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Best deep fat fryers for delicious treats 2024
While the tasty treats it cooks sit firmly at the peak of the food triangle, there’s no disputing a deep fat fryer’s ability to produce delectable delights, from triple-cooked chips and Spam fritters to decadent doughnuts and crispy fried chicken. We dish the skinny on this naughty-but-nice device and round up the best deep fat fryers for your home.
By Louise Cole | Last updated Jul 11, 2024
The best deep fat fryer has come a long way from the hazardous chip pan full of lard that your granny once used. And although you’d be forgiven for thinking that any kitchen appliance with the word ‘fat’ in its title has no place in today’s health-conscious society, a devoted band of Mumsnet users say otherwise, with many believing it deserves a place next to the best bread maker and the most efficient food processor in your kitchen cupboards.
There’s no disputing this cooking method’s calorific consequences and the likely effect on one’s waistline – and arteries – and we’re certainly not recommending that every day is fry-day. But when comfort food is required or it’s time for a treat, a good deep fat fryer promises to deliver the guilty pleasures we crave. You may well find yourself searching through your cookbooks for a delicious DIY takeaway recipe to save pennies on food deliveries too.
Risking the wrath of nutritionists the world over, we’ve researched the best deep fat fryers on the market with the help of countless consumer reviews and savvy Mumsnet users - the largest online network of UK parents. We also looked at the models food industry experts recommend to bring you the top options for cooking all manner of delicious delights, from gastropub-worthy chips to chicken, calamari and Camembert.
And fear not, if you're looking for something a little healthier, we've also rounded up the best pressure cookers and top air fryers to keep the calories down without compromising on flavour.
Best deep fat fryer at a glance
Best overall: Swan SD6040N 3 Litre Stainless Steel Deep Fat Fryer | Buy now
Best budget: ASDA George Home Black Deep Fryer | Buy now
Best for families: Russell Hobbs 24580 Digital Deep Fryer | Buy now
Best compact: Tefal MiniFryer FF220040 | Buy now
Best for easy maintenance: Tefal Oleoclean FR701640 Compact Semi-Professional Deep Fryer | Buy now
Best for peace of mind: Lakeland Three-Litre Electric Deep Fat Fryer | Buy now
Best for beginners: Breville VDF108 Easy Clean Deep Fryer | Buy now
Best for healthier cooking: Tefal ActiFry Advance FZ727840 Health Air Fryer | Buy now
Best for perfect results: Cookworks XJ-10302 Semi Professional Fryer | Buy now
Best mid-range: VonShef 2.5L Deep Fat Fryer | Buy now
Here are the best deep fat fryers for home use in 2024.
1. Best overall deep fat fryer: Swan SD6040N 3 Litre Stainless Steel Deep Fat Fryer
Price on writing: £43 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Oil capacity: 3L | Food capacity: 1kg | Size: 41 x 23 x 27.7 cm | Temperature range: 130°C – 190°C | Dishwasher safe: No | Power: 2000W
What we like
Heats up rapidly
Good value
Excels at cooking chips
Stylish, traditional design
What we don't like
Basket may be smaller than expected
Viewing window could be bigger
Some found the outside felt a bit flimsy
What Mumsnet users say
“You cannot beat deep-fried chips! No air fryer will make chips taste like they are deep-fat-fried.” (Advice from Mumsnet user TomorrowsPrincess)
Our verdict
Those who believe that oven chips are a crime against potatoes should get slicing those spuds because this appliance from Swan will produce the heavenliest of homemade snacks for all the family and – let’s face it – there are no better chips than those that are deep-fried.
With seven temperature settings and a handy viewing window to check on progress, the Swan 3L Stainless Steel Deep Fat Fryer makes an ideal kitchen companion that’ll ensure that chip butties are never the same again. Its stylish stainless steel design makes it easy on the eye too.
We love the cool-touch handles on the fryer’s basket and sides; they are welcome safety features, as are its non-slip feet and auto cut-out to protect from overheating. The main downside is that a few reviewers found the outside felt a bit flimsy due to the thin metal casing. That being said, it's hard to detract from the delicious results this fryer produces; chips don't get much better than this.
