8 Best Deep Fat Fryers for Chips 2026, Analyzed

This heavy-duty powerhouse redefines what it means to deep fry at home, combining restaurant-grade performance with thoughtful design. With a massive 4.7-quart oil capacity, the Hamilton Beach 35034 can handle up to 12 cups of food in one go—perfect for family dinners or weekend game-day feasts. The 1800-watt immersed heating element delivers rapid heat-up and consistent frying temperatures, while the adjustable thermostat (265°F–375°F) ensures precision browning for everything from golden chips to crispy chicken tenders. If you’re tired of undercooked middles and greasy outsides, this fryer’s even heat distribution and splatter-resistant lid are game-changers.

In real-world testing, the dual 6-cup and single 12-cup baskets shine when frying multiple items—think chips and calamari at the same time—without flavor transfer. The view window on the lid lets you monitor progress without lifting and losing heat, which helps maintain oil temperature stability. While the unit is large, its dishwasher-safe oil pot, lid, and baskets make cleanup surprisingly effortless. However, the fryer’s size means it’s not ideal for small kitchens or occasional use—it demands counter space and storage commitment.

Compared to the Chefman B07KJGR9JZ, this model offers superior power and capacity, making it better suited for households that regularly cook for four or more. While the Chefman is more budget-conscious, the Hamilton Beach 35034 justifies its position as the best overall with unmatched versatility and build quality. It’s the go-to choice for home chefs who want consistent, large-batch frying results without the mess or guesswork. In terms of performance per feature, it outpaces even premium options like the All-Clad B07BW1717J when volume matters most.

Don’t let its wallet-friendly tag fool you—the Chefman B07KJGR9JZ is a no-nonsense frying machine built for families who crave crispy results without complexity. Packing a 4.5-liter oil capacity and a 1700-watt heating element, it fries enough chips or chicken for four to six people in one batch, making it ideal for weeknight meals or impromptu gatherings. The adjustable temperature dial and built-in timer eliminate guesswork, while the magnetic breakaway cord adds a layer of safety often missing in budget models. For those upgrading from stovetop frying, this unit delivers consistent, even browning with far less mess.

During testing, the clip-on basket strainer proved exceptionally useful—lifting food cleanly while excess oil drains back into the pot. The view window on the lid allowed us to check doneness without opening, preserving heat and reducing splatter. While the fryer heats slightly slower than the Hamilton Beach 35034, it still reaches optimal frying temps in under 10 minutes. That said, the plastic lid feels less durable over time, and the oil container lacks nonstick coating, making hand-washing a bit more labor-intensive.

When stacked against the Elite Gourmet EDF-401T, the Chefman holds its own with similar capacity and power—but wins on simplicity and ease of use. It’s less about gourmet multi-basket frying and more about reliable, everyday performance. This is the best pick for users who want solid results without spending premium dollars, offering a smarter balance of cost, size, and functionality than entry-level models like the Amazon Basics B081B21KGS.

Safety meets simplicity in the Hamilton Beach 35021, a deep fryer designed for peace of mind without sacrificing performance. Its standout feature—cool-touch exterior walls—makes it one of the safest options for homes with kids or tight countertops. The 2-liter oil capacity may be modest, but it’s perfect for frying up to 6 cups of chips or chicken tenders, ideal for couples or small families. With a 1500-watt immersed heating element, it heats quickly and maintains temperature well, while the special lid design allows basket lifting without opening, minimizing splatter and oil exposure.

In real use, the view window and ready light made monitoring fries effortless—no need to guess when oil is preheated or when food is golden. The enamel-coated oil tank resists sticking and wipes clean easily, though it’s not dishwasher-safe like some competitors. While it excels in safety and ease of use, the smaller capacity limits batch sizes, meaning you’ll need multiple rounds for larger meals. It also lacks a timer, so you’ll have to rely on visual cues or a separate kitchen timer.

Compared to the Amazon Basics B081B21KGS, the 35021 offers superior safety features and better build quality, despite a similar wattage and capacity. It doesn’t compete with high-volume fryers like the Hamilton Beach 35034, but for users prioritizing safe, small-batch frying, it’s unmatched. If you value burn prevention and clean operation over large capacity, this model delivers where it counts—especially for apartment kitchens or first-time fryer owners.

For anyone who’s ever ruined a batch of chips by overcooking them while frying fish, the Elite Gourmet EDF-401T is a flavor-saving revelation. Its trio of baskets—1 large 4-qt and 2 smaller 2-qt baskets—lets you fry multiple foods simultaneously without mixing tastes, a rare feature in home fryers. With 1700 watts of power and a 4.2-liter enamel oil tank, it handles generous portions while maintaining stable frying temps. The integrated anti-odor filter in the stainless steel lid is a standout, effectively neutralizing the lingering smell that often haunts post-fryer kitchens.

Testing revealed excellent control thanks to the independent timer and temperature knobs, allowing precise customization for delicate items like shrimp or thick-cut chips. The cool-touch handles and magnetic power cord enhance safety during operation, while the view window lets you monitor without lifting the lid. However, the baskets lack nonstick coating, leading to occasional sticking with battered foods, and the enamel tank requires hand washing, which can be cumbersome after heavy use.

