Deep Fryers : Ratings of Sources

Our AssessmentThe editors at Cook's Illustrated magazine test six deep fryers for their ability to turn out crisp french fries; ratings are based on temperature accuracy -- that is, how quickly the fryers reach 375 degrees Fahrenheit (the editors' ideal frying temperature) and how well they sustain that temperature once food is added. Ease of use, ease of cleaning, safety, and fryer capacity are also considered. Although none of the tested models are able to dependably reach and remain at the editors' desired temperature, two of them are given a tepid recommendation, but the editors conclude that none of the deep fryers they tested work quite as well as deep frying in a Dutch oven.

Our AssessmentWalmart.com sells 17 types of deep fryers, and about half of them have dozens of reviews. The Presto Dual ProFry is the top-rated model with 135 perfect 5-star ratings (out of 191 total reviews), and several other Presto models -- including the GranPappy, Digital ProFry Immersion, and CoolDaddy -- also receive generally positive feedback.

Our AssessmentThere are many deep fryers listed on Epinions.com, including a considerable number that earn perfect 5-star ratings -- but from only one reviewer. The Presto GranPappy is the top-rated model, with more than a dozen uniformly positive reviews that praise its temperature accuracy, ease of use, and easy-to-clean design. The Presto Dual ProFry has fewer reviews, but they are also very positive. The Presto FryDaddy and DeLonghi Roto have the most reviews of all the deep dryers listed, and although most are generally positive, both models have a considerable number of detractors. A handful of models from Rival -- the CF151-W, CZF625, CZF530 and CZF630 -- all earn below-average ratings.

Our AssessmentWize.com uses a proprietary formula to rate products based on professional and consumer reviews found elsewhere on the Internet. When it comes to deep fryers, very few professional reviews are listed. Because all comments are linked back to their original sources, this is a good shortcut to finding user reviews.

Our AssessmentEditors test six deep fryers that range in price from $20 to $130 on the basis of performance, value, ease of use, cleanup, safety and usefulness of features. Tasked with frying zucchini sticks, the Presto CoolDaddy outperforms all other models, and editors deem it a cinch to clean. The professional-style Euro-Pro 4L (which has been discontinued) and Waring Pro DF250B successfully accommodate large quantities of food, but editors dislike that their heating elements aren't removable for cleaning.

Our AssessmentBuzzillions.com groups electric skillets and deep fryers together, a less convenient arrangement for browsing the reviews, which are culled from other websites. The Presto Stainless Steel Dual Basket ProFry Immersion is the top-rated model, earning an average rating of 4.7 in more than 45 reviews for its temperature accuracy, quick heating performance, large basket and easy-to-clean design. (Note that the similar Presto Digital ProFry Immersion receives a perfect rating, though it's only in six reviews.)

Our AssessmentAbout.com guide Mariette Mifflin turns in a brief review of the Presto FryDaddy that includes a short list of pros and cons, technical specs, and what sounds like a personal account of her experience with the fryer; there is no mention of other models, however. She gives the FryDaddy a rating of 4 out of a possible 5 stars. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

Our AssessmentReviewstream.com allows consumers to post lengthy reviews of the products they own. "JBHaglund" offers an enthusiastic recommendation of the CoolDaddy Cool Touch, saying it's easy to set up. He also praises its intuitive controls and compact design. The reviewer has produced "fantastic results" with chicken, french fries, onion rings, vegetables, tofu and pierogies, and he gives the Presto CoolDaddy Cool-Touch Deep Fryer a rating of 9 out of 10.