7 Best Deep Fryers with Basket 2026

The Presto FryDaddy punches well above its weight for compact deep frying, delivering crisp results with minimal fuss in a design that’s practically tailor-made for small kitchens and dorm rooms. With a 4-cup oil capacity and ceramic nonstick interior, it heats up fast and maintains temperature surprisingly well for its size—perfect for whipping up a quick batch of fries or onion rings without drenching your countertop in oil splatter. Its swing-up handle and snap-on lid make storage a breeze, solving the clutter problem most deep fryers create, while the included fry scoop adds a thoughtful touch for safe, mess-free serving.

In real-world testing, the FryDaddy excels at small-batch frying—think two servings of crispy chicken tenders or a modest pile of golden fries—but shows its limits when you try to scale up. The 1500-watt heating element recovers temperature efficiently between batches, though frequent use demands close oil monitoring due to the shallow reservoir. It handles battered shrimp and mozzarella sticks with confidence, but thicker foods like full chicken pieces can struggle to cook evenly unless cut down. The non-PFAS ceramic coating is a health-conscious win, and cleanup is genuinely easy thanks to the smooth, wipeable surface.

Compared to larger models like the Hamilton Beach 35034, the FryDaddy is no match for high-volume cooking, but it outshines in simplicity and footprint. It’s ideal for singles, couples, or anyone who craves fried food occasionally without the bulk. If your goal is spontaneous snacks without the kitchen takeover, this is your go-to. While it can’t compete with commercial-style dual tanks, it offers better control and cleaner operation than stovetop pots at a fraction of the space.

The Secura 4L deep fryer stands out with its triple basket system, offering a rare level of multi-food versatility in a single-unit design that’s perfect for family dinners or mixed appetizer spreads. With 1700 watts of power and a 4-liter oil tank, it heats quickly and maintains stable temperatures, letting you fry fish and fries side by side without flavor crossover. The cool-touch housing and see-thru lid with odor filter make it safe and convenient for home use, while the 60-minute auto-shutoff timer adds peace of mind during longer cooking sessions.

During testing, the Secura proved excellent for simultaneous frying tasks—one basket for fries, another for onion rings, and the jumbo basket for chicken strips—making it a time-saver for busy weeknights. The adjustable thermostat (250°F–375°F) gives precise control, crucial for delicate foods like fish fillets that can overcook easily. The removable oil tank simplifies cleanup, though the plastic components feel slightly less durable than all-stainless competitors. It struggles slightly with oil recovery speed under heavy load, so back-to-back large batches require a short cooldown.

When stacked against the Hamilton Beach 35034, the Secura trades a bit of oil capacity for greater basket flexibility, making it better suited for mixed cooking rather than volume. It’s ideal for families or hosts who regularly serve varied fried dishes. While it lacks the raw power of dual-tank models like the 6L+6L commercial fryer, it delivers more convenience and safety features than basic fryers at a similar size, striking a smart balance between performance and practicality.

The Hamilton Beach 35034 earns its “Best Overall” title by blending large capacity, smart safety features, and restaurant-level performance into a single, user-friendly package. With a 4.7-quart oil reservoir and 1800 watts, it fries up to 12 cups of food at once, making it ideal for parties or big family meals. The vented lid with viewing window nearly eliminates splatter, while the chrome-plated baskets drain cleanly and hook over the pot for mess-free cooling—no more oily paper towel piles.

In real-world use, this fryer handles high-volume frying with ease, recovering temperature quickly between batches of chicken tenders, fries, or blooming onions. The immersed 1800-watt heating element ensures even heat distribution, preventing cold spots that plague cheaper models. The dual basket setup (one 12-cup, two 6-cup) lets you cook multiple items without mixing flavors, though you can’t use all three simultaneously. Dishwasher-safe components make post-meal cleanup a breeze, and the breakaway cord adds a crucial safety layer in busy kitchens.

Compared to the Secura B007OZXVDM, the Hamilton Beach offers more power and better build quality, while beating the Chefman B07KJGR9JZ in capacity and durability. It’s the sweet spot for home cooks who want professional results without commercial bulk. Though pricier than compact models, it delivers the most complete deep-frying experience for regular family use, combining performance, safety, and convenience in one polished unit.

Built like a kitchen tank, the 6L+6L dual-tank fryer is engineered for heavy-duty, high-volume frying, making it the undisputed champion for restaurants, caterers, or serious home entertainers. With 3400 total watts and two independent 6-liter tanks, it can fry chicken in one side and fries in the other, all while maintaining precise, separate temperatures thanks to dual control knobs. The stainless steel construction resists corrosion and high heat, ensuring years of reliable service even under constant use.