Next to the Chefman B07KJGR9JZ, the EDF-401T offers greater versatility thanks to its triple-basket system, making it a stronger choice for multi-dish frying. While both share similar power and capacity, the Elite Gourmet’s dedicated odor control and superior build justify its niche as the best for multi-food frying. It’s the top pick for hosts, meal preppers, or families who want restaurant-style separation of flavors in a single fry session.

The Presto GranPappy 05411 is a masterclass in efficient, fuss-free frying, built for those who want crispy chips without the clutter. Its ceramic nonstick interior—PFAS-free—is a game-changer, eliminating the need for scrubbing and resisting scratches better than traditional coatings. With just six cups of oil, it fries six servings of chips or a full batch of chicken, making it surprisingly efficient for small to medium batches. The automatic temperature control keeps oil steady, preventing undercooking or burning, while the handy scoop doubles as lifter, drainer, and server, streamlining the entire process.

In everyday use, the quick preheat and fast oil recovery stood out—perfect for whipping up chips in under 15 minutes. The snap-on lid seals tightly, allowing you to store oil inside the unit without leaks or odors, a rare convenience in most fryers. However, the lack of a viewing window means you’ll need to open the lid to check progress, increasing splatter risk. Also, the single basket design limits versatility if you’re cooking multiple items.

Compared to the Amazon Basics B081B21KGS, the GranPappy wins hands-down in cleanability and oil storage, thanks to its nonstick coating and sealed lid. It doesn’t have a timer or high wattage, but its smart design and ease of maintenance make it the best for hassle-free cleanup. For minimalists or occasional fryers, it delivers maximum convenience with minimal effort—a true standout in the nonstick category.

Don’t expect bells and whistles—the Amazon Basics B081B21KGS is the bare-bones entry point into safe, effective home frying, and it does the job well. With a 2-liter capacity and 1500 watts, it’s sized perfectly for couples or singles who want chips or appetizers without overfrying. The adjustable temperature dial and built-in timer provide essential control, while the transparent viewing window lets you track cooking without lifting the basket. It’s the kind of no-frills appliance that quietly earns its keep on the countertop.

In testing, it heated oil reliably and maintained temperature for standard fries and mozzarella sticks. The mesh basket with draining hooks made removal clean and simple, and the compact design fits easily in small kitchens. That said, the plastic construction feels lightweight, and the lack of cool-touch features or automatic shut-off means it’s less safe than higher-end models. There’s also no nonstick coating, so cleaning requires more elbow grease.

Priced as an entry-level option, it undercuts the Hamilton Beach 35021 and Presto GranPappy in features but wins on minimalist affordability. While it can’t match the safety of the 35021 or the cleanability of the Presto, it’s a solid starter fryer for budget-conscious buyers who fry occasionally. For first-time users or dorm kitchens, it offers decent performance without commitment—a true value play.

Luxury meets functionality in the All-Clad B07BW1717J, a precision-engineered deep fryer that feels more like a high-end kitchen appliance than a countertop gadget. Its patented oil filtration system is revolutionary—automatically storing and filtering oil after use, so it stays fresh and your kitchen stays odor-free. With a 3.5-liter capacity and 1700 watts, it fries up to 2.65 pounds of food, making it ideal for dinner parties or family meals. The locking lid, cool-touch handles, and auto shut-off make it one of the safest models available.

Real-world testing confirmed excellent temperature stability between 300°F and 375°F, delivering perfectly crisp chips with no sogginess. The dishwasher-safe basket, bowl, lid, and oil box make cleanup effortless—a rarity in premium fryers. However, the higher price point and limited availability of replacement parts may deter some. Also, while the filtration system is brilliant, it adds complexity—requiring proper alignment and occasional maintenance.

Compared to the Hamilton Beach 35034, the All-Clad offers superior build, safety, and oil management, but at a steeper cost and slightly smaller capacity. It’s not for batch-heavy fryers, but for those who value long-term oil reuse and elegant design, it’s unmatched. This is the best premium build for users who see frying as a ritual—not just a meal prep step.

Small but mighty, the Elite Gourmet EDF2100 is the ultimate space-saving fryer for compact kitchens, dorms, or RVs. Despite its 2-quart (8.2-cup) oil capacity, it can handle up to 5.75 pounds of food, thanks to its efficient 1500-watt heating element that fires up fast and maintains steady temps. The cool-touch handles and anti-slip feet make it safe and stable, while the replaceable odor filter in the lid keeps frying smells at bay—unusual for a compact model.

In practice, it excelled at frying single batches of chips, onion rings, or chicken nuggets with consistent crispness and minimal oil absorption. The power and ready indicator lights made operation intuitive, and the view window allowed monitoring without heat loss. However, the small capacity means multiple batches for larger groups, and the basket isn’t dishwasher-safe, requiring hand washing.

When compared to the Amazon Basics B081B21KGS, the EDF2100 offers better odor control and stability, despite similar size and power. It’s not for big families, but for solo cooks or couples, it’s the best compact design that doesn’t sacrifice performance. If counter space is tight but crisp fries are non-negotiable, this model delivers big flavor in a small footprint.