a satisfying crunch that won’t derail your health regime, while deep fryers are hard to beat for that authentic Southern fried chicken fix on cheat days.”

Air Fryer Pros

• Can fry, grill, bake and roast
• Little or no oil required
• Safe to use – no hot oil splatter
• Easy to clean
• Easy to use

Deep Fryer Pros

• Quick and easy cooking
• Little prep required
• Tender, juicer food, without having to worry about overcooking
• Oil can be reused multiple times
• Crispy food every time

Capacity How many people will you be cooking for? Your answer will determine the capacity of your benchtop fryer. A 0.5-2L air fryer will suit smaller households, while bigger families (or keen entertainers) will find a 5L fryer a better fit.

Controls/settings Fryers have different power settings – the more powerful the fryer, the quicker the cooking time. One of the main controls to look for in a deep fryer is a thermostat, as this will make the difference between amazingly crispy food and soggy fries. Nailing your temperature and knowing when to place your food in the fryer is key.

Other controls to consider are notifications when cooking time is up, and a basket that automatically lifts when cooking is complete.

Get ready to cook some scrumptious fare because there’s a fryer to suit every budget.

Entry-level air fryers start from a 2.5L capacity, and include various cooking modes and automatic switch-off when food is cooked. At the higher end are the latest ovens with air fryer functionality – worth considering if you’re upgrading your oven.

An entry-level deep fryer offers 5L capacity, which is plenty for Friday night fish and chips. More expensive models include features like automatic lid release and basket rise when cooking is complete.

Air fryers: The removable parts make cleaning easy. Use hot, soapy water and a cloth to clean away any grease. Remember to do this after every cook to ensure there isn’t a build-up of oil and food debris, which could eventually start to smell and burn. You can use a toothpick or dish brush to get into any nooks and crannies when cleaning the basket. From time to time, wipe down the entire unit and control panel with a soft, damp cloth.

Deep fryers: These require a deep clean on a regular basis, including the removal of old oil. You can purchase special cleaning solutions for deep fryers to make the process easier – simply mix with water, then “boil” in the fryer to remove the grease. Make sure your fryer is cold before cleaning.

Inspired to rev up your cooking repertoire with a new fryer? See in store or online for expert advice, the best deals and the greatest range of air fryers and deep fryers.