2. Best budget deep fat fryer: ASDA George Home Black Deep Fryer
Price on writing: £20 | Buy now from ASDA
Key specs
Oil capacity: 2.5L | Food capacity: 800g | Size: 23cm x 33cm x 31.5cm | Temperature range: 150°C – 190°C | Dishwasher safe: Yes, frying basket | Power: 1800W
What we like
Great price
Good for cooking chips
Compact size ideal for small kitchens
Frying basket is dishwasher safe
What we don't like
Can heat the oil unevenly
Oil pan can't be removed for cleaning
Sides can get hot
Our verdict
If you've blown the budget on gadgets you'll use more often, like the best slow cooker and multi-cooker, and want something more pocket-friendly for occasional use, this George at ASDA fryer is your best bet.
At just £20, it's as cheap as (delicious deep-fried) chips and it provides pleasingly tasty results - reviewers were fans of the fries in particular. It's also nice and compact so works well for small kitchens, and still serves up between two to three portions. If you have a large family, however, you may want something with a higher capacity to avoid cooking in multiple batches.
Our main gripes? It does have a tendency to heat up the oil unevenly, and the sides do get quite hot to the touch so caution is required. It's also worth bearing in mind that, while the basket is dishwasher safe, the oil pan is not removable which makes cleaning tricky, but it's non-stick so this should help.
All in all, we think this fryer offers fantastic value - and for less than the price of one takeaway!
3. Best deep fat fryer for families: Russell Hobbs 24580 Digital Deep Fryer
Price on writing: £75 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Oil capacity: 3L | Food capacity: 1.2kg | Size: 39 x 26.5 x 25.6 cm | Temperature range: 130°C to 190°C | Dishwasher safe: Yes, some parts | Power: 2300W
What we like
Good capacity
Temperature control is great
Easy to use
Has a timer
What we don't like
Some found the lid flimsy
Viewing window steams up easily
What Mumsnet users say
“I love my deep fat fryer. It’s a Russell Hobbs one.” (Brand tried and tested by Mumsnet user Soubriquet)
Our verdict
Russell Hobbs is a stalwart brand when it comes to kitchen gadgets (they also feature on our roundup of the best sandwich toasters), so it will come as no surprise that their popular deep fat fryer scores highly across the board. An ideal size for large families, it doesn't take up a huge amount of space, but it's also probably a bit too bulky for compact kitchens.
While it's certainly not the cheapest gadget on our list, it offers good value for money thanks to its impressive capacity, ease of use, and dishwasher-safe parts, not to mention the delicious results. It also feels safe and sturdy to use - unlike the George fryer, the sides don't get too hot, but some reviewers felt the quality of the lid could be better. The viewing window steams up when in use, too, so you can't see inside clearly, making this feature a pointless addition.
Overall, we think this is a great gadget for families and deep frying newbies looking for an easy way to fake takeaways at home.
Related: Discover the best George Foreman grill for tasty meals
4. Best compact deep fat fryer: Tefal MiniFryer FF220040
Price on writing: £48 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Oil capacity: 1L | Food capacity: 600g | Size: 34.8 x 27.8 x 25 cm | Temperature range: 150°C to 190°C | Dishwasher safe: Yes, lid and basket | Power: 1000W
What we like
Space-saving design
Makes two portions - ideal for couples or people cooking for one
Lightweight
Good price
What we don't like
Mixed reviews on how easy it is to clean
Power switch on rear may be inconvenient
Not ideal for large families
Our verdict
Small in size but big on performance, this lightweight MiniFryer from Tefal wins our accolade for the best deep fat fryer for single or two-person households, holding just enough for one generous or two smaller portions. Its compact size also means you can just tuck it away in the cupboard easily next to your stock of lunchboxes and Tupperware when you're done.
Although its limited capacity will put off some shoppers, it does mean that less oil is required – just one litre, in fact.