Testing revealed exceptional temperature stability, even during back-to-back frying sessions—no sagging heat or sluggish recovery. Each tank heats from cold to 350°F in under 15 minutes, and the cool-touch handles and non-slip feet make it safe and stable in fast-paced environments. The removable baskets and oil tanks simplify cleaning, though the unit’s size demands dedicated counter or storage space. It’s overkill for casual frying, and the dual plugs require separate outlets, which can be a setup hassle.

Against the Hamilton Beach 35034, this model trades home-friendliness for raw commercial power, offering twice the capacity and true multi-food separation. It’s not for apartment kitchens, but for those who host large gatherings or run food businesses, it’s unmatched. While it lacks the portability and simplicity of smaller fryers, it delivers restaurant-grade performance with minimal downtime, making it the ultimate choice for serious frying demands.

The Chefman 4.5L deep fryer is a budget-savvy powerhouse, delivering XL capacity and solid performance without the premium price tag—perfect for cost-conscious families who still want crispy, restaurant-style results. With 1700 watts and a 4.5-liter oil tank, it fries up to 12 cups of food, handling everything from party-sized fries to holiday donuts with confidence. The removable oil container and dishwasher-safe basket make cleanup a breeze, while the magnetic breakaway cord enhances safety in cluttered kitchens.

In practice, the Chefman holds temperature well for moderate batches, though recovery slows slightly during heavy use—best to avoid frying five pounds of chicken back-to-back. The adjustable thermostat and timer offer solid control, and the viewing window lets you monitor progress without releasing heat. It lacks the dual-basket versatility of the Secura or Hamilton Beach, but for single-item frying at scale, it performs admirably. The plastic lid and housing feel less premium, but the cETL certification and 1-year warranty add trust.

Stacked against the T-fal B00NQ7QFGM, the Chefman offers more capacity and lower cost, though it misses the built-in oil filtration that extends oil life. It’s ideal for home cooks who fry often but don’t need pro features. While not as refined as high-end models, it delivers outstanding value—packing core performance into an affordable, family-ready design.

The T-fal 3.5L deep fryer redefines oil efficiency with its integrated oil filtration system, making it the top pick for health-conscious users and frequent fryers who hate wasting oil. The sealed filtration compartment automatically stores and strains used oil, extending its life and reducing mess—no more pouring through cheesecloth or murky containers. With 1700 watts and precise digital control (300°F–375°F), it delivers consistent results for shrimp, fries, and tempura, while the locking lid and cool-touch handles ensure safe operation.

Real-world tests show the filtration process is quick and effective, taking under a minute to drain and seal oil post-fry. The 2.65 lb food capacity suits family meals, though it’s smaller than the Hamilton Beach or Chefman models. Temperature recovery is solid for moderate batches, but continuous frying causes slight lag. The digital timer and auto shut-off add convenience, and the stainless steel build feels durable. However, the oil tank isn’t dishwasher-safe, which slightly dampens the clean-up advantage.

Compared to the Chefman B07KJGR9JZ, the T-fal trades capacity and price for oil-saving innovation, making it better for occasional but efficient frying. It’s perfect for those who want crispy food without the waste or odor. While not the largest or fastest, it offers the smartest long-term oil management in its class, blending practicality and sustainability in one sleek package.

The Elite Gourmet EDF2100 is the ultimate space-saver, designed for dorms, RVs, or tiny kitchens where counter real estate is precious. Despite its 2-quart (8.2 cup) capacity, it packs a 1500-watt punch, frying up to 5.75 lbs of food—enough for two hearty servings. The compact, lightweight build fits easily under cabinets, while the adjustable thermostat and viewing window ensure control and safety without sacrificing convenience.

In testing, it heats impressively fast, reaching frying temp in under 10 minutes, and maintains stability for small batches like onion rings or chicken bites. The odor filter in the lid reduces kitchen smells, a rare perk at this size, and the anti-slip feet keep it steady during use. However, the limited capacity means multiple batches for more than two people, and the heating element takes longer to recover between loads. It’s not built for marathons, but for quick, single-use frying, it’s unbeatable.

Against the Presto FryDaddy, the Elite Gourmet offers similar compactness but better temp control and a modern design. It’s ideal for students, singles, or minimalists who want deep frying without the bulk. While it can’t match larger models in volume or speed, it delivers maximum convenience in minimum space, making it the smartest choice for compact living.