There’ll be an element of guesswork with the heat, however, with only two temperatures labelled on the dial, and there's mixed reviews on how easy it is to clean; some say it's simple to maintain, while others found the post-meal clean-up quite tricky.
That said, the MiniFryer has a convenient viewing window as well as dual handles for easy carrying.
5. Best deep fat fryer for easy maintenance: Tefal Oleoclean FR701640 Compact Semi-Professional Deep Fryer
Price on writing: £100 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Oil capacity: 2L | Food capacity: 800g | Size: 42.3 x 37.9 x 29.2 cm | Temperature range: 150°C to 190°C | Dishwasher safe: Yes, apart from the lid, main housing and heating element | Power: 1500W
What we like
Automatically drains and filters oil
Quick to heat up
What we don't like
May be unsuitable for large households
Can overflow when draining
What Mumsnet users say
“I have the Tefal Oleoclean – expensive, but you can filter the oil after each use, the oil gets stored in the base and the oily bits go in the dishwasher.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user JustWatchMe)
Our verdict
This ingenious deep fat fryer automatically drains, cleans and stores oil so it can be reused up to eight times. By filtering oil after use, there’ll be no pesky crumbs in it and less odour, plus it can be dismantled so all parts bar the lid, main housing and heating element can be loaded into the dishwasher.
Quick to get up to temperature, this model is ideal for two or three people, while larger households may prefer to upgrade to its big brother the Oleoclean Pro (a model that also comes highly rated by Mumsnet users: "It's amazing. Very easy to keep clean.")
A word of warning, however: beware of overfilling the main compartment as the lower box can’t house as much oil, meaning that you could easily end up with a greasy spillage on your worktop while the appliance is draining.
6. Best deep fat fryer for peace of mind: Lakeland Three-Litre Electric Deep Fat Fryer
Price on writing: £48 | Buy now from Lakeland
Key specs
Oil capacity: 3L | Food capacity: 700g | Size: 41 x 23 x 24cm | Temperature range: 130°C to 190°C | Dishwasher safe: No | Power: 1800W
What we like
Auto shut-off function
Large viewing window
What we don't like
Not dishwasher-friendly
Handle may feel a little loose
Fairly small food capacity
What Mumsnet users say
Been looking for a deep fat fryer for a while. Got the 3 litre half price in sale. Made my Heston Blumenthal chips yesterday. Very nice and I'm sure I am making my kitchen a lot safer. (Tried and tested by Mumsnet users LordOfTheFlies)
Our verdict
We’re all aware of the potential hazards of operating a deep fat fryer, but this model from Lakeland is a good option for those with safety concerns and reservations about owning one.
It features an auto shut-off function, a long-handled basket and a large viewing window on top so that you can safely keep an eye on snacks as they cook without the need to remove the lid and risk hot oil spitting.
Lakeland offers a three-year guarantee on the handy device, which has a timer and a wide temperature range of 130°C to 190°C. It also produces fabulous fried food. The main downside is that it's not dishwasher-safe; you'll have to manually clean all the parts after you've tucked into your deliciously indulgent meal.
7. Best deep fat fryer for a beginner: Breville VDF108 Easy Clean Deep Fryer
Price on writing: £61 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Oil capacity: 2L | Food capacity: 1kg | Size: 28 x 26 x 36.5 cm | Temperature range: 130°C to 190°C | Dishwasher safe: Yes, bowl only | Power: 1800W
What we like
Sleek design
Great at cooking chips
Good safety features
What we don't like
Large footprint
Temperature dial not always accurate
Our verdict
With a sleek and modern design, the Breville VDF108 Deep Fryer would make a stylish addition to any kitchen. It has a decent capacity for a small family and is super easy to use; the indicator light, timer and alert are standout features that make this a great choice for an air frying novice. It also feels safe to use too, the sides stay cool and the rise and fall basket allows oil to drain from food when it's ready.
The results are particularly impressive - think crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside chips, just how they should be. We also love that the handle folds away for easy storage in cupboards, although bear in mind that it is quite bulky so you may want a smaller model if space is at a premium.
A few reviewers did report having issues with the temperature control - the heat of the oil didn't always match the temperature on the dial, but other than that, it's a pretty impressive gadget that doesn't cost the earth.
Related: The best Instant Pot models, as recommended by Mumsnet users
8. Best fryer for healthier cooking: Tefal ActiFry Advance FZ727840 Health Air Fryer
Price on writing: £146 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Oil capacity: 1 tbsp or less | Food capacity: 1.2kg | Size: 39.6 x 39.29 x 26.8 cm | Temperature range: Not specified | Dishwasher safe: Yes, some parts | Power: 1520W
What we like
Makes healthier food
Stirs items while cooking
Versatile
Good capacity
What we don't like
Shape may be inconvenient
Expensive
What Mumsnet users say
“We have an ActiFry. You use a tablespoon of oil, so chips are fried and therefore taste delicious. But only a spoonful of oil on all the potatoes, so not unhealthy.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Josephinebettany)
Our verdict
Although not strictly a deep fat fryer per se, Tefal’s ActiFry Advance nevertheless produces tasty fried food – albeit in a significantly healthier way, using 99% less fat than traditional deep fat frying. Perfect for health-conscious folk who want to relish their nosh guilt-free, it requires just one spoonful of oil and there’s no need to shake food part way through cooking either.
Using a combo of hot air and gentle stirring, it evenly cooks up to six portions of food, whether that’s chicken and chips, a casserole or a curry. In fact, this appliance can rustle up anything from smoked salmon to scrambled eggs, with more than 240 recipes available for those in need of inspiration on a free app – though this feature is unlikely to please techno-averse chefs.
The device has an easy-peek glass lid, a digital timer that switches off the machine once food is cooked and dishwasher-safe parts to make for a quick clean-up once mealtime is over. It is quite pricey compared to other fryers, but we think its versatility makes it worth the expense, plus it comes with a two-year guarantee.
9. Best deep fat fryer for perfect results: Cookworks XJ-10302 Semi Professional Fryer
Price on writing: £44 | Buy now from Argos
Key specs
Oil capacity: 3L | Food capacity: 850g | Size: 22 x 22 x 37.5cm | Temperature range: 130°C to 190°C | Dishwasher safe: No | Power: 2000W
What we like
Good value
Easy to use
Heats up quickly
What we don't like
Not dishwasher safe
Basic design
Not the biggest capacity
What Mumsnet users say
“Once you have a deep fat fryer, you can do all sorts in it – my son loves whitebait, which is delicious in the fryer, and I have made doughnuts, tempura prawns, battered fish and Scotch eggs in ours.” (Advice from Mumsnet user AndNoneForGretchenWieners)
Our verdict
For perfectly-cooked chips, onion rings, scampi and other fried favourites every time, this Cookworks deep fat fryer is pretty hard to beat. It may be fairly basic, but it packs a punch when it comes to functionality and it's easy to master. It heats up quickly, too, and the safety cut out is a reassuring feature.
Our biggest complaint? The design isn't the most appealing on a kitchen countertop, but as you're not going to be indulging in thrice-cooked chips every day of the week, we'd say style doesn't need to be top of the list of requirements. It's also not dishwasher safe, so you will need to clean it by hand. However, we think this is an impressive bit of kit - and all for under £50.
Related: Upgrade your midweek meals with the best recipe boxes according to Mumsnet users
10. Best mid-range deep fat fryer: VonShef 2.5L Deep Fat Fryer
Price on writing: £40 | Buy now from B&Q
Key specs
Oil capacity: 2.5L | Food capacity: Not specified, but around 2 to 3 portions | Size: 33.5 x 31.5 x 23cm | Temperature range: 150°C to 190°C | Dishwasher safe: No | Power: 1800W
What we like
Smart-looking
Foldable handle
Good price
What we don't like
Could be easier to clean
Electrical lead is rather short
What Mumsnet users say
“I wouldn’t be without our deep fat fryer. We don’t use it every day, perhaps about once a fortnight, but we never get takeaways. So if we fancy fish and chips, we make it. It makes great onion bhajis too." (Tip from Mumsnet user frenchfancy)
Our verdict
This unobtrusive deep fat fryer is compact enough to sit on a countertop, but large enough to cater for a couple or small family, serving up golden, crispy chips in around 15 minutes.
With smart looks and impressive performance, it makes a reliable kitchen assistant that only needs an oil change every 20 uses.
While it’s no friend of the dishwasher, buyers report that its non-stick pan is easy to clean and that it cooks for three or four people, despite the manufacturer suggesting that it’s suitable for just one or two portions.
Safety features include a lock that’s activated when the lid is closed and a cool-touch handle on the basket, which can be folded down when the machine is in use to prevent it being knocked or pulled by children, pets or careless adults.
How unhealthy are deep fat fryers?
We’re gonna say it: the deep fat fryer is every nutritionist’s worst nightmare. But although it’s universally acknowledged that fried food is unhealthy, being loaded with calories and trans fats, even the most health-aware among us enjoys a toothsome treat every once in a while and that’s where the deep fat fryer comes into its own.
While we’re not advocating using one on a daily basis, there’s no denying that what deep-fried food lacks in nutrients, it makes up for in taste. It’s really a case of all things in moderation.
What size deep fat fryer do I need?
Choosing the size of a deep fat fryer will depend primarily on how many are in your household and how much room you have available on your kitchen worktop or for storing it. Be aware that the oil capacity differs from food capacity, so be sure to check how much food the device can accommodate or how many portions it can cater for before parting with your cash. Generally speaking, a 1L or 1.5L model will serve one or two people, while 2L or 3L devices will cater for small or larger families respectively.
How to choose the best deep fat fryer for you
There are several factors to take into account when shopping for a deep fat fryer.
Capacity
This is arguably the number-one consideration and the capacity you opt for will depend on the number of people in your household. Most standard-sized deep fat fryers will have a food capacity of at least 1kg, while smaller, more compact models can hold as little as 400g.
Practicality
Is the deep fat fryer simple to use? Does it warm up and fry food quickly? How do you drain the oil? Will it fit on your kitchen worktop or in a cupboard when not in use? Read as many reviews as possible about the model you’re thinking of buying, and ask for fryer recommendations from friends and family members if possible.
Cleaning
How easy is it to clean? A deep fat fryer that comes apart or has parts that can go in the dishwasher will obviously be simpler to clean than one that doesn’t.
Safety
A device with features such as auto shut-off, a locking lid, viewing panel, non-slip feet and a cool-touch or foldable handle have safety in mind and help to avoid any spillages or splashes of hot oil. Side handles are also useful for easy carrying.
Additional features
What other features does the appliance have? For example, some models have a handy timer, indicator lights and automatic oil drainage and filtering.
Price
Ranging in price from under £20 to over £100, choose a deep fat fryer to suit your budget.
Finish
Whether you go for a model that’s black, white or stainless steel is simply a matter of personal taste.
Which deep fat fryer should I buy?
The best deep fat fryer is the Swan SD6040N 3 Litre Stainless Steel Fryer. Reasonably-priced, easy to use and with reassuring safety features, it’s ideal for smaller households – or possibly larger ones if you’re prepared to keep the food warm like they do down the chippy.
With seven temperature settings and a viewing window to monitor progress, it excels at cooking perfectly crispy chips. With this beauty in your arsenal, you may even forgo getting a takeaway again – the results are that good!
How we chose our recommendations
We first headed to the Mumsnet forums to find out which deep fat fryers discerning Mumsnetters recommended and had bought themselves, noting their feedback about these brands. From there, we did some research across the wider web, consulting independent review sites and taking into account what customer reviews said about the products featured. Having collated all that information, we picked the deep fat fryers we thought were worthy of taking the titles in an array of interest categories.